Abstract: A self-actuated cyclical flow interruption valve on a deployment tool is positioned at a proximal end of a well completion assembly. Fluid is pumped though the self-actuated cyclical flow interruption valve and vented immediately distal of the valve, to return to surface of the well. A water hammer pulse is generated each time the self-actuated cyclical flow interruption valve closes, thereby generating an impact force that acts to push the completion equipment distally into the well. The continuous cyclic force of the impact facilitates placement of the completion equipment where desired in the well, including within a horizontal extension of the well. Fluid discharged through the self-actuated cyclical flow interruption valve circulates up to the surface through a vertical and inclined section of the well.

Abstract: An energizing ring can be used to energize a seal. In embodiments, the energizing ring has a recess, or divot, adjacent to a portion of the seal so that if the seal is deformed during a balloon-type failure, a portion of the deformed seal can occupy the recess. The seal, thus, engages surfaces of the recess to prevent axial movement of the energizing ring relative to the seal.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a hanger running tool includes an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve. The inner sleeve has a first mating surface configured to engage a second mating surface of a hanger to couple the inner sleeve to the hanger. The outer sleeve is disposed about the inner sleeve. The outer sleeve is configured to rotate about a common longitudinal axis with respect to the inner sleeve.

Abstract: A wellbore system includes a sealing assembly for creating an annular seal between wellbore members. The sealing assembly includes a seal body having a u-shaped cross section, with elongate grooves formed on inner and outer walls thereof. A depth of the grooves varies along a length of the grooves to allow wickers to penetrate the groove by differing degrees when the walls are urged toward the wickers. The wickers can thus provide a high degree of both sealing and lockdown performance.

Abstract: A method of forming a wellbore is disclosed. An inner string and an outer string are conveyed downhole. The inner string is attached to the outer string at a first location and the wellbore is formed. The inner stringy is attached to the outer string at a second location us hole of the first location and an annulus between the outer string and the wellbore is cemented without retrieving the inner string from the wellbore.

Abstract: A string is equipped with a braking device to regulate its speed into the wellbore through an existing tubular. When the targeted amount of overlap with an existing tubular is accomplished the two tubulars are then joined together. The braking system can take many forms such as externally mounted mechanisms that are speed responsive to vary the braking force. The inside of the tubular can have trapped gas to provide buoyancy and reduce the dropping speed. The braking can be accomplished hydraulically through regulated flow through the tubular or by a combination of a hydraulic and mechanical device. The momentum of the dropped string can also be controlled with a swage device that at the appropriate location lands on a taper and wedges or fuses itself to the surrounding tubular to gain support from the surrounding tubular.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for anchoring an expandable tubular to a borehole wall. The system comprises a support member having a first end fixed relative to the outside of the tubular and a second end comprising a ramping surface. An anchor member has a first end fixed relative to the outside of the tubular and a second end extending toward the support member, said second end being movable relative to the outside of the tubular. Said support member includes a ramp surface that tapers in the direction of said anchor member. Expansion of the portion of the expandable tubular between the first support end and the first anchor end causes the axial device length to shorten, wherein the difference in length is sufficient to cause the second anchor end to move radially outward and engage the borehole wall as a result of engagement with said ramping surface.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a stage tool. In one aspect, a downhole tool for use in a wellbore is provided. The tool includes a body having a bore. The tool further includes a seal assembly attached to the body. The seal assembly having an expandable annular member, a seal member and an expander sleeve, wherein the seal member includes one or more anti-extrusion spring bands embedded within the seal member. The tool further includes a slip assembly attached to the body. The slip assembly includes slips that are configured to engage the wellbore.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for anchoring an expandable tubular to a borehole wall. The system comprises a support member having a first end fixed relative to the outside of the tubular and a second end comprising a ramping surface. An anchor member has a first end fixed relative to the outside of the tubular and a second end extending toward the support member, said second end being movable relative to the outside of the tubular. Said support member includes a ramp surface that tapers in the direction of said anchor member. Expansion of the portion of the expandable tubular between the first support end and the first anchor end causes the axial device length to shorten, wherein the difference in length is sufficient to cause the second anchor end to move radially outward and engage the borehole wall as a result of engagement with said ramping surface.

Abstract: A liner hanger/packer apparatus operates by sequential expansion of a slip ring and then a sealing element. The hanger slips are set by pressure on a seated ball actuating anchor slips to grip followed by a stroker assembly and a swage making a first movement. The ball seat is defeated and the liner is cemented. A pickup force extends landing dogs so that a subsequent set down force releases a flapper to close and closes off fluid ports associated with the anchor slips so that pressure on the closed flapper sets the anchor and strokes the swage a second stroke to set the sealing element. A rupture disc breaks in the flapper after further relative movement of mandrel components to open the fluid displacement ports so that the anchor is in pressure balance to backpressure developed from fluid moving through the now broken disc as the running tool is removed.

Abstract: An expandable liner hanger features carbide or other hard particles adhered to the outer surface of a tubular mandrel that is expanded using vulcanized rubber to retain the carbide during run in or set. The rubber can be directly applied to the outer surface of the mandrel or to a split ring that is subsequently secured to the outer surface of the mandrel. The rubber can also be mounted in an exterior recess to protect the carbide during running in from being knocked off with impact. A binder can be applied to the carbide or to the rubber for better fixation of the carbide when vulcanizing the rubber. The rubber moves with the expanding mandrel while binding the carbide until contact of the carbide to the surrounding tubular transfers the liner string weight to the surrounding tubular through the carbide.

Abstract: A system for anchoring an expandable tubular to a borehole wall comprises a support member having a first end fixed relative to the outside of the tubular and a second end comprising a ramping surface. An anchor member has a first end fixed relative to the outside of the tubular and a second end extending toward the support member, the second end being movable relative to the outside of the tubular. The support member includes a ramp surface that tapers in the direction of the anchor member. Expansion of the portion of the expandable tubular between the first support end and the first anchor end causes the axial device length to shorten, wherein the difference in length is sufficient to cause the second anchor end to move radially outward and engage the borehole wall as a result of engagement with the ramping surface.

Abstract: A liner hanger assembly to run-in a liner on a liner hanger, cement the liner in place and set the liner hanger in one trip. Then, a wellbore treatment process can proceed while the running string remains downhole or via a second trip. The liner hanger assembly includes a liner hanger running tool and a liner hanger.

Abstract: A slip assembly for a downhole tool, such as a bridge plug, has a slip body and at least one insert unit with a base and one or more inserts. The slip body has an incline at one end that interfaces with an inclined surface of a cone. As this occurs, the slip body is pushed away from the tool's mandrel against a surrounding casing wall. The insert unit is disposed in the slip body with the base oriented at an angle relative to the incline, and with the one or more inerts extending from the base. In particular, the base can be disposed at or parallel to the incline, and the one or more inserts with less surface area than the base can extend perpendicular to the inline for the insert's distal ends to engage a surrounding wall of casing or the like.

Abstract: A method for anchoring a casing string within a wellbore is disclosed. The method includes providing a casing string, where the casing string being generally tubular, and coupling a swellable elastomeric material on at least a portion of the exterior of the casing string. In addition, the method includes positioning the casing string within a wellbore, exposing the swellable elastomeric material to a swelling fluid, and sealing the swellable elastomeric material to the wellbore.

Abstract: A method of connecting a first tubular member to a second tubular member located in a wellbore, the second tubular member including an upper end portion which has a greater diameter than the diameter of the first tubular member, the method comprising: lowering the first tubular member into the wellbore until the first tubular member is located at least within the bore of the upper end portion of the second tubular member; and expanding the first tubular member until the first tubular member is sealingly connected to the second tubular member.

Abstract: An apparatus for suspending a liner within a bore comprising a central tubular member and first and second sets of radially expandable arms. Each set of arms are expandable by corresponding longitudinally movable cones spaced apart along the tubular member. The apparatus further includes a seal located between the first and second sets of radially expandable arms and a selectably longitudinally compressible sleeve located between the first and second sets of radially expandable arms.

Abstract: An actuation tool uses a lock that when released allows a moving magnet to move into position to repel another magnet. The repelling force on the second magnet moves it away from a locking position on a stored potential energy system where the release of the potential energy creates kinetic energy to drive an actuation assembly to set the tool. In a preferred application the tool can be a liner hanger. The release device can be a selectively energized electromagnet or a solenoid that shifts at least one magnet into alignment with at least one second magnet so as to defeat the second magnet from effectively storing the potential energy that can set the tool when the lock is defeated.

Abstract: Rotating mandrel casing hangers are provided. In one embodiment, a system includes a casing hanger having a lower end configured to engage a casing string and a running tool configured to engage the casing hanger. The system is configured to facilitate rotation of the casing hanger within a casing head to rotate the casing string while cementing the casing string within a well. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A packer setting tool sets a liner top packer by mechanical rotation of the running tool and set down weight following cementing of a liner. The packer setting tool includes a tubular release body mounted on an end of the running tool. An annular dog sub circumscribes a portion of the release body. The dog sub is linked to the release body with a shear screw. A thread on an outer surface of the release body engages a thread on an inner surface of the dog sub to define a threaded connection between the dog sub and the release body. When the running tool rotates, the thread on the release body rotates with respect to the thread on the dog sub driving the release body in an axial direction fracturing the shear screw and urges an adapter sleeve against the packer assembly to set the packer assembly.

Abstract: There is provided a system and method for installing a wellhead component in a single trip. Generally, a wellhead component may be run into a wellhead using a running tool. The running tool may then be retrieved from the wellhead and replaced with a locking tool, which is also run into the wellhead. Additional tools may be used to over-pull the wellhead component and to cementing the wellhead component in place. The process of retrieving and running tools into the wellhead is both time-consuming and costly. Accordingly, the disclosed embodiments include a one-trip tool configured to run a wellhead component into a wellhead, engage an internal coupling to lock the wellhead component in place, over-pull the wellhead component to ensure the internal coupling was properly engaged, and cement the wellhead component in place within the wellhead.

Abstract: A wellbore system includes a housing assembly and first and second position casing hangers supported by the housing assembly. A load member is provided that is adapted to extend between the first position casing hanger and the housing assembly to enable the housing assembly to support the first position casing hanger. The second position casing hanger is stacked onto the first position casing hanger, and an interface is defined between the first and second position casing hangers to aid in alignment and centralization of the second position casing hanger during installation. The interface also provides radial support to the first position casing hanger and enables loads associated with the second position hanger to be transferred to the housing assembly through the load member.

Abstract: This invention particularly relates to improving the engagement of the slip elements within a casing or tubing. Particularly, the invention is directed to improving the penetration of anchors on slip elements to better set downhole tools. Generally, in one aspect, the invention relies on decreasing the contact surface of the cutting edge of the anchor during the initial penetration of the anchor into the casing.

Abstract: A downhole oilfield tool assembly comprises a mandrel, a ball valve oriented to block downwards flow through the mandrel in a closed position, a first piston located above the ball valve and at least partly around an outside of the mandrel. The first piston is configured to develop motive force from a pressure differential between an interior of the mandrel and an exterior of the downhole oilfield tool assembly.

Abstract: A tieback receptacle is configured with an exterior cone and externals seals with a clearance space to accept a tieback shoe that will wash over the receptacle and expand when landed and advanced over the cone. The lower end of the shoe is tapered so that the thickness opposing the upper seal adds to burst and collapse resistance while the tapered lower end allows a thicker receptacle to be used in the area of the lower seal. The expansion can be accomplished with setting down weight which can also enhance the set of the liner hanger below. Minimal expansion in the order of 3% or less is needed. Exterior slots create cement flow passages and a no-go for the stem to prevent damage to the box further below. A metal to metal seal is created at the cone that is straddled by the exterior seals on the extension.

Abstract: Drilling assemblies, systems and methods enable a wellbore to be drilled and lined with a slotted liner. A drilling system includes a liner assembly with a drill string in a bore thereof. The drill string and the liner assembly can be selectively coupled together to restrict relative motion between the liner assembly and the drill string. The liner assembly includes a slotted liner portion through which fluid may flow. As the drilling system is used to drill a wellbore, the liner assembly is simultaneously positioned within the wellbore. Once the wellbore is drilled to a desired depth, the drill string can be disengaged from the liner assembly and retrieved from the well. Production fluids such as oil and gas may then be transferred uphole through the liner assembly.

Abstract: A liner hanger is locked for run in to prevent accidental setting using a trapped collet assembly. The liner is internally pressurized to push a ring from which the collet extends. The collet heads leave a mandrel groove and compress a return spring while at the same time shouldering against an outer assembly that ramps the slips out on cones for a grip of the surrounding casing. Weight is released and the slips prevent the assembly attached to them from moving to hold the return spring compressed. Picking up weight releases the load on the slips of the hanger and allows the spring to retract the slips and return the collet assembly to the run in position in an exterior mandrel groove. This can be used with a relative rotation feature incorporated into the liner hanger to allow liner rotation during cementing, if desired.

Abstract: A weight down system comprises a wellbore comprising a plurality of restrictions, and a weight down tool. The weight down tool comprises a central mandrel configured to be coupled to a wellbore tubular, an outwardly extending indicator disposed about the central mandrel, and a plurality of radially expandable weight down lugs configured to selectively transition between an expanded position and a retracted position. The indicator is configured to expand the weight down lugs into the expanded position in response to moving through one or more restrictions of the plurality of restrictions in an upwards direction, and the weight down lugs are configured to retract to the retracted position in response to the weight down lugs moving through one or more restrictions of the plurality of restrictions in an upwards direction.

Abstract: A lateral liner tie back system and method includes a base sub having a tapered upper end surface. The base sub may be positioned in a main bore at a window to a lateral bore. The tapered upper end surface of the base sub may direct a junction sub from the main bore partially into the lateral bore such that an end of an existing liner positioned within the lateral bore is disposed within a central bore of the junction sub. The system may also include a tie back sub that is lowered through the junction sub into the lateral bore. The tie back sub includes threads for engaging the end of the existing liner in the lateral bore. The lateral liner tie back system may selectively direct a tool that is lowered in the main bore into the lateral bore or prevent the tool from entering the lateral bore.

Abstract: A running tool for well drilling operations is carried by a running string into and out of a wellbore. A collet is carried by the running tool, the collet having fingers with a radially expanded position arranged to latch against a wellbore shoulder in the wellbore. The fingers are resiliently and radially contractible. A shear element is carried by the collet, the shear element preventing the fingers from radially contracting to unlatch the running tool while the shear element is intact. If a selected axial force is applied against the shear element, it shears, freeing the collet fingers to retract. The collet may be part of a tool to set and release a liner hanger from engagement with a string of casing.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally relate to tools and methods for hanging and/or expanding liner strings. In one embodiment, a method of hanging a liner assembly from a previously installed tubular in a wellbore includes running the liner assembly and a setting tool into the wellbore using a run-in string. The setting tool includes an isolation valve and the liner assembly includes a liner hanger and a liner string. The method further includes sending an instruction signal from the surface to the isolation valve, wherein the isolation valve closes in response to the instruction signal and isolates a setting pressure in the setting tool from the liner string; and increasing fluid pressure in the setting tool, thereby setting the liner hanger.

Abstract: A liner hanger/packer apparatus operates by sequential expansion of a slip ring and then a sealing element. The hanger slips are set by pressure on a seated ball actuating anchor slips to grip followed by a stroker assembly and a swage making a first movement. The ball seat is defeated and the liner is cemented. A pickup force extends landing dogs so that a subsequent set down force releases a flapper to close and closes off fluid ports associated with the anchor slips so that pressure on the closed flapper sets the anchor and strokes the swage a second stroke to set the sealing element. A rupture disc breaks in the flapper after further relative movement of mandrel components to open the fluid displacement ports so that the anchor is in pressure balance to backpressure developed from fluid moving through the now broken disc as the running tool is removed.

Abstract: An improved liner hanger system is disclosed. The improved liner hanger system comprises a liner hanger positioned within a casing. The liner hanger comprises a spiked portion having one or more spikes, wherein the spikes comprise a flat portion. At least one of the one or more spikes is expandable and the flat portion of each of the one or more spikes interfaces with the casing when the spike is in the expanded position. A liner is coupled to the liner hanger.

Abstract: A locking assembly for seals within inner and outer members. The locking assembly includes a segmented tube with an inner surface that is segmented into a plurality of pieces cut in radial or reversed angles to allow assembling segments in a circumferential groove machined in the internal diameter of a housing. The housing has an internal diameter that is smaller than the outside diameter of the segmented tube. The segments that make up the segmented tubing are locked into place within the housing via a bushing or locking ring that match a profile on the inner surface of the segmented tube to lockingly engage. The bushing and segmented tube retain a lower inner seal in place and support an upper inner seal. The segmented design of the segmented tube allows for smaller diameter members to be used and minimizes leak paths.

Abstract: A method of drilling a well and installing a liner includes assembling concentric inner and outer strings of tubulars. A drill bit is located at the lower end of the inner string and a liner with a liner hanger makes up part of the outer string. The inner and outer strings may be rotated in unison to drill the well. A valve is located upstream of a liner hanger control tool used to release and set the liner hanger in the drill string. The valve comprises a ported sleeve that slides relative to a ported housing to meter flow from the interior of the drill string to the annular space. The redirected flow maintains a minimum flow rate in the annular space to prevent cuttings from settling on the control tool. A portion of the valve can further be used with a dart to manipulate downstream equipment.

Abstract: A monobore wellbore apparatus and method of construction. The apparatus includes a series of overlapping expandable liner sections. The overlapping liner sections may be expanded and pressed to provide no gaps along the length of the liner system. The liner sections may include centralizers and/or circumferential seals that provide sealing functions and spaces between the overlapping liner sections. The liner sections may be lined with a suitable sealing material, including an epoxy or may be filled with cement or another desired materials.

Abstract: The present invention provides an oil and gas reservoir electronic logging overflow safety control wireline hanger which comprises a body (1) and a wireline clamping apparatus. Threads (5) are provided on a part of the outer surface of the upper end of the body (1). An entry opening (12) extending along a vertical direction is provided in the body (1) to receive the wireline. A tapering-down, truncated cone shaped passage (2) is provided inside the body (1). A detachable support apparatus (9) is fixed on the upper part of the body (1). The wireline clamping apparatus comprises two wedges (3), and each has a sector shaped cross-section and tapering-down truncated cone shape corresponding to the passage (2). The wedges are symmetrically fixed inside the passage (2) so that a wireline hole (4), with a diameter less than that of the wireline, is formed between the two wedges (3).

Abstract: Wellhead assemblies, seal assemblies, and methods of locking down an annulus seal disposed within an annulus between outer and inner wellhead members, are provided. A seal assembly is positioned in an annulus. An energizing member is axially translated downward to energize an annulus seal element and outwardly radially compress a high-strength lockdown member into contact with an inner diameter surface of a wellhead member. The wellhead member can include a set of wickers. During compression, the outer diameter surface of the lockdown member is plastically deformed onto the set of wickers.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises an expansion device that is coupled to a support member and operable to be disposed within a tubular member. The expansion device is operable to radially expand the tubular member as the expansion device moves axially through the tubular member. A latch assembly is coupled to the support member and is operable to engage a corresponding latch receptacle disposed within the tubular member so as to limit the axial movement of the expansion device relative to the tubular member.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming an expandable tubular include a resilient launcher. The resilient launcher includes a launcher portion and a sleeve portion. An inner diameter of the sleeve portion is smaller than an inner diameter of the launcher portion. An expansion cone is disposed in the launcher portion of the resilient launcher. The expandable tubular is disposed around the sleeve portion and above the launcher portion of the resilient launcher. The launcher portion comprises a port that is sealable below the expansion cone.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the wellhead system includes first and second wellhead components or members. An exemplary first wellhead member includes an internal bore and a first groove, while an exemplary second wellhead member is at least partially disposed within the internal bore such that a second groove of the second wellhead member is aligned with the first groove. The wellhead system may include a locking ring positioned within at least one of the first or second grooves, and a retaining ring at least partially disposed within the internal bore between the first and second wellhead members. Further, in one embodiment, the retaining ring is configured to selectively engage the locking ring to facilitate securing of the second wellhead member to the first wellhead member. Other embodiments of wellhead systems, devices, and methods of coupling the same are also provided.

Abstract: A seal assembly between a wellhead housing having a bore and a casing hanger, has an inner seal leg for sealing against hanger and an outer seal leg for sealing against housing. An extension extends downward from outer seal leg and is connected to a nose ring having a downward facing shoulder that rests on the hanger shoulder to provide a reaction point for setting operations. A lock ring is retained within interior portion of the nose ring. An upward facing shoulder formed on an upper portion of nose ring contacts the lower surface of the inner seal leg. The shoulder prevents the downward deflection of the inner leg and eliminates buckling due to Poisson effect from the resulting axial force due to growth of the seal legs during setting operations. The shoulder thus prevents crooked or twisted setting of the seal to prevent plastic strain in the seal.

Abstract: Anchor assemblies for installation within an existing conduit. The anchor assemblies have a nondeformable mandrel, an expandable metal sleeve, and a swage. The expandable metal sleeve is carried on the outer surface of the mandrel. The swage is supported for axial movement across the mandrel outer surface from a first position axially proximate to the sleeve to a second position under the sleeve. The movement of the swage from the first position to the second position expands the sleeve radially outward into contact with the existing conduit.

Abstract: A liner hanger uses a spirally shaped slip member that makes at least one revolution about the mandrel being expanded. The slip member is disposed in a groove with tapered end walls that approach each other during radial mandrel expansion due to shrinkage of said mandrel in the longitudinal direction. The shrinkage binds the slip to the mandrel as the slip member approaches the surrounding tubular. The tapered side walls of the groove moving together cam out the slip member into enhanced contact with the surrounding tubular to support the liner or other string below the hanger. The slip member and groove have preferably the same pitch to allow easy mounting with an applied rotational force.

Abstract: A downhole setting tool comprises a tool housing and a hollow mandrel, the mandrel being situated in the housing. The tool further comprises a piston situated between the mandrel and the tool housing and a collar situated between the mandrel and the tool housing, wherein the tool housing, the mandrel, the piston and the collar define an annulus. The tool further comprises a first valve, wherein in a closed position the first valve blocks a path of fluid communication between the interior of the mandrel and the annulus.

Abstract: A plurality of rows of locking dogs are provided with housing flexibility between rows to allow them to share a shear loading while leaving enough structural integrity in the housing to define the windows through which the dogs emerge. The dogs can also have extensions with a surface that grippingly engages the housing adjacent the window on extension of the dogs such that loads can transfer from the housing into the extension and into the profile in which the dog is disposed rather than passing the shear stress through the window edge into the dog that is in the profile. The dog configuration can also share the load on multiple contact surfaces of the housing to reduce stress at each contact location.

Abstract: A liner assembly (100) includes a drill string (120) to drill a borehole (105) in a formation (110). The liner assembly further includes a liner assembly releasably coupled to the drill string to move with the drill string in the borehole while the drill string drills, and to be released from the drill string in the borehole after the drill string drills to a depth.

Abstract: Apparatus facilitating successive installation of casing sections endwise in a well, that includes hanger structure sized for installation at a well head, the hanger structure having a vertical through opening via which successive casing sections are installable vertically in the well, the hanger structure having vertically spaced shoulders for landing casing sections, there being adjustable structure for enabling controllable adjustment of hanger length, whereby uncemented casing weight is applied on the hanger structure.

Abstract: A setting tool for an expandable liner hanger. A method includes the steps of: releasably securing the setting tool to the hanger, the setting tool including an expansion cone for displacing through the hanger; and conveying the setting tool and hanger into the well on a generally tubular work string while no portion of the hanger extends longitudinally between the expansion cone and the work string. A setting tool includes an expansion cone, which is displaceable through the liner hanger to expand the hanger; at least one piston positioned on one side of the expansion cone; and an anchoring device for releasably securing the setting tool to the liner hanger, the anchoring device being positioned on an opposite side of the expansion cone. The expansion cone is pressure balanced between its two sides when the expansion cone is displaced through the liner hanger.

Abstract: A liner flotation system comprises a liner, a first valve, and a second valve configured to form a gas filled chamber within the liner. The first valve is operable to allow fluid flow into the chamber, and the second valve operable to allow fluid flow out of the chamber. A sleeve is disposed in the chamber, and the first valve is movable into engagement with the sleeve to provide an indication of a position of the first valve. A method of securing a liner in a well comprises lowering a liner having a gas filled chamber in the well, actuating a valve to open fluid flow into the chamber, removing the gas from the chamber, and moving the valve into engagement with a sleeve coupled to the liner to provide an indication of a position of the valve.