Abstract: A swellable packer assembly includes a mandrel, a base pipe disposed within the mandrel, a swellable seal element retained externally on the mandrel, and a shearable member that releasably secures the base pipe to the mandrel. In use, the base pipe forms part of a downhole tubing string in a wellbore. The seal element is swelled with a swelling fluid to seal between an outer wall of the mandrel and a wellbore wall. The shearable member is allowed to shear so that the injection tubing string including the base pipe may move axially within to the wellbore, while the seal element and the mandrel remain stationary relative to wellbore, with the seal element in contact with the wellbore wall. The assembly may help to avoid distortion of and damage to the seal element that may otherwise occur due to thermal expansion and contraction of the downhole tubing string.

Abstract: A technique facilitates use of a packer (34) in a borehole (32) or within other tubular structures. The packer (34) may be constructed for mounting about a generally tubular base pipe (36). The packer (34) generally comprises a metal sleeve (40) combined with extremities (44) located at each axial end of the metal sleeve. The metal sleeve maintains a seal once expanded to a surrounding wellbore wall, e.g. a casing wall. For example, the metal sleeve may be combined with an elastomer along its exterior so the elastomer may seal against the surrounding wellbore wall (42) when the metal sleeve is radially expanded. Additionally, an anchoring system (48) is disposed within one or both of the extremities and oriented for engagement with the tubular base pipe so as to act against rotation and sliding of the packer with respect to the tubular base pipe (42).

Abstract: A downhole completion system includes a well tubular metal structure having an inner face, and a first, second and third annular barriers, each annular barrier having a tubular metal part mounted as part of the well tubular metal structure, an expandable metal sleeve surrounding the tubular metal part, each end section of the expandable metal sleeve being connected with the tubular metal part, an annular barrier space between the tubular metal part and the expandable metal sleeve, and an expansion opening in the tubular metal part and a fluid channel fluidly connecting the expansion opening and the annular barrier space through which pressurised fluid passes for expanding the expandable metal sleeve and bringing the annular barrier from an unexpanded position to an expanded position. The second annular barrier is arranged in between the first annular barrier and the third annular barrier, and the second annular barrier is configured to expand at a lower pressure than the first and third annular barriers.

Abstract: A downhole packer assembly includes a body part, an expandable tubular packer element surrounding the body part, and a first end and a second end of the expandable tubular packer element are fixedly connected with the body part, providing an expandable space fillable with liquid during expansion, and a metal sleeve surrounding the expandable tubular packer element. A restriction unit has an axially movable part movable between a first axial position in which the axially movable part at least partly overlaps the expandable tubular packer element and a second axial position in which the axially movable part has been axially displaced in relation to the body part away from the expandable tubular packer element.

Abstract: Systems and methods for co-casting of additively manufactured, high precision Interface Nodes are disclosed. The Interface Node includes an integrated structure including one or more complex or sophisticated features and functions. Co-casting of Interface Nodes by casting a part onto the Interface Node results in a hybrid structure comprising the cast part and the additively manufactured Interface Node. The interface node may include at least one of a node-to-tube connection, node-to-panel connection, or a node-to-extrusion connection. In an embodiment, engineered surfaces may be provided on the Interface Node to improve the blend between the Interface Node and the cast part during the co-casting process.

Abstract: A downhole sealing tool may include a sealing element disposed on a mandrel for lowering into a well. The sealing element may be captured at the ends between the mandrel and a shroud and may span a gland opening between upper and lower shroud portions. Props between the mandrel and the shroud are axially moveable to engage the sealing element and urge the sealing element radially outwardly into a controlled volume defined at the gland opening between the mandrel and a portion of the well to be sealed. A higher squeeze ratio is achievable, allowing for a thinner element and tool profile with greater flowability.

Abstract: Systems and methods include a plug activated mechanical isolation device that controls fluid flow inside a tubular in a wellbore. The device includes a sleeve for coupling to the tubular, and the sleeve includes an internal bore and port for fluid flow therethrough. A channel element is positioned in the internal bore and includes an internal channel and an orifice for fluid flow between the internal channel and internal bore. The channel element is attached to the sleeve via a breakable attachment portion, and the orifice is aligned with at least one port of the sleeve. The channel element is slidable within the sleeve, upon breakage of the breakable attachment portion with a force, to move the orifice out of alignment with the port of the sleeve so that a portion of the channel element covers the port of the sleeve to block fluid flow through the port.

Abstract: Magnetorheological fluids may regulate fluid flow downhole by forming a fluid seal using a bridge plug apparatus. Bridge plug apparatuses employing a magnetorheological fluid may be deployed in a wellbore in a retrievable configuration or in a substantially permanent configuration. Retrievable bridge plug apparatuses may comprise spaced apart magnets having a gap defined therebetween, and a reservoir of magnetorheological fluid housed within the gap. The magnets move laterally with respect to one another to expand or contract the gap and to displace the reservoir of magnetorheological fluid radially with respect to the magnets. Other bridge plug apparatuses may comprise a flow path extending between a reservoir of magnetorheological fluid and the exterior of a housing, where at least a portion of the flow path is located within a gap defined between spaced apart magnets.

Abstract: A downhole tool, such as a fracture plug used during a fracture operation, installs in a downhole tubular, such as casing. The tool has a mandrel with a sealing element disposed thereon between uphole and downhole ends. Slip assemblies on the mandrel can be moved to engage the downhole tubular. The slip assemblies have inserts. The inserts have a body defining an internal cavity at least partially therein. The body is composed of a ceramic material having a first density of about 3 g/cc to about 6 g/cc. A volume of the insert can be about 0.4 cc to about 0.6 cc, and a mass of the insert can be about 1.2 g to about 3.6 g. In one example, the ceramic material is silicon nitride. The cavity can be filled with a low density filler material.

Abstract: The invention provides an expanding and collapsing apparatus and methods of use. The apparatus comprises a plurality of elements (52) assembled together to form a ring structure (54) around a longitudinal axis. The ring structure is operable to be moved between an expanded condition and a collapsed condition by movement of the plurality of elements. At least one set of structural elements (56) each having a first end and a second end are operable to move between the expanded condition and the collapsed condition by movement of the first end in an axial direction, and by movement of the second end in a radial dimension. At least one set of elements is operable to be moved by sliding with respect to one another in a direction tangential to a circle concentric with the ring structure.

Abstract: A plug assembly includes a cone assembly, a sealing ring, a slip device of a plurality of blades, a plurality of spaces defined by adjacent blades, a plurality of support lugs, and a setting ring. The setting ring moves from a first setting distance relative to the cone assembly to a second setting distance closer to the cone assembly to radially expand the sealing ring, slip device, and spaces to install the plug assembly at the downhole location. The support lugs are aligned with the spaces to prevent extrusion of the sealing ring into the spaces and radially expand when the blades and spaces radially expand. The support lugs can be separate from each other, overlap, or interlock. The method of installation includes radially expanding the sealing ring, when the sealing ring is separated from the spaces formed by the blades of the slip device.

Abstract: Methods for temporary fracture isolation are provided. An existing fracture is treated with a chemical diverter. The chemical diverter is exposed to conditions causing it to expand, plugging the fracture. A new fracture can be created through the application of pressure and fluid, without disrupting the plugged fracture. The chemical diverter can then be removed through biodegradation or the application of a solvent to reopen the first fracture.

Abstract: A method of treating a subterranean formation comprises forming a storable aqueous suspension comprising a carrier fluid, a superabsorbent polymer, a proppant the proppant being suspended in the carrier fluid as a substantially perfectly supported particulate; diluting the storable aqueous suspension in-line to a desired concentration; and introducing the diluted storable aqueous suspension into the subterranean formation. A sand control method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A configuration for testing fluid with a single packer includes at least one sample inlet and at least one guard inlet surrounding a periphery of the at least one sample inlet, wherein the at least one sample inlet has at least one side that is parallel to another side of the at least one sample inlet and the at least one sample inlet has at least two rounded ends connecting each of the parallel sides, and the at least one guard inlet has at least one side that is parallel to another side of the at least one guard inlet and the at least one guard inlet has at least two rounded ends connecting each of the parallel side of the guard inlet.

Abstract: Downhole tools comprising a body and at least one sealing element, wherein at least a portion of the body is degradable when exposed to a wellbore environment; and a retention mechanism configured to retain the sealing element in place during degradation of the portion of the body that is degradable, wherein the downhole tool is capable of actuating to fluidly seal two sections of the wellbore with the sealing element.

Abstract: A system for measuring and control of shock and vibration is disclosed. The system may include a bottomhole assembly having a downhole end and an uphole end opposite the downhole end. A drill bit may be located at the downhole end of the bottomhole assembly and a powered rotary steering system may be located in the bottomhole assembly. The system may also include a first drilling mechanics module located in the bottomhole assembly, proximate the powered rotary steering system and the drill bit. The first drilling mechanics module may be coupled in electronic communication to the power rotary steering system. The system may also include a plurality of drilling dynamics measurement units distributed along a length of the bottomhole assembly, between the downhole end and the uphole end. The plurality of drilling dynamics measurement units may be coupled in electronic communication with the first drilling mechanics module.

Abstract: A packer includes a body formed from an elastic composite material having one of a one-dimensional elastic structure, a periodic elastic structure, and a random elastic structure and a filler material.

Abstract: A packer or plug for use in a wellbore includes: a tubular mandrel made from a composite material including a pyrotechnic composition; an expandable seal disposed on an outer surface of the mandrel; and an igniter operable to initiate combustion of the mandrel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an annular barrier (1) to be expanded in an annulus (2) between a well tubular structure (3) and an inside wall (5) of a bore-hole (6) downhole for providing zone isolation between a first zone (101) and a second zone (102) of the borehole. The annular barrier comprises a tubular metal part (7) for mounting as part of the well tubular structure; an expandable sleeve (8) surrounding the tubular metal part and having an inner face (9) facing the tubular metal part and an outer face (10) facing the inside wall of the borehole, each end (12,13) of the expandable sleeve being connected with the tubular metal part; and an annular space (15) between the inner face of the expandable sleeve and the tubular metal part. The annular space comprises at least one thermally decomposable compound (16), which compound is thermally decomposable below a temperature of 400° C. and is adapted to generate gas or super-critical fluid upon decomposition.

Abstract: A mechanically-set packer system for use in a wellbore environment may include a mandrel having an interior and an exterior. The system may further include a packing element positioned along the exterior of the mandrel. The system may also include a line positioned between the exterior of the mandrel and an interior of the packing element.

Abstract: A carbon composite is disclosed, including a plurality of carbon grains, wherein each of the plurality of carbon grains includes a plurality of pores, and a binder disposed between the plurality of carbon grains to bond the plurality of carbon grains, wherein the binder is a disintegrable binder.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to internal combustion engines in general and may be applied to a high pressure pump for a fuel injection system of an internal combustion engine. In some embodiments, the pump includes: a pump housing including a piston guide and a plunger guide bore; a piston for compressing a fuel, the piston guided in the piston guide; and a roller plunger including a plunger skirt and a roller, the roller plunger transferring a translational movement from a cam of a camshaft driven by the internal combustion engine to the piston. The plunger skirt may include an outer region directed away from the roller and symmetrical about a plane of symmetry and an overall mass distributed asymmetrically about the plane of symmetry.

Abstract: A power charge (12) for a downhole setting tool has a sleeve (14) which defines a housing. A propellant (16) is located in the sleeve (14) in solid form and defines a first end face (20). An igniter (32) is embedded into the propellant (16) first end face (20). The igniter (32) has a main body portion (52) with an end located adjacent to the first end face (20), and an annular-shaped protrusion (48) which extends laterally outward from the main body portion (52) and into the propellant (16). The annular-shaped protrusion (48) defines a shoulder (46) which engages the propellant (16) to retain the igniter (32) within the propellant (16) at the first end face (20) of the power charge (12). The sleeve (14) is formed of a combustible material which will burn when the propellant (16) is burned.

Abstract: A well seal tool includes a base tubing and a seal element carried on an exterior of the base tubing. The seal element includes a polymer changeable between a compressed state and a sealing state. The seal element has a first stiffness in response to a first strain rate of the polymer and a second, substantially higher stiffness in response to a second, higher strain rate of the polymer.

Abstract: An inflating container filled with formation plugging fluid is deployed at the target zone by a rigless apparatus. The inflating container can be in valved fluid communication with an explosive filled container, the explosive being ignited using a firing mechanism that is attached to the explosive filled container. The explosion expands gases in the explosive filled container which pass into the inflation container and displace the formation plugging fluid into the balloon sections and through the weakened portions of the central balloon to penetrate the walls of the target zone. The expanded central balloon is melted by the heat of the chemical reaction and a portion adheres to the formation wall thereby sealing the undesirable target zone; thereafter, the remaining balloon sections are deflated or ruptured to permit the apparatus to be withdrawn through the production tubing.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a fluid conduit comprises a plurality of segments arranged along a longitudinal axis, each segment comprising an extendable structure configured for extension in a lateral direction relative to the longitudinal axis, wherein the apparatus is configured for the sequential initiation of lateral extension of the extendable structures of at least two segments. At least two segments may be configured to define different maximum extended dimensions in the lateral direction and may include adjacent support surfaces which provide mutual support for one another when the at least two segments are laterally extended. The apparatus may be configured to form a seal, an anchor, a supporting structure and/or a flow restriction in a fluid conduit.

Abstract: A pressure control device for isolating a section of a conduit comprises a support member, a flexible cup member mounted to the support member, a first swellable element, the first swellable element adapted, upon activation by an activation fluid, to urge a first portion of the cup member outwards into engagement with a conduit surface and at least one bypass arranged to permit the activation fluid to bypass the swellable element and build up behind a second portion of the cup member.

Abstract: A swellable composition comprises: a matrix material; and a condensed expandable graphite material disposed in the matrix material. A seal arrangement comprises: a swellable member and a sealing member disposed on a surface of the swellable member; wherein the swellable member comprises a condensed expandable graphite material. The condensed expandable graphite material in the swellable composition and the swellable member has a bulk density of about 1 to about 8 g/cm3 and comprises expandable graphite.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for use in a wellbore gravel pack operation. The method comprises providing an apparatus in a downhole annulus. The apparatus comprises a mandrel and a swellable element formed from a material selected to increase in volume when exposed to a downhole stimulus. The method comprises placing a gravel pack below the apparatus via the downhole annulus in which the apparatus is located, and placing a gravel pack above the apparatus. Subsequent to placing the gravel packs, the swellable element is increased in volume to create an annular barrier in the wellbore. The invention allows isolation of multiple intervals of a well in a single gravel pack operation using swellable elastomers, and does not rely on the use of shunt tube alternate path systems.

Abstract: A downhole sealing assembly comprises a sleeve adapted to be mounted on a tubular body disposable within a bore, the sleeve (12) including a swellable material and defining a sealing arrangement comprising inner and outer seals. Swelling of the material radially extends the inner seal into contact with the tubular body and extends the outer seal into contact with the bore.

Abstract: In an oil-sealed bearing assembly in the bearing section of a mud motor, in which a mandrel is rotatably disposed within a cylindrical housing, a cylindrical sleeve is disposed coaxially within the mandrel with the sleeve being non-rotatably mounted to an inner surface of the mandrel, thereby forming an annular piston chamber forming part of a generally annular oil reservoir. An annular piston is axially movable within the piston chamber without rotation relative to either the mandrel or the sleeve.

Abstract: A wellbore cementing plug includes a plug element including a polymer. The polymer is deformable at a first stiffness when subjected to a first strain rate to allow the plug element to pass through a wellbore while sealing against passage of cement past the plug element. The polymer resists deformation at a second, higher stiffness when subjected to a second, higher strain rate to resist allowing the plug element to pass through the wellbore while sealing against passage of cement past the plug element.

Abstract: A system and method for conveying an identity of a valve assembly found on a process line. The method can configure the system for receiving a first image of a subject valve assembly at a first computing device. The method can also configure the system for using the first image, selecting an entry in an asset database, the entry associating valve identifying data that relates to the subject valve assembly with a second image of the subject valve assembly that is stored in the asset database, the valve identifying data configured to define an identity for the subject valve assembly. The method can further configure the system for retrieving data from the selected entry and for generating an output for display on a second computing device, wherein the output is configured to convey the valve identifying data that relates to the subject valve assembly in the first image.

Abstract: A camera apparatus that is at least partially incorporated within a downhole tool to be disposed to a subterranean location by a running arrangement. The camera apparatus includes a camera sensor for capturing one or more visual images of a subterranean location and a memory storage operably associated with camera sensor, the camera sensor providing one or more visual images to the storage memory.

Abstract: A packer has a swellable element and has end rings and compressible elements at each end of the swellable element. The packer may be first set using internal bore pressure to compress one of the compressible elements against one of the end rings with a first hydraulic setting mechanism. The packer may then be set a second time using annulus pressure to compress against the other compressible element with a second hydraulic setting mechanism. Either way, the compressible elements are compressed to expand out to the borehole and to limit extrusion of the swellable element outside the compressed elements.

Abstract: A sealing device is for sealing fluid transmittable openings in well components. The sealing device includes an elastic element which is arranged between two shoulders. The elastic element, before being placed in the fluid transmittable opening, has a larger external dimension than the fluid transmittable opening to be sealed. A gap is arranged between at least one of the shoulders and the elastic element, allowing liquid to enter between the shoulder and the elastic element. The ridge is arranged on an intermediate piece which is located between the shoulder and the elastic element. The intermediate piece is constituted by as ring in which the ridge is surrounding and divided, and projects from an end surface opposite an abutment surface facing the elastic element.

Abstract: A sealing element comprises two distinct materials of different melting points. An outer shell material has a higher melting point than an inner core material. The core material can be a relatively low melting point metal, plastic or polymer. The seal is positioned in the wellbore and, in response to heating to a selected temperature, such as a bottom hole static temperature, the core material melts or softens. Upon melting or softening of the inner material, the outer shell's elastic modulus decreases, allowing longitudinal compression and radial expansion of the sealing element. The inner material can also thermally expand and thereby assist or cause radial expansion of the outer shell. The sealing element can provide a metal-to-metal seal with a casing or tubing. The cross-sectional shape of the outer shell can take various shapes to promote controlled compression, expansion and sealing.

Abstract: A method of installation of a completion assembly apparatus into a wellbore with a liner hangar packer includes introducing the completion assembly apparatus into the wellbore, where the hybrid sealing assembly couples to the polished bore receiver assembly such that the hybrid sealing assembly is not operable to move laterally within the polished bore receiver assembly, positioning the completion assembly apparatus such that the completion assembly apparatus couples with the liner hangar packer, which establishes fluid communication between the polished bore receiver assembly and a portion of the wellbore downhole from the liner hanger packer, and operating the completion assembly apparatus such that the hybrid sealing assembly decouples from the polished bore receiver assembly such that the hybrid sealing assembly is operable to move laterally within the polished bore receiver assembly. The hybrid sealing assembly includes an unswollen swellable packer operable to swell upon exposure to a swelling material.

Abstract: A setting assembly including a settable member. A housing including a chamber and a setting material disposed in the chamber and having a first phase of matter and a second phase of matter. The setting material occupying a greater volume in the second phase than in the first phase. The setting material arranged to exert a setting force on the settable member during transition of the setting material from the first phase to the second phase. Also included is a method of setting a settable member.

Abstract: Collecting temperature data at a plurality of locations along a wellbore, performing thermo-mechanical simulations of a drill string in response to mud circulation wherein the drill string comprises a tool string suspended in the wellbore from a pipe string, determining changes in length of the pipe string due to temperature changes, positionally fixing the tool string at one of the locations, and adjusting the length of the pipe string based on the determined change in length of the pipe string. Positionally fixing the tool string may comprise lowering the drill string a side entry sub of the drill string is proximate a top end of the wellbore wherein the side entry sub is configured to allow a wireline cable to enter a bore of the drill string, positioning the side entry sub above a blow-out-preventer, and closing the blow-out-preventer around the drill string below the side entry sub.

Abstract: A downhole completion assembly for sealing and supporting an open hole section of a wellbore includes a sealing structure movable between a contracted configuration and an expanded configuration, wherein, when in the contracted configuration, the sealing structure is able to axially traverse production tubing extended within a wellbore. A conveyance device is coupled to the sealing structure and configured to transport the sealing structure through the production tubing and to an open hole section of the wellbore. A deployment device is operably connected to the sealing structure and configured to radially expand the sealing structure from the contracted configuration to the expanded configuration when the sealing structure is arranged in the open hole section.

Abstract: A slip and cone assembly for a downhole tool that includes a composite slip having a one-piece configuration and having at least two grooves disposed therein; and a cone having a first end configured for engagement with the composite slip, wherein the composite slip and the cone are configured for application of a load therebetween that results in a fracture in material between the at least two grooves.

Abstract: New polymer compositions based on poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) and other high-softening-temperature polymers are disclosed. These materials have a microphase domain structure that has an ionically-conductive phase and a phase with good mechanical strength and a high softening temperature. In one arrangement, the structural block has a softening temperature of about 210° C. These materials can be made with either homopolymers or with block copolymers.

Abstract: An improved bypass valve assembly for a plunger lift apparatus comprises a bypass valve cage having improved flow characteristics and a simplified clutch assembly having enhanced durability and low cost.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a polyurethane adhesive in the manufacture of film/foil-coated furniture. The adhesive consists of two components, the first component comprising at least two different polyurethanes which comprise carboxyl groups, and the polyurethanes comprising units derived from polyester diols and units derived from polyether diols, the weight quantity ratio of the sum total of all units derived from polyester diols to the sum total of all units derived from polyether diols being in the range from 1:9 to 9:1, and the second component comprising at least one silane compound reactive toward carboxyl groups.

Abstract: A packer on a tubing string and diverting material pumped down the tubing string may be used isolate a fracture cluster in a multizone horizontal wellbore that has been previously hydraulically fractured. Once hydraulically isolated, fluid may be pumped down the tubing string to re-fracture the previously fractured fracture cluster in an effort to increase hydrocarbon production from the horizontal wellbore. The tubing string may include a testing device used to determine whether a specific fracture cluster within the horizontal wellbore should be re-fractured. Diverting material may be pumped down the tubing string and positioned adjacent a fracture cluster to hydraulically isolate the fracture cluster during the re-fracturing process. The diverting material may be cleaned out of the horizontal wellbore after all desired fracture clusters along the horizontal wellbore have been individually re-fractured.

Abstract: A setting tool for hanging a tubular string includes: a mandrel having an upper portion and a lower portion for extending into the tubular string; a housing connected to the mandrel upper portion; and a bonnet. The bonnet is: for receiving an upper end of the tubular string, disposed along the mandrel, and linked to the housing. The setting tool further includes: an actuator for stroking the bonnet relative to the mandrel and the housing, thereby setting a hanger of the tubular string; an electronics package in communication with the actuator for operating the actuator in response to receiving a command signal; and a latch. The latch is: connected to the mandrel lower portion, operable between an extended position and a retracted position, for being restrained in the retracted position by being disposed in the tubular string, and extendable by being removed from the tubular string.

Abstract: A carbon composite contains expanded graphite; and at least one of a filler or a reinforcement; wherein the expanded graphite comprises a plurality of randomly oriented basal planes. Methods of making the carbon composite and articles comprising the carbon composite are also disclosed.

Abstract: A downhole isolation tool adapted to be converted in the field into any one of a bridge plug, ball drop plug, or a caged ball plug. The components used to assemble the tool, such as the mandrel, slips, and conversion adapters and accessories, are constructed primarily of non-metallic material. Through use of the disclosed isolation tool, drillout time is greatly reduced.

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.