Abstract: A packer tool having simple and reliable setting and release systems comprising three or more slips evenly distributed around a mandrel. Each slip comprises two members with gripping teeth which, except for one slip, typically have the capacity to grip a well casing in opposite axial directions. The remaining slip has only one member with teeth able to grip the casing, the other slip member has dummy teeth with nil gripping capacity. The latter teeth have blunt or rounded edges and are not slanted in a selective gripping direction as the sharper teeth of the other slip members.

Abstract: A downhole apparatus having a radially expanding portion and a support structure are described. The support structure comprises an attachment means for coupling to the apparatus and a support portion configured to be deployed from a first unexpanded condition to a second expanded condition by expansion of the apparatus. In one aspect of the invention, the downhole apparatus is expanded by exposing the swellable material to at least one predetermined fluid, and the support structure abuts the swellable material in its expanded form. A method of use and its application to a well packer, a hanging member, an anchor and a centralising apparatus are described.

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 gripper assembly for anchoring a tool within a downhole passage and for possibly assisting movement of the tool within the passage. The gripper assembly includes an elongated mandrel and flexible toes that can be radially displaced to grip onto the surface of the passage. The toes are displaced by the interaction of a driver slidable on the mandrel and a driver interaction element on the toes. In one embodiment, the toes are displaced by the interaction of rollers and ramps that are longitudinally movable with respect to one another. In another embodiment, the toes are displaced by the interaction of toggles that rotate with respect to the toes.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular member using a lower expansion cone and an upper expandable cone. The apparatus includes an expandable tubular, a support member releasably secured to the expandable tubular, and an extendable section below where the support member is releasably anchored. An upper expandable cone is attached to the extendable section and in a retracted state and an anchor is disposed below the upper expandable cone. The anchor is releasable from below the upper expandable cone. A lower expansion cone is disposed below the anchor. An expansion sleeve is disposed in the lower end of the expandable tubular. The lower expansion cone is configured to expand the expansion sleeve radially outward to an outer diameter greater than the inside diameter of the expandable tubular when axially displaced downward by the extendable section.

Abstract: The usual safety feature of oil pipes is the shut-off valve. Whenever there is a need, such a valve can be closed, and oil is prohibited from spilling into the surroundings. However, the shut-off valve may sometimes be inaccessible. It may be buried deep in the mud, or even worse, there may be no shut-off valve. Such an oil spill could prove disastrous. Fortunately, our invention would provide a solution to just such a situation. We would need to send submarine robots to the scene of the accident. These robots, controlled from the ship on the surface, would insert our specially designed hydraulic head into the pipe. This head would then seal the pipe, stopping any further oil spill.

Abstract: Devices and methods for setting a packer inside a wellbore with little appreciable reduction of the useable area of the wellbore. The outer casing or liner of the wellbore contains one or more integrated casing coupler joints having an increased diameter chamber portion. A large bore packing element is carried within the increased diameter chamber portion. The packing element may be selectively actuated to form a seal against an interior tubular member. Because the packing element is located within the chamber portion of the casing coupler, the packer may be set while saving useable cross-sectional area within the casing.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a cutting dart. The cutting dart comprises a dart body including a first pathway. The first pathway is configured to redirect cutting fluid flowing through a coiled tubing so that the cutting fluid flows radially to impinge against an inner surface of the coiled tubing. A seal is positioned around an outer circumference of the dart body. The present disclosure is also directed to an anchor dart. The anchor dart comprises a dart body and a swellable elastomer positioned around an outer circumference of the dart body. Methods of employing the cutting dart and anchor dart are also disclosed.

Abstract: A tubular sleeve overlaps the threaded connection between a pair of adjacent tubular members that are to receive an expansion device for radial expansion and plastic deformation of the threaded tubular connection.

Abstract: A shifting tool and method of shifting a downhole device that requires only a minimal profile or no profile to engage and move the movable portion of the tool. The invention comprises a ported housing assembly and at least one friction pad alignable with said at least one port and radially movable through the port between a first pad position and a second pad position. In the second pad position, the friction pad extends outside said outer diameter of said housing assembly to engage the targeted downhole device. A mandrel positioned through the ported housing has a first section with a first outer diameter and a second section with a second outer diameter, said second outer diameter being greater than said first outer diameter. The mandrel is movable between a first mandrel position and a second mandrel position. In the second mandrel position, the second outer diameter supports the friction pads in the second pad position.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a swage assembly that is movable from a compliant configuration having a first shape to a substantially non-compliant configuration having a second shape. In one aspect, an expansion swage for expanding a wellbore tubular is provided. The expansion swage includes a body and a solid cone disposed on the body. The expansion swage further includes a deformable cone disposed on the body, wherein the solid cone is made from a first material and the deformable cone is made from a second material and wherein the deformable cone is movable relative to the body when the expansion swage is in a compliant configuration. In another aspect, a method of expanding a wellbore tubular is provided.

Abstract: An anchor tool for anchoring a downhole tool within a casing, a well, or any other downhole, hollow space. The tool has a longitudinal tool body with a centre axis extending through the tool body in the centre of the body, a first recess, a second recess, a third recess, and a fourth recess in the tool body; and a first anchor, a second anchor, a third anchor, and a fourth anchor. The first anchor is provided in the first recess, and so forth, and the anchors are outwards movable in the recesses for anchoring the tool. Each anchor provided in the recesses extends through the tool body transverse to and across the centre axis and the anchors and the corresponding recesses are situated in the tool body for providing a symmetrical anchoring of the anchor tool.

Abstract: A tractor configured for grip locking during advancement to avoid slippage, particularly in open-hole wells. The tractor is equipped with a grip lock mechanism for independently locking an anchor grip in a radially outward direction. This locking occurs sequentially in advance of the power stroke of a reciprocating drive piston associated with the anchor. Thus, radial outward expansion and gripping are ensured at the time pulling of a load in an axial downhole direction is pursued. Such grip locking may be employed throughout tractoring or intermittently, depending upon well characteristics such as formation hardness and well diameter.

Abstract: Casing deformation and control for inclusion propagation in earth formations. A method of forming at least one inclusion in a subterranean formation includes the steps of: installing a liner within a casing section in a wellbore intersecting the formation; and expanding the liner and the casing section, thereby applying an increased compressive stress to the formation. Another method of forming the inclusion includes the steps of: installing an expansion control device on a casing section, the device including at least one latch member; expanding the casing section radially outward in a wellbore, the expanding step including widening at least one opening in a sidewall of the casing section, and displacing the latch member in one direction; and preventing a narrowing of the opening after the expanding step, the latch member resisting displacement thereof in an opposite direction.

Abstract: A method for securing a wellbore string device to a wellbore liner tubular employs a swelling elastomer to frictionally grip a gap between the wellbore string device and the liner tubular. The swelling elastomer is positioned between the wellbore string device and the wellbore liner tubular, then activated to cause it to swell to engage the wellbore string device with the wellbore liner tubular. The wellbore string device may be a centralizer, a wear band or a torque ring.

Abstract: An apparatus for deploying an instrument usable with a well comprises at least one reversibly expandable structure, at least one actuator operable to change a perimeter dimension of the at least one reversibly expandable structure, at least one instrument disposed interior of the at least one reversibly expandable structure, and having an axial dimension, and tractoring fluid disposed between the at least one reversibly expandable structure and the at least one instrument. The apparatus is operable to perform at least one of exerting thrust to convey the at least one instrument with respect to at least one adjacent surface, creating compensating pressure between the at least one instrument and the at least one adjacent surface, and sealing between the at least one instrument and the at least one adjacent surface.

Abstract: A downhole swaging system includes, a tubular having an area of strength with a different resistance to swaging as compared to areas of the tubular outside of the area of strength, and a swaging tool. The swaging tool has a first swage, and a second swage with an adjustable swaging dimension, the second swage is in functional communication with the first swage such that the adjustable swaging dimension is adjusted in response to the first swage encountering a change in resistance to swaging.

Abstract: A single bidirectional slip for a downhole tool reduces the volume of metal and allows an increased drill up speed. A dual sealing element system, with one sealing element above and one below the bi-directional slip, provides boost forces going through the sealing elements to the slip. The wickers of the slip can be separated by a substantially flat circumference section for placing a band around the slip to improve fracturing uniformity. The wickers can have any of a variety of configurations, including orientations axially away from the central portion of the slip and orientations axially toward the central portion of the slip.

Abstract: A self-inserting seal assembly that sets a seal at a well component to allow for pressure testing of the well component. The seal assembly can be landed on a well component with an ROV. A seal is located on the lower portion of a lower body in the assembly. A set of outer dogs lock with a grooved mating profile formed on the well component to lock the outer housing to provide a reaction point for setting the seal, which may require several thousand pounds of force. A set of inner dogs lock with a grooved mating profile formed on the inner diameter of the outer housing. This locks the lower body to the outer housing to ensure the seal remains set in place. After the well component is pressure tested, the seal assembly can be unlocked and retrieved from the well via an ROV.

Abstract: Casing deformation and control for inclusion propagation in earth formations. A method of forming at least one inclusion in a subterranean formation includes the steps of: installing a liner within a casing section in a wellbore intersecting the formation; and expanding the liner and the casing section, thereby applying an increased compressive stress to the formation. Another method of forming the inclusion includes the steps of: installing an expansion control device on a casing section, the device including at least one latch member; expanding the casing section radially outward in a wellbore, the expanding step including widening at least one opening in a sidewall of the casing section, and displacing the latch member in one direction; and preventing a narrowing of the opening after the expanding step, the latch member resisting displacement thereof in an opposite direction.

Abstract: An expandable structure for passive deployment in a well. The structure may be locked in a position determined by the inner dimensions of the well in which it is deployed. Practical uses for the structure may include production tubing or a host of other devices for affixing downhole with a final diameter as determined by the inner diameter of the well. Additionally, the structure may be configured for advancement to a targeted well location while in a collapsed state. Thus, upon deployment, subsequent structures may be advanced through the expanded/deployed structure. As such, affixed structures may be deployed downhole in both top-down and bottom-up fashions without concern over a prior deployed structure obstructing subsequent structure deployment downhole thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus for expanding first and second portions of a downhole tubular in a single trip comprises a support and first and second expansion devices. The first expansion device is mounted on the support and is operable to expand a first portion of tubular. The second expansion device is mounted to a second portion of tubular and is adapted to be engaged by the support following the expansion of the first portion of tubular, and is then used to expand the second portion of tubular.

Abstract: An anchor system includes an anchoring device and at least one of a restriction indicator and a load isolation device in operable communication with the anchoring device and method.

Abstract: A downhole tool has a mandrel with slip assemblies positioned thereon above and below a packer element. The slip assemblies are positioned in a manner to anchor the downhole tool in the well. The slip assemblies include a slip ring which has a plurality of slip segments. Each slip segment has inserts disposed in cavities therein. The cavities are oriented such that the longitudinal central axis of each cavity is parallel to the longitudinal central axis of each of the other cavities in the slip segment.

Abstract: A pressure equalizing tool can be run into a downhole tool on wireline or coiled tubing preferably and temporarily secured before being actuated to separate two components in a downhole tool that are in a sealing relation but are configured to be temporarily movable so as to allow pressure equalization before the downhole component is actuated. Once pressure is equalized the equalizing tool is released, usually with an applied pick up force and the downhole tool being equalized as to differential pressure can be operated with the preexisting actuation parts that are on the downhole tool. In a preferred embodiment the downhole tool is a ball valve and the equalizing tool is temporarily secured to the ball valve housing to temporarily part the ball from the uphole seat to equalize an annular space around the ball with tubing pressure. The ball is allowed to go back to contact with the seat when the equalizing tool is released and removed from the tubing.

Abstract: Casing deformation and control for inclusion propagation in earth formations. A method of forming at least one inclusion in a subterranean formation includes the steps of: installing a liner within a casing section in a wellbore intersecting the formation; and expanding the liner and the casing section, thereby applying an increased compressive stress to the formation. Another method of forming the inclusion includes the steps of: installing an expansion control device on a casing section, the device including at least one latch member; expanding the casing section radially outward in a wellbore, the expanding step including widening at least one opening in a sidewall of the casing section, and displacing the latch member in one direction; and preventing a narrowing of the opening after the expanding step, the latch member resisting displacement thereof in an opposite direction.

Abstract: A wellbore tubular has openings in its wall. An outer sleeve has ridges on which openings are located so that they communicate with the tubular openings. The tubular can be expanded to plant the ridges against the formation while any space between the ridges and the borehole wall can be used for pumping cement without fouling the aligned openings between the tubular and the sleeve. Optionally the sleeve can swell with or without tubular expansion. The openings can be initially sealed for delivery to the desired location and then opened using well or added fluids or well conditions.

Abstract: The present invention related to gripping means for use with a unit (2) to be inserted into and held relative a pipeline (1), where the gripping means (3) comprises at least to gripping elements (300) arranged around the circumference of the main body (10) and formed with an outer surface (301) for contact with the internal wall of a pipeline. The outer surface of one gripping element in at least a part has a form giving two separate contact sections between the gripping element and an internal wall of a pipeline seen in a circumferential direction in an extended state of the gripping element.

Abstract: Detailed is one embodiment that is multi-plate slip system that has a base plate with a removable top plate that may be used to anchor a well tool to a well casing. Another embodiment is a method for attaching a top plate to a base plate in a multi-plate slip system such that the multi-plate slip system may be used to anchor a well tool to a well casing. Lastly another embodiment is a device that has a base plate with a removable top plate that may be used in a well tool to anchor the well tool to a well casing.

Abstract: A method of expanding a tubular downhole comprises mounting a sensing device in a downhole tubular to be expanded, expanding at least a portion of the tubular and then engaging the sensing device with a retrieving device. The sensing device is then translated through the expanded tubular.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods and systems for mitigating trouble zones in a wellbore in a preferred pressure condition and completing the wellbore in the preferred pressure condition. In one aspect, a method of reinforcing a wellbore is provided. The method includes locating a valve member within the wellbore for opening and closing the wellbore. The method further includes establishing a preferred pressure condition within the wellbore and closing the valve member. The method also includes locating a tubular string having an expandable portion in the wellbore and opening the valve member. Additionally, the method includes moving the expandable portion through the opened valve member and expanding the expandable portion in the wellbore at a location below the valve member. In another aspect, a method of forming a wellbore is provided. In yet another aspect, a system for drilling a wellbore is provided.

Abstract: Apparatus, such as a liner, adapted to be hung in a downhole tubular such as casing is described. The apparatus includes one or more circumferentially distributed abrasive portions, arranged to be movable radially outwards by a dimple former or an expander. In an embodiment, the abrasive portions are provided on disks moveable in recesses in the outer diameter of the apparatus being hung. In an embodiment, the apparatus is hung by operating a dimple former provided on the running tool.

Abstract: The mandrel comprises a body having a longitudinal axis together with a radially-expandable annular assembly. The annular assembly presents a peripheral surface for pressing against a borehole and a peripheral surface for pressing against the body. Around the longitudinal axis, the annular assembly comprises a plurality of radial-expansion blocks. Each block has a first bearing surface, a second bearing surface, and two side surfaces disposed respectively facing a side surface of at least one adjacent block. The block are displaceable relative to one another between a radially-contracted configuration, and a radially-expanded, engagement configuration in which each side surface of a block is in contact with the side surface of the adjacent block.

Abstract: An expandable swage including a swage body, at least one swage segment in operable communication with the swage body, and a position indicator in operable communication with the at least one swage segment; the position indicator capable of providing information related to an outside dimension of the at least one swage segment. An expandable tubing system for use in a wellbore including an expandable swage, a stroker in operable communication with the expandable swage, an anchor capable of anchoring the stroker, and a position indicator in operable communication with the expandable swage; the position indicator capable of providing information related to an outside dimension of the expandable swage. A method for determining a shape of an expanded tubular.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sealing and/or anchoring element for use in pipelines (1). The invention is characterized in that the sealing and/or anchoring element includes at least one helical element (5a, 5b, 14a, 14b) disposed around a string section (10), with the helical element (5a, 5b, 14a, 14b) being configured so as to be able to expand radially towards an inner wall of the pipeline (1) as the circumferential diameter thereof is increased.

Abstract: Nested articulated split rings move relatively to each other to enlarge their outer dimension for a grip on a surrounding tubular or the wellbore. The rings can be articulated to enlarge their outside dimension with relative movement that can be initiated by dimensional expansion from within the tubular or manipulation of the tubular that creates the desired relative movement. The relative movement can be locked in after it is made to secure the grip. Different shape profiles that magnify the radial outer dimension in excess of the percentage dimensional change in the underlying tubular are contemplated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for retrieving an assembly having a whipstock and an anchor from a wellbore. A method of retrieving an assembly having a whipstock coupled to an anchor from a wellbore may comprise the steps of releasing the whipstock from the anchor in the wellbore, re-engaging the whipstock to the anchor, and retrieving the whipstock with the anchor from the wellbore. An apparatus for use in a wellbore may comprise a whipstock, a latch coupled to the whipstock, and an anchor operable to be selectively retrieved from the wellbore using the latch.

Abstract: A gripper assembly for anchoring a tool within a downhole passage and for possibly assisting movement of the tool within the passage. The gripper assembly includes an elongated mandrel and flexible toes that can be radially displaced to grip onto the surface of the passage. The toes are displaced by the interaction of a driver slidable on the mandrel and a driver interaction element on the toes. In one embodiment, the toes are displaced by the interaction of rollers and ramps that are longitudinally movable with respect to one another. In another embodiment, the toes are displaced by the interaction of toggles that rotate with respect to the toes.

Abstract: A multi part centralizer can be secured quickly to tubular to be cemented and expanded in a deviated wellbore. The segments ratchet with respect to each other and are capable of holding the centralizer snug against the tubular for delivery downhole and cementing. After cementing the expansion of the tubular is not significantly resisted by the centralizer as its diameter increases with the expanded tubular below it. The end position after expansion is held due to the ratchet feature insuring the fixation of the centralizer as the cement sets.

Abstract: The invention features the use of a shape memory material in a downhole application to provide an energy source for at least in part setting the tool. In a specific application the springs that set slips for a liner hanger are made from the shape memory material and easily pre-compressed below the transition temperature when the material has low modulus of elasticity. The tool is run into position where a heat source such as well fluids or a heater can bring the springs above the transition temperature to store a force. The tool is then independently released to allow the stored force to set the tool.

Abstract: A downhole apparatus having a radially expanding portion and a support structure are described. The support structure comprises an attachment means for coupling to the apparatus and a support portion configured to be deployed from a first unexpanded condition to a second expanded condition by expansion of the apparatus. In one aspect of the invention, the downhole apparatus is expanded by exposing the swellable material to at least one predetermined fluid, and the support structure abuts the swellable material in its expanded form. A method of use and its application to a well packer, a hanging member, an anchor and a centralising apparatus are described.

Abstract: A one trip top to bottom expansion to form a lower end recess on a tubular is described using two swages of different dimensions. The smaller swage is run down hole with the larger swage behind it in a locked collapsed position. When the proper depth is reached the leading swage hits a no go. A pickup force with dogs engaged in a groove releases the lock on the larger swage at which point applied pressure sets an anchor, extends the larger swage to take over the expansion for the recess at the lower end of the tubular. An emergency release is provided to pull out of the hole if the swage cannot complete the task.

Abstract: A tool 10 is provided for radially expanding a downhole tubular C, and includes a central tool mandrel 12 which functionally is part of a drill string or work string, a tubular expander 48 at the lower end of the tubular, and a downhole actuator 15 for forcibly moving the expander axially within the downhole tubular. Slips 20 are positioned for securing the tool within the tubular, so that the slips may be set, and the tool subsequently stroked to move the expander 48 and radially expand a length of the tubular. Upward pull on the work string may expand long portions of the downhole tubular.

Abstract: An anchor features a mandrel with ramps that extent through apertures in slip segments giving the slips a longer ramp to ride out on in a radial direction. The slip segments have ramps adjacent the apertures and in the preferred embodiment ride out on a plurality of spaced ramps on the mandrel.

Abstract: A self-lubricating expansion mandrel includes a system for lubricating the interface between the self-lubricating expansion mandrel and a tubular member during the radial expansion of the tubular member.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a downhole retrieving tool. The tool includes, a tubular member with a deformable portion having a reduced internal dimension, and a swage member engagable with the reduced internal dimension such that movement of the swage member through the deformable portion radially increases the internal dimension and the outer surface of the deformable portion causing the deformable portion to move radially outwardly.

Abstract: An apparatus for deploying an instrument usable with a well comprises at least one reversibly expandable structure, at least one actuator operable to change a perimeter dimension of the at least one reversibly expandable structure, at least one instrument disposed interior of the at least one reversibly expandable structure, and having an axial dimension, and tractoring fluid disposed between the at least one reversibly expandable structure and the at least one instrument. The apparatus is operable to perform at least one of exerting thrust to convey the at least one instrument with respect to at least one adjacent surface, creating compensating pressure between the at least one instrument and the at least one adjacent surface, and sealing between the at least one instrument and the at least one adjacent surface.

Abstract: A packer-anchoring device between an annular packer and a body, wherein the annular packer is provided, at least at one of its end portions, with an expandable end ring.

Abstract: An adjustable swage features an ability to enhance a radial collapse force when an obstruction in a tubular is encountered to allow radial contraction so that the obstruction can be cleared. The movable segments are configured to elastically bend on high loading so as to create additional radial component force to aid the adjustable swage in reducing its size to clear the obstruction.

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.