Abstract: Degradable polylactic or polyhydroxyalkanoate polymers may be used to viscosify aqueous fluids for use in wells, Sand control screen or liner can be coated with a solid degradable polymer during placement in a well. Mechanical changes or flow changes in a well can be caused by solid degradable polymer that changes physical properties after it is placed in a well. Parts of devices or entire devices can be made of solid degradable polymer that converts to a fluid after selected times in an aqueous environment in a well.

Abstract: A downhole abrading tool having a body with a first end for connection to a drill string, a cutting end, a drilling fluid passageway, a restrictor disposed within drilling fluid passageway, and an indicator chamber is disclosed. Upon exposure of the indicator chamber to a well environment due to excessive wear on the cutting end, the restrictor is actuated. Actuation of the restrictor restricts the flow of drilling fluid from the drilling fluid passageway into the well environment. The restriction of flow of drilling fluid from the drilling fluid passageway causes a pressure increase in the drilling fluid flowing through the well that can detected by an operator of the downhole abrading tool. The pressure increase provides an indication to the operator of excessive wear on the cutting end of the downhole abrading tool so that the downhole abrading tool can be removed from the well and replaced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a means and method for providing hydraulic load compensated time delay in down-hole well operations.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the operation of a downhole flow control device using a snorkel tube.

Abstract: An oilfield element or assembly having a polymeric substrate protected by a polymeric coating adhered to at least a portion of the polymeric substrate. The coating includes a polymer having the formula —[R(R1x)(R2y)]—, wherein: R is selected from C—C, aryl, or —C(R3p)(R4q)-aryl-C(R5r)(R6s)—; R1 and R2 may be the same or different; R3, R4, R5, and R6 are independently selected from halogen atoms and hydrogen atoms; and n is an integer ranging from 10 to 10,000.

Abstract: A laboratory test method employs maximum acoustic wave velocity to determine cure time of a sample of curable resin-coated proppant (CRCP) that are packed in a pressurized chamber to simulate conditions in a reservoir rock formation during fracturing in which the CRCP will be used. The pressurized CRCP is subjected to a varying temperature profile that replicates the reservoir temperature recovery during shut-in of the fractured zone in order to develop maximum proppant pack strength and minimize proppant flow back following completion of the fracturing operation and to determine shut-in time to complete curing of the resin.

Abstract: An anchoring sub used in combination with hydrocarbon exploration and production tools, such as perforating guns and logging devices, within a wellbore. The anchor sub is reversible and includes a mandrel, a slip assembly and a slip cone, where the slip assembly selectively travels up and down the mandrel and is able to mate with the slip cone. The anchor sub secures itself to the inner circumference of a wellbore when the slip assembly is mated with the slip cone. Mating and de-mating of the slip assembly with the slip cone is accomplished by selective up and down movement of the anchor sub.

Abstract: A clamp is disclosed for use in deep sea oil exploration operations. The clamp includes a pre-formed metallic belt (12) to which a first rigid metallic curve (13) is welded. The rigid metallic curve reinforces and protects the anchorage housing of an electro-hydraulic hose which is secured by the clamp. The belt (12) further includes a second rigid metallic curve (14) to reinforce and protect an electric cable which is secured by the clamp. The belt includes rigid symmetrical forks (15) and (16) that are welded in the rotation area of screws that serve to tighten the clamp. The clamp includes a body made of vulcanized rubber having three tips (26), (27) and (28), which are formed at equidistant angles of 120°. The clamp body includes a larger bore hole in the center (17), a medium bore hole in half oblong form (9) in the tip (27), a small bore hole in half oblong form (8) in the tip (26), and a bore slot (18) in the tip (28) suitable for the opening and closing of the clamp (1).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for enhancing the recovery of gas in a perforated interval of a gas well. The system features a tubing string having a dead string attached for reducing the flow area of the annulus in the perforated interval, thereby reducing the critical velocity of the gas, i.e., the velocity required to overcome backpressure due to fluids in the well column. The system includes a ported member for receiving gas from the annulus into the tubing string. The ported member and the dead string are isolated from each other by a retrievable plug. The disclosed system provides access from the surface through the dead string for diagnostic or corrective operations. The system also provides delivery of reagents such as foamers to the perforated region to further reduce the critical velocity.

Abstract: The present invention provides an airframe structure of an aircraft or spacecraft, with: a hollow body section which can be subjected to an internal pressure; a membrane arrangement which has at least one single-part, multi-curved membrane component for sealing off the internal pressure from an external pressure which acts on the hollow body section and differs from the internal pressure; and a joining structure for a pressuretight joining of the membrane arrangement to a region of the hollow body section; wherein the membrane arrangement forms a receiving well which is accessible from outside the hollow body section, extends at least partially into the hollow body -section and is for receiving a component of the aircraft or spacecraft.

Abstract: Apparatus, oilfield assemblies, and methods of use are described. The apparatus comprises, in one embodiment, a swellable elastomeric composition comprising a swellable elastomer and one or more nanosensors dispersed therein and shaped into an oilfield element. Methods of the invention comprise using an apparatus of the invention in an oilfield operation, thus exposing the oilfield element to an oilfield environment, and sensing one or more reservoir parameters. This abstract allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure. It will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: A method to enhance oil shale, oil sand, asphaltic crude oil, or other high viscosity crude oil production by using a solar blackbody waveguide to heat these formations in situ. A parabolic mirror collects and directs the solar flux into a vertical shaft of a well drilled into the formation. This vertical shaft is lined with a reflective sleeve that reflects nearly all of the sunlight down into the well bore. The reflective sleeve ends at the top of the formation so that below this point, the solar flux is permitted to make successive reflections with the interior of the metal well casing or solar blackbody waveguide coil. The coil absorbs the solar flux, converting it to heat. Heat from the coil is transferred by conduction into the formation and allowing the formation to be produced by traditional methods.

Abstract: Memory tool deployment method, system, and apparatus include a landing ring fit on a pipe deployed in a well. A drop-off tool has a landing collar and has a tool string with one or more memory tools. The drop-off tool is connected to a wireline and is deployed through the pipe in the well with the wireline. The drop-off tool is landed on the landing ring on the pipe so that the memory tools extend beyond the pipe. The wireline is released from the drop-off tool and is removed from the pipe so that logging operations can be performed. After logging, the wireline is redeployed in the pipe in the well and is reconnected to the drop-off tool to retrieve the memory tools from the pipe.

Abstract: A system that is usable with a subterranean well includes a first tubular member that is adapted to receive a flow of a first fluid. The system includes a second tubular member that is located in the flow and is substantially flexible to be moved by the flow to establish a pressure on a second fluid located inside the tubular member. A mechanism of the system uses this pressure to actuate a downhole tool.

Abstract: A method of anchoring tubing in a bore comprising: providing tubing having a section with outer surface portions defining a tubing profile, and configured to describe an outer diameter less than a first diameter. The tubing is located within a bore having an internal diameter equal to the first diameter and defining a bore profile. The tubing is then reconfigured such that the tubing profile engages with the bore profile, anchoring the tubing within the bore.

Abstract: A cavity positioning tool includes a housing adapted to be coupled to a downhole string. The cavity positioning tool includes at least one blunt arm pivotally coupled to the housing. Each blunt arm is configured to contact a surface of the cavity to position the tool in the cavity. The cavity positioning tool also includes a piston slidably disposed within the housing. The piston is operable to engage each blunt arm. The piston is also operable to receive an axial force operable to slide the piston relative to the housing. The sliding of the piston extends each blunt arm radially outward relative to the housing from a retracted position.

Abstract: An apparatus controls the operation of a hydrocarbon production well. The apparatus includes a supply means for providing an electric power supply. The apparatus also includes a plurality of electrically operated actuating devices. The actuating devices can be a plurality of electric motors. The apparatus includes drivers responsive to the power supply for providing a drive signal for the actuating devices. The apparatus also includes a control assembly for applying the drive signal to the actuating devices in a multiplexed manner. The power from each driver creates a power input signal. When there are more than one input signals, they are multiplexed so that a single signal is received by the actuating devices.

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: The present invention is addressed to a method of retro-fitting a well installation to reconfigure it to provide plunger enhanced chamber lift. The method comprises the steps of providing a reel-carried supply of coil tubing, a primary seating nipple assembly, a primary seal assembly, a primary seal, a receiver housing, and a secondary seating nipple. The receiver housing is connected with the coil tubing, and the coiling tube snubbed until the primary seal engages the primary seating nipple. A wire installable and retrievable sealing plug is provided and installed within the receiver housing. The wellhead is modified to supply gas under pressure into the secondary annulus and the sealing plug is removed. A check valve assembly is provided and positioned within the coiling tube such that the secondary seal engages the secondary seating nipple. A reciprocally moveable plunger is provided and installed within the coiling tube.

Abstract: A borehole retention assembly for anchoring a well tool within a wellbore including a gripping assembly and an actuation assembly. The gripping assembly includes expandable members such that upon expanding the expandable members, the gripping assembly engages the wall of the borehole. The gripping assembly includes a pair of expandable members and a medial member, the members having cooperating tapered surfaces therebetween such that upon the actuation assembly contracting the gripping assembly, the expandable members are cammed outwardly against the borehole wall. The gripping assembly is mounted on a mandrel enabling them to resist rotational and axial forces on the well tool. When engaged, space is provided on each side of the borehole retention assembly such that annular flow is permitted therearound.

Abstract: A cavity positioning tool includes a housing adapted to be coupled to a downhole string. The cavity positioning tool includes at least one blunt arm pivotally coupled to the housing. Each blunt arm is configured to contact a surface of the cavity to position the tool in the cavity. The cavity positioning tool also includes a piston slidably disposed within the housing. The piston is operable to engage each blunt arm. The piston is also operable to receive an axial force operable to slide the piston relative to the housing. The sliding of the piston extends each blunt arm radially outward relative to the housing from a retracted position.

Abstract: An adjustable hanger system and related method connect a hanger to a wellhead, with a hanger supporting a tubular secured at its lower end in the well. The wellhead includes a housing 20 having a plurality of axially spaced support grooves 23, and a hanger 30 including a support ring 32 radially moveable into a selected one of the support grooves on the wellhead housing. A lock down ring 34 may limit axially upward movement of the hanger with respect to the wellhead, while a support ring 32 may be used to limit axially downward movement of the hanger with respect to the wellhead housing. Both the support ring and the lock ring may be a substantially C-shaped rings which move radially outward into a selected one of the support grooves or locking grooves.

Abstract: A drop ball catcher apparatus for use with downhole tools in oil well drilling and installation operations is disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, a drop ball catcher apparatus is used to receive and stow a drop ball ejected from a ball-actuated downhole tool. Moreover, the drop ball catcher apparatus may also be used as the primary activation device for a downhole tool such as a liner hanger or a circulation device.

Abstract: A cavity positioning tool includes a housing adapted to be coupled to a downhole string. The cavity positioning tool includes at least one blunt arm pivotally coupled to the housing. Each blunt arm is configured to contact a surface of the cavity to position the tool in the cavity. The cavity positioning tool also includes a piston slidably disposed within the housing. The piston is operable to engage each blunt arm. The piston is also operable to receive an axial force operable to slide the piston relative to the housing. The sliding of the piston extends each blunt arm radially outward relative to the housing from a retracted position.

Abstract: A tool for capturing and retaining a pump down plug or ball which has been released from equipment above in a well bore, concealing the pump down plug from subsequent flow of fluid or other material through the tool, and diverting flow from a normal circulation port toward a bypass port through the tool. The pump down plug seats in, and closes, the circulation port, where the pump down plug is then retained by a tubular receptacle. Increased fluid pressure then shears the tool body loose from its housing, moving it downward to a position lower in the housing. This opens the path through which the pump down plug was released from above. A further pressure increase can be used to open the bypass port through the tool body. When the tool body is released from its first position, a diverter can close over the tubular receptacle and divert movement of fluid and other material away from the area of the circulation port and toward the bypass port.

Abstract: In the method of providing for well tubular member magnetization, the steps include providing a magnetizing structure comprising an electrical coil defining an axis, relatively displacing the member and the structure, with the coil positioned and guided in close, centered proximity to the member, while supplying electric current to flow in the coil, thereby creating magnetic flux passage through the member and core to magnetize the member, or a part of the member, and displacing the member in a wellbore.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for moving equipment into and through a conduit that is preferably an oil and/or gas production well, wherein use is made of an uphole equipment storage and handling unit via which equipment modules can be moved into a launch conduit and connected to a shuttle device which is able to locomote itself as a wireless tractor via the launch conduit into and from the underlying conduit.

Abstract: A method of reducing ground disturbance during freeze-thaw cycles. The steps include excavating soil from an area affected by ground disturbance due to subsurface flow and subsequent freezing of water. A subsurface layer of thermal insulation is then laid over the affected area, thereby thermally insulating the affected area from freezing. The subsurface layer of thermal insulation has a top surface and a bottom surface. A subsurface layer of wick material capable of drawing water away from the affected area by capillary action is also laid parallel to one of the top surface or the bottom surface of the subsurface layer of thermal insulation positioned in a path of the subsurface flow of water.

Abstract: Blast joint assemblies are used for integral prevention of erosion of a production string crossing a production zone and simultaneous protection of hydraulic, electric and/or optical lines which need to cross same zones to operate and retrieve data from downhole operated tools. Each assembly is composed by one or more modular joint bodies having each at least one longitudinal slot on its outer surface; protecting covers shielding the longitudinal slots to house control lines housed in each of the longitudinal slots, with the protecting covers being properly retained on the related tubular joint body. The tubular joint bodies are precision machined to be connected by male and female threads granting an exact alignment of all slots in the blast joint(s) and allowing any combination of lengths for coping with any required assembly.

Abstract: A template that can be used for drilling subsea wells in proximity at the seafloor is provided. The template is first placed over an existing protuberance above the seafloor, which is usually the conductor casing of an existing well. The template has a plurality of cans or guide slots, of which one has a J-slot that can be engaged by a running tool. The template is placed near the seafloor and plates are released to rest on the seafloor and support the template. After wells are drilled through the slots, the template can be rotated or moved to additional well casings for the drilling of additional wells.

Abstract: A world threatening explosion has been assessed as overdue for a supervolcano discovered under the US Yellowstone National Park. Recent proposals give a method for the controlled evacuation of the volcanic magma to prevent the explosion. The present proposals are much simpler. The evacuation would be through a single evacuation tube, 10 and 11. Means for heating the hot volcanic magma evacuation flow prevent an unacceptable increase of stickiness in the very long tube. The heating may use small combustion chambers to heat steam, which in turn heats, drives, and stabilises the magma flow by injection from 16. Stability is aided by central cooling, using water jets from nozzles 15 and 17 at the wall.

Abstract: A downhole tool for sealing a wellbore. The downhole tool includes a packer with a ball seat defined therein. A sealing ball is carried with the packer into the well. The movement of the sealing ball away from the ball seat is limited by a ball cage which is attached to the upper end of the packer. The ball cage has a plurality of ports therethrough for allowing flow into the ball cage and through the packer at certain flow rates. A spring is disposed in a longitudinal opening of the packer and engages the sealing ball to prevent the sealing ball from engaging the ball seat until a predetermined flow rate is reached. When the packer is set in the hole, flow through the frac plug below a predetermined flow rate is permitted. Once a predetermined flow rate in the well is reached, a spring force of the spring will be overcome and the sealing ball will engage the ball seat so that no flow through the frac plug is permitted.

Abstract: The present invention provides a down-hole tool guide apparatus 6 suitable for use in controlling movement of a down-hole apparatus 1 provided with a pressurised working fluid supply in a borehole P. The apparatus comprises: a body 7 having a chamber 13 in which is slidably mounted a piston 14. A high pressure end 13a of the chamber 13 is connected 36 to the pressurised working fluid supply 10 for supplying pressurised working fluid to a high pressure side 32 of said piston 14. A low pressure end 13b of the chamber 13 is connected with the outside of the guide apparatus 6 and is provided with a spring 16 for applying a biasing force to the low pressure side 17 of the piston 14 corresponding to a predetermined threshold pressure of the pressurised fluid supply at the high pressure side of the piston 14. The body 7 mounts at least one shoe 25 having an engagement face 26.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for absorbing shock downhole in a wellbore. The kinetic energy from a moving tool is absorbed to dissipate such energy, to decelerate the moving tool, or to prevent impact damage s from contact between the tool and other downhole components. An actuator has an interference fit with a body such as the interior wall of a tubing section. When the moving tool actuates the actuator to move the actuator relative to the body, kinetic energy is dissipated into the body as the body elastically deforms due to the moving actuator. The amount of energy dissipated can be determined from the strength of the body, the contact dimensions between the actuator and body, and the length of moving contact between the actuator and body.

Abstract: A subterranean cavity positioning system includes a down-hole device and a cavity positioning device rotatably coupled to a well portion of the down-hole device. The cavity positioning device includes a counterbalance portion operable to automatically rotate the cavity positioning device from a retracted position to an extended position as the cavity positioning device transitions from a well bore into the subterranean cavity. The counterbalance portion is also operable to align the cavity positioning device with the well bore as the down-hole device is withdrawn from the subterranean cavity.

Abstract: A well screen cover including a channel running along substantially the entire length of the well screen cover. The channel may be formed directly into the cover or separately formed and welded to the cover. The channel is open to the exterior of the well screen cover and is formed to house a cable, such as a fiber optic cable, which is run into a well bore along with the well screen.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting sensing devices disposed on an outer surface of a pipe is provided. The apparatus includes a housing and a plurality of bumpers. The housing is attached to the outer surface of the pipe. The bumpers are attached to one of the outer surface of the pipe or the housing. Each bumper includes a post and a bumper pad. The bumpers are enclosed within the region formed between the housing and the pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating water from an oil mixture extracted from a well that is adapted to be positioned downhole and that includes a hydrocyclone (6), an electrostatic coalescence unit (8), a centrifugal device (10), and a re-injection pump.

Abstract: A tractor for moving within a borehole comprises an elongated tractor body and two propulsion assemblies that are longitudinally movably engaged with the body. The tractor body has annular pistons configured to receive hydraulic thrust to propel the body longitudinally. Each propulsion assembly includes a gripper and one or more propulsion cylinders. The gripper has an actuated position in which the gripper limits relative movement between the gripper and the inner surface of the borehole, and a retracted position in which the gripper permits substantially free relative movement between the gripper and the inner surface of the borehole. Each propulsion cylinder contains one of the pistons. The tractor includes a control assembly having a plurality of valves and hydraulic circuitry which control the sequencing of fluid distribution to the propulsion cylinders, and of the actuation and retraction of the grippers. A throttle valve controls the fluid flowrate to the pistons.

Abstract: A multi-stage liquid elevator which is assembled from individual stages is disclosed. Each elevator stage is fabricated from ordinary pipe components and has no moving parts. When inserted into an natural gas well, the elevator is powered by the gas pressure available in the well. Each elevator stage consists of a reservoir defined by a casing enclosing an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe. At each stage, the liquid and gas from the previous stage are forced into the inlet pipe and the liquid collects in the reservoir until enough gas pressure builds up in the stage to force the liquid up the outlet pipe to the next stage. A coupling connects any two stages of the elevator together. As many stages as required can be joined together to construct a multi-stage liquid elevator of any desired length. Each stage is fabricated to a length compatible with the available gas pressure.

Abstract: A downhole in-line tubular accumulator for the attenuation of pressure pulses generated by operation of a downhole vibratory apparatus in an oil or gas well. An inner tube is positioned within a hollow housing, with the inner tube being attached to the housing at their upper ends. The lower end of the inner tube is unattached within the housing, thereby establishing an annular upper cavity between the inner tube and the housing, and an open lower cavity in the housing below the unattached lower end of the inner tube. The attenuator is run into the well on a work string. Pressure pulses traveling through the fluid column in the work string are attenuated by entrapped air in the annular upper cavity in the housing.

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 pivots radially outwardly from the tool upon tool rotation 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 and is stowed adjacent the housing by opposite tool rotation. Preferably the profile of the jaw allows it to stow closely against the housing for presenting minimal obstruction. More preferably, the jaw is formed independent of the housing and the bore supports differential pressure so that the tool can be installed above a rotary pump or as a part of an extended tailpiece.

Abstract: This invention relates to a gas-lift ball control device in gas-lift ball oil recovery and a method of oil recovery with the device. In the device a low pressure gas outlet, an oil-gas-ball inlet and an oil outlet are provided on casing of an oil-gas-ball separator. A spiral pipe communicating with the oil-gas-ball inlet is provided within the casing. There is a separating umbrella on the spiral pipe and a filter below the spiral pipe. There is a ball-distributing valve inside the filter. The valve body is provided with a ball-entry bore, a low pressure gas-bore, a high pressure gas-entry bore and a high pressure gas-exit bore. There is a gas path communicating with said two pairs of bore in a manner of rotation or sliding. Gas and balls can be continuously supplied to a gas transporting pipe through the ball-distributing valve. The device is efficient with less gas and simple structure. It can be easily made and be securely and reliably operated.

Abstract: A downhole tractor is provided that includes a housing and a first wheel assembly coupled to the housing that is operable to translate away from the housing in a first direction. The first wheel assembly has a first electric motor, a first wheel, and a first reduction gear assembly coupled between the first electric motor and the first wheel. A second wheel assembly is coupled to the housing and is operable to translate away from the housing in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction. The second wheel assembly has a second electric motor, a second wheel, and a second reduction gear assembly coupled between the second electric motor and the second wheel. A fluid ram is coupled to the first and second wheel assemblies for selectively translating the first and second wheel assemblies toward and away from the housing. A first controller is provided for controlling the flow of current to the first and second electric motors.

Abstract: An apparatus for orienting a downhole tool relative to a borehole. The invention comprises a phase change material such as a shape memory metal engaged with the tool in an initial position which is activatable to move into an operating position relative to the tool. An actuator activates the phase change material to orient the tool relative to the borehole. The member is engaged with said housing and with the phase change material for selective movement relative to said housing between an initial position and an operating position. The actuator activates said phase change material to move said member. A return spring can move the phase change material to or from the initial position. The invention can be combined with a logging tool or other downhole device to orient the tool within a borehole. In different applications, the invention can center the tool or urge the tool against one side of the borehole wall.

Abstract: A locator device (50) that is selectively lockable within a nipple profile (40) disposed within a wellbore (32). The locator device (50) comprises a locator key (106) disposed between a housing (104) and a mandrel (102) that is radially extendable through a window (108) of the housing (104). The locator key (106) has an engageable position and a retracted position with respect to nipple profile (40). A support ring (110) is disposed between the housing (104) and the mandrel (102) that maintains the locator key (106) in the engageable position until the support ring (110) is axially displaced relative to the mandrel (102).

Abstract: A cutting tool and a rotatable removal tool can be used together in a system and method for removing lining from tubing in a well. A particular cutting tool includes a mandrel, a sleeve mounted on the mandrel, and a cutting member connected to the sleeve. The cutting member has a width and a cutting edge of angular disposition to form a beveled cut through the lining. Setoff members can be used to space the sleeve from the lining and to engage the lining to enable relative rotation between the mandrel and the sleeve when the cutting tool is in the lining. A particular removal tool includes an inner engagement member and an outer engagement member. The two engagement members are connected such that lining is drawn into and held between them in response to rotating at least the inner engagement member within the lining. A particular engagement member includes a bulbous body adapted to twist into lining in response to rotating the bulbous body in the lining.

Abstract: A downhole anchor for preventing rotational movement of a member within a well has a central tubular member, a slip housing and a drag assembly disposed about the tubular member. The slip housing carries at least two slip members, each slip member being mounted in a slot for slide-in positioning. This slip mounting feature facilitates assembly and refurbishment of the anchor. The slips are inwardly biased toward the tubular member by a spring acting between the slip members and the tubular member. The positioning of the spring in this way also facilitates assembly and refurbishment of the anchor and reduces stress damage to the slip housing.

Abstract: A mandrel-operated torque roller anchor for insertion into the casing of a well, which when set resists axial movement and prevents rotation of itself and the string above it in one direction, but permits such motion when rotated in the other direction. The anchor comprises a central mandrel and a slip cage. The slip cage has a number of elongated slots. A number of drag slips rest on the mandrel within the slip cage and provide limited outward movement, through the slots, to bear against the casing. Each drag slip has a surface with wickers to grip the casing and set the anchor, and an adjacent unwickered drag portion to bear against the casing to allow the mandrel to rotate relative to the slips and cage, but permit axial movement of the string. Slots running through the drag portion of the slip provide flow around the anchor. Biasing elements extend between the mandrel and an interior surface of each slip to force the drag portion of the corresponding slip against the casing when in an unset position.

Abstract: A pressure-boosting apparatus particularly amenable for use in downhole applications is disclosed. The pressure-boosting apparatus employs an unbalanced piston which is initially fixated in a run-in position. The piston has a flowpath therethrough in which is mounted a check valve. Initially, pressure is applied to above and below the piston which results in an unbalanced force on the piston due to its configuration. Flow to the tool initiates its actuation at this time. When the unbalanced force reaches a predetermined level, the piston is no longer fixated to the housing and begins to accelerate. Acceleration of the piston closes the check valve due to the sudden decrease in pressure behind the check valve and an increase in pressure in front of the check valve as the fluid volume in front of the piston is compressed.