Abstract: A sliding valve has a valve body, a sliding sleeve received in a longitudinal bore of the valve body, and a collet receivable in a longitudinal bore of the sliding sleeve. The valve body has one or more fluid ports on an uphole portion of the sidewall thereof. The sliding sleeve is movable between an uphole closed position closing the one or more fluid ports and a downhole open position opening the one or more fluid ports. The sliding sleeve has a sleeve-profile formed at least by one or more sleeve-grooves and one or more sleeve-ridges longitudinally distributed on an inner surface thereof. The collet has a flexible collet-profile formed by at least one or more collet-grooves and one or more collet-ridges respectively corresponding to the sleeve-grooves and sleeve-ridges. The length of each sleeve-ridge or collet-ridge is smaller than that of corresponding sleeve-groove or collet-groove.

Abstract: A system and method for conveying a tool to a target sub within a tubular string having a number of subs. Each sub may include at least one ledge or shoulder in or on its interior surface that can be used as a latch stopper or stopper, for receiving and engagement with a latch. The subs may also have a latch deflector or deflector. In one embodiment, the latch deflector is a latch-deflection shoulder protruding into the internal diameter (ID) of the string for deflecting a latch, to be subsequently introduced, out of or into the latch-stopping shoulder. The distance between the latch stopper and the latch deflector, referred to as the “deflection radius,” may be used as an address that uniquely identifies each sub, and can vary from sub to sub.

Abstract: A location connector connects a first tubular to a second tubular, and includes a cylindrical main body extending in a longitudinal direction. An outer surface extends around a circumference of the main body, and an inner surface faces the central bore of the main body. A first connector is on a first end of the main body and is configured to attach to the first tubular. A second connector on an opposite second end of the main body is configured to attach to the second tubular. A female profile is provided on the inner surface, and includes a plurality of grooves for selective engagement with a discrete complementary profile comprising one or more protruding members of a downhole tool. Each of the grooves comprises a no-go shoulder that prevents movement of the tool in one direction, and each of the grooves permits clocking movement of the tool in an azimuthal direction.

Abstract: A well tool to be oriented and secured in a wellbore without the external application of torque, and a well system incorporating the same. After installation of orientation casing and universal latch coupling casing, the self-orienting selective lockable latch well tool is run downhole to the target depth, picked up to free the internal locking mechanism, and then loaded with downhole stress to engage the locking mechanism.

Abstract: A method includes pressing a blend of materials; and forming a degradable grip from the pressed blend of materials. The blend of materials includes a non-degradable material that is not degradable in an aqueous environment and an aqueous degradable alloy material. The pressing step includes using a high pressure and high temperature press.

Abstract: Examples describe systems and methods for a tool to remove portions of casing from a wellbore. A tool may include a bottom sub-assembly and casing that selectively detach from a sub-assembly. This may allow for tools and casing within the wellbore to be efficiently and effectively removed from the wellbore without having to cut tools down well.

Abstract: Systems and methods for actuating a downhole tool using an improved low load collet. The low load collet may include a multi-angle profile that enables the collet to provide a low-load actuation force threshold in one direction, while maintaining a strong interference between the collet and corresponding actuation mechanism. To that end, the collet may include a first protrusion disposed on a first collet spring and a second protrusion disposed on a second collet spring. The first and second protrusions each feature a high-load ramped surface on one side and a low-load ramped surface on an opposite side. The low-load ramped surface of the first protrusion has a shallow angle and the low-load ramped surface of the second protrusion has a steep angle that is larger than the shallow angle.

Abstract: A spring latching connector includes a housing having a bore therethrough, a piston slidably received in said bore, a circular groove formed in one of said bore and piston and a circular coil spring disposed in said groove for latching said piston and housing together. The groove is sized and shaped for controlling, in combination with a spring configuration, disconnect and connect forces of the spring latching connection.

Abstract: An expansion assembly for expanding a tubular in a wellbore, the expansion assembly including a top anchor comprising: a workstring; a pusher ring being coupled to the workstring by a first releasable coupling; a ramp body having one or more ramp surfaces, said ramp body being releasably coupled to the workstring by a second releasable coupling; one or more anchor segments each having one or more wedge surfaces corresponding to and engaging the ramp surfaces of the ramp body, one end of the segments engaging the pusher ring; a release ring enclosing the workstring and arranged at an opposite end of the segments; one or more key merlons connecting the release ring to the pusher ring; and activating means for releasing the first releasable coupling.

Abstract: An installation guide with quick release for installation of a piece of equipment, comprises a base member adapted to be fixed at a predetermined location, the base member having a cavity, an engagement member adapted to be received into the cavity of the base member, a latching mechanism adapted to latch the engagement member with the base member, the latching mechanism including a release line attached with the engagement member and a guide line attached with the engagement member. Further, the latching mechanism is adapted to release the engagement member from the base member on actuation of the release line.

Abstract: A downhole assembly comprises a disintegrable article that includes a matrix material; an energetic material configured to generate energy upon activation to facilitate the disintegration of the disintegrable article; and a sensor. A method of controllably removing a disintegrable downhole article comprises disposing the downhole article in a downhole environment; performing a downhole operation; activating the energetic material; and disintegrating the downhole article.

Abstract: An anchoring tool for positioning a downhole tool within a wellbore conduit is described herein. The anchor tool uses replaceable blades having protrusions that are configured to align with corresponding grooves in an anchor sub receptacle that is located at a known position along the wellbore conduit. The blades of the anchor tool are configured to move radially relative to the anchor tool body until the anchor tool is aligned with a compatible anchor sub. When the anchor tool and the compatible anchor sub are aligned, the protrusions of the anchor tool blade extend into the grooves of the anchor sub receptacle and a locking mechanism within the anchor tool inhibits further radial movement of the blades. A downhole tool connected to the anchor tool can therefore be positioned at a precise location relative to the known location of an anchor sub receptacle.

Abstract: A high flow downhole lock assembly includes a mandrel with a plurality of external collet finger detents disposed about an exterior surface and an unobstructed inner diameter configured for flow, an external collet with a plurality of collet fingers disposed about an interior surface, and a dog housing with a plurality of extendable retaining dogs. When transitioning to a set configuration, a portion of the mandrel travels within the external collet, the plurality of collet fingers come to rest in one or more of the external collet finger detents, and the plurality of extendable retaining dogs are extended.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a charge tube for a perforating gun assembly used in harvesting energy in a wellbore and a retaining projection formed on an end of the charge tube. When the charge tube is inserted into a gun body, the retaining projection engages with the gun body of the perforating gun assembly to restrict movement of the charge tube with respect to the gun body when engaged with the gun body. The retaining projection can comprise a plurality of collet fingers on an end of the charge tube that engage with the gun body to longitudinally retain the charge tube. The retaining projection can comprise at least one alignment finger that limits radial movement of the charge tube with respect to the gun body. The retaining projection can comprise a plurality of centralizing bend tabs that restrict radial movement of the charge tube when inserted into the gun body.

Abstract: A frac plug mandrel assembly has an inner core that permits flow that is surrounded by a thin wall tube that distributes compressive loading, such as that applied by the set sealing element to the core. The core is a cylindrically shaped insert for inside the tube and allows flow until a ball or plug is landed on a seat to close off the flow through the core. The core can have a star pattern with a series of radially extending segments from a solid hub or a cylindrical shape of a honeycomb or other porous structure that has the requisite strength to resist collapse from compressive loading of the set sealing element while still allowing sufficient flow area for fluid displacement.

Abstract: A frac plug is configured to seal a pipe of a downhole well. The frac plug includes a cylindrical plug member comprising a glass body made of a tempered or high-compression glass. The plug member has axial opposite ends with a tapered outer diameter surface extending along its length between the ends. The frac plug further includes a seal of compressible material extending substantially around the plug member outer diameter. The seal has opposite axial ends corresponding to the axial ends of the plug member. The seal is movable axially relative to, and compressible against, the plug member outer diameter surface, thus allowing the seal expand radially outward to engage the bore of the pipe. The frac plug is anchored in the pipe bore with clamping portions on axially opposite ends of the plug member. The clamping portion may include bore engagement portions that are arcuate or radially expanding fingers.

Abstract: A lock assembly including a plurality of dogs, each dog being circumferentially adjacent to at least one other dog in the plurality and each dog including a load bearing surface. An extender body is operatively arranged to transition the plurality of dogs between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration. The load bearing surface of each dog is operatively arranged in the extended configuration for engaging against a shoulder of a radially adjacent structure for supporting the lock assembly. The load bearing surfaces of the dogs together form a substantially circumferentially continuous shape when arranged in one of the retracted or extended configurations. And method of locking radially adjacent components.

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, at least two supports mobile with respect to the body, wheels borne by the supports, the wheels being suitable for running on an inner face of said casing, at least one restraining device suitable for exerting a force on said wheels in order to anchor said wheels in said casing. Each restraining device comprises a set of springs suitable for acting on the set of said supports and a guide capable of guiding said set of springs; said guide being borne by said supports; said guide being mobile with respect to at least one support.

Abstract: A downhole tractor assembly that is configured for open-hole applications. The assembly includes a force monitoring mechanism to help monitor and control forces imparted through a drive mechanism of the tractor in real time. As such, damage to open-hole formations due to excessive tractoring forces may be minimized along with mechanical damage to the tractor. Furthermore, the drive mechanism of the tractor may include multiple sondes and bowsprings with gripping saddles specially configured for contacting the well wall across a large area in a non-point and line manner so as to avoid digging into and damaging the well wall during tractoring.

Abstract: An expandable tubular to be used within geologic structures and a method of manufacturing thereof has a substantially tubular shaped member with an axis extending therethrough. The tubular member has one or more helical member formed within a wall of the tubular member, and the helical member may be defined about the axis of the tubular shaped member. Further, a plurality of elongated perforations are formed within the wall of tubular member, and the tubular member is compressible from a larger diameter to a smaller diameter. When compressed, the tubular member stores expansive energy within the wall, in which the tubular member may then expand back to a larger diameter when the expansive energy is released.

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: 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: An expandable tubular includes a plurality of leaves formed from sheet material that have curved surfaces. The leaves extend around a portion or fully around the diameter of the tubular structure. Some of the adjacent leaves of the tubular are coupled together. The tubular is compressed to a smaller diameter so that it can be inserted through previously deployed tubular assemblies. Once the tubular is properly positioned, it is deployed and coupled or not coupled to a previously deployed tubular assembly. The tubular is useful for all types of wells and boreholes.

Abstract: A safety valve can be disposed in a wellbore that is through a fluid-producing formation. The safety valve can include a flow tube that is allowed to move at least partially independent, or free, from a piston assembly to avoid negative effects from forces on the flow tube from a closing assembly, such as one including a flapper. For example, the flow tube may not be required to be rigidly connected to a piston assembly such that the flow tube can move more than the piston assembly moves.

Abstract: Downhole devices including degradable materials and methods of using such devices to control downhole operations are disclosed. A method for controlling a downhole operation includes providing a device that includes a degradable material downhole; and degrading the degradable material to activate the device. Activation of the device may result in a displacement or flow (actuators) that may be used to control or monitor (sensor) a downhole oilfield operation. A downhole device for use in a well penetrating a formation includes, in part or in whole, a degradable material.

Abstract: Various novel connectors are provided. In one embodiment, the connector includes a collar configured to receive first and second components. In this embodiment, the connector may also include a load ring configured to be received in a groove of the second component and to move into and out of engagement with the collar when the second component is received by the collar. The connector of this illustrative embodiment may also include a cotter configured for installation to the second component and to inhibit disengagement of the load ring from the collar. In some embodiments, engagement of the load ring and the collar effects securing of the first and second components to one another. Other devices, systems, and methods related to connectors are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a support member operable to be disposed within a tubular member that includes a threaded connection with a pin member. The tubular member is coupled to an expansion device that is operable to radially expand the tubular member and a pin catcher that is operable to engage the pin member as the expansion device and pin catcher move axially through the tubular member.

Abstract: An electrical line for installation in a well for transmitting power to a well pump includes a string of coiled tubing. An electrical cable having insulated electrical conductors embedded within an elastomeric jacket extends longitudinally through the interior passage of the tubing. Body members are placed around the outer periphery of the electrical cable, and the body members are compressed onto the electrical cable through the use of an anchor assembly. The anchor assembly is held in a compressed state through the use of frangible support elements. Once the electrical cable is in place within the coiled tubing, the user applies an external force to cause the support elements to fail, thereby releasing the anchor assembly from its compressed state. The anchor assembly contacts the inner wall of the coiled tubing, such that the weight of the electrical cable is transferred to coiled tubing.

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: Methods and devices are provided for accurately determining depths of certain structures in downhole strings. Locator tools comprise a shaft and a plurality of locator springs longitudinally mounted on the shaft. The locator springs are biased to expand and are configured to compress to allow the tool to traverse past restrictions in the downhole string. Each locator spring includes a locating pad that allows it to engage with an internal locating notch in the downhole string. The internal locating notch is sized to mate with the locator tool, i.e., to allow the locator springs to engage the internal locating notch. In this way, the depth of internal locating notches may be determined precisely and accurately by sensing engagement of the tool with the internal locating notch. Advantages of certain embodiments include more accurate depth determination, repeatable engagements of the tool, and reduced false engagements.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling fluid flow into a wellbore tubular includes a flow control member that selectively aligns a port with an opening in communication with a flow bore of the well bore tubular. The flow control member may have an open position wherein the port is aligned with the opening and a closed position wherein the port is misaligned with the opening. The flow control member moves between the open position and closed position in response to a change in drag force applied by a flowing fluid. A biasing element urges the flow control member to the open or the closed position. The apparatus may include a housing receiving the flow control member. The flow control member and the housing may define a flow space that generates a Couette flow that causes the drag force. The flow space may include a hydrophilic and/or water swellable material.

Abstract: Submersible pump power cable is inserted into a length of tubing. The device comprises an anchoring system attachable to the cable affixed to the tubing inner surface. The anchoring system includes an anchoring sleeve slideable over the cable and insertable into the tubing. Coiling the tubing with the cable and anchoring system inside energizes the sleeve into an anchoring configuration to anchor the cable within the tubing. The anchoring system continues to anchor the cable after uncoiling the tubing and inserting it into a wellbore.

Abstract: ESP power cable is inserted into a length of tubing disposed in a wellbore. The device comprises a support attachable to the cable that is in frictional sliding contact with the tubing inner surface. The frictional sliding contact between the support and the tubing reduces axial stress in the cable. Support devices are added at intervals on the cable length, thereby distributing the cable axial stress along the cable.

Abstract: Remote operation wire line core sampling device capable of increasing efficiency of working and maintaining a wall of a hole using a stabilized sea-bottom core drill at a sea-bottom, and adopting a wire line system. The device includes a drill rod held by a chuck of the sea-bottom core drill, a wire line core barrel having, at a tip thereof, a bit for annularly drilling into ground, an inner tube assembly detachably incorporated in the wire line core barrel, and an over-shot assembly having a function for engagement thereof with a spear head part at a top end of an inner tube assembly. The device also includes a water swivel in which water supply ports are formed at upper and lower parts thereof, a modified built-in type over-shot assembly is formed at upper and lower parts thereof, and a modified built-in type over-shot assembly is incorporated therein to reside at an intermediate part thereof.

Abstract: An electrical line for installation in a well for transmitting power to a well pump includes a string of coiled tubing. An electrical cable having insulated electrical conductors embedded within an elastomeric jacket extends longitudinally through the interior passage of the tubing. Body members are placed around the outer periphery of the electrical cable, and the body members are compressed onto the electrical cable through the use of an anchor assembly. The anchor assembly is held in a compressed state through the use of frangible support elements. Once the electrical cable is in place within the coiled tubing, the user applies an external force to cause the support elements to fail, thereby releasing the anchor assembly from its compressed state. The anchor assembly contacts the inner wall of the coiled tubing, such that the weight of the electrical cable is transferred to coiled tubing.

Abstract: Expandable tubulars for use in geologic structures, including methods for expanding the expandable tubulars, and methods of manufacturing them, include the use of an expansive energy storage component, which provides a self-expanding feature for the expandable tubulars.

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 device for anchoring a casing into a well bore, the device comprising an anchor body mounted in a tool string and a plurality of radially expanding fingers that are mounted in a fingers assembly in a retracted position and they move to an extending position wherein the fingers extend radially from the tool string for anchor against the well bore wall.

Abstract: A centralizer for use in oil well wireline toolstrings comprising a central mounting rod and floating spring mechanisms between which a number of jointed centralizer arms are connected. The jointed centralizer arms have a section with a concave profile disposed near to their pivot points so that a closing force acting on the arms acts at a greater distance from the pivot, thereby increasing the closing moment and making the centralizer easier to draw into a borehole with a narrow cross-section. The floating spring mechanisms also have a linkage to the presser plate of the spring such that an axial force pulling the centralizer apparatus into a borehole is transferred directly into a force on the spring, thereby reducing the opening moment the springs exert on the centralizer arms.

Abstract: An anchor assembly for a downhole tool has upper and lower frictional engagement member for engaging with an inner wall of the casing. The upper frictional members are spring-tensioned, while the lower frictional engagement members slide, to certain degrees, in relation to a longitudinal axis of the anchor assembly. At the same time conical engagement between the lower frictional members and the supporting surface causes the lower frictional members to extend outwardly and engage the inner surface of the casing. As a result, the working tool, for instance a sand cutter secured to the anchor assembly is stabilized in the casing, and an even cut may be performed.

Abstract: In order to prevent premature separation of the slip and slip spring and to simplify production of the slip casing, a self-centering spring engageable with a packer tool slip is modified according to the present invention. A groove located at a lower center of the slip below the pocket of the slip cooperates with the spring to retain the spring against the slip and is centered within the pocket without requiring partitions or further welding of lugs to retain the springs.

Abstract: A packer element has a biasing member incorporated with it. The element is either fabricated with the biasing element in a relaxed condition and then the element is stretched prior to insertion downhole or the element is created around the stressed biasing member and is held in that position until allowed to relax downhole. In either event the release of the element increases its diameter while shortening its length. Preferably, an advancing swage triggers the release to allow the element to expand as much as it can go or to the maximum relaxed diameter, whichever is larger. The swage then, preferably, drives the relaxed element toward the borehole wall or the casing.

Abstract: A tool is provided for preventing the rotation of a downhole tool or rotary pump stator, the tool comprising a tubular housing and a jaw which is biased radially outwardly from the tool to engage the casing wall for arresting tool rotation and providing significant stabilization of a rotary pump. In doing so, the tool housing moves oppositely to rest against the casing opposite the jaw. The tool housing and the downhole tool are thereby restrained and stabilized by the casing wall. The tool's jaw is released by opposite tool rotation. Preferably, the jaw is biased outwardly from the tool housing to a casing-engaging position by a torsional member, housed along the axis of the hinge of the jaw. The tool is released from the casing by opposite tool rotation which increasingly compresses the jaw toward the housing, twisting the torsional member into torsion, which then acts to urge the jaw outwardly again. Overextension of the jaw during assembly is prevented using cooperating stops in the jaw and the housing.

Abstract: A well completion system for creating a seal between a production tubing (30) and a well casing (34) positioned within a wellbore (32) comprises a production packer (46) that includes a section of the production tubing (30) and at least one seal element (60). The production tubing (30) is then positioned within the well casing (34) that lines the wellbore (32). An expander member (56) that is positioned within the production tubing (30) then travels longitudinally through the production packer (46) to expand the section of the production tubing (30) downhole that includes the seal element (60). This expansion creates a sealing and gripping relationship between the production tubing (30) and the well casing (34).

Abstract: A system for expanding tubular structures. The system comprises a mandrel that is moved through the center of a tubular structure to increase the diameter of the tubular structure via deformation. The system utilizes an expansion device having a mandrel with multiple segments moved between a contracted state and an expanded state. In one embodiment, the mandrel segments are spring biased to permit a degree of independent movement of each mandrel segment with respect to the other mandrel segments.

Abstract: A tool is provided for preventing the rotation of a downhole tool or rotary pump stator, the tool comprising a tubular housing and a jaw which is biased radially outwardly from the tool to engage the casing wall for arresting tool rotation and providing significant stabilization of a rotary pump. In doing so, the tool housing moves oppositely to rest against the casing opposite the jaw. The tool housing and the downhole tool are thereby restrained and stabilized by the casing wall. The tool's jaw is released by opposite tool rotation. Preferably, the jaw is biased outwardly from the tool housing to a casing-engaging position by a torsional member, housed along the axis of the hinge of the jaw. The tool is released from the casing by opposite tool rotation which increasingly compresses the jaw toward the housing, twisting the torsional member into torsion, which then acts to urge the jaw outwardly again.

Abstract: In a device for sealing a bore hole and discharging drill cuttings and stripped excavation material, including a housing adapted to receive sealing elements and an opening capable of being connected to the bore hole, one side wall of the housing is provided with at least one opening for the connection of a haulage duct, wherein the housing end side facing the bore hole is equipped with a lockable, particularly screwable, sealing flange (13) for the detachable connection with a bore hole lining (11). The sealing flange (13) is rotationally and sealingly mounted within the housing and carries projections, in particular an annular brim (15) which is overlapped by a stop (14) of the housing.

Abstract: A subterranean well tool which is manipulatable by a control mandrel between run-in and set positions within a wellbore having casing includes an assembly which provides a selectively operable lock to prevent premature activation of the assembly from the run-in position towards the set position until a predeterminable compressive load is carried through the well tool by the control mandrel to manipulate the assembly from a first initial position to an intermediate position and thereafter to a final extended position.

Abstract: Improved method and system for accessing subterranean deposits from the surface that substantially eliminates or reduces the disadvantages and problems associated with previous systems and methods. In particular, the present invention provides an articulated well with a drainage pattern that intersects a horizontal cavity well. The drainage patterns provide access to a large subterranean area from the surface while the vertical cavity well allows entrained water, hydrocarbons, and other deposits to be efficiently removed and/or produced.

Abstract: Locking system (196) is provided for selectively locking an external sleeve (76) to a main body (74) of a downhole tool (14). Locking system (196) comprises a pair of opposed holes (198) formed in the main body (74). The holes (198) capture respective locking balls (200). A channel (210) extends from each hole (198) longitudinally about the outer surface of the main body (74). A spring (206) held within the main body (74) acts to push the balls (200) out of holes (198). Openings (212) are also formed in the sleeve (76) and disposed so that the balls (200) can protrude therethrough and contact the inner circumferential surface (28) of a drive sub (12) by virtue of the bias of spring (206). When the internal diameter of the drive sub (12) is relatively small, the balls (200) are pushed inwardly against the spring (206) and reside, at least partially, within holes (198). This prevents the balls from moving longitudinally about channels (210) thereby locking the sleeve (76) to the main body (74).