Abstract: A method of separating fluid phases in a well or riser. The method comprises: locating an inlet device of a flexible tubing at a substantially horizontal portion of the well or riser, wherein a portion of the flexible tubing extends into the well or riser and the flexible tubing terminates at the inlet device; biasing the inlet device against a wall of the well or riser; and extracting a stratified fluid phase from the well or riser through the inlet device and flexible tubing, wherein a shape of the inlet device is configured to match a shape of the wall.

Abstract: A connector includes a jaw used to connect a connection element and a wellhead designed to better distribute tensions on the contact surfaces of the teeth thereof, including, for example, having contact surfaces with differentiated angles and differentiated spacing, resulting evened tensions on the contact surfaces of the teeth.

Abstract: A system for surge protection of a riser adapted to transport gas from a hydrocarbon production well or for surge protection in a well, the system comprising: a flexible tubing, wherein a portion of the flexible tubing extends into the riser or into the well and wherein the tubing terminates inside the riser or inside the well; a pressure control system arranged to create a pressure differential within the flexible tubing such that liquid is drawn from the riser or the well into the flexible tubing if liquid is present in the riser or the well; wherein the length of said portion of the flexible tubing is variable depending on the amount of liquid drawn into the flexible tubing.

Abstract: A system and methods of its use are described. The system includes a well tool configured to be positioned within a wellbore. The system includes a sleeve defining an inner volume. The sleeve is configured to secure at least a portion of the well tool within the inner volume while the well tool is positioned within the wellbore. The system includes a hollow member positioned within the inner volume and coupled to the well tool. The system includes a rod positioned within the inner volume and coupled to the sleeve. The rod passes through the hollow member to couple to the sleeve. The rod is configured to move the sleeve relative to the well tool in response to a pressure applied on the rod. The hollow member defines a seat configured to receive the rod to restrict movement of the sleeve relative to the well tool.

Abstract: A triggering mechanism for downhole equipment includes a housing for inserting downhole in an oilfield wellbore and associating downhole with a computer processor, a clock, at least one sensor circuit, and an electrical power source. The computer processor includes computer processing circuitry and a computer readable memory circuit. The sensor circuit senses at least a pressure parameter associated with the pressure within the oilfield wellbore downhole environment. A valve control circuit controls a valve and controls flow of control fluid to a hydromechanical device operating in association with the downhole tool within the oilfield wellbore. The valve control commands derive from real-time sampling of the downhole physical parameters to form ratio-based derivative values relating to physical parameter differences over a predetermined time span.

Abstract: Ratchet locking segments permit one direction relative movement and then prevent reverse movement to hold a set position of a tool. The segments are axially supported in a surrounding housing using an exterior profile on each segment meshing with a conforming profile on the outer housing. The meshing is loose to allow the segments the ability to move radially while supported axially. Biasing of opposed ratcheting segments toward each other is provided by a spring or springs at opposed axial ends of each segment or within the exterior profile between the axial ends. The end biasing can be done with coiled springs or bent tabs that store potential energy when assembled or with wave springs between the segment outer profile and a surrounding outer housing.

Abstract: A triggering mechanism for downhole equipment includes a housing for inserting downhole in an oilfield wellbore and associating downhole with a computer processor, a clock, at least one sensor circuit, and an electrical power source. The computer processor includes computer processing circuitry and a computer readable memory circuit. The sensor circuit senses at least a pressure parameter associated with the pressure within the oilfield wellbore downhole environment. A valve control circuit controls a valve and controls flow of control fluid to a hydromechanical device operating in association with the downhole tool within the oilfield wellbore. The valve control commands derive from real-time sampling of the downhole physical parameters to form ratio-based derivative values relating to physical parameter differences over a predetermined time span.

Abstract: A system includes a hanger locking assembly configured to lock a hanger within a housing of a wellhead. The hanger locking assembly includes an energizing ring having one or more axially-extending passageways configured to receive and to support one or more control lines. An anti-rotation element extends between the energizing ring and the hanger to block rotational movement of the energizing ring relative to the hanger. A locking ring is in contact with the energizing ring, and axial movement of the energizing ring relative to the hanger drives the locking ring radially to engaged position in which the locking ring extends into a corresponding recess of the housing of the wellhead to block axial movement of the hanger relative to the wellhead.

Abstract: A load transfer profile for connection of two bodies without preloading uses a horizontal force couple instead of a vertical force couple for maximum efficiency. The load transfer profile includes a series of tapers and/or diameters that create a radial force couple separated by an axial distance. In particular, the load transfer profile includes at least a first horizontal contact and a second horizontal contact, where each contact is a landing shoulder followed by a stop shoulder or a radial protrusion. The first and second horizontal contacts are offset by the axial distance to accommodate a force-determined bending moment such that system structural fatigue capacity is optimized. A lock mechanism assists with resisting axial loads without creating preload stresses and with locking the bodies together.

Abstract: An internal tractor system useful for advancing and withdrawing a tubular body within a wellbore is provided. Preferably, the wellbore includes a horizontal section, and the internal tractor system is used to advance a string of coiled tubing or a flexible jetting hose along the horizontal section. The internal tractor system includes an elongated carrier body. The carrier body defines a wall forming a plurality of radially-disposed prongs, and a passageway within the wall. The passageway is dimensioned to closely receive the tubular body along the length of the carrier body to prevent buckling. The internal tractor system also includes a wiring chamber housing electrical wires or data cables within one of the plurality of prongs, and at least one pair of grippers residing within opposing prongs. Each gripper is configured to engage the tubular body when rotatably actuated. A method of advancing a tubular body along a wellbore, using the internal tractor system is also provided.

Abstract: An external slip includes a slip body comprising a wall having internal and external surfaces. The internal surface includes a ramp portion, and a plurality of teeth is disposed on the external surface of the wall of the slip body. A plurality of expansion slots extends through a thickness of the wall, at least one extending from a first end of the wall toward a second end of the wall but not reaching the second end. At least another of the plurality of expansion slots extends from the second end toward the first end of the wall but does not reach the first end. An installation slot extends through a thickness of the wall along a length of the wall, and a retainer is coupled to first and second gap ends of the wall across a gap created by the installation slot.

Abstract: An expansion tool includes a housing and a hydraulic power section for stroking a first expander on a pulling mandrel through a bore of an expandable outer clad, the expansion tool including a ratcheting reaction assembly, having a ratchet rack and a ratcheting component thereon, that engages a proximal end of the outer clad to prevent axial movement of the outer clad as the first expander is drawn through a portion of the bore of the outer clad to expand the outer clad. The ratcheting reaction assembly remains engaged with the proximal end of the outer clad as the housing is repositioned uphole to permit staged expansion of the outer clad using the first expander.

Abstract: A downhole system and method is disclosed for sealing a previously perforated section of casing and refracturing the subterranean formation in a region of the subterranean formation remote from those regions previously fractured. The system includes a truss structure radially expandable between a contracted configuration and an expanded configuration and a sealing structure disposed radially external to the truss structure. The truss structure and the sealing structure are set in their expanded configurations so that the sealing structure is put into engagement with the perforated section of casing so as to restrict the flow of fluids from the perforated section of production tubing into the subterranean formation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device comprising: (a) a proximal end of the device comprises an inner first conduit within the lumen of an outer second conduit, (b) a distal end of the device comprises the outer second conduit in fluid communication with a third conduit and a fourth conduit through a Y-shaped, T-shaped or U-shaped junction, (c) the third conduit terminates in a triggering mechanism, and (d) the fourth conduit is in fluid communication through a one-way valve, wherein fluid can only convey in a direction from the fourth conduit towards the second outer conduit, with an aperture.

Abstract: Method and down-hole tool for use inside a well, the down-hole tool including a housing; an anchoring arm rotatably attached to the housing and configured to move between an open position and a closed position; a spring block configured to have a central part that moves along a longitudinal axis (X) of the housing which results in the movement of the anchoring arm between the open or closed positions; and an actuating mechanism connected to the central part and configured to move the central part along the longitudinal axis. The spring block is detachably attached to the housing.

Abstract: A method of expanding a tubular member by assembling an expansion system having an expansion cone and an expansion sleeve and coupling a tubular member to the expansion system so that the expansion sleeve is at least partially disposed within the tubular member. The expansion system and tubular member are then disposed in a wellbore and the expansion cone is translated relative to the expansion sleeve and tubular member so as to radially expand the tubular member into engagement with the wellbore and the expansion system is removed from the wellbore. The tubular member is expanded to an inside diameter equal to an expansion diameter of the expansion cone plus twice a thickness of the expansion sleeve.

Abstract: A first lobe is fixedly coupled to a wall of a housing. A fixed pivot is fixedly coupled to the first lobe and to the wall of the housing. A chamber pivot is rotatably coupled to the first lobe. A floating pivot is rotatably coupled to the chamber pivot. A first link is rotatably coupled to the floating pivot. A slip pivot is rotatably coupled to the first link. A second link is rotatably coupled to the slip pivot and to the fixed pivot. A pad is coupled to the slip pivot. An actuator is coupled to the first lobe and to the second lobe.

Abstract: A liner hanger has slips held by a slip body. A potential energy force to move the slips axially when the hanger is in position is selectively released. The slips move axially and radially outwardly guided on opposed edges by the slip body. The slip faces have wickers that dig into the surrounding casing that will support a liner string off the slips. Weight is set down to bring the housing into contact with the top of the slips that are already engaged to the surrounding casing. The nature of the loading between the slips and the casing changes from a radial reaction force from the casing going into the slip and then distributed circumferentially to the slip housing to an essentially axial loading of the slip housing down onto the slip that has penetrated the casing with an opposite reaction force in the casing wall.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing the amount of torque transferred to the Bottom Hole Assembly and the drill string during drilling operations are disclosed. The drill string includes an optionally non-rotatable portion. A rotational hold down system is positioned at a first position on the drill string where it is not rotationally coupled to the drill string. The rotational hold down system is then moved to a second position on the drill string where it is rotationally coupled to the optionally non-rotatable portion of the drill string. In the second position, one or more bars on the rotational hold down system substantially prevent rotation of the optionally non-rotatable portion of the drill string.

Abstract: A casing cutting tool including a top mandrel operatively coupled to a conveyance; a first retractable wedge operatively coupled to the top mandrel; a jetting tool operatively coupled to the retractable wedge, the retractable wedge thereby interposing the top mandrel and the jetting tool, wherein the jetting tool has one or more jetting nozzles arranged thereon; and a bottom terminal operatively coupled to the jetting tool, the jetting tool thereby interposing the retractable wedge and the bottom terminal.

Abstract: An expandable seal has at least one travel stop designed to engage the surrounding tubular to limit expansion of the ring shape of the seal and in so doing limit the stress of circumferential ribs that extend from the ring base shape as they engage the surrounding tubular. The travel stop can be a solid ring or segments and can have a rounded outer surface designed to engage the surrounding tubular in a flush relationship. Alternatively the outer surface can also have hardened particles for a bite into the wall of the surrounding tubular before the blunt portions of the travel stop come into contact with the inside wall of the surrounding tubular.

Abstract: A downhole casing expansion tool and a method of expanding casings using the same. The expansion tool includes an expansion module for expanding casings and a drive module for driving the expansion module. The diameter of the openhole can be kept consistent by the expansion tool, so that monohole well drilling and completion operations can be carried out. The expansion tool is particularly suitable for constructions in deep, ultra-deep and complex wells.

Abstract: An apparatus that includes a guiding tool for transferring fluid pressure to movement of a cutting tool relative to the guiding tool while the cutting tool is cutting slots in a casing or formation via at least one nozzle disposed in the cutting tool. Furthermore, a method of cutting a slot in a casing or formation using the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus that includes a guiding tool for transferring fluid pressure to movement of a cutting tool relative to the guiding tool while the cutting tool is cutting slots in a casing or formation via at least one nozzle disposed in the cutting tool. Furthermore, a method of cutting a slot in a casing or formation using the apparatus.

Abstract: A tubular string is advanced with a bottom hole assembly as the hole is drilled and reamed in a desired direction with the aid of directional drilling equipment adjacent the bit. When the advanced tubular forms the desired lap to the existing tubular, the assembly can be configured to cement the tubular and expansion can then be accomplished to fill the annular space and enhance the cement bonding. The expansion equipment can create a bottom bell on the expanded tubular and expand the top end into a bell of the existing tubular so that a monobore is created as the process is repeated with each added string. Numerous variations are contemplated for each single trip including but not limited to the direction of expansion, whether cementing or expansion occurs first, reforming folded tubing in the hole as well as the nature of the expansion tool and pressure control when drilling.

Abstract: Disclosed is an expansion assembly and method to expand tubulars. In embodiments, an expansion assembly for disposition in a wellbore includes an expandable tubular and an expansion tool that has a swage and a thruster. In addition, the expansion tool has a front anchor assembly that has a front anchor having an open position providing an anchoring relationship with the internal wall and a closed position providing the front anchor with a diameter less than an internal diameter of the expandable tubular. The front anchor assembly also has a sensor positioned on an opposing side of the front anchor from the expansion swage providing that while the sensor is positioned inside the internal wall the front anchor may be in an open position or in a closed position while upon exit of the sensor from the end portion the sensor brings the front anchor in a permanently closed position.

Abstract: An apparatus that is usable with a well includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion includes a first plurality of segments, and the second portion includes a second plurality of segments. The apparatus is deployable in a tubing string that is installed in the well, and the second plurality of segments is adapted to engage the tubing string and exert a force on the first plurality of segments. The first plurality of segments is adapted to expand to form a seat in the tubing string to receive an untethered object in response to the force, and the second plurality of segments is adapted to be released from the first plurality of segments downhole in the well.

Abstract: A method for estimating a steady state response of a drill string in a borehole includes calculating a first displacement of the drill string in a frequency domain for a first excitation force frequency and a number of multiples of this frequency using an equation of motion of the drill string. The equation of motion has a static force component, an excitation force component, and a non-linear force component with respect to at least one of a deflection and a derivative of the deflection of the drill string. The method further includes: transforming the first displacement from the frequency domain into a time domain; calculating a non-linear force in the time domain; calculating a frequency domain coefficient derived from the calculated non-linear force in the time domain; and calculating a second displacement of the drill string in the frequency domain using the equation of motion and the frequency domain coefficient.

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

Abstract: A component of a slip assembly is formed by rolling sheet molding compound into a rolled charge. The rolled charge is positioned in a compression molding press and compressed to produce a molded element. The molded element is removed from the compression molding press and can be machined for use as the component of the slip assembly. The component can be a slip segment or can be a cylindrical body for the slip segment. The compound layers in the molded component can be oriented in a number of different orientations in the component and can increase the overall strength of the component.

Abstract: A logging tool or logging tool sub (10) for downhole use comprises an elongate cylindrical body (11) having supported thereby one or more movable landing extensions(12) that are movable between an extended position in which part of each said movable landing extension protrudes beyond the exterior of the cylindrical body (11) so as to define one or more exposed landing surfaces that are engageable with one or more landing surfaces (21) of a further component; and a retracted position in which each said movable landing extension (12) protrudes externally of the cylindrical body no further than the exterior thereof (11).

Abstract: A running tool (10) for inserting and setting an assembly into a bore in a well, the tool comprising a main body (11) having a hydraulic cylinder (12) for actuating one or more locking elements (60, 61) on the main body for, in use, reaction with the bore, an outer sleeve (40) rotatably mounted on the main body, a rotatable mandrel (13) to which, in use, torque is applied and means (42, 43, 44) for transmitting the torque from the mandrel to the outer sleeve.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus include tubing expanded to create a seal in an annulus surrounding the tubing. The tubing includes a sealing material selected to cause forming of undulations in a diameter of the tubing upon expansion of the tubing. Various factors of the sealing material such as deviations in its thickness influence sealing performance of the tubing with the sealing material.

Abstract: A torque anchor intended to block the rotation of a production string with respect to a casing of a well; the torque anchor comprising a body and anchor cassettes comprising a wheel having a circumference and a wheel spindle supporting said wheel, a contact point of the circumference of the wheel being intended to come into contact with the casing, an opposite point being arranged diametrically opposite the contact point. For each anchor cassette, the wheel is mounted on the end of the wheel spindle; a positioning angle comprised between 30° and 180° being defined between a first straight line passing through the centre of the casing and the contact point and a second straight line passing through the centre of the casing and the opposite point.

Abstract: A disintegrable tubular anchoring system comprises a frustoconical member; a sleeve with at least one first surface being radially alterable in response to longitudinal movement of the frustoconical member relative to the sleeve, the first surface being engagable with a wall of a structure; a seal with at least one second surface being radially alterable; and a seat having a land being sealingly engagable with a removable plug runnable thereagainst. The frustoconical member, sleeve, seal, and seat are disintegrable and independently comprise a metal composite which includes a cellular nanomatrix comprising a metallic nanomatrix material; and a metal matrix disposed in the cellular nanomatrix. A process of isolating a structure comprises disposing the disintegrable tubular anchoring system in the structure; radially altering the sleeve to engage a surface of the structure; and radially altering the seal to the isolate the structure.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a method of applying at least one aggregate to a tubular, comprising attaching the at least one aggregate to a flexible sheet; wrapping the flexible sheet around the tubular with the at least one aggregate between the sheet and tubular. Herein also disclosed is an assembly comprising a tubular, at least one aggregate, and a flexible sheet wrapped around the tubular with the at least one aggregate between the tubular and the sheet. In an embodiment, the at least one aggregate is adhered to the sheet by a first adhesive and the at least one aggregate is adhered to the tubular by a second adhesive, wherein the second adhesive has a higher adhering strength than the first adhesive. In an embodiment, the flexible sheet is removed and the at least one aggregate remains attached to the tubular. The use of such an assembly is discussed.

Abstract: A liner hanger has slips held by a slip body. A potential energy force to move the slips axially when the hanger is in position is selectively released. The slips move axially and radially outwardly guided on opposed edges by the slip body. The slip faces have wickers that dig into the surrounding casing that will support a liner string off the slips. Weight is set down to bring the housing into contact with the top of the slips that are already engaged to the surrounding casing. The nature of the loading between the slips and the casing changes from a radial reaction force from the casing going into the slip and then distributed circumferentially to the slip housing to an essentially axial loading of the slip housing down onto the slip that has penetrated the casing with an opposite reaction force in the casing wall.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an annular barrier (1) to be expanded in an annulus (2) between a well tubular structure and an inside wall (4) of a borehole (5) downhole, comprising a tubular part for mounting as part of the well tubular structure, said tubular part (6) having a longitudinal axis; an expandable sleeve (7) surrounding the tubular part and having an outer face (8), each end (9, 10) of the expandable sleeve being fastened to the tubular part by means of a connection part (12), where one of the connection parts is a sliding connection part sliding in relation to the tubular part when the expandable sleeve is expanded; an annular barrier space (13) between the tubular part and the expandable sleeve; an aperture (11) in the tubular part for letting fluid into the annular barrier space to expand the sleeve; and an activatable shut-off valve (14) having an open and a closed position and arranged in the aperture, wherein the annular barrier further comprises a detection device (20) for detecting whe

Abstract: Application of a photocurable lining to a downhole fixed surface surrounding the axis of a wellbore is carried out by skimming an applicator over the downhole surface while delivering a porous tape impregnated with a photocurable liquid composition between the applicator and the downhole surface so that the tape lies on the downhole surface and directing light of wavelength in a range from 100 nm to 1500 nm onto the curable composition impregnating the tape so as to initiate curing of the composition and thereby attach the tape to the downhole surface.

Abstract: A piston tractor system can include at least two piston assemblies which sealingly engage a wellbore, and a pump which transfers fluid between an annulus isolated between the piston assemblies, and another annulus. A method of operating a piston tractor system can include sealingly engaging at least two piston assemblies with a wellbore, grippingly engaging one piston assembly with the wellbore, and then pumping a fluid from an annulus formed between the piston assemblies, while the other piston assembly is secured to a tubular string, thereby biasing the tubular string to displace through the first piston assembly. A method of advancing a tubular string through a wellbore can include sealingly engaging piston assemblies with the wellbore, each of the piston assemblies including a gripping device which selectively grips the wellbore, and one piston assembly including another gripping device which selectively grips the tubular string.

Abstract: A rotatable tubing anchor for anchoring a tubing string to a casing in a well, wherein a lock pin extending radially inward from a cylindrical drag body interacts with a lazy T portion of a lock slot in a peripheral surface of a mandrel positioned in the cylindrical drag body limits vertical and rotational movement of the mandrel in relation to the cylindrical drag body in a manner that enables retaining, controlling, setting, and releasing anchor slips on the rotatable tubing anchor for lowering a tubing string equipped with the rotatable tubing anchor and a down hole pump into a well, anchoring the tubing string to casing in the well against upward tension on the tubing string while allowing rotation of the tubing string, and releasing the rotatable tubing anchor from the casing to enable pulling the tubing string, rotatable tubing anchor, and pump out of the well.

Abstract: A bottom hole assembly (BHA) which is transported via a wireline through downhole and lateral wellbores and thence through a wellbore window aperture, the BHA carrying with it a blocking tool which is adapted to engage the edge of a lateral wellbore window and prevent the wireline from contacting and abrading against that edge of the window, the blocking tool being detachable from the BHA which proceeds axially distally through the wellbore window while the wireline slides through the blocking tool. Upon withdrawal of the BHA the blocking tool is reattached thereto and is removed with it.

Abstract: Generally, the present disclosure is directed to noise isolation tools that may be used to minimize or even eliminate the detrimental effects that rogue noise events may have on the noise data acquired by a noise logging tool during a noise logging operation. In one illustrative embodiment, a noise isolation tool that is adapted to be used in a noise logging operation is disclosed, the noise isolation tool including, among other things, a body and at least one noise suppression element mounted on the body, the at least one noise suppression element having a substantially circular disc shaped configuration that is adapted to extend radially across at least a portion of a width of an annular space between the body and an inside surface of a wellbore casing during the noise logging operation.

Abstract: A slip component for a downhole tool has a bearing surface that is hard surface treated. The slip component, which can be a slip or other component of a slip mechanism used on a packer, bridge plug, or other downhole tool, is composed of a non-metallic base material, such as plastic, composite, or ceramic. To hard surface treat the slip component, at least the bearing surface is positioned relative to an ion sputtering apparatus. An intermediate layer is first bonded onto the bearing surface by ion sputtering an intermediate material onto the non-metallic base material of the slip component. Then, the bearing surface of the slip component is positioned relative to an electrosparking apparatus, which has an electrode composed of a selected external material for depositing on the slip component. Using the electrosparking apparatus, an external layer is bonded at least on the bearing surface.

Abstract: A slip component for a downhole tool has a bearing surface hard surface treated. The slip component, which can be a slip or other component of a slip mechanism used on a packer, bridge plug, or other downhole tool, is composed of a metallic base material such as magnesium, aluminum, an aluminum alloy, or a magnesium alloy. To hard surface treat the slip component, at least the bearing surface is positioned relative to an electro sparking apparatus. Using the electrosparking apparatus, an external layer is bonded at least on the bearing. In a further embodiment, an intermediate layer can be first bonded onto at least the bearing surface by ion sputtering an intermediate material onto the metallic base material of the slip component. Then, an external layer can be bonded at least on the intermediate layer by electrospark deposition.

Abstract: A method includes running an assembly on a tool in a contracted state into a well. The assembly includes segments that are adapted to be radially contracted and arranged in a first number of layers along a longitudinal axis of the assembly in the contracted state of the assembly. The technique includes using the tool to expand the assembly downhole in the well to transition the assembly between the contracted state and an expanded state. Using the tool to expand the seat assembly includes radially expanding the segments and longitudinally contracting the segments to arrange the layers in a second number of layers having at least one layer less than the first number.

Abstract: An expansion tool for use in a wellbore includes an expansion surface made up of a concave portion, a convex portion and a straight section therebetween. The straight section is formed according to a formula Y=(1.26)(X)?0.13, where X is the wall thickness of a tubular and Y is the length of the straight section. The concave portion and the convex portion have an arc length extending the concave portion to a trailing edge of the tool. The concave and convex portions are radius-shaped. The arrangement of the shapes and their relation to each other reduces relatively high and low contact pressures and lessens the effects of axial bending in a tubular or a connection.

Abstract: Anchoring systems for disposition in wellbores and tubular devices comprise a tubular member defined by two or more radially expandable slip members. The upper ends of the slip members are shaped such that when the slip members are in their respective run-in positions and in their respective set positions, a portion of an upper end of one slip member overlaps a portion of an upper end of another slip member so that the longitudinal space between each slip member that is created when the slip members are in their set position are blocked by the upper end of at least one of the slip members. Thus, in their set position, the upper end of at least one of the slip members provides a back-up to a sealing element that can be disposed adjacent to and in contact with the upper ends of the slip members when in their set positions.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the first casing string is releasably coupled to a second casing string using a latch assembly. The second casing string is released from the conductor after the first casing string is properly positioned in the wellbore. The latch assembly is configured to release the coupling by manipulating the second casing string relative to the first casing string.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are settable compositions and methods of using settable compositions in a wellbore. In one embodiment a method of introducing a settable composition into a wellbore is described. The method comprises providing a settable composition comprising pumice, hydrated lime, a set retarder, and water. Introducing the settable composition into a wellbore. Allowing the settable composition to remain static in the wellbore, wherein the settable composition remains in a pumpable fluid state for a period of about 1 day or longer while static in the wellbore.