Abstract: The invention comprises a section of improved tubing with coupled end connectors and an insert containing at least one electrical wire. The insert has an outside diameter that is approximately equal to the inside diameter of the improved tubing. The insert also has projections at each end such that when two inserts are placed end to end, the projections will mate up. The insert has at least one groove cut into its side and running the length of the insert. The groove is for the placement of a wire for transmission of power to the well bore or for the placement of a wire for transmission of data from the well bore. When a plurality of the inventions are placed end to end, the insert projections line up the electrical connectors and correct mating of the insert projections will result in correct mating of the electrical connectors.

Abstract: A drillpipe line installation system, the drillpipe string being composed of drillpipe sections which are added and removed to increase and decrease the length of the drillpipe, and a length of cable is disposed within the drillpipe string. The length of this cable is greater than that of the drilipipe string when the cable is put in the drill pipe. The system includes a lower cable storage means which stows the cable in a compact manner and pays the cable out when the length of the drillpipe is increases, and an upper cable storage means which can take up the cable in a compact manner when the length of the drillpipe is decreased.

Abstract: The invention comprises a section of improved tubing with coupled end connectors and an insert containing at least one electrical wire. The insert has an outside diameter that is approximately equal to the inside diameter of the improved tubing. The insert also has projections at each end such that when two inserts are placed end to end, the projections will mate up. The insert has at least one groove cut into its side and running the length of the insert. The groove is for the placement of a wire for transmission of power to the well bore or for the placement of a wire for transmission of data from the well bore. When a plurality of the inventions are placed end to end, the insert projections line up the electrical connectors and correct mating of the insert projections will result in correct mating of the electrical connectors.

Abstract: The well reference apparatus and method of the present invention includes a reference member preferably permanently installed within the borehole at a preferred depth and orientation in one trip into the well. The reference member provides a permanent reference for the location of all operations, particularly in a multi-lateral well. The assembly of the present invention includes disposing the reference member on the end of a pipe string. An orienting tool such as an MWD collar is disposed in the pipe string above the reference member. This assembly is lowered into the borehole on the pipe string. Once the preferred depth is attained, the MWD is activated to determine the orientation of the reference member. If the reference member is not oriented in the preferred direction, the pipe string is rotated to align the reference member in the preferred direction. This process is repeated for further corrective action and to verify the proper orientation of the reference member.

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: A robust, low-loss wired pipe joint is provided for service as a component of a wired pipe string for transmitting measurement data to a surface station from locations in a borehole in oil well drilling and oil well operations. Conductive layers reduce signal energy losses over the length of the drill string by reducing resistive losses and flux losses at each inductive coupler. The wired pipe joint is robust in that it remains operational in the presence of gaps in the conductive layer. A wired pipe joint includes an elongate tubular shank having an axial bore, a threaded box-end, and a threaded pin end.

Abstract: A through-tubing multilateral system for downhole oil drilling operations includes a tubing extension positioned in a downhole end of a tubing string in a wellbore and an anchoring system configured and positioned to anchor the tubing extension in the wellbore. The tubing extension is dimensioned to accommodate the installation of a multilateral junction therein and has an outside diameter that is less than an inside diameter of the tubing string. The tubing extension has a body portion configured to be tubular in structure and a thin walled section attached to one end of the body portion. The thin walled section has a wall thickness that is less than a wall thickness of the body portion.

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: The present invention provides a field weldable connection. In one embodiment, the field weldable connection is a downhole connector assembly for sealingly attaching a first and a second segment of a control line. The control line has an outer housing that encapsulates a polymeric secondary housing. A communication line runs therethrough the secondary housing. The connector further comprises a weld coupling welded to the outer housing of the first and second segments of the control line. To protect the communication line from the thermal radiation and heat generated during the welding process, at least one reflective sleeve replaces a portion of the secondary housing at a location intermediate the communication line and the welds of the coupling.

Abstract: A tie back liner for a well system.

Abstract: In a release system for a packer the release ring is minimally exposed in the wellbore and is actuated by a release tool, which comprises a collet and cone with a relative movement feature. In the preferred embodiment, the release ring has alternating cuts and a built in radially outward bias. The ring is held in locked position by bands, which are broken by the action of the releasing tool.

Abstract: A pressure control system for a wet connect/disconnect hydraulic control line connector includes a reservoir and a piston in said reservoir. The reservoir contains hydraulic fluid or equivalent and the piston is biased by hydrostatic pressure or an atmospheric chamber and hydrostatic pressure. Pressure in the hydraulic line being controlled by the system is controllable based upon the existence or lack of an atmospheric chamber and its placement. The method for controlling pressure in a hydraulic control line wet connector includes running the control system and biasing the piston to control pressure.

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 device is provided for manipulating a tool in a well tubular. The device includes a cylindrical housing having a front end and a rear end, and radially extendible dogs for securing the device in the well tubular. A shaft is also included that is axially displaceable and rotatable from the front end of the device. The shaft is extendable from a displaceable sleeve, the displaceable sleeve also being extendable from the front end of the device. The outwardly extending end parts of the shaft and of the sleeve are provided with is effective for holding a tool.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention discloses a system for use with a downhole tool while perforating deviated portions of subterranean wellbores. The system involves a swivel connection attaching subsequent segments of the downhole tool which increases the overall flexibility of the downhole tool. The swivel connection allows sections of the downhole tool to pivot with respect to the next adjacent section.

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: 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. The mechanical connection resists high temperatures, high pressures, and corrosive fluids and gases that may be encountered in the well without the use of welding to a casing mandrel. 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.

Abstract: A device for protecting the internally threaded end portion of a tubular member includes an externally threaded portion for engaging the internally threaded portion of the tubular member and a collar for engaging the exterior of the internally threaded end portion of the tubular member.

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 bi-directional explosive transfer subassembly (56) for coupling two explosive tools (52, 54) comprises first (74, 78) and second (76, 80) explosive carrying members that respectively define first (82, 86) and second (84) explosive cavities. A ball end (102) of the first explosive carrying member (74, 78) is slidingly received in a socket (114) of the second explosive carrying member (76, 80) such that the first (74, 78) and second (76, 80) explosive carrying members are rotatable and angularly displaceable relative to one another. A first explosive device (130) is disposed in the first explosive cavity (82, 86) and a second explosive device (132) is disposed in the second explosive cavity (84). The first (130) and second (132) explosive devices are spaced apart such that when one of the explosive devices (130, 132) is initiated, the other of the explosive devices (130, 132) will in turn be initiated.

Abstract: A threaded joint for an oil well pipe is provided which prevents the occurrence of galling at the time of repeated tightening and loosening and which provides a high degree of air tightness and has excellent galling resistance and air tightness without using a liquid lubricant such as a compound grease.

Abstract: An apparatus for coupling a tubular member to a preexisting structure.

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: In an assembly for cylindrical drill pipes made for the transport of different kinds of fluids, a combined flange assembly can combine the functions and can be assembled under low time consumption and at low cost. Drill rods are connected by axially directed bolts inserted in the outer wall of a first drill rod (1) and extending axially past the end of the first drill rod (1) into internally threaded blind holes (21, 22) in the next drill rod to be connected to the first drill rod. Each terminal surface of a drill rod is made with arrangements (13-17, 23-27) for at least one coupling plug (31, 33) for the transport of different kinds of fluids in the drill string.

Abstract: A coupler system for downhole wellbore service tools comprises an elongated main body having a longitudinal bore, a plurality of release blocks disposed in slots in the main body wall, and an exterior spline about its circumference below the release blocks. The release blocks are movable radially inward and outward, and are biased inward by springs. A piston having a longitudinal bore is movably disposed within the main body bore. The piston has spaced apart larger diameter sections and a central smaller diameter section. A cylindrical washpipe body fits over the main body and has an internal spline for engagement with the main body spline, and shoulders (on the main body and on the interior of the washpipe body) limit downward movement of the washpipe body.

Abstract: A data resource specific to a pipe coupling centrally positioned within the coupling, intermediate the coupling ends. Multiple couplings are employed to connect together a string of well pipe. The data resource is adapted to be deployed at the coupling center in the space formed between the abutting ends of pipe made up into the coupling. The data resource provides information regarding the physical characteristics and locations of the coupling, the attached string pipe or the environment within which the coupling is disposed. The data resource may be a read-only component or it may be a readable and writeable component. The resource communicates with an instrument movable through the pipe and coupling. The data resource may be removably positioned at the center of the coupling or it may be permanently cemented in place. The data resource may take on the form of an annular ring with a crushable structure and suitable recesses for holding a data resource module.

Abstract: A downhole tool includes first and second drill string sections interconnected by a joint, which may be a flex coupling such as a loose splined connection. A resilient, fluid-tight tube extends through the joint and is fixed and sealed to interior surfaces of the drill string sections and provides a restoring force which tends to strengthen the joint.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing paraffin and asphaltene deposits in a pumping oil well including a polish rod having a portion extending outwardly of the earth and having a portion extending into an oil string tubing, a sucker rod string interconnected to the polish rod and extending through the oil string casing into the earth, and an insulating rod interconnected to a lower end of the polish rod and interconnected to an upper end of the sucker rod string. The insulating rod is formed of a material having a thermal conductivity of 0.0167 to 0.06 BTU/(sq. ft.)(hr)(deg.F)(ft). The insulating rod is formed of a body of fiberglass material, an upper connector affixed to the body and formed of a steel material, and a lower connector affixed to the body and formed of a steel material.

Abstract: A flexible joint for providing a hinged connection with an underwater transport line or “riser” for transporting an oil or gas fluid and that is subjected to a traction force. The joint comprises a substantially cylindrical housing containing: a second tubular portion fixed to one end of said housing; a first tubular portion fixed to said underwater transport line and secured to a laminated hinge abutment fixed to another end of said housing and against which the traction force of said transport line is exerted; and tubular isolation means interconnecting said first and second tubular portions in such a manner as to confine the fluid passing through the flexible joint.

Abstract: A downhole apparatus and method for depositing metal at a desired area in a well casing. In one embodiment the apparatus comprises an oxygen tank filled with oxygen, a fuel tank filled with fuel, and a metal depositing device. An inert gas, such as nitrogen, may be supplied to dampen the heat generated by the metal depositing device. In an alternate embodiment, the apparatus comprises a gas tank with nitrous oxide therein and a sparking device to initiate a decomposition reaction to separate the nitrous oxide into its oxygen and nitrogen components. The metal depositing device may be adapted for flame spraying, plasma spraying or welding. A steering head is provided to reciprocate and rotate the apparatus so that the metal depositing device may be directed to the desired area in the casing. A camera and light are disposed at the bottom of the apparatus so that the interior of a well casing is illuminated and an image is transmitted to the operator for proper actuation of the steering sub.

Abstract: A universal joint between adjacent, electrically connected instrument housings for downhole well operations allow the connected housings to bend longitudinally as required to traverse an arced section of a well bore but does not permit relative elongation or twisting about the longitudinal axis of the housings. In one embodiment, a fluid impermeable open passage space at atmospheric pressure surrounds electrical signal carriers linking the instrument circuitry within the two housings. The passage is constructed as a high-pressure flexible bellows or as a braided or spiral wound high-pressure fluid hose. In another embodiment, a fluid impermeable sheath surrounds the signal carriers and encapsulates the signal carriers by a resilient solid. The articulation structure comprises a Cardan-type of universal joint wherein two fingers project longitudinally from the end of each of the housings.

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.

Abstract: A coiled tubing slip connector for connection to the end of coiled tubing to be inserted into a well bore. The connector provides both rigid connection to withstand impact and torsional forces encountered within a well bore and yet permits disconnection from the tubing without damaging the connector. Hence, the connector may be reused.

Abstract: A coupling is incorporated in the landing string which is non-destructively unlatched by the closure of BOP pipe rams. The coupling is simple and reliable to operate in emergencies. When the pipe rams are closed, the radial force releases a mechanism comprising captive pins and an outwardly biased split ring. The split ring is compressed inwardly, releasing shoulders on collet fingers from beneath an undercut in a bore of the coupling. Reconnection is simply achieved by re-engaging the collet fingers in the undercut. Other BOP closure element non-destructively operated landing string couplings are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides a running tool comprising a torque-dampening system. A first portion and a second portion of the running tool are operably related by a torsion interface. In one embodiment, the torsion interface includes a plurality of interlaced teeth disposed on the each of the first and second portions. During relative rotation of the first and second portions, the teeth engage and “ride up” on one another, thereby forcing the first and second portions in opposite axial directions. At least one of the portions houses a flow restrictor assembly adapted to restrict fluid flow from one region to another during the axial movement of the portions. Accordingly, the relative rotation between the portions is inhibited, or dampened.

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: A marine riser has couplings with screw-threads for securing marine riser sections together, and a carousel mechanism for coupling auxiliary lines to the marine riser sections at various locations along the sections to permit the lines to rotate freely relative to the marine riser sections as the sections are rotatably assembled. The marine riser also has a buoyancy module which houses choke and kill lines in buoyancy module fairing portions.

Abstract: A universal joint between adjacent, electrically connected instrument housings for downhole well operations allow the connected housings to bend longitudinally as required to traverse an arced section of a well bore but does not permit relative elongation or twisting about the longitudinal axis of the housings. I one embodiment, a fluid impermeable open passage space at atmospheric pressure surrounds electrical signal carriers linking the instrument circuitry within the two housings. The passage is constructed as a high-pressure flexible bellows or as a braided or spiral wound high-pressure fluid hose. In another embodiment, a fluid impermeable sheath surrounds the signal carriers and encapsulates the signal carriers by a resilient solid. The articulation structure comprises a Cardan-type of universal joint wherein two fingers project longitudinally from the end of each of the housings.

Abstract: A system and method of communicating among devices via a piping structure using at least one induction choke about the piping structure to route a time-varying current carrying communication signals between the devices. A communications system comprises a piping structure, a first communication device, a second communication device, and an induction choke. The piping structure comprises a first location, a second location, and an electrically conductive portion extending between the first and second locations. The first and second locations are distally spaced along the piping structure. The first and second communication devices are each electrically connected to the electrically conductive portion of the piping structure along the first location and second location, respectively, and each is adapted to send and receive communication signals via time-varying current.

Abstract: An electrically insulating gap subassembly for inclusion in a pipe string (30) comprising a pair of tubular members (90, 98) having an electrically insulating isolation subassembly (94) threadably disposed therebetween is disclosed. The electrically insulating isolation subassembly (94) has an anodized aluminum surface that provides electrical isolation to interrupt electrical contact between the two tubular members (90, 98) such that electromagnetic waves (46, 54) carrying information may be generated thereacross.

Abstract: A hydraulically releasable coupling device has an upstream part arranged to permit connection to tubing and a downstream part arranged to be connected to a tool or equipment. A radially expandable locking ring is configured to expand and thereby to disconnect the coupling device. A movable securing ring portion encloses the locking ring at least partially in an unexpanded locking position thereof. A piston body is connected to the securing ring portion and has a through passage which is provided downstream with a restriction element. The piston body has an upstream piston head with an annular upstream reaction surface and an annular downstream reaction surface for pressure fluid in counterflow. The piston head has a larger diameter than a downstream extension formed as a piston skirt, in which the restriction element is mounted. A longitudinal portion of the piston skirt, next to the piston head, is enclosed by a cylinder chamber of the piston head accommodating a return spring.

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 flow control system for an apparatus for radially expanding tubular members.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a preload force to an expansion cone for radially expanding a tubular member.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a wellbore casing. An annular piston is displaced in the axial direction by pressurizing an annular piston chamber. The axial displacement of the piston radially expands a tubular member into contact with a preexisting tubular member. The radially expanded liner hanger is then decoupled from the apparatus.

Abstract: A disconnect for facilitating release of a tool at a downhole, wellbore location. The disconnect utilizes an upper portion and a lower portion connected at least in part by a shear member. The disconnect uses a plurality of pressure areas to selectively expose the lower portion to balanced, counteracting axial forces. The pressure areas allow release or disconnection of the upper portion from the lower portion upon application of a predetermined tensile load without subjecting the tubing to an undesirably high tensile load.

Abstract: A method of coupling a tubular member to a preexisting structure.

Abstract: A method of applying an axial force to an expansion cone.

Abstract: An assembly for formation and completion of deviated wellbores is disclosed which includes a toolguide and a casing section which can be used together or separately. The toolguide includes a lower orienting section and a whipstock having a sloping face, commonly known as the directional portion of a whipstock. The toolguide is coated with a material such as epoxy or polyurethane to provide a repairable surface and one which can be removed to facilitate removal of the toolguide from the well bore. The lower orienting section has a latch which extends radially outwardly from the section and can be locked in the outwardly biased position.