Abstract: The present invention provides a thermally deformable annular packer with pressure relief means for use in oil and gas wells. The annular packer is formed from a stack of component parts, said parts comprising one or more eutectic alloy based ring sections sandwiched between two end sections. At least one of the annular packer component parts has one or more enclosed voids that are configured to become exposed when the packer is subjected to a predetermined pressure or temperature. The exposure of the enclosed voids serves to increase the effective volume within the sealed region formed by the annular packer in the annulus between two coaxial well casing/tubing. The increase in the effective volume serves to reduce the pressure within the sealed region thus preventing a build-up of pressure that might otherwise have damaged the well casing/tubing.

Abstract: A stage tool comprises a body with a tubular wall, defining an outer surface and an inner surface. Fluid ports, such as cement circulation ports, extend through the tubular wall. The stage tool further comprises a primary closing sleeve. The primary closing sleeve may be movable along the outer surface of the tubular wall for closing the ports when the treatment of the wellbore stage ends. A secondary closing sleeve may be movable along the inner surface of the tubular wall for closing the port in case of failure of the primary closing sleeve or for redundancy. The primary closing sleeve may be actuated by an internal member joined to the primary closing sleeve by a crosslink and movable on the inner surface. The internal member and the secondary closing sleeve may move along different surfaces on the internal wall to avoid interference.

Abstract: A composite circular connector seal, or an assembly comprising a plurality of such seals, may be engineered to seal across a predetermined tolerance band for such seals by using two substantially circular seal elements sized to slidingly fit about a tubular that has a positive and negative outer diameter tolerance range, where each seal element is terminated at one circumferential edge with a packer cap, and a core element disposed intermediate the two substantially circular seal elements at their respective non-packer cap terminated circumferential edges. The two substantially circular seal elements comprise an organic thermoplastic polymer and the core seal element, which typically comprises a synthetic rubber, is also typically molded to the two seal elements at their respective non-packer cap terminated circumferential edges.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein describe a resettable bridge plug that is configured to isolate a section of a wellbore. Embodiments may be utilized in fracturing a wellbore, wherein the same bridge plug may be set and released at different locations for multiple cycles with a wireline run.

Abstract: In one aspect an apparatus for use in a wellbore is disclosed that in one non-limiting embodiment includes an assembly deployable in the wellbore that includes a first fluid flow path for supplying a first fluid from a surface location to a formation zone along the wellbore and a second fluid flow path for supplying a second fluid from a surface location to the formation zone and a flow control device that combines the first fluid and the second fluid before supplying the combined fluid to the zone and may controls the proportions of such fluid to the formation zone.

Abstract: A valve includes a housing having a bore. The valve further includes a piston member movable between a first position permitting fluid passage through the bore and a second position obstructing the bore through the housing. Additionally, the valve includes a biasing member configured to bias the piston member toward the second position. A method of using a valve in a cementing operation is provided.

Abstract: A clutch assembly formed as a circular split bobbin assembly for resisting reciprocating motion of a shift rod or dart valve stem in a bypass plunger. The split bobbin may include at least one circumferential groove disposed in its outer radius, and a tension band member disposed in each circumferential channel to secure the split bobbin assembly around the shift rod or valve stem and wherein the tension band member has a cross section aspect ratio R<1.

Abstract: A pressure intensifier for morphing tubulars downhole. An elongate mandrel defines an inner bore, being co-axially located within an elongate hollow outer cylindrical body to form a co-axial annular bore therebetween. Pistons are mounted upon the mandrel with each piston having an annular fluid facing face extending across the annular bore, with fluid communication between the inner bore and the annular bore to act upon each face. Stops are located on an inner surface of the outer cylindrical body to limit travel of each piston. A morph fluid is located in the annular bore between an opposing face of a first piston and a first stop, with the first stop having delivery ports to deliver the morph fluid at a greater pressure than the pressure of fluid delivered through the inner bore.

Abstract: Long lateral wellbores are prepared for the production of hydrocarbons by preparing only a portion of the wellbore for production at a time, starting at a remote end of the long lateral wellbore. The prepared production section is produced until production becomes uneconomic before a further production section is prepared and produced.

Abstract: A selectably operable passive gripping device for gripping tubular materials has an elastomeric element which is provided with integrally bonded segmented end rings to prevent the extrusion of the elastomer when it is subjected to high compressive loads. The elastomeric element is molded so that its as-molded gripping surface interferes with the surface of tubular objects to be gripped. The elastomeric gripping element is mounted and supported by a structural element or housing and allows axial flow communication through the gripped tubular objects. The gripping device is used to lift tubular objects such as a tubular string used in oil field applications.

Abstract: A subterranean tool can drop multiple objects to landing locations in a tubular string. The tool can keep at least one ball out of the fluid stream until ready for release. A dart or wiper plug can be kept in the fluid stream with an open bypass until axial mandrel movement allows release of the plug or dart. The tool is rotationally locked at a lower location for run in and then can rotationally lock at an upper location upon release of the dart or ball. Axial movement that releases the dart can continue until the ball aligns with a decreasing depth groove so that relative part rotation cams the ball against a leaf spring detent and into the mandrel flow path.

Abstract: A well system includes an annular barrier separating the tubing-casing annulus into an upper annulus and a lower annulus and a barrier valve coupled with the annular barrier, the barrier valve permitting one-way fluid communication from the upper annulus to the lower annulus. The annular barrier may include a female polished bore receptacle integrated in the casing and a male seal assembly integrated in the tubing. The tubing bore and an annular fluid conduit extend through the male seal assembly substantially parallel to one another and the barrier valve is connected in the annular fluid conduit.

Abstract: A seal assembly for use in a tubular includes a mandrel, a compressible seal member disposed around the mandrel, a first piston assembly in contact with a first end of the seal member, and a second piston assembly in contact with a second end of the seal member. The first piston assembly includes a piston head, and a piston extension sealing member integrally formed with the piston head, and extending at least partially between the mandrel and the compressible seal member. The compressible seal member forms a seal with the tubular when at least one of the piston assemblies is urged toward the compressible seal member.

Abstract: A bottomhole assembly deployable into a wellbore on coiled tubing and which has at least a casing collar locator, a fluid-delivery apparatus for delivery treatment fluid and a sealing element, typically a packer positioned therebetween, permits delivery of treatment fluid to a plurality of ports formed in casing through either the annulus between the BHA and the casing, through the coiled tubing or through both. Variable volumes of treatment fluid can be delivered as a result of the different volumes of the coiled tubing and the annulus or the combined volume of both. Sleeves used to cover the fracturing ports in the casing to permit selective opening and fracturing therethrough are made shorter than prior art sleeves as a result of the particular arrangement of the BHA and engagement of collars in the casing with the casing collar locator.

Abstract: A filter sub apparatus comprising a housing configured to contain a filter and a bypass mechanism is provided. The bypass mechanism may be actuated upon debris buildup on the filter resulting in a load applied to the bypass mechanism rising above a predetermined lower level. A method to prevent chemical injection process failures may also be provided. The method may comprise the steps of providing a filter sub prior to a check valve. The filter sub may include a filter and a bypass mechanism. Another step may be passing fluid through the filter. In addition, the steps may also include containing at least some debris on a side of the filter such that the debris is prevented from reaching the check valve. A further step may be actuating the bypass mechanism after the debris builds up to a level in which a resulting load applied to the bypass mechanism exceeds a lower limit.

Abstract: A system for drilling a well bore with an under-balanced hydrostatic pressure. The system includes a tubular member containing a first port, a compression member disposed about the outer portion of the tubular member and having an internal sliding mandrel extending therefrom with a second port, an external sliding sleeve having a third port and being in contact with the internal sliding mandrel and operatively associated with the internal sliding mandrel, and a compressible seal disposed about the external sliding mandrel that is responsive to a longitudinal weight transferred to the compression member. In a closed position the first, second and third port are misaligned and in an open position the first, second and third ports are aligned.

Abstract: An equalization valve that allows for continuous equalization of pressure above and below a sealing element is disclosed. The equalization valve includes a housing having a fluid passageway therethrough. The fluid passageway is fluidically continuous across a sealing element disposed on a mandrel. The mandrel is part of a sealing assembly that contains the sealing element. The equalization valve includes a valve plug moveable from an open position in which the valve plug is not engaged with the sealing mandrel to a seated position in which the valve plug is seated against the sealing mandrel. The valve plug defines a conduit, the conduit that provides for a minimal fluid flow across the sealing element, when the valve plug is seated against the sealing mandrel. The sealing element remains sealingly engaged against the wellbore while the plug is in the seated position and while minimal fluid flow is occurring.

Abstract: An annular fluid containment device comprises one or more fluid seals disposed on a section of production string tubing, and a vent tubing extending along the section of production tubing from below the fluid seals to above the fluid seals. The fluid seals are sealed against the vent tubing and the production tubing, and configured to form a seal within an annular space between the production tubing and a well casing, with the vent tubing providing venting for pressure equalization between the annular space below the fluid containment device and the annular space above the fluid containment device. The fluid containment device placed in a production string below a leak in the casing prevents unwanted fluid from entering the production zone. An additional tubing may be provided similarly to the vent tubing to allow introduction of a fluid into the well below the fluid containment device.

Abstract: A multi-string well has an electric submersible pump (ESP) that can be removed without killing the well. A slotted liner is sealingly secured externally to casing and internally to a guide string that remains in the wellbore when the ESP is removed. A ported sub is part of the guide string and a concentric screen that can have instruments that moves relatively to the guide string can selectively allow flow in an annulus between them and to the ported sub or that annulus between the guide and concentric strings can be blocked off by manipulation of the concentric string to close the ported sub. With the lower portion of the well now blocked off, the wellhead can be removed so that the ESP can come out with the production string. The device has particular application to steam assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) systems as well as other downhole applications.

Abstract: A space filler material is used to prevent accumulation of debris that could later foul the operation of adjacent moving parts. In one application a void space that is subsequently closed by actuated parts is initially filled with a material that is highly compressible and has voids that allow it to compress without undue resistance to part movement when the void volume is reduced. Ideally, the pores or voids in the material itself are small enough to keep most if not all the debris from entering and making the space filling material too rigid to collapse under part movement. In an alternative application, the material can be in an annular space such as a seal bore and it can keep debris from getting past the seal bore while allowing hydrostatic pressure across itself thereby helping it to maintain its position until moved such as by shifting of an inner string to which it is attached.

Abstract: An open hole is drilled with coiled tubing that has an electric line. At the conclusion of drilling the drilling bottom hole assembly is removed and a liner running tool is connected between the coiled tubing and the liner. The electric line remains in the coiled tubing but spacers can be added to keep the lower end of the electric line away from the running tool. A wiper plug has a passage therethrough and a movable stinger that can hold open a pair of flapper valves. The liner is released from the running tool and cement is delivered through the stinger with a bit of excess that is above the running tool. The lifting of the stinger with the coiled tubing closes the flappers and allows circulation out of excess cement. Setting down on the coiled tubing allows a seal to re-engage in the deployment sleeve, allowing pressure to be placed against the wiper plug, such that it can be launched to displace the remaining cement within the liner into the annulus around the liner.

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a tool comprises a fluid path defined by a bore formed within a tubular body. A guided sleeve and a reciprocating sleeve are both disposed within the bore. A gearwheel is located on an outer surface of the guided sleeve and at least one pawl located on an inner surface of the reciprocating sleeve. When the reciprocating sleeve translates axially, it rotates in a first direction. As the reciprocating rotates, the at least one pawl pushes the gearwheel and causes the guided sleeve to rotate in the first direction into a new position.

Abstract: A technique enables sealing of downhole components by providing a downhole pressure barrier for communication lines. The system comprises a communication line cementing sub that may be coupled into a tubing string. The cementing sub comprises a flow passage, a radially protruding region, a first connector, and a second connector. The first connector is generally disposed on a first longitudinal end of the radially protruding region, and the second connector is disposed on a second longitudinal end of the radially protruding region. Additionally, a passageway extends through the radially protruding region from the first connector to the second connector. The first and second connectors enable routing of a communication line through the radially protruding region.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for cementing a liner in place in an open borehole using a tubular member having at least one obstruction in the tubular member to pass the cement into the liner and through the liner into an annular space surrounding the liner to position the liner in the open borehole.

Abstract: Packers and methods of using same are described. The packer includes a packer body, a slip to engage a casing of the well and a sealing element to seal an annulus of the well, a fluid bypass chamber adapted to allow fluid passage through the packer body during run in hole and in release position, and a re-settable mandrel slideably engaged with guide pins attached to the packer body and adapted to selectively open and close circulation paths upon actuation. This abstract allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure. It will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

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: Sealing may be provided between alignable windows for lateral wellbore drilling. A method for use with a lateral wellbore includes the steps of: positioning a swellable seal material between a closure device and a housing of a window assembly; swelling the seal material to thereby prevent fluid transfer through a window formed in a sidewall of the housing; and then installing the window assembly in a parent wellbore. A lateral wellbore system includes a window assembly with a window formed through a sidewall of a generally tubular housing, and a swollen seal material preventing fluid transfer through the window. A window assembly includes a generally tubular housing having a window formed through a sidewall of the housing, a closure device having another window formed through a wall of the closure device; and a swellable seal material which prevents fluid transfer between the windows.

Abstract: A composition, apparatus and method for use in a wellbore is described. In one aspect, a composition may include a shape-conforming material and nanoparticles sufficient to absorb a selected form of energy to heat the shape-conforming material to near or above a glass transition temperature. A method of deploying an apparatus using such a composition may include placing the apparatus at a suitable location in a wellbore and exposing the composition to the selected energy to deploy the apparatus in the wellbore.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling inflation and deflation of spaced inflatable packer elements of a straddle stimulation tool within a well casing of a well. A straddle stimulation tool is positioned by tubing at a desired location within the well casing. Fluid is pumped through the tubing and tool at a rate inflating the spaced inflatable packer elements within the well casing and establishing an annulus interval. The inflation control retains pressure within the inflated packer elements and permits the flow of stimulation fluid into the annulus interval for stimulation of the formation. After completion of well stimulation, the packer element pressure control is moved to a packer equalizing position by tension applied via the tubing to equalize packer pressure with casing annulus pressure, deflating the packer elements and permitting conveyance of the straddle stimulation tool within the well casing by the tubing string.

Abstract: An isolation assembly for use with coiled tubing is described. The isolation assembly has a check valve for providing selective fluid communication through from the coiled tubing, through the isolation assembly, and into a downhole tool, such a straddle packer. The isolation assembly includes a shuttle moveable within a housing, and plurality of ports to selectively provide fluid communication from within the isolation assembly below the check valve, through the ports, and into the annulus, thus allowing selective surface-controlled equalization of downhole equipment. Also described is a bottom hole assembly including the isolation assembly. An improved method of fracing a formation includes providing a check valve, thus improving the life of the coiled tubing and the safety of the operation, and reducing the time to perform a given downhole operation.

Abstract: Methods of using and making and apparatuses utilizing a filtered actuator port for hydraulically actuated down hole tools. The filtered port prevents sand or other debris from entering the actuator workings of a tool. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, hydraulic tools utilizing filtered actuator ports are disclosed. In a second aspect, the filtered port comprises fine slots disposed through a wall of a mandrel spaced around the circumference of the mandrel. In a third aspect, the inlet port is formed by laser cutting or electrical discharge machining. In a fourth aspect, the filtered port is disposed in various components of a fracture pack-off system. Methods of using the fracture pack-off system utilizing the filtered port are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a downhole shut-in tool for obtaining formation pressure data. The tool includes a fast-closing main valve and a pressure-relief valve operable between open and closed positions to effect periodic sealing and release of formation pressure with respect to the surface.

Abstract: Methods for reclaiming a borehole extending from an earth surface into the earth, part of which borehole is in a lost circulation zone. The methods include the steps of closing off the borehole to fluid flow above the lost circulation zone by installing a packer system with an inflatable packer element, inflating the inflatable packer element with cement, allowing the cement to set so that the inflatable packer effectively seals off the borehole to fluid flow, and then drilling out the inflatable packer. Such a method also may include a further operation conducted in the borehole within the lost circulation zone. The packer system comprises in one arrangement a packer body, an inflatable bladder around the packer body, a plurality of ribs mounted around at least a portion of the inflatable bladder, and a valve apparatus, all of which are fabricated from a drillable material.

Abstract: A conventional thru tubing bridge plug is rendered in a more effective and useful downhole tool by incorporating a sensor module complete with preferably a plurality of downhole sensors to monitor downhole parameters such as but not limited to temperature and pressure both within the inflatable tool and in the annulus of the well created thereby.

Abstract: This invention relates to hydraulic anchor packers for use in well bores and, more particularly, to inflatable anchor packers. A hydraulic anchor packer (90) is provided having an inflatable packer element (36) incorporating a cylinder (38) and an elastomer sleeve (44) provided on the exterior surface thereof. The elastomer sleeve (44) but free of the cylinder (38) intermediate the end portions. Means are provided for causing fluid from within the cylinder (38) to flow through an aperture (48) and between the elastomer sleeve (44) and the exterior surface of the cylinder so as to radially expand the sleeve (44). Means are also provided for trapping fluid so as to prevent relaxation of the sleeve (44). Pressure relief means (92, 94, 98) permits fluid located exteriorly of the packer (90) to move past the sleeve (44) as the sleeve (44) expands whilst in engagement with a well bore wall during use. Thus, the downhole half of the sleeve (44) may freely expand and displace fluid located below the packer (90).

Abstract: A method of performing a downhole well completion cleanup is provided. In a described embodiment, completion fluids from a first zone are flowed into a tubular string, and then the fluids are discharged into a second zone. An apparatus usable in the method is provided, in which a downhole pump is utilized to pump the fluids from one zone to the other. The pump may be operated in a variety of manners. The apparatus may also include fluid identification sensors and telemetry devices for monitoring the progress of the cleanup operation.

Abstract: An injector is provided for injecting and withdrawing large diameter coiled tubing comprising a linear section of gripping blocks driven on an endless chain conveyor. The coiled tubing is forced into frictional engagement with the blocks by a corresponding linear array of rollers. The arrangement is gentle on the coiled tubing. The injector is not restricted in length and thus provides a linear driving section of configurable length for providing superior injection and pulling capacities. In combination with the strong draw works, mast and rotary table of a conventional rig enabling making up both sectional tubing for assembling BHA's, drilling surface hole and making up to non-rotating coiled tubing from the injector. Using a mast having two open sides and with dual drawworks, increased functionality is provided and less serial handling.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved cementing inflation packer tool and methods of using the tool. The tool includes of a tubular housing having a packer inflating port disposed therein and a packer inflating port opening sleeve slidably disposed within the housing. The opening sleeve is movable between a closed position and an open position by a first cementing plug. An external packer sleeve having a pressurized fluid inflatable packer element attached thereto and a cementing port therein is sealingly disposed over the outer surface of the housing and the packer inflating port. The external packer sleeve provides a passageway from the packer inflating port to the inflatable packer element and check valve means are disposed in the passageway. A fluid rupturable member having a predetermined rupture pressure is sealingly attached over the cementing port.

Abstract: A casing is cemented within a well bore (P) or pipe by means of a radially expandable tubular preform (1). For this purpose, a) folded preform (1) is inserted into the well (P) or pipe down to the required level; b) the well is sealed off at the bottom of the preform (10 by means of an inflatable hydraulic retainer (4); c) a curable fluid cement is injected onto the retainer so that it surrounds the lower portion of the preform; d) the preform is gradually unfolded from the top towards the bottom to press the cement against the wall of the well or pipe along the full length of the preform; e) the preform is cured to form a casing while the cement is allowed to set; and f) the retainer (4) is deflated and withdrawn from the well or pipe.

Abstract: A tubular connector for connecting a drilling tool assembly to a drill string for use in CTD operations. The connector has a fluid flow passage therethrough, and comprises: a first part connected to the drill string and a second part connected to the drilling tool assembly; inter engaging formations such as splines provided on the first and second parts such that, when engaged, the formations do not prevent relative axial movement of the first and second parts but prevent relative rotation thereof; a threaded collar provided around adjacent end portions of the first and second parts for axial location thereof when connected. The connector can also include a non-return valve assembly located in the fluid flow passage; a pressure actuated piston device in the fluid flow passage for disconnecting the drilling tool assembly from the chill string; and a pressure actuated valve which, when operated, allows fluid communication between the fluid flow passage and an exterior region of the connector.

Abstract: A blow-out prevention device shuts off an annulus between a drill column and a well wall by means of an expandable sealing device when an unwanted blow-out of fluid and/or gas takes place from an unstable geological well formation when drilling for oil or gas.When a blow-out takes place, a compressive-pulse code is activated in the inlet of the drill column and is transmitted through the drilling fluid to a pressure sensor which transmits the compressive-pulse code on to a microprocessor (37) which is preprogrammed with the pressure code. If the pressure codes coincide, an electric motor is activated, which, via a set of gears and a nut-and-bolt device, displaces a valve plate axially towards a valve seat. The drilling fluid then flows out through nozzles and causes a large pressure drop which is used to expand the sealing device so that the annulus is shut.

Abstract: A sub-surface release plug assembly for use in cementing an outer casing annulus around a well casing comprising a top plug releasably connected to a drill string by a collet mechanism and a bottom plug releasably attached to the top plug by a sleeve assembly extending through the top plug. The assembly further comprises primary and secondary release means for releasing said plugs thereby ensuring that the plugs are released in said casing during cementing operations.

Abstract: A downhole tool apparatus and methods of drilling the apparatus. The apparatus may include, but is not limited to, packers and bridge plugs utilizing non-metallic components. The non-metallic components may include but are not limited to the center mandrel having an unmachined, molded central opening therethrough. In a preferred embodiment, a sliding valve is disposed on an outer surface of the center mandrel for opening and closing a valve port. An overshot is used to selectively actuate the sliding valve. Methods of installation and drilling out of the apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A stage cementer and inflation packer apparatus. The apparatus comprises a mandrel with an external closing sleeve and an operating sleeve interlocked therewith. Below the operating sleeve is an opening sleeve. The opening sleeve is mechanically acutated by a pump-down plug in a plug-operated embodiment or by a differential pressure acting on the opening sleeve in a hydraulically operated embodiment, to actuate the opening sleeve to allow inflation of the packer element. A back check valve prevents the packer from deflating. After the packer is inflated, additional pressure is applied which ruptures a rupture disc to open a port to the well annulus above the set packer element. Cementing may be carried out through this port, and after the cementing operating, a plug engages the operating sleeve to move the operating sleeve in the external closure sleeve, thereby closing the cementing port.

Abstract: A combination packer/safety valve assembly is connectable to the bottom end of a tubing string and lowerable therewith into the casing string portion of a gas storage well to control the upward flow through the casing string of pressurized gas stored in a subterranean cavern below the casing string. In response to the delivery through the tubing string to the interior of the assembly of control fluid at a first predetermined pressure a normally closed, axially extending interior passage of the assembly is opened to permit upward flow therethrough of pressurized gas for delivery to the well surface through the casing string.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for use in a wellbore for reducing the effects of pressure differential forces which act on settable wellbore tools suspended therein. The apparatus operates to provide a bypass fluid flow path through the settable wellbore tool for directing wellbore fluid through the settable wellbore tool in response to pressure differentials developed across the settable wellbore tool during outward radial expansion of the tool. The apparatus further includes mechanisms for maintaining the bypass fluid flow path in an open condition during at least an expansion mode of operation to diminish the effects of pressure differential developed across the settable wellbore tool. The apparatus also includes mechanisms for closing the bypass fluid flow path once a setting mode of operation is obtained.

Abstract: An improved cementing tool, and more particularly an improved stage packer collar, having a tubular housing with an inner passage defined longitudinally therethrough and having a radially outer surface. The housing also has a cementing port and a longitudinal slot, both of which are disposed through a wall thereof. An outer closure sleeve is slidably received about the outer surface of the housing and is movable relative to the housing between an open position wherein the cementing port is not covered by the closure sleeve and a closed position wherein the cementing port is closed by the closure sleeve. An inner operating sleeve is slidably received in the inner passage of the housing and slidable between a first and second position relative to the housing.

Abstract: A multiple stage inflation packer with secondary opening rupture disc. The inflatable packer comprises a case with a closing sleeve, an opening sleeve and a releasing sleeve therein. An opening plug is dropped into the casing string and is allowed to free fall, or is pumped down, to actuate the opening sleeve to allow inflation of the packer element. A back check valve prevents the packer from deflating. After the packer is inflated, additional pressure is applied which ruptures a rupture disc to open a port to the well annulus above the set packer element. Cementing may be carried out through this port, and after the cementing operation, a closing plug is pumped down the well casing behind the cement to actuate the releasing sleeve and move the closing sleeve to seal off the ports. Another check valve insures that pressure is equalized on both sides of the rupture disc as the packer is run into the well bore.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for use in placing cement within the annulus between a casing string and a well bore in which the casing string is suspended, such apparatus including a stage collar connectible as part of the casing string and having a packing element mounted thereon and adapted to be inflated into engagement with the well bore, one or more side ports through which cement may be circulated into the annulus above the packer, tubular members or sleeves for opening and closing the ports following inflation of the packing element.

Abstract: A cup type formation packer shoe is provided to be used in well cementing operations for cementing either casing or tubing in existing casing in a well bore. This packer shoe includes packer cups which are forced into sealing engagement with the existing casing by the cement being displaced into the annulus between the existing casing and the new casing. Further, the packer cups support the column of cement in the annulus preventing flow downwardly past the packer shoe.