Abstract: A method is provided for the reduction of inflow of rock particles from an earth formation into a wellbore for the production of hydrocarbon fluid. The method comprises creating a zone of reduced compressive stiffness around the wellbore by removing rock material from the wall of the wellbore.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for producing gas from a subterranean formation containing a coal seam. The method includes the steps of drilling a substantially vertical well bore into the subterranean formation, which intersects the coal seam and fracturing the coal seam using a hydrajetting tool to produce at least one pair of opposed bi-wing fractures substantially along a plane of maximum stress. One or more horizontal well bores may also be drilled into the coal seam along which the coal seam can be further fractured.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method of orienting perforating gun strings conveyed on a tool string. One embodiment of the present invention provides an orienting weight provided in a portion of the perforating device, such as the shaped charge, the loading tube or the gun housing. An adapter is provided intermediate the tool string that facilitates conveyance of the gun string downhole. Additionally, the adapter enables the gun string to rotate independent of the tool string.

Abstract: Methods of stabilizing unconsolidated portions of a subterranean formation are provided. In one embodiment, the methods comprise: creating or enhancing at least two slots in an unconsolidated portion of a subterranean formation along a well bore, wherein the slots are positioned about 180 degrees from each other along the inner surface of the well bore; introducing a consolidating agent into the slots in the unconsolidated portion of the subterranean formation; and creating or enhancing at least one fracture in a portion of the subterranean formation.

Abstract: An improved perforation gun includes an outer gun barrel, which is used in conjunction with an inner movable charge carrier or an inner movable sleeve to trap virtually all of the debris created by the firing of the perforation gun. The charge carrier has a plurality of explosive charges initially aligned with complementary, pre-existing holes in the wall of the charge carrier, which are initially aligned with complementary, pre-existing scalloped sections of the outer gun barrel.

Abstract: A method of stimulating production of coalbed methane involves providing a perforation charge comprising a standard charge portion and a charge additive able to produce localized temporary oxidizing environments in perforations. A coal-bearing formation is perforated with the perforation charge to form initial perforations defined by carbonaceous material. The initial perforations have localized temporary oxidizing environments in them. Combustion of the carbonaceous material is initiated using the oxidizing environments, thus enlarging the initial perforations. Other methods involve perforating the coal-bearing formation with a standard perforation charge, thereby creating perforations. The perforations are treated with a composition creating temporary local oxidizing environments involving an oxidant in the perforations. Combustion of carbonaceous material is initiated using the excess oxidant, thus enlarging the perforations.

Abstract: The pipe cutter disclosed herein is useful for severing downhole tubulars and comprises a drive system, a pivoting system, a cutting head, and a cutting member. Cutting is accomplished by rotatingly actuating the cutting head with an associated motor, and then radially extending the cutting blades away from the cutting head. In one embodiment, the cutting head includes a cutting member that pivotally extends from the cutting head upon rotation of the cutting head.

Abstract: A carrier for at least one shaped charge, the carrier being disposable in use within an oil, gas, water or steam well bore. The carrier comprises a housing at least partially formed from a composite material which is non-frangible in normal use. The composite material component of the housing is arranged substantially to contain debris created within the carrier as a result of firing of the at least one shaped charge. The housing may be entirely of composite material or may comprise in inner metallic housing and an outer overwrap of composite material.

Abstract: A perforating gun connector comprising a first and second section connected together on one end. The two sections of the perforating gun connector that couple together are correspondingly tapered so that one end of one connector is tapered and fits into the corresponding tapered hollowed section of one end of the other section. The present invention also provides for the inclusion of shaped charges and booster charges within. Adjacent the charges are sealing bulkheads.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus and method for expanding a tubular. In one aspect, embodiments of the prevent invention provide an expander tool having at least two expansion members radially extendable from the expander tool into contact with a surrounding inside surface of the tubular, the at least two expansion members radially extendable at different times and axially spaced after radially extending. In another aspect, embodiments include a method for isolating a first portion of a wellbore from a second portion of a wellbore comprising locating an expandable tubular within the wellbore between the first and second portions, the expandable tubular having a weakened portion therein, isolating the first portion from the second portion of the wellbore, and expanding the expandable tubular proximate to the weakened portion to sever the expandable tubular.

Abstract: A system and method of generating one or more perforations in a well casing while simultaneously restricting burr formation is provided. A perforating gun assembly includes a gun housing having an outer surface designed to engage the inner surface of the well casing. At least a portion of the outer surface of the gun housing substantially corresponds to the inner surface of the well casing. The position of the gun housing engaging the inner surface of the well casing restricts burr formation both upon the inner surface of the well casing and the outer surface of the gun during explosive charge detonation.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for use in perforating a well having a plurality of explosive charges. Each explosive charge is adapted to generate a perforation tunnel in the formation adjacent to the well. In one embodiment, explosive charges are oriented to create perforation tunnels that converge at a location within the formation in order to create a fracture initiation plane capable of mitigating or avoiding hydraulic fracturing complications.

Abstract: A weight spacer apparatus has a carrier which is tubular in shape and a spacer tube which is also tubular in shape for insertion into the carrier. The weight spacer apparatus also has a plurality of weight bars which may be inserted into the spacer tube after the spacer tube is inserted into the carrier and which are also removable from the spacer tube. In one embodiment, a weight tray is inserted into the spacer tube for receiving the weight bars, and the weight tray may be fabricated from half-round tubing with a welded plate to cover the diametric opening. In another embodiment, a center plate is attached inside the spacer tube along the length of the spacer tube to divide the spacer tube into first and second compartments.

Abstract: A method is shown for fracturing a subterranean formation from a deviated well bore. A plurality of spaced fracture initiation points are created in the well bore. Hydraulic pressure is applied to all of the sets of perforations at the fracture initiation points to extend a plurality of spaced fractures in the formation in directions substantially perpendicular to the deviated well bore direction. The same perforated interval in the wellbore is shot two or more times, using a conventional perforating gun in order to achieve a desired hole count over a shorter distance. The perforating technique is combined with a pumping protocol which better insures that the fracturing fluid being pumped flows more evenly through each set of perforations upon the application of hydraulic pressure rather than the majority of the fluid entering only the first perforated interval of the wellbore.

Abstract: Radially expanding a tubular such as a liner or casing, especially in a downward direction. The apparatus includes at least one driver device such as a piston that is typically fluid-actuated, and an expander device is attached to the or each driver device. Actuation of the or each driver device causes movement of the expander device to expand the tubular. One or more anchoring devices, which may be radially offset, are used to substantially prevent the tubular from moving during expansion thereof.

Abstract: A rigless sand-control tool string is for use in a wellbore having plural zones. The tool string includes plural flow port assemblies, and plural screen assemblies connected to corresponding circulation port assemblies. Each set of one of the flow port assemblies and one of the screen assemblies is configured to perform sand control with respect to a corresponding zone of the wellbore. The flow port assemblies are selectively activatable to allow selective performance of sand control with respect to the corresponding zones.

Abstract: Casing expansion and formation compression for permeability plane orientation. A method of forming at least one increased permeability plane in a subterranean formation includes the steps of: installing a casing section in a wellbore intersecting the formation; expanding the casing section in the wellbore; and then injecting a fluid into the formation, the injecting step being performed after the expanding step is completed. Another method includes the steps of: applying an increased compressive stress to the formation, the compressive stress being radially directed relative to a wellbore intersecting the formation; and then piercing the formation radially outward from the wellbore, thereby initiating the increased permeability plane.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, methods and devices for selectively firing a gun train formed of a plurality of guns. Conventionally, the guns each include a detonator assembly that detonates upon receiving a firing signal transmitted by a surface source. In one embodiment of the present invention, an operator provided in the gun train selectively couples one or more of the guns to the signal transmission medium. The operator has an safe state wherein the operator isolates the gun from the firing signal and an armed state wherein the operator enable the transmission of the firing signal to the gun. A control signal is used to move operator between the safe state and the armed state. In some embodiments, two or more guns are each provided with a separate operator. In other embodiments, one operator can selectively engage two or more guns.

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

Abstract: A method is provided for adapting a tubular element extending into a wellbore formed in an earth formation, the tubular element being susceptible of damage due to axially compressive forces acting on the tubular element due to compaction of the earth formation surrounding the tubular element. The method comprises the steps of reducing the axial stiffness of at least one section of the tubular element, and allowing each tubular element section of reduced axial stiffness to be axially compressed by the action of said axially compressive forces thereby accommodating compaction of the earth formation surrounding the tubular element.

Abstract: A perforating gun and one or more volume-receiving surge canisters can be actuated at a time delay after perforation for creating a dynamic underbalance condition to aid in directing debris out of the perforations and fractures and into the wellbore. A timer and triggering device actuate one or more canisters in parallel or series after a pre-determined time delay or delays which can be related to wellbore conditions following perforation. Use of propellant-type perforating gun further benefits from favorable propellant burn conditions for forming perforations and followed thereafter by a perforation-cleaning underbalance pressure conditions characterized by one or more of an increased rate of change depression of the pressure in the adjacent annulus, a greater magnitude of pressure depression and a longer duration of underbalance.

Abstract: A cutter module includes a piston and a shear blade. The piston includes at least two movable telescoping elements that are adapted to expand from a first retracted length to a second expanded length. The shear blade is connected to the first piston to sever a tubing in response to the piston expanding from the retracted length to the second expanded length. The shear blade has a cutting edge that has a radius greater than 0.01 inches.

Abstract: A technique that is usable with a well includes communicating a ballistic wave from a first point in a well to a second point in the well without propagating the ballistic wave along a detonating cord. The first and second points are separated by at least one foot. The technique includes responding to the ballistic wave near the second point to activate a downhole tool.

Abstract: A perforating apparatus (100) includes a plurality of shaped charges (102) each having a case, an initiation end and a discharge end. A detonating cord (116) is operably associated with the initiation ends of the shaped charges (102). An energy absorbing charge holder (104) has a detonating cord receiving area to receive the detonating cord therein (116). The energy absorbing charge holder (104) also has a plurality of charge receiving locations that closely receive the shaped charges (102) therein such that upon detonation of the shaped charges (102), energy is transferred from the cases of the shaped charges (102) to the energy absorbing charge holder (104), thereby reducing fragmentation of the cases.

Abstract: A perforating apparatus (100) includes a plurality of shaped charges (102) each having a case, an initiation end and a discharge end. A detonating cord (116) is operably associated with the initiation ends of the shaped charges (102). An energy absorbing charge holder (104) has a gas expansion region and a detonating cord receiving area to receive the detonating cord therein (116). The energy absorbing charge holder (104) also has a plurality of charge receiving locations that closely receive the shaped charges (102) therein such that upon detonation of the shaped charges (102), energy is transferred from the cases of the shaped charges (102) to the energy absorbing charge holder (104), thereby reducing fragmentation of the cases.

Abstract: A release tool adapted to be connected between a perforating gun and a tubing for releasing the perforating gun from the tubing after detonation of the perforating gun, the tool including a housing in connection with the tubing, the housing having an axial bore; an axially shiftable member in connection between the housing and a perforating gun; a seal member positioned in the axial bore of the housing, the axially shiftable member positioned through the seal member; a frangible member maintaining the axially shiftable member in connection between the housing and the perforating gun until the frangible member is shatter disconnecting the shiftable member; and a mechanism for equalizing the pressure across the seal member after the axially shiftable member is disconnected allowing the perforating gun to separate from the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for stimulating a subterranean formation includes a first tube, a second tube, a combustion body and an ignition propagator. The second tube is positioned within the first tube interior and the second tube interior is sealed from the first tube interior to substantially prevent fluid communication between the first tube interior and the second tube interior. The combustion body is formed from a solid propellant and is positioned within the first tube interior external to the second tube interior. The ignition propagator is positioned within the second tube interior and is substantially free from fluid contact with fluid residing in the surrounding environment external to the first tube wall.

Abstract: The present invention provides for high volume flow from a well. A retrievable formation isolation valve allows high volume flow through the remaining casing or tubing. Alternatively, a large bore valve configuration that is not retrieved, but remains as part of the casing, can be used. The present invention also includes methods to allow for high volume flow using retrievable isolation valves or large bore valves.

Abstract: An adapter is provided for holding and mounting a shaped charge having a non-standard size into a standard loading tube of a hollow carrier gun. The adapter may include a housing assembly having an interior bore to hold a relatively small shaped charge and an exterior surface sized for mounting in a standard loading tube via a standard jacket. Alternatively, the adapter may include an improved jacket having interior ribs for supporting a relatively small shaped charge and an exterior surface for mounting the shaped charge in a standard loading tube of a relatively large gun.

Abstract: A bottomhole assembly (BHA) and method for stimulating a well includes setting a packer of the BHA in a wellbore. The BHA includes the packer and a jetting tool coupled to a tubing string. Process fluid is pumped down the tubing string and jetted with the jetting tool to perforate a formation. Stimulation process fluid is pumped down an annulus of the wellbore to fracture the formation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for perforating a formation in a wellbore without perforating a well bore casing. The methods and apparatus include an external casing perforating device configured so as not to perforate the casing. The interior of the perforating device serves as a fluid flow path between the casing and the formation following perforation and a valve in the casing selectively opens and closes the flow path.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods allow a downhole anchor device to be cut, released, and retrieved using a single one-trip cutter and removal assembly. The assembly preferably includes a cutter head recessed behind an anchor latch. The latch is landed to the anchor device to be removed and the cutter head is extended therefrom and activated. Once cut by the cutter head, the anchor device is retrieved upon a distal end of the assembly.

Abstract: A method for stimulating thick or multilayered heterogeneous or homogeneous formations in a single trip without packers involves perforating with tubing conveyed perforation, then injecting a self-diverting acid, then moving the tubing string and perforating at a new location, and then injecting additional self-diverting acid. The sequence may be repeated. The acid is preferably a viscoelastic diverting acid. The self-diverting acid may be alternated with conventional treatment fluid. The job is designed to treat the least permeable zone(s) first and maximizes acid efficiency.

Abstract: A perforating gun assembly (60) for creating communication paths for fluid between a formation (64) and a cased wellbore (66) includes a housing (84), a detonator (86) positioned within the housing (84) and a detonating cord (90) operably associated with the detonator (86). The perforating gun assembly (60) also includes one or more substantially axially oriented collections (92, 94, 96, 98) of shaped charges. Each of the shaped charges in the collections (92, 94, 96, 98) is operably associated with the detonating cord (90). In addition, adjacent shaped charges in each collection (92, 94, 96, 98) of shaped charges are oriented to converge toward one another such that upon detonation, the shaped charges in each collection (92, 94, 96, 98) form jets that interact with one another to create perforation cavities in the formation (64).

Abstract: The invention is comprised of (see FIG. 1) an inner pipe (2), and an outer pipe (3), and two end subs (1). An isolated circular hollowed space is contained in between these components. The isolated space can be used for transport of different medias down into the well, this can be vacuum, air, gas, acids, solids, tracers, or other well stimulating medias. The end subs (1) can be connected to the casing in the well and become an integrated part of the casing. The invention can be cemented on the outside like the casing can. The invention can be perforated after installed in the well.

Abstract: A well treatment system of the present invention includes a housing forming a sealed surge chamber, and a surge charge disposed within the sealed surge chamber, wherein the surge charge is adapted upon activation to penetrate the housing and to not penetrate material exterior of the housing. Fluid communication is created between the surge chamber and the wellbore when the housing is penetrated by the surge charge. The penetration permits wellbore fluid to flow quickly into the surge chamber. Fluid flow into the surge chamber may enhance a surge of flow from the formation into the wellbore.

Abstract: A method for assembling a stackable perforating gun system inside a well bore is provided that includes attaching a first gun section of the stackable perforating gun system to a tracking assembly, and transporting the first gun section within the well bore using the tracking assembly. The method also includes disengaging the first gun section from the tracking assembly; retrieving the tracking assembly to the surface; attaching a second gun section of the stackable perforating gun system to the tracking assembly; transporting the second gun section within the well bore using the tracking assembly; and coupling the second gun section with the first gun section using the tracking assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in a wellbore includes running a tool string to an interval of the wellbore, and activating a first component in the tool string to create a transient underbalance pressure condition in the wellbore interval. Additionally, a second component in the tool string is activated to create a transient overbalance pressure condition in the wellbore interval, or vice versa.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device and method for externally perforating a well-bore casing. The perforating apparatus is attached to the outside of the casing itself and is conveyed along with the casing when it is inserted into the well bore. The perforation is accomplished using two groups of charges which are contained in protective pressure chambers which are arranged radially around the outside of the wellbore casing. The pressure chambers form longitudinally extending ribs which conveniently serve to center the casing within the well bore. One group of charges is aimed inward in order to perforate the casing. A second group is aimed outward in order to perforate the formation. In an alternative embodiment, only one group of bi-directional charges is provided.

Abstract: A bottom-up method of fracturing a multi-zone subterranean formation intersected by a wellbore that enables one zone to be fractured while at the same time flowing previously placed fracture fluid from one or more other zones back to the surface is provided. The method employs a bottom-hole assembly (“BHA”) that is attached to the bottom end of a tubing string. The BHA includes a hydra jetting sub, a centralizer, a packer and valve sub. The hydra jetting sub is used to perforate and initiate the fracture in the zones of interest. The zones are fractured by pumping fracturing fluid down the annulus formed between the tubing string and the wellbore. The previously placed fracture fluid flows back to the surface through the tubing string. It enters through the valve sub in the BHA.

Abstract: An anchoring tool to position an attached tool, such as a chemical cutter or other tools, in a predetermined position within the bore of a tubular. After the desired location for cutting the tubular or performing other functions is determined, the anchoring tool, along with the chemical cutter or other tools, is lowered into the bore of the tubular until the predetermined position is reached. Thereafter, an ignitor expands pressure propellants, positioned within the body of the anchoring tool, and produces pressure which causes anchoring slips to anchor the tool and any associated equipment within the interior of the tubular.

Abstract: A method for remotely managing downhole power consumption in a downhole network system is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of monitoring an activation state for each of a plurality of individually activatable electrically-powered modules in a downhole device and determining an optimal activation state for each module according to system demands. The activation state of each module may be selected from the group consisting of activated or deactivated. The method further comprises the step of transmitting a power state switching instruction from a top-hole processing element to a downhole power-consumption state controller over the downhole network. The method also includes the step of switching the selected electrically-powered modules according to the determined optimal activation states.

Abstract: A technique that is usable with a subterranean well includes communicating a wireless stimulus downhole in the well and actuating a casing conveyed tool in response to the communication.

Abstract: A system for injecting a substance into the annular space surrounding a well tubular with an assembly to be inserted into a well tubular. The assembly includes a cutting part capable of making a hole through a well tubular; a substance chamber for storage of the substance and a substance injecting part capable of injecting the substance into the annular space. The system includes a cutting part having a chamber with a first end and a second end and having a wall surrounding the chamber and including at least one entrance for substance at the first end and including an exit for delivery through the well tubular and into the annular space at the second end.

Abstract: A method and system of forming a lateral wellbore in a time and trip saving manner using a mill/drill to locate and place a casing window. In one aspect of the invention, a lateral wellbore is drilled with liner which is subsequently left in the lateral wellbore to line the sides thereof. In another aspect, the mill/drill is rotated with a rotary steerable system and in another aspect, the mill/drill is rotated with a downhole motor or a drill stem.

Abstract: A method for perforating a wellbore comprises placing a perforating device in a cased wellbore that passes through a subterranean formation. The perforating device comprises at least one explosive perforating charge that can be detonated in order to perforate the casing and allow the formation fluids to enter the wellbore. A perforating fluid is placed in the wellbore between the perforating device and the casing. The ratio of the critical temperature of the perforating fluid in ° K and the temperature of the subterranean formation adjacent to the casing in ° K is between about 1.0-1.3. When the at least one explosive charge in the perforating device is detonated, at least one perforation is formed in the casing, and at least a portion of the perforating fluid is forced into the subterranean formation.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an expandable slotted tube fabricated from at least one tubular element and at least two annular elements connected to the opposite ends of the tubular element by means of butt joints wherein axially extending slots are formed at a uniform angular spacing around the periphery of the tube and in longitudinally overlapping relation characterized by cutting said annular elements in a pattern of overlapping positionally fixed slots in accordance with invariable parameters which are pre-determined relative to the dimensions of said annular elements and cutting in said tubular element a pattern of slots that is variable in accordance with measured parameters of the tube so as to achieve the required overlap between said positionally fixed and variable slots. A machine for carrying out the method is also described.

Abstract: A firing head assembly has a sealed chamber containing a piston, a firing pin, and an impact detonator. The firing head assembly and a perforating charge are installed within a sub and the sub is secured into a string of conduit being lowered into a wellbore. After cementing the conduit, the operator drills out the cement in the conduit, disintegrating the chamber and exposing the sealed chamber to the fluid pressure of the drilling fluid in the conduit. The drilling fluid pressure causes the piston to drive the firing pin against the detonator, which detonates the perforating charge. The operator then pumps down a logging tool to survey the well. Fluid in the conduit below the pump-down head can flow out the displacement perforation into the earth formation while the logging tool is moving downward.

Abstract: A technique is provided to form perforations in a wellbore. The formation of perforations is carefully controlled by a perforating device to create a series of sequential perforations in a desired arrangement. The perforating device is lowered to a desired location in the wellbore and then moved incrementally to enable sequential perforations in the desired arrangement.

Abstract: A system and method of damping fluid pressure waves in a subterranean well. In a described embodiment, pressure waves are damped by positioning a dampener in the well during a perforating operation. The dampener may attenuate the pressure waves by absorbing the pressure waves, flowing the pressure waves through viscously damping material, generating complementary pressure waves, changing a material phase, or by a combination of these methods.