Abstract: A vent screen pressure deployment tool and method for use in running tubular members into a pressurized well. The apparatus comprises a top sub and a stinger. The top sub is adapted for connection to the upper end of a tubular member, such as a vent screen. An upper end of the top sub is adapted for connection to a conveying tool, such as a slick line deployment tool, and the top sub defines a collet recess therein. The stinger comprises a locator sub adapted for connection to the lower end of another tubular member and a collet sub shearably attached to the locator sub. The collet sub has a plurality of flexible collets thereon adapted for latching engagement with the collet recess when aligned therewith, thereby providing a latched connection between the tubular members.

Abstract: A fiber optical or other cable is inserted through a pre-in-stalled guide conduit in a well by: installing an upper part of the guide conduit permanently in the well such that it is embedded in the annular cement body at the outer surface of a casing string between a wellhead and an outer component of a guide conduit connector which is located near a lower end of the casing string; installing a lower part of the guide conduit in the well such that it extends alongside the outer surface or is an integral part of a liner string down from an inner component of the guide conduit connector which is located near an upper end of the liner string; aligning the inner and outer components of the guide conduit connector with each other; and pumping the cable down through the thus interconnected upper and lower parts of the guide conduit.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a perforating gun having stackable sections that latch, enabling the gun string to carry both compressive and tensile loads. This allows for the downhole assembly of guns of any desired length, and for the entire gun string to be removed after firing.

Abstract: A dual diameter centralizing sub for maintaining stand-off and/or centralizing a tubular member inside a larger diameter tubular member, for instance, in a wellbore. The centralizer is provided with bow springs that compress into grooves between radially outwardly-extending vanes that are spaced around the outer diameter of the sub when compressive force is applied to the bow springs. The vanes extend radially outwardly far enough that the effective diameter of the sub in the area of the vanes is greater than the diameter of the sub and/or the tubing to which it is mounted to provide stand-off even under conditions in which the bow springs are fully compressed while still maintaining fluid flow.

Abstract: A robust transmission element for transmitting information between downhole tools, such as sections of drill pipe, in the presence of hostile environmental conditions, such as heat, dirt, rocks, mud, fluids, lubricants, and the like. The transmission element maintains reliable connectivity between transmission elements, thereby providing an uninterrupted flow of information between drill string components. A transmission element is mounted within a recess proximate a mating surface of a downhole drilling component, such as a section of drill pipe. To close gaps present between transmission elements, transmission elements may be biased with a “spring force,” urging them closer together.

Abstract: The present invention provides a field weldable connection.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an apparatus for use in a wellbore. In one aspect, the apparatus includes a first tubular having a connection portion at the end thereof and a second tubular having a mating connection portion at an end thereof. The connection portion and mating connection portion are constructed and arranged to form a connection between the tubulars. The apparatus further includes a swelling elastomer disposable between the connection portion and the mating connection portion, the swelling elastomer expandable upon contact with an activating agent. In another aspect, the invention provides a method for utilizing an expandable connection in a wellbore.

Abstract: A tubular member is expanded by pressurizing an interior region within the tubular member.

Abstract: An apparatus that is usable with a subterranean well includes a latch and an engagement mechanism. The latch is adapted to form a releasable connection between a first conduit section and a second conduit section in response to engagement of an actuator of the latch and maintain a first distance between an end of the first conduit section and an end of the second conduit section. The engagement mechanism is adapted to continuously engage the actuator to cause the latch to connect the first conduit section and the second conduit section despite the movement of the engagement mechanism between a first position and a second position. The second distance between the first position and the second position is greater than the first distance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing the top of a liner within a casing string of an oil well which does not require a second trip of the work string to seal off the top of the liner within the casing. The liner, connected to the apparatus, is run into the well on a work string until the bottom of the liner sets on the bottom of the well. After the bottom of the liner is set on the bottom of the well and, if desired, a gravel slurry is circulated into place, the apparatus is actuated by setting weight on the work string, which causes a cylindrical sealing element to expand and seal against the inside wall of the casing. The apparatus does not require slips to hold it in position within the casing.

Abstract: A disconnection device for disconnecting a tool and a pipe string comprises a first connection part releasably connected to a second connection part by means of a locking device and a release object. The release object is soluble by means of, for example, acid.

Abstract: A tie back assembly that uses expansion for connection and sealing is disclosed. The male component does not have any wall portions removed to hold a resilient seal. A seal is an option as anchoring and sealing can be accomplished by the expansion alone. The pressure rating of the connection is not reduced by material removed to accommodate a seal. A variety of expansion techniques can be used and the expansion can be done in a single trip with the insertion of the tie back assembly into the receptacle or in a separate trip.

Abstract: A latch assembly, and methods of using the latch assembly, for use with a bottom hole assembly (BHA) and a tubular, are provided. In one embodiment, the latch assembly is disposable within the tubular, configured to be rotationally and axially coupled to the tubular. In one aspect of the embodiment, latch assembly is configured to be released from the tubular by applying a tensile force to the latch assembly. The latch the latch assembly may comprise: one or more sleds disposed within one or more respective slots formed along at least a portion of a locking mandrel; and one or more retractable axial drag blocks configured to engage a matching axial profile disposed in the tubular, wherein each axial drag block is coupled to the respective sled with one or more biasing members; and the locking mandrel actuatable between a first position and a second position and preventing retraction of the axial drag blocks when actuated to the second position.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a simple coupling means for interfacing linear acting actuator shafts with valves or hydraulic chokes. The coupling means of the present invention allows either an actuator or an interconnected valve or choke to be rapidly, safely, and efficiently interchanged with a replacement part. The present invention is broadly applicable to a wide variety of actuator types having rectilinear motion outputs and to a large variety of valve and choke types which are operated by linear motions, including gate valves with or without balanced stems.

Abstract: A thread coupling for a drill string for percussive drilling has a male thread (5) and a cooperating female thread (4). The male thread is arranged on a first drill string element (3) having a first impact surface (6). The female thread is arranged on a second drill string element (2) having a second impact surface (7). The male and female threads are conical, and the crests (8) of the male thread (5) have a radius of curvature more than thirty degrees of the pitch of the thread.

Abstract: A downhole apparatus permitting separation of one part of downhole equipment from another part thereof includes a first part (4) connected to a second part (6) by connecting means which limits axial and rotational movement between the parts. The connecting means includes a connecting member (22) having first and second ends connected respectively to the first and second parts (4, 6). The connection of the first and second ends of the connecting member (22) is such as to limit axial and rotational movement relative to the respective first and second parts (4, 6). The connecting member (22) is provided between the first and second ends with a region of weakness in the connecting member provided by weakening means (28), and with means for minimizing stress generated in the connecting means at the region of weakness when torque is transmitted in use between the first and second parts (4, 6) via the connecting member (22).

Abstract: A drill pipe for an oil or gas well is provided that includes a generally cylindrical hollow drill pipe having a length; and a conductive coating connected to the drill pipe to define an electrical pathway that extends along at least a portion of the length of the drill pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first member, a second member releasably attached to the first member, and a control line shear mechanism disposed proximate an interface between the first member and the second member. The first and second members can each have a longitudinal bore therethrough and can be moveable in an axial direction to release from one another. The control line shear mechanism may comprise a first shear member attached to the first number and a second shear member attached to the second member, wherein the first and second shear members are adapted to cooperatively shear a control line as the first and second members separate. A method includes separating a first member from a second member and, before or during the separating step, cutting a control line proximal to the paint of separation of the first and second members.

Abstract: The present invention provides a field weldable connection.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methods for movably securing a radially expandable sand-control screen jacket assembly to a base pipe. The screen jacket assembly is connected to the base pipe with a longitudinally moveable, sand-controlling joint. In use, the joint slides maintain a sand-controlling seal after radial expansion of the sand-control screen jacket assembly.

Abstract: An embodiment of a downhole tool for use with a workstring in a wellbore includes a first section, a second section, and a coupling mechanism adapted such that in a first configuration the coupling mechanism couples the first section to the second section. In a second configuration, the coupling mechanism does not couple the first section to the second section. Also disclosed is a method for creating a plug in a wellbore, the method comprising: injecting a slurry into the workstring to form a plug in the wellbore, positioning a flow preventing mechanism into the workstring to prevent fluid flow from exiting the workstring, inducing a coupling mechanism to uncouple a portion of the workstring such that the portion remains with the slurry to create the plug in the wellbore, and removing the first section from the wellbore.

Abstract: A well tool assembly interconnection method is provided. In a described embodiment, a continuous tubing string has connectors positioned corresponding to desired locations for tool assemblies in a well. The tubing string is wrapped on a reel and transported to a well. As the tubing string is deployed from the reel into the well, the tool assemblies are interconnected between the connectors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for communicating to downhole oil or gas well equipment are provided. The apparatus includes a drill pipe for an oil or gas well including a generally cylindrical hollow drill pipe having an inner diameter, an outer insulative coating attached to the inner diameter of the drill pipe, a conductive coating attached to the outer insulative coating, and an inner insulative coating attached to the conductive coating, wherein the outer insulative coating, the conductive coating and the inner insulative coating together define an insulated electrical pathway from an upper end of the drill pipe to a lower end of the drill pipe.

Abstract: A subsurface signal transmitting apparatus including an insulation coupler, a carrier device for mounting the telemetry instrumentation, and a by-pass system for avoiding pressure build-up either above or below the apparatus. The insulation coupler includes a housing member having a central opening defined by an interior surface extending in the longitudinal direction and a mandrel member having an exterior surface spaced from the interior surface of the housing member to provide a gap or clearance with an insulating bonding material occupying the clearance. The surfaces are oriented so that when the coupling is in tension at least a portion of the two surfaces experience interacting forces towards each other in the longitudinal direction of the coupling and in event of failure of the bonding material, the mandrel member is unable to withdraw from the housing member.

Abstract: An apparatus for releasably connecting a wireline to a downhole tool comprises a connector having a first member adapted for connection to the downhole tool and a second member adapted for connection to the wireline. A plurality of locking elements are constrained to engage the first and second members by a moveable release member, where the plurality of locking elements maintain the first and second members in a connected position when the moveable release member is in a first locked position. An electromechanical actuator moves the moveable release member to a second released position, releasing the plurality of locking elements from engagement with the first and second members. This allows the first and second members to release the wireline from the tool.

Abstract: Oil country tubular goods and other types of tubular members are provided with threaded and coupled connections satisfactory for use in drilling and completing wellbores. The threaded and coupled connections are used to join sections of casing with each other to form a casing string which may be used to drill and complete a wellbore. Each tubular member has first and second pin ends with approximately the same thread form and thread profile with different pitch diameters. Standard API couplings may be used with the casing string.

Abstract: This invention includes an apparatus and method for completing a subterranean zone penetrated by a wellbore. One embodiment of the invention is an apparatus for connecting a first sand screen assembly and a second sand screen assembly. The apparatus comprises a tubular housing having an eccentric longitudinal bore therethrough, providing a first fluid communication path through the apparatus, the longitudinal bore defining a housing wall. A longitudinal passageway is disposed within the housing wall, providing a second fluid communication path through the apparatus. The first fluid communication path is capable of communicating fluid flow from a sand screen in the first sand screen assembly to a sand screen in the second sand screen assembly. The second fluid communication path is capable of communicating fluid flow from an alternate path element in the first sand screen assembly an alternate path element in the second sand screen assembly.

Abstract: The well screen two step coupled connector and method includes providing a well screen with a then walled tubular pin having a constant diameter channel and three pin sections of successively increasing diameter. The end of the pin has an annular surface and an angled recess is provided between the intermediate and innermost pin sections, while non-inclined external threads are formed on the end and intermediate pin sections. A tubular open ended coupling is provided having a passage divided into two coupling sections by an inwardly projecting divider. Each coupling section is configured to receive the end and intermediate pin sections and includes non-inclined threads to mate with the pin section threads. The coupling includes an angled wall adjacent the divider to provide a seal with the annular angled surface at the end of the pin and an angled projection which fits within and forms a seal with the angled recess in the pin.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides a downhole tool with an improved means of transmitting data to and from the tool through the use of wired pipe capable of transmitting a signal and/or power between the surface of the well and any components in a drill string. In one aspect, a downhole tool includes a body, and a mandrel disposed in the body and movable in relation to the body. A conducive wire runs the length of the body and permits signals and/or power to be transmitted though the body as the tool changes its length.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a connector arrangement for connecting a first tubular to a second tubular. In particular, the present invention relates to methods and apparatus for connecting the tubulars in such a way that the connection is prevented from becoming unmade in response to expansion of the tubulars. A connector mechanically mates a box end and a pin end of the tubulars together to form the connection. Additionally, mating castellations, surface finishes on the pin end and the box end, torque screws, and a variable pitch groove can provide resistance to relative rotation between the tubulars at the connection.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an apparatus for use in a wellbore. The apparatus comprises a top body, a bottom body, and a sleeve mechanically connected to the top and bottom bodies. The sleeve movable between a first position to a second position, whereby in the first position, the top and bottom bodies rotate as one unit and in the second position, the top body rotates independent of the bottom body in a first direction and with the bottom body in a second direction. A method for completing a wellbore is also provided. The method comprises running an assembly and a liner disposed on a drill string into the wellbore. The assembly includes an expander tool, a hydraulically actuated swivel, and a running tool mechanically connected to the liner. The method includes rotating the assembly and the liner as one rotationally locked unit.

Abstract: A side entry tool having a lower end portion for receiving a saver sub thereon. There is further provided a sleeve portion positioned in the lower end of the side entry tool having an outside diameter smaller than the inside diameter of the tool body; the sleeve would have undergone heat treatment to a certain rockwell hardness so that because of the smaller diameter of the sleeve, any contact of the wireline with the tool body would make contact with the hardened sleeve, which could take the contact without a groove or cut being formed in the sleeve. The sleeve would be held in place with a set screw at its lower end to prevent it from rotating. In the event the sleeve indicates wireline wear, the set screw would be loosened and the sleeve would be rotated so that the wireline would make contact with a non-affected portion of the sleeve.

Abstract: A technique for connecting expandable tubulars. The technique comprises an expandable connector system that facilitates the connection of tubular components, such as tubulars used in wellbore environments.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a connector for coiled tubing that resists torque developed by rotating downhole equipment. The connector couples to an inside diameter of the coiled tubing and can use a torque ring that rotationally locks the connector to the coiled tubing. Additionally, the connector can have a slot on an outside diameter thereof adapted to receive a weld bead on the inside diameter of the coiled tubing in order to rotationally lock the connector to the coiled tubing.

Abstract: A multiple tube structure provides enhanced utilization of limited cross-sectional area in a wellbore. In a described embodiment, a tube system includes multiple tubular members rigidly attached to each other along axial lengths thereof. The tubular members are configured so that they conform to an interior of a generally D-shaped portion of a circle.

Abstract: A soil sampling system that in one embodiment includes a drill rod, a sampler or core barrel and an adapter coupling, for connecting the sampler barrel to the drill rod. In one embodiment the drill rod provides vibratory drilling movement, and the sampler barrel collects soil samples. The adapter coupling may include a barrel adapter for attaching the adapter coupling to the sampler barrel, a rod adapter for connecting the adapter coupling to the drill rod, and an isolating mechanism to isolate the sampler barrel from any upward vibratory movement of said drill rod. As such, the sampler barrel receives only downward motion from the drill rod. In one embodiment, the isolating mechanism of the soil sampling system includes an isolator box connected to the rod adapter. The soil sampling system may also include an isolator pin attached to the barrel adapter. In an embodiment of the soil sampling system, the rod adapter drives the isolator pin during a downward stroke of said drill rod.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for communicating to downhole oil or gas well equipment are provided. The apparatus includes a drill pipe for an oil or gas well including a generally cylindrical hollow drill pipe having an inner diameter, an outer insulative coating attached to the inner diameter of the drill pipe, a conductive coating attached to the outer insulative coating, and an inner insulative coating attached to the conductive coating, wherein the outer insulative coating, the conductive coating and the inner insulative coating together define an insulated electrical pathway from an upper end of the drill pipe to a lower end of the drill pipe.

Abstract: The present invention provides a connector arrangement for connecting a first tubular to a second tubular. The first tubular member has at least one circumferential ring profile, and the second tubular member has a corresponding number of matching circumferential ring profiles. When the ring profiles of the two tubulars are mated and interlocked, they form separate and independent fluid seals as well as a mechanical lock able to hold the tubulars together during future expansion of the entire tubular and joint. Further, selecting properties of the tubulars such as yield strength and modulus of elasticity or constraining a diameter of one of the tubulars during expansion or compression forms a tight connection due to elastic recovery of the tubulars.

Abstract: Well surface equipment is provided to seal around the outer surface of portions of tool sections as the tool sections are assembled or disconnected in a portion of the well surface equipment. The portion of the well surface equipment is isolated from wellhead pressure to enhance well operator control during assembly or disassembly of a tool string. Also, if a fluid path is opened up due to activation of the tool string (such as initiation of a detonating cord that is placed in the fluid path), a barrier mechanism is actuated to block fluid communication through this fluid path so that a portion of the well surface equipment can remain isolated from wellhead pressure to enable convenient retrieval and disconnection of tool sections.

Abstract: The apparatus is a whipstock assembly for use in a wellbore to form a lateral wellbore therefrom. In one aspect, a whipstock is attached to a cutting tool by a shearable connection whereby the whipstock and cutting tool assembly may be run into the wellbore simultaneously. The shearable connection is designed to fail in compression while being able to withstand forces in tension brought about by the whipstock, accessories and extensions required to properly place the whipstock above a preset packer in the wellbore. The shearable connection means consists of two sets of shearable members, one set provides equal shear resistance in tension and in compression, another set provides shear resistance in tension, but not in compression. The resulting connection is stronger in tension than in compression and failure of the connection due to the weight of the whipstock assembly is less likely.

Abstract: A breech lock wireline connector for connecting tools to a wireline inserted into a well bore. The connector has a housing with an axially movable plunger within the housing and each being in axial alignment. A spring is used for biasing the plunger axially toward and into engagement with the breech pin. The breech pin is selectively engageable and disengageable into lock and unlock positions, respectively, with the plunger and the housing. The plunger rotates the breech pin axially between the lock and unlock positions. A latch is provided for latching the plunger and breech pin in the lock position.

Abstract: A disconnect assembly connecting two portions of a downhole assembly having a downhole apparatus attached to a coiled tubing string. The disconnect assembly includes a first housing connected to one portion of the downhole assembly and a second housing connected to another portion of the downhole assembly. The housings are releasably connected by a release assembly. The release assembly is coupled to a drive train on a motor by a connection transferring rotational motion into translational motion. The release assembly includes locking members having a connected position engaging both housings and a released position wherein the housings can be separated. The motor is connected to the surface by conductors extending through the coiled tubing whereby the motor may be actuated from the surface to move the release assembly between the connected and disconnected positions.

Abstract: A remote operated coil connector apparatus for use with coiled tubing in a well bore. The apparatus has upper and lower mechanical and electrical connectors. These connectors are adapted for remote operation with respect to a tool holder that secures a tool string within a well bore.

Abstract: Apparatus for attaching a downhole isolation, production, or testing tool is disclosed, such that the tool is mechanically attached to a mandrel in a manner that is highly resistant to axial movement. In general, the connection includes at least one groove or channel cut in an outer wall of the casing mandrel, and at least one partially or fully annular slot on the inside surface of the tool oriented to correspond with the groove(s) in the outer wall of the casing mandrel. At least one lock is situated in the corresponding slot and the groove. The lock engages the flanks of the slot and groove sufficiently to resist shear loads applied by compression or tension in the string. In one embodiment, the lock is one or more wires, although other mechanical locking devices may be installed to provide the same function.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for conveying electrical power and data signals between a first location and a second location in a well borehole. The apparatus comprises a first drill pipe disposed at the first location, and a second drill pipe disposed at the second location. A second end of the second drill pipe is coupled to a first end of the first drill pipe. A first plurality of conductive pathways such as insulated wires extend longitudinally through at least a portion of the first drill pipe and terminate at the first end. A second plurality of conductive pathways extend longitudinally through at least a portion of the second drill pipe and terminate at the second end. A verification device is operatively associated with the first and second pluralities of conductive pathways for verifying electrical continuity between the first and second pluralities of conductive pathways.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that allows communications of electrical power and signaling from downhole component to another downhole component employs an inductive coupler assembly. In one arrangement, one portion of the inductive coupler assembly is attached to a production tubing section and the other portion of the inductive coupler assembly is attached to a casing or other liner section. The production tubing inductive coupler portion is electrically connected to a cable over which electrical power and signals may be transmitted. Such power and signals are magnetically coupled to the inductive coupler portion in the casing or liner section and communicated to various electrical devices mounted outside the casing or liner section. In other arrangements, inductive coupler assemblies may be used to couple electrical power and signals from the main bore to components in lateral branches of a multilateral well.

Abstract: The present invention relates to downhole apparatus for limiting rotation of a rotor (4) relative to a stator (8) associated with said rotor (4). Apparatus according to the invention is provided with a locking member (12) movable from a first axial position to a second axial position by the application of a static fluid pressure to a differential area of said locking member (12). The apparatus is characterised by means for selectively applying static fluid pressure to said differential area of said locking member (12).

Abstract: A production tubing joint is disclosed for a well comprising a barrel forming an upper tubing section and connected to the tubing hanger, a tubing connector within the barrel having a lower end connected to a lower tubing section of the production tubing string, a lower locking means having a first lower lock component secured to the barrel and a second lower lock component secured to the tubing connector and selectively engageable with the first lower lock component for suspending the tubing connector and the lower tubing section from the barrel, an adapter bar for connection to a rod string, and an upper locking means having a first upper lock component secured to the tubing connector and a second upper lock component secured to the adapter bar and selectively engageable with the first upper lock component.

Abstract: In a well an instrumentation line can be introduced down the well bore by a control line having at least a portion outside of intermediate casing and set in cement slurry between the intermediate casing and the surrounding rock and reaching to a zone of interest. A primary member accepts the distal end of the control line at the end of the intermediate casing. A secondary member has a terminal control line (sealed at its far end) attached on its outer surface. When in place, the secondary member extends into and through the zone of interest. When the secondary member is lowered through the primary member, its top end is lowered onto the bottom end of the primary member. Couplings engage and angularly orientate so that the top of the terminal control line couples to and seals with the distal end of the control line to form a conduit through which a fibre optic instrumentation line can be threaded.

Abstract: An expandable threaded connection between segments of expandable tubulars that provides multiple sealing points along the pin and box members that can withstand high pressure is disclosed. The present invention utilizes a gap that is created between the pin nose and the back of the box member when the threaded connection is made up and a reverse trapping angle machined into the pin nose end and the back of the box. The radial expansion of the tubulars causes axial movement of the pin nose and the box member until the pin nose is in contact with the back of the box member, thereby closing the gap and forcing the pin nose into sealing engagement with the back of the box member. The reverse trapping angle forces the nose of the pin member outwardly (i.e., toward the outer diameter of the expandable tubular string) as it is forced into contact with the back of the box member during the expansion process.