Abstract: The invention relates to pumping units for extraction oil from oil wells comprising, all of them being installed on the piping string, a packer, a back pressure valve, a jet pump having the active nozzle, the mixing chamber, the diffuser and the central channel for supplying a passive medium, and a seal assembly. The back pressure valve is installed below the seal assembly, and a geophysical instrument is installed on the well-logging cable going through the seal assembly. The unit further comprises a filter and a perforator. The geophysical instrument is installed above the back pressure valve and below the jet pump, and the filter and the perforator are installed below the back pressure valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method to use a perforating gun in oil and natural gas wells, comprising: a perforating gun with a loading tube and explosive charge; the gun comprises: a first layer disposed over the loading tube and at least one outer layer in engagement over the first layer; the outer layer is a solid structure with scallop openings disposed therein and the scallops are in the solid structure in a defined pattern; wherein the method comprises: suspending the gun with a loading tube and explosive charge in a well bore wherein the gun has a longitudinal axis parallel to the sides of the well bore; detonating the explosive charge in the gun; permitting a gas jet to pierce the first layer and outer layer of the gun perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the gun, well casing and to enter and fracture the strata surrounding the well.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided to reduce interference resulting from activation of explosive devices. To reduce interference, one or more shock impeding elements are placed proximal one or more explosives to impede propagation of shock caused by detonation of the explosives. The shock impeding elements include a porous material, such as a porous liquid or solid.

Abstract: This invention relates to a whipstock casing milling system and, more particularly, to such a system in which a window mill is secured to a whipstock so that the system may be run into a well, set and operated to open a window in a casing during a single trip. The milling system of the present invention comprises a protrusion (B) provided on the whipface of the whipstock wherein the protrusion (B) forms an extension of a relatively steep ramp surface (45) of the whipface so as to reduce damage to said surface (45) at a juncture (A) of said surface (45) with a relatively shallow ramp surface or parallel surface (46) during use of the system. The protrusion (B) thereby avoids an undercutting of a casing and a thinning of the whipstock.

Abstract: A well completion procedure and apparatus comprises a first assembly that includes production tubing combined with a production packer and an internal bore latching profile. A second assembly comprises an explosive perforating gun secured to a latching mechanism. The perforating gun and latching mechanism are dimensioned to freely traverse the flow bore of the production tubing for downhole retrieval and return after the packer is set. The latching mechanism may be released by discharge of the gun.

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of oil wells and in particular to the explosive and other devices that are used to perforate oil well casings and hydrocarbon bearing rocks in order to create channels through which oil and gas can flow into the well bore. Existing oil well perforators are either termed “big hole” perforators which are designed to produce large holes in the oil well casing only or “deep hole” perforators which are designed to perforate the casing of the well into the surrounding rocks. This invention proposes a novel “dual action” perforator capable of substantially performing the same functions as both deep hole and big hole perforators.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method to make a perforating gun for use in oil and natural gas wells comprising the steps of: obtaining a length of a first tube; cutting scallop holes into the first tube forming an outer layer; placing the outer layer in a holder; cutting a second tube to the approximate length of the outer layer; pulling the second tube into the outer layer forming a laminate structure having a first and second end; repeating the process for a desired number of layers in the laminate structure; machining internal structures into the laminate structure; inserting the loading tube into the laminate structure; and forming thread protectors in the first end and the second end of the laminate structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for cutting tubulars in a wellbore. In one aspect of the invention, a cutting tool having radially disposed rolling element cutters is provided for insertion into a wellbore to a predetermined depth where a tubular therearound will be cut into an upper and lower portion. The cutting tool is constructed and arranged to be rotated while the actuated cutters exert a force on the inside wall of the tubular, thereby severing the tubular therearound. In one aspect, the apparatus is run into the well on wireline which is capable of bearing the weight of the apparatus while supplying a source of electrical power to at least one downhole motor which operates at least one hydraulic pump. The hydraulic pump operates a slip assembly to fix the downhole apparatus within the wellbore prior to operation of the cutting tool. Thereafter, the pump operates a downhole motor to rotate the cutting tool while the cutters are actuated.

Abstract: A system for perforating a well includes a perforating gun 10 and a swivel 12 suspended from a wireline 50. An orientation sub 14 is provided above the gun 10 and a rotational latching mechanism 90 rotationally connects the wireline to the perforating gun in one direction, while allowing the swivel to rotationally disconnect the gun from the wireline in an opposing direction. According to the method of the invention, the gun may be lowered in the well from the wireline to a depth greater than the desired firing depth until the gun is rotated to its desired azimuthal position, and the gun then raised by the wireline to the desired firing depth with a rotational latching and swivel mechanisms maintaining the gun at its desired azimuthal position.

Abstract: A method and system for activating a device at a particular orientation in a casing are disclosed. The casing has a bias, for example a lower side due to tilt, that defines a default angle in the casing, for example a point along a wall of the casing where objects will rest due to gravity. The method includes providing a magnetic sensor at a known angle in the device relative to the angle at which a device function occurs. For example, the angle at which a perforating gun perforates the casing is a device function angle. The method further includes lowering the device into the casing. The method further includes determining the offset of the device from the casing at the known angular position from an output of the magnet sensor. The device can then be activated.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for forming a window of optimum dimensions in casing wall. A window of maximum width is cut when the center line of the mill tool is located inside of the inner diameter of the casing where a maximum amount of casing is drilled away by the mill tool. A whipstock is described which deviates the mill tool outwardly so that the center line of the mill tool is in approximately this position. The whipstock then maintains the mill tool at this approximate location until a window of desired length is cut having a substantially maximum width. The whipstock then deviates the mill tool such that the centerline is outside of the casing to drill a rathole into the formation.

Abstract: An instrumented perforating gun and associated methods. One aspect provides a recess for placement of instruments on the perforating gun. Another aspect provides methods for perforating and completing a well in a single trip. The present invention also provides an instrumented intergun housing. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A disconnect system for coiled tubing. A first end of the coiled tubing is disconnected from a second end of the coiled tubing by holding the coiled tubing in a stationary position at a first and a second location. The coiled tubing is then sheared at one or more locations between the first and the second location.

Abstract: An apparatus for perforation of wellbore walls, which apparatus includes a fiber optic cable having a laser input end and a laser output end. A laser source is operably connected to the laser input end and a laser head is connected to the laser output end. The laser head includes a laser control components for controlling at least one laser beam characteristic. Laser head control elements for controlling the motion and location of the laser head are operably connected to the fiber optic cable. The laser head is enclosed in a protective housing, which protects the fiber optic cable and elements, such as reflectors and lenses for controlling the laser beam emitted by the fiber optic cable disposed therein, from the harsh environments encountered in downhole operations.

Abstract: Methods and devices for sensing operating conditions associated with downhole, non-drilling operations, including, fishing and retrieval operations as well as underreaming or casing cutting operations and the like. A condition sensing device is used to measure downhole operating parameters, including, for example, torque, tension, compression, direction of rotation and rate of rotation. The operating parameter information is then used to perform the downhole operation more effectively.

Abstract: A method for performing single trip perforation and packing operations via a downhole assembly in a cased well bore is described. The assembly is provided with an upper packer and a lower packer and has fluid communication established therethrough. The upper packer of the assembly is set to isolate a perforated production zone by introducing pressurized fluid through the assembly and against the casing below the lower packer of the assembly.

Abstract: A variety of approaches to reducing or eliminating “end effect” or the tendency of tubular ends to reduce in diameter after expansion are disclosed. Some involve pre-bending the ends outwardly while others involve removing material internally or/and externally near the ends. Yet other approaches feature weakening the ends in other ways including penetration of the tubular material using openings of various shapes including slots or/and holes where the openings are between the tube ends or where they can extend on one or both ends all the way to the end of the tubular. Inserts that are softer than the tube material can be placed near the ends. If there is an end effect, then the protruding material can be pushed out of the way or broken off.

Abstract: A method for optimally orienting perforations in a subterranean formation is disclosed, the optimization process being based on establishing the orientation of bedding planes in the formation and, where applicable, hole size effects while determining an orientation of the perforation that balances the stress concentration along the circumference of the cross-section between perforation and bedding plane in further improvements of the method inhomogeneous stress distributions and permeability are included into the optimization process.

Abstract: A perforating gun assembly for use in a subterranean well incorporates therein an electromagnetic frequency receiver coupled to a motor section which, in turn, is coupled to the mechanically actuatable firing head portion of the perforating gun. The assembly is lowered into a cased wellbore to a subterranean formation location, and a surface-disposed transmitter generates encoded electromagnetic waves through the earth to the receiver. Upon sensing in the received waves a predetermined frequency and embedded firing code, the receiver electrically operates the motor which, in turn, mechanically actuates the firing head to initiate the firing of the perforating gun. While the assembly is illustratively lowered into the wellbore on a tubing structure, a variety of non-tubing structures may be alternatively utilized to lower the gun assembly into the wellbore and operatively support it therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method to use a perforating gun in oil and natural gas wells, comprising: a perforating gun with a loading tube and explosive charge; the gun comprises: a first layer disposed over the loading tube and at least one outer layer in engagement over the first layer; the outer layer is a solid structure with scallop openings disposed therein and the scallops are in the solid structure in a defined pattern; wherein the method comprises: suspending the gun with a loading tube and explosive charge in a well bore wherein the gun has a longitudinal axis parallel to the sides of the well bore; detonating the explosive charge in the gun; permitting a gas jet to pierce the first layer and outer layer of the gun perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the gun, well casing and to enter and fracture the strata surrounding the well.

Abstract: Disclosed is a casing conveyed perforating system and methods for externally perforating a wellbore and casing. The perforating system is attached to the outside of the casing and is conveyed along with the casing when it is inserted into the wellbore. The perforation may be accomplished using two groups of charges, which are contained in protective pressure chambers, however, may use only one group of bi-directional charges. Each pressure chamber may be positioned radially around the outside of the wellbore casing. The pressure chambers form longitudinally extending ribs, which conveniently serve to center the casing within the wellbore. One group of charges may be aimed inward in order to perforate the casing, while the other group of charges is aimed outward in order to perforate the formation.

Abstract: A tubing expander (10) comprises a body (12) carrying a plurality of radially movable piston-mounted rollers (24) and associated sleeves (16) mounted about the body (12) and being radially supported by the rollers (12). The expander (10) is positioned in a length of cubing of a first diameter, the pistons (28) extended, and the expander (10) rotated such that the sleeves (16) roll around the inner surface of the tubing and expand the tubing to a larger second diameter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing a tubular member (e.g., leg of an abandoned or obsolete fixed platforms in a marine environment) is provided. The apparatus includes a delivery system having a frame carrying explosive shaped charges. The frame includes charges having curved sections which can be moved relative to one another for engaging the inside bore of a tubular member to be severed. The charges are biased (e.g., spring loaded) to be moved automatically to an extended position that engages the tubular member (e.g., platform leg) when a trigger is activated from a remote location. The trigger can be a pin carried in a tube with wires connecting each curved charge section to the pin. When the pin is lifted from its tube, the wires are released enabling the springs to thrust the charges against the inside of a pipe, leg or tubular member to be cut. Once in this position, the charges can be fired.

Abstract: A process and assembly for completing and providing sand control in a subterranean well and/or fracturing and preventing proppant flowback in a subterranean formation in a single trip. One or more perforating gun assemblies are juxtaposed and secured to one or more screen assemblies. Once positioned in a well adjacent a subterranean formation of interest, the explosive charges in each perforating gun assembly are detonated so as to penetrate the well and formation thereby initiating fracturing. The penetrations and the annulus defined between the well and screen assembly are then packed with gravel. Well fluid may be pressurized to in excess of the formation pressure prior to detonation of the explosive charges so as to enhance formation fracturing.

Abstract: The current invention provides improved methods of completing wellbores penetrating unconsolidated and poorly consolidated subterranean zones. The methods basically comprise the steps of placing a coated proppant in fractures penetrating the subterranean zone, allowing the coated proppant to cure or set as a fluid permeable barrier to particulate matter and expanding an expandable well screen located adjacent to the fractures.

Abstract: A downhole system includes a deflector with a reaction surface that is engageable to a mill. The deflector is coupled to a motion mechanism that is activable to move the deflector generally along a longitudinal direction. During operation, the mill is engaged to a surrounding downhole structure, and the mill is rotated. As the mill cuts an opening in the downhole structure, the motion mechanism moves the deflector, which allows the mill to move with the deflector. A smooth motion is provided by the motion mechanism to enable a more accurate cutting of the downhole structure (e.g., casing or liner).

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.

Abstract: A safety system controls the activation of one or more downhole tools by providing selective transmission of an activation signal or an energy stream. In a preferred embodiment, transmission of the activation signal or the energy stream is allowed after the tool has passed below a known pre-determined depth. A preferred safety system includes a first device in fixed relationship with the downhole tool and a second device fixed at the stationary location. The first device permits, after reaching the pre-determined depth, either (a) an initiation signal to reach an initiation device associated with a downhole tool upon or (b) the energy stream to reach a downhole tool. The second device positively engages the first device to provide an indication that the specified depth has been reached.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of perforating and surging a section of the wellbore includes running a perforating gun into the well on a string having an isolation valve above the perforating gun, closing the valve, and perforating the well with the isolation valve closed so that the formation is isolated from the well surface. An underbalance pressure is provided above the isolation valve, and then, the isolation valve is opened to surge the formation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method includes positioning a string in a wellbore, the string having a surge chamber. A closure member is provided below the well surface, with the surge chamber defined at least in part by the closure member. At least one port to the chamber is opened to create a fluid surge into the surge chamber and a local low pressure condition in a wellbore region.

Abstract: Radially expanding a tubular (12) such as a liner or casing, especially in a downward direction. The apparatus includes at least one driver device (20, 22) such as a piston that is typically fluid-actuated, and an expander device (14) is attached to the or each driver device (20, 22). Actuation of the or each driver device (20, 22) causes movement of the expander device (14) to expand the tubular (12). One or more anchoring devices (36, 40), which may be radially offset, are used to substantially prevent the tubular (12) from moving during expansion thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for using that apparatus to orient a perforating gun or system to minimize or eliminate the damage which may be caused to exterior control conduits, conductors or devices, or to adjacent interior well control lines, conduits or tubing by attaching the perforating system to a device which has a resilient cam or guide which engages a slot formed on the interior of a specially fabricated tubular member attached at a spaced distance from the perforating systems blast and which is so oriented as to permit the attachment of the lines or conduits or devices in the opposite radial direction from the blast of the perforating system.

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 process and apparatus for completing a subterranean well bore in at least one subterranean formation. At least one perforating gun assembly is positioned on the outside of casing in a subterranean well bore. A suitable signal, such as a hydraulic, electric or wave signal, is transported to the perforating gun assembly so as to detonate one or more explosive charges in the perforating gun assembly which are aimed toward the casing. At least one wall in the casing is perforated thereby establishing fluid communication through the wall of the casing. Usually, cement surrounding the casing and a subterranean formation surrounding the casing are also perforated to establish fluid communication between the formation and the interior of the casing.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a completion system that can be deployed in a single downhole trip, yet still achieve desired completion objectives.

Abstract: A multi-cycle pressure operated firing head for use in a subterranean well. In a described embodiment, a pressure actuated firing head for detonating a perforating gun in a subterranean well includes a firing mechanism and a member which displaces incrementally in response to alternating pressure increases and decreases applied to the firing head. The firing mechanism fires when the member displaces a predetermined distance. In another embodiment, a firing head includes a firing mechanism and a displacement mechanism which displaces a member of the firing head in response to a decrease in a pressure level proximate the firing head in the well. The firing mechanism fires when the member is displaced by the displacement mechanism.

Abstract: The current invention provides an improved permeable cement composition for formation of downhole sand screens. The improved composition includes an effective amount of a surfactant. Addition of the surfactant to the permeable cement composition yields at least a pumpable slurry with a minimal amount of water or brine solution.

Abstract: The present invention discloses apparatus and methods for perforating, completing, testing, and abandoning a wellbore in a single trip. One embodiment of the invention is a method that comprises perforating an interval within the wellbore, positioning a sand screen assembly adjacent the perforated interval, gravel packing the perforated interval, performing testing on the perforated interval, and then abandoning the well, all in a single trip in the wellbore.

Abstract: A system for controlling a dynamic pressure transient in a well during operations to provide fluid communication between the wellbore and adjacent formation. A method includes determining the characteristics of an adjacent formation, selecting a perforating tool for increasing fluid communication, determining a dynamic pressure transient to enhance the quality of the fluid communication and prevent damage, selecting a wellbore fluid to achieve the desired pressure transient, and performing the fluid communication process based on the selected parameters.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a transient underbalance condition is provided. Transient underbalance can be enhanced by using a porous material, such as a porous solid, around the explosive device. The porous material contains a volume to receive wellbore fluids in response to activation of the explosive device. This causes a local drop in pressure, which enhances the transient underbalance effect. In another application, it is desired to reduce the transient underbalance effect. This is accomplished by reducing the pressure drop generated as a result of explosive detonation. In one arrangement, the shot density is reduced by using solid masses.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods of using the apparatus are disclosed for performing cuts in a subterranean well. The apparatus utilizes linear shaped charges arranged in an endless pattern which are used to cut a pattern in a downhole structure. The charges are discharged to perform the cutting operation.

Abstract: A method of installing a liner in a drilled bore below a section of bore previously lined with casing comprises the steps of: running a length of liner into the bore such that at least an upper end of the liner is positioned in overlapping relation with at least a lower end of the casing; and plastically deforming a portion of the liner such that an external face of the portion forms an interference fit with an internal face of a portion of the casing. The interference fit preferably provides both hanging support for the liner and a fluid-tight seal between the liner and casing.

Abstract: A structure is positioned on the outer surface of a casing or liner to enable cutting the casing in substantially any azimuth over a given length of casing without damaging the structure. After placing the casing in a wellbore, the position of the structure on the casing may be determined with reference to an orienting slot in an indexing coupling. Thereafter, a non-colliding region on the casing may be identified for cutting the casing.

Abstract: A tool containing a solid combustible material is used to provide a pipe-cutting flame and to direct a pipe-cutting flame against a casing or tubular. The nozzles can be configured in any desired array and intensity. In the preferred embodiment, a rectangular window is burned away completely if the nozzles are sufficiently intense or the window is formed in segments if other distributions are used. The device can be anchored by a packer or anchor and can be run in the wellbore on tubing, wireline or electric line. The window can be produced in a single trip. The tool can be removed and a kick-off diverter installed adjacent the window for drilling the lateral.

Abstract: A downhole tool hydraulic firing head includes an automatic drain that is opened when the piston is driven to fire. The automatic drain includes a vent opening from the bore and a sleeve disposed within the bore to move axially with the piston. The sleeve is moveable from a position covering the vent opening to a position clear of the vent opening. A locking collet is disposed between the sleeve and the housing, which locks the sleeve into the position, clear of the vent opening, when the sleeve is moved into that position. This locks the sleeve against returning to the position covering the vent opening when it is urged to move in that direction such as, for example, by venturi forces of the evacuating fluid or by pressure generated from the explosive charges. The firing head is useful to detonate downhole explosive charges, such as those in a perforating gun.

Abstract: The shear ram assembly 10 for shearing an oil well tubular T includes a first ram 16 axially moveable along the first axis 66 for moving an upper blade 17, and an opposing second ram 18 axially moveable along the second ram axis 68 for moving a lower blade 19. An upper planar surface 40 of the lower blade passes closely adjacent a lower planar surface 42 of the upper blade as the blades move towards each other to shear the tubular. The sealing system 24 is positioned within a recess 26 in the upper surface of the lower blade, and includes an elastomeric seal 28 for sealing engagement with the lower planar surface of the upper blade and a rigid actuator 30 moveable relative to the lower blade to energize the elastomeric seal.

Abstract: An impulse generator (76) and method for using an impulse generator (76) to initiate a detonation in a shaped charge perforating apparatus (60) is disclosed. The shaped charge perforating apparatus (60) is adapted for use in a wellbore (62) and includes a plurality of shaped charges (86). A detonation cord (98) is operably coupled to each of the shaped charges (86). An initiator (78) is operable to detonate the detonation cord (98) upon receiving a triggering impulse. A Marx generator within the impulse generator (76) provides the triggering impulse to the initiator (78).

Abstract: This invention relates to the field of oil wells and in particular to the explosive and other devices that are used to perforate oil well casings and hydrocarbon bearing rocks in order to create channels through which oil and gas can flow into the well bore. Existing oil well perforators are either termed “big hole” perforators which are designed to produce large holes in the oil well casing only or “deep hole” perforators which are designed to perforate the casing of the well into the surrounding rocks. This invention proposes a novel “dual action” perforator capable of substantially performing the same functions as both deep hole and big hole perforators.

Abstract: The apparatus is used for cutting an opening through the wall of a conduit located in a borehole traversing the subsurface formations. The apparatus includes a body adapted to be lowered into the conduit to a desired level. The body is formed by a cylindrical wall defining an elongated chamber having a combustible charge receiving portion and an ignition system portion located close to the combustible charge receiving portion. A plurality of spaced apart apertures are formed through the wall defining a given pattern which may be at least one elongated row of apertures generally parallel with the axis of the cylindrical wall or a line which encloses a given configuration on one side of the axis.

Abstract: The present invention discloses and claims methods and apparatus for forming an opening or a window in a downhole tubular for the subsequent formation of a lateral wellbore. In one aspect of the invention, a thermite containing apparatus is run into the wellbore on a wire line and a widow is subsequently formed in casing wall. In another aspect of the invention, the apparatus includes a run-in string or drill stem with a drill bit attached to a lower end thereof. A diverter, like a whipstock is attached temporarily to the drill bit with a mechanically shearable connection. At a lower end of the whipstock, a container is formed and connected thereto. The container is designed to house a predetermined amount of exothermic material at one side thereof adjacent the portion of casing where the window or opening will be formed. A telescopic joint extends between the bottom of the container and an anchor therebelow and the telescopic joint is in an extended position when the apparatus is run into a wellbore.