Abstract: A wellbore system having a borehole extending into an earth formation, a tubular element extending into the borehole whereby a cylindrical wall surrounds the tubular element in a manner that an annular space is formed between the tubular element and the cylindrical wall, at least one seal member arranged in the annular space, each seal member being movable between a retracted mode in which the seal member has a first volume and an expanded mode in which the seal member has a second volume larger than the first volume, wherein the seal member in the expanded mode thereof seals the annular space, and wherein the seal member includes a material which swells upon contact with a selected fluid so as to move the seal member from the retracted mode to the expanded mode thereof.

Abstract: A method for reducing longitudinal flow of fluids through an annular space surrounding a permeable well tubular, such as a slotted liner or a sandscreen, in an inflow region of an oil and/or gas production well having: arranging a series of collapsed resilient sealing rings at regular longitudinal intervals around the permeable tubular before lowering the tubular into the well by means of tape and/or a binder which dissolves downhole; placing the tubular in the inflow region of the well; and allowing the tape and/or binder to dissolve, thereby allowing the resilient sealing rings to expand radially in the annular space surrounding the permeable tubular.

Abstract: A formation treatment tool assembly is conveyed within a well casing by a tubing string and has a housing defining treatment fluid supply and discharge passages and a fluid injection port through which treatment fluid is directed from the supply passage into a packer isolated casing interval and a fluid inlet port permitting flow from the isolated casing interval to the fluid discharge passage. Spaced straddle packer elements of the tool are energized to establish sealing engagement with the well casing and define an isolated casing interval and are de-energized to retract from sealing engagement with the well casing and permit tubing conveyance. A dump valve connected with the tool housing is opened to permit flow of treatment fluid from the isolated casing interval through the treatment fluid discharge passage and is closed to confine treatment fluid to the isolated casing interval.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a tubular member within a liner or borehole has a seal means connected within the tubular member, and a pressure control device operable to increase the pressure within the tubular member, such that operation of the pressure control means causes the tubular member to move radially outwardly to bear against the inner surface of the liner or borehole wall. Also, a packer for use in a downhole annular space and an isolation plug for plugging a downhole tubular are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fluid treatment of a selected interval of a well and then cleaning the selected interval and the apparatus of treatment residue. An straddle tool is run into the well to treatment depth on fluid supplying tubing and has upper and lower packers that establish sealing with the casing and define an annular interval between the packers and between the tool and casing. Fluid, such as fracturing fluid, is pumped through the tubing to the tool and is diverted through an outlet port of the tool into an upper portion of the annular interval. Fluid then flows from a lower portion of the annular interval through an inlet port below the outlet port and at low flow rate is dumped into the casing through a pressure responsive dump valve. The outlet port and inlet port are located to accomplish cleaning of residue from the packers.

Abstract: The present invention involves a pack-off system for use in packing off an area of interest within a wellbore. The pack-off system comprises at least two packing elements disposed on a tubular body. The packing elements of the present invention comprise overlapping leaves which are pivotally mounted on the tubular body. The present invention further involves a method for using the pack-off system, wherein the packing elements are placed adjacent to an area of interest within a wellbore. The overlapping leaves of the packing elements are extended radially to effectively obstruct fluid flow in the annular space between the outermost portions of the packing elements and the wellbore. The bulk of the fluid introduced into the wellbore is trapped between the packing elements and is thereby forced into the area of interest.

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

Abstract: A method of providing for a single trip removal of packer tools by providing a flapper valve in the upper packer tools which opens when pressure below the tool exceeds the pressure above the tool to allow the tools to be released and allowing flow up the center of the tubing. Additionally, the retrieval tool seals with the stinger tool during removal to allow flow downwardly around the released packer down to the next lower packer and up through the released packer to work only on the next lower packer. The method also contemplates that increased flow circulation will allow forced flow to clear the next lower stinger from sand and other debris to increase the chance of a successful mating of the retrieval tool to the stinger during removal.

Abstract: A method is disclosed that allows for sequential treatment of two zones in a single trip while isolating the zones. A fluid loss valve prevents the column of fluid in the tubing from flowing into the lower formation until activated. Zone isolation is accomplished by manipulation of a port on a wash pipe attached to the crossover assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is to a pre-selected set of packer tools having J tools and on/off tools (“stingers” and “washovers”) with varying strokes and varying set and release directions to enable the operator to individually address the various packers. By increasing the amount of travel necessary to set and/or release the subsequent packer tools, it is possible to select which tool is being manipulated or operated upon.

Abstract: A tubing string assembly is disclosed for fluid treatment of a wellbore. The tubing string can be used for staged wellbore fluid treatment where a selected segment of the wellbore is treated, while other segments are sealed off. The tubing string can also be used where a ported tubing string is required to be run in in a pressure tight condition and later is needed to be in an open-port condition.

Abstract: A device and a method are provided for the hydraulic fracturing of multiple zones in a well bore. A stinger carries a plurality of packers into a well bore. Each packer is separably connected to each adjacent packer. As each packer is sequentially secured in the well bore, the stinger is withdrawn from the secured packer and the process is repeated as the remaining packers are sequentially secured and separated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to straddle packer systems and methods of using them for downhole isolation of zones for fracturing treatment. More specifically, the system includes upper and lower seal systems having resiliently flexible sealing elements hydraulically and operatively connected to one another which are responsive to an increase in hydraulic pressure for setting the sealing elements at a first hydraulic pressure threshold. Additionally, the system includes a control system hydraulically and operatively connected between the upper and lower packer systems which is responsive to an increase in hydraulic pressure at a second hydraulic pressure threshold higher for activating a pressure switch system within the control system for opening at least one frac valve in the control system.

Abstract: A multi-zone packing system having unique features that allow for remote operation, thereby eliminating the need to raise and lower a work string and crossover tool to various zones of interest during a frac pack, gravel pack or related completion procedure. The squeeze pack system has a crossover tool or port collocated with each zone of interest and remotely operated closing devices to allow for the setting of each packer and the packing job to be performed with minimal or no movement of the work string.

Abstract: A straddle packer tool comprises a mandrel and a housing. Spaced packers are carried by the housing. A plurality of bypass ports are arranged in the mandrel and housing for aligning in several positions: a first downhole position for bypassing fluid around the packers and through the mandrel; an intermediate position wherein the bypass ports are misaligned and a first internal pressure actuates the packers to isolate a zone and a second higher internal pressure releases a stop for enabling relative movement to an uphole position wherein the bypasses are misaligned and the mandrel's bore is opened to isolated zone.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for injecting a fluid into a borehole. The method includes the step of injecting an injection fluid into a primary injection zone in a borehole at an injection fluid pressure. The primary injection zone is bounded by a proximal injection zone interface and a distal injection zone interface. The proximal injection zone interface and the distal injection zone interface are maintained at pressures which are substantially balanced with the injection fluid pressure. The apparatus includes a body adapted for passage through a borehole, at least four radially extendable and retractable zone interface elements spaced longitudinally along the body which when extended define at least three zones along the body, a zone interface element actuator for selectively extending and retracting the zone interface elements, and a fluid delivery system for delivering a fluid to each zone.

Abstract: A sealing apparatus for sealing an annulus between a mandrel and an outer tubular. The apparatus comprises a top seal ring and a bottom seal ring separated by a double-ramped cylinder, all mounted on the mandrel and fit within the inner diameter of the outer tubular. The sealing apparatus is placed on the mandrel in running in position. The mandrel and sealing apparatus are then placed downhole in the outer tubular. Once at the desired location, a load is applied to the top seal ring. Once the load reaches a predetermined magnitude, the ramp slides under and expands the bottom seal ring to form a pressure-tight seal with the outer tubular. Additional load placed on the top seal ring causes the top seal ring to slide over the ramp and expand. As the top seal ring expands, the top seal ring forms a pressure-tight seal with the outer tubular.

Abstract: The present invention involves a pack-off system for use in packing off an area of interest within a wellbore. The pack-off system comprises at least two packing elements disposed on a tubular body. The packing elements of the present invention comprise overlapping leaves which are pivotally mounted on the tubular body. The present invention further involves a method for using the pack-off system, wherein the packing elements are placed adjacent to an area of interest within a wellbore. The overlapping leaves of the packing elements are extended radially to effectively obstruct fluid flow in the annular space between the outermost portions of the packing elements and the wellbore. The bulk of the fluid introduced into the wellbore is trapped between the packing elements and is thereby forced into the area of interest.

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: Methods and apparatus for creating a downhole buoyant casing chamber. The buoyant casing chamber may be created after the casing has been at least partially run into the wellbore. Some embodiments also allow circulation of fluid as the casing is being run after the creation of the buoyant chamber. A method of the invention comprises running a length of casing into the well to a first step, forming a buoyant chamber in the casing, filling the chamber with buoyant fluid, either a gas or a light liquid, and running the casing to a second depth greater than the first depth. The apparatus used comprises a length of casing, a floating device disposed in a lower end of the casing and forming a lower boundary of a buoyant chamber, a packer for sealingly engaging the casing in an upper end of the buoyant chamber, and a volume of buoyant fluid to fill the chamber.

Abstract: A tubing string assembly and a method are disclosed for fluid treatment of a wellbore. The tubing string assembly includes substantially pressure holding closures spaced along the tubing string, which each close at least one port through the tubing string wall. The closures are openable by a sleeve drivable through the tubing string inner bore.

Abstract: A device for sealing off an opening through the wall of a well tubular, which device comprises a tubular spacer having an outer diameter allowing the spacer to be arranged in the well tubular, a first seal collar assembly and a second seal collar assembly arranged opposite ends of the tubular spacer, each seal collar assembly comprising an activator ring and an annular seal collar, the activator rings being interconnected by a cylindrical system of shape memory alloy which system contracts when the temperature of the cylindrical system reaches the transition temperature of the shape memory alloy, and wherein each annular seal collar is arranged so as to be compressed against the inner surface of the well tubular upon contraction of the cylindrical system of shape memory alloy.

Abstract: A downhole tool apparatus for insertion into and sealing engagement with a wellbore. The apparatus comprises a tube having an expandable diameter, and a gripping member joined to the tube adapted to engage a portion of the wellbore to limit movement of the tube within the wellbore. The tube may also include a sealing member adapted to mate with the wellbore to form a sealing engagement.

Abstract: The present disclosure addressed apparatus and methods for forming an annular isolator in a borehole after installation of production tubing. Annular seal means are carried in or on production tubing as it is run into a borehole. In conjunction with expansion of the tubing, the seal is deployed to form an annular isolator. An inflatable element carried on the tubing may be inflated with a fluid carried in the tubing and forced into the inflatable element during expansion of the tubing. Reactive chemicals may be carried in the tubing and injected into the annulus to react with each other and ambient fluids to increase in volume and harden into an annular seal. An elastomeric sleeve, ring or band carried on the tubing may be expanded into contact with a borehole wall and may have its radial dimension increased in conjunction with tubing expansion to form an annular isolator.

Abstract: The present invention is to a pre-selected set of packer tools having J tools and on/off tools (“stingers” and “washovers”) with varying strokes and varying set and release directions to enable the operator to individually address the various packers. By increasing the amount of travel necessary to set and/or release the subsequent packer tools, it is possible to select which tool is being manipulated or operated upon.

Abstract: A method of providing a downhole seal, such as a packer, in a drilled bore between inner tubing and outer tubing comprises: providing an intermediate tubing section defining a seal arrangement for engaging with the inner tubing; and radially plastically deforming the intermediate tubing section downhole to form an annular extension. The extension creates a sealing contact with the outer tubing.

Abstract: A system that is usable with a well includes a structure that has a region that is adapted to receive a tubing hanger interface. The system also includes at least one communication connection that penetrates the structure below the region to receive the tubing hanger interface.

Abstract: A wellbore junction isolation method and associated apparatus provide convenient isolation of a wellbore junction while permitting certain operations to be performed in a main or branch wellbore below the junction. In described embodiments, formations intersected by a main or branch wellbore below a wellbore junction may be stimulated by fracturing after installing an assembly at the wellbore junction, in a straddling and sealing relationship therewith, to isolate it from pressures applied during the fracturing operation. The illustrated isolation assembly may be installed in a single trip into the main wellbore.

Abstract: A single placement well completion system wherein a perforating gun is vertically positioned alongside a filter in a cased subterranean well. The position of the filter and perforating gun remains fixed relative to the casing during perforating, fracturing and/or packing, and production of the well.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for creating a downhole buoyant casing chamber. The buoyant casing chamber may be created after the casing has been at least partially run into the wellbore. Some embodiments also allow circulation of fluid as the casing is being run after the creation of the buoyant chamber. A method of the invention comprises running a length of casing into the well to a first step, forming a buoyant chamber in the casing, filling the chamber with buoyant fluid, either a gas or a light liquid, and running the casing to a second depth greater than the first depth. The apparatus used comprises a length of casing, a floating device disposed in a lower end of the casing and forming a lower boundary of a buoyant chamber, a packer for sealingly engaging the casing in an upper end of the buoyant chamber, and a volume of buoyant fluid to fill the chamber.

Abstract: A device and a method are provided for the hydraulic fracturing of multiple zones in a well bore. A stinger carries a plurality of packers into a well bore. Each packer is separably connected to each adjacent packer. As each packer is sequentially secured in the well bore, the stinger is withdrawn from the secured packer and the process is repeated as the remaining packers are sequentially secured and separated.

Abstract: An isolation string having: an upper packer; and an isolation pipe in mechanical communication with the upper packer, wherein the isolation pipe comprises a pressure activated valve and an object activated valve. A method having: running-in an isolation string on a service tool, wherein the isolation string comprises a pressure activated valve and a object activated valve; setting the isolation string in the casing adjacent perforations in the casing; releasing an object from the service tool, whereby the object travels to the object activated valve; closing the object activated valve with the released object; and withdrawing the service tool from the well.

Abstract: A packing tool assembly for sealing oil well bores that basically includes an elongated tubular member, two deformable sealing units, two stopper ring members and a cylinder member. A setting tool transports the packing tool assembly and the former stays in the oil well bore during the preparation and sealing phases without requiring the typical time-consuming withdrawal. When the preparation phase has been completed, the packing tool assembly is disengaged from setting tool and the sealing phase starts immediately. The latch members of the setting tool are received within the internal locking channels of the cylinder member. The setting tool is then rotated to cause the cylinder member to advance towards stopper ring members, deforming outwardly the sealing units. The latter are expanded against the walls of oil well bore. Once expanded the sealing units, the setting tool is removed and a tool for the extraction phase is inserted.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing well bores is disclosed. The apparatus comprises plates which initially have a width smaller than the diameter of the well bore to be sealed or plugged. The plates are fabricated from a mineral substance which has the property of swelling into an expanded state upon contact with and absorption of a liquid. The apparatus further comprises means for placing the plate within the well bore. Among the mineral substances which may be utilized for forming the plate are members of the group of clay minerals known as smectites, including sodium montmorillonite, calcium montmorillonite, sodium bentonite, and calcium bentonite. A method sealing a well bore with the apparatus is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a sealing sleeve which is disposed in a lateral fluid conduit that extends at least partially through a tubing hanger and a surrounding spool and which is slideable between a retracted position for running and retrieval of the tubing hanger and an extended position for sealing across the interface between the tubing hanger and the spool.

Abstract: A tubing string assembly is disclosed for fluid treatment of a wellbore. The tubing string can be used for staged wellbore fluid treatment where a selected segment of the wellbore is treated, while other segments are sealed off. The tubing string can also be used where a ported tubing string is required to be run in in a pressure tight condition and later is needed to be in an open-port condition.

Abstract: A straddle packer tool comprises a mandrel and a housing. Spaced packers are carried by the housing. A plurality of bypass ports are arranged in the mandrel and housing for aligning in several positions: a first downhole position for bypassing fluid around the packers and through the mandrel; an intermediate position wherein the bypass ports are misaligned and a first internal pressure actuates the packers to isolate a zone and a second higher internal pressure releases a stop for enabling relative movement to an uphole position wherein the bypasses are misaligned and the mandrel's bore is opened to isolated zone.

Abstract: A sealing apparatus for sealing an annulus between a mandrel and an outer tubular. The apparatus comprises a top seal ring and a bottom seal ring separated by a double-ramped cylinder, all mounted on the mandrel and fit within the inner diameter of the outer tubular. The sealing apparatus is placed on the mandrel in running in position. The mandrel and sealing apparatus are then placed downhole in the outer tubular. Once at the desired location, a load is applied to the top seal ring. Once the load reaches a predetermined magnitude, the ramp slides under and expands the bottom seal ring to form a pressure-tight seal with the outer tubular. Additional load placed on the top seal ring causes the top seal ring to slide over the ramp and expand. As the top seal ring expands, the top seal ring forms a pressure-tight seal with the outer tubular.

Abstract: A subterranean well production system utilizes a single well to perform both hydrocarbon fluid production and water dumpflooding processes. The well has a primary wellbore that is communicated with first and second subterranean zones respectively containing hydrocarbon fluid and higher pressure water. A second, lateral wellbore extends from the primary wellbore and communicates with the first zone. A remotely controllable routing system, including a valved production tubing structure extending through the primary wellbore, is operable to (1) flow hydrocarbon fluid from the first zone to the surface via the production tubing and (2) simultaneously dumpflood water from the second zone into the first zone, via the production tubing, to increase the pressure within the first zone and thereby increase the hydrocarbon fluid production rate.

Abstract: The invention discloses methods of, as well as apparatus and systems for, perforating and treating multiple intervals of one or more subterranean formations intersected by a wellbore by deploying a bottom-hole assembly (“BHA”) having a perforating device and a sealing mechanism within said wellbore. In one embodiment, the perforating device has no washing fluid flow passage provided therethrough. In another embodiment, an erosive jet device is used to perforate at least one interval of said one or more subterranean formations. In yet another embodiment, the BHA has at least one pressure equalization means that establishes pressure communication between the portions of the wellbore above and below the sealing mechanism. In another embodiment, the BHA comprises a perforating device and a sealing mechanism, wherein the perforating device is positioned below the sealing mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for enhancing oil recovery through improved injection well performance is provided, wherein a fluid is injected into the well bore at a pressure P1, and a downhole fluid-actuated engine and pump assembly is employed as a booster in order to generate a high pressure output at pressure Ph greater than P1 and a low pressure output at pressure P1 lower than P1; the respective output streams are directed to lower and higher permeability geological strata adjacent the well bore in order to increase production.

Abstract: A bottom hole assembly for use with fracturing or fracing a wellbore using coiled tubing is described having a first packing element and a second packing on a mandrel. The bottom hole assembly may be run into the wellbore such that the packing elements straddle the zone to be fraced. Also described is a timing mechanism to prevent the closing of dump ports before the bottom hole assembly may be flushed of the sand. A release tool is described that allows an operator to apply force to the coiled tubing to dislodge a bottom hole assembly without completely releasing the bottom hole assembly. Also disclosed is a collar locator capable of being utilized in a fracing process. Methods of using the above described components are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for creating a downhole buoyant casing chamber. The buoyant casing chamber may be created after the casing has been at least partially run into the wellbore. Some embodiments also allow circulation of fluid as the casing is being run after the creation of the buoyant chamber. A method of the invention comprises running a length of casing into the well to a first step, forming a buoyant chamber in the casing, filling the chamber with buoyant fluid, either a gas or a light liquid, and running the casing to a second depth greater than the first depth. The apparatus used comprises a length of casing, a floating device disposed in a lower end of the casing and forming a lower boundary of a buoyant chamber, a packer for sealingly engaging the casing in an upper end of the buoyant chamber, and a volume of buoyant fluid to fill the chamber.

Abstract: A packing element, which is a composite structure, is disclosed. Components contain the sealing portion to minimize extrusion. The element is retained in tension when running in to minimize damage. In the preferred embodiment, a collapsing sleeve transfers setting force applied at one end, to the opposite end to avoid the problem of bunching up the element adjacent to where it is being compressed which could, if not addressed, result in insufficiently low sealing contact pressure in regions remote from where the pushing force is applied.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a multilateral production system. The production system has one or more flow control valves for controlling flow from the one or more lateral bores, and has a main flow control valve for controlling flow from the main bore. All flow control valves are in communication with the main wellbore.

Abstract: A multi-zone packing system having unique features that allow for remote operation, thereby eliminating the need to raise and lower a work string and crossover tool to various zones of interest during a frac pack, gravel pack or related completion procedure. The squeeze pack system has a crossover tool or port collocated with each zone of interest and remotely operated closing devices to allow for the setting of each packer and the packing job to be performed with minimal or no movement of the work string.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for simultaneously producing fluid from one or more zones of an oil or gas well, while injecting fluid into one or more other zones of the well, and for converting a depleted production zone into an injection zone, by remotely shifting sleeves in the apparatus to selectively align inlet and outlet ports with production and injection flow paths, respectively. A production string is provided within a completion string; the completion string has inlet and outlet ports to the well bore. One or more production sleeves have production conduits which can be selectively aligned with inlet ports by shifting the production sleeves. One or more injection sleeves have injection conduits which can be selectively aligned with outlet ports by shifting the injection sleeves.

Abstract: The present invention relates to straddle packer systems and methods of using them for downhole isolation of zones for fracturing treatment. More specifically, the system includes upper and lower seal systems having resiliently flexible sealing elements hydraulically and operatively connected to one another which are responsive to an increase in hydraulic pressure for setting the sealing elements at a first hydraulic pressure threshold. Additionally, the system includes a control system hydraulically and operatively connected between the upper and lower packer systems which is responsive to an increase in hydraulic pressure at a second hydraulic pressure threshold higher for activating a pressure switch system within the control system for opening at least one frac valve in the control system.

Abstract: A straddle packer tool for treatment of wells has a tool body supporting sealing elements in spaced relation for defining a sealed annulus zone within a wellbore. The tool body defines a treatment fluid passage having treatment ports that open to the sealed annulus zone for formation fracturing or other well treatment. The tool body has a bypass passage therethrough which is isolated from the treatment fluid passage and communicates with the wellbore above and below the sealed annulus zone. A check valve permits downward flow of well fluid from the bypass passage into the wellbore below the tool and prevents upward flow of fluid into the bypass passage. Bypass ports conduct fluid flow to and from the bypass passage and the wellbore above and below the sealed annulus zone. A packer actuated bypass valve is opened or closed to control the flow of well fluid within the bypass passage.

Abstract: Following fracturing operations in a first zone of a well bore traversing an earth formation, a sealing assembly is lowered into the well bore to isolate the first zone from the remainder of the wellbore. The sealing assembly includes a reaction plate that rests on gravel within the borehole, a support strut having one end attached to the reaction plate with an elastomeric sealing member attached to the other end of the strut. The strut provides support for the sealing member and prevents it from being dislodged during subsequent fracturing operations. The sealing assembly is lowered downhole utilizing a mechanical running tool capable of running and retrieving the sealing assembly. A second zone in the well bore may then be subjected to fracturing operations without affecting the fractures in the first zone.