Abstract: A wellbore plug isolation system and method for positioning plugs to isolate fracture zones in a horizontal, vertical, or deviated wellbore is disclosed. The system/method includes a wellbore casing laterally drilled into a hydrocarbon formation, a wellbore setting tool (WST) that sets a large inner diameter (ID) restriction sleeve member (RSM), and a restriction plug element (RPE). The WST is positioned along with the RSM at a desired wellbore location. After the WST sets and seals the RSM, a conforming seating surface (CSS) is formed in the RSM. The CSS is shaped to engage/receive RPE deployed into the wellbore casing. The engaged/seated RPE isolates heel ward and toe ward fluid communication of the RSM to create a fracture zone. The RPE's are removed or left behind prior to initiating well production without the need for a milling procedure. A large ID RSM diminishes flow constriction during oil production.

Abstract: A device for perforating a perforating gun body, while leaving adjacent tubulars unperforated, adapted for situations where it may be desirable to use a perforating gun with a loaded number of shaped charges that is less than its full capacity.

Abstract: A downhole cutting tool includes a tool body and a plurality of cutter knife sets, each of the plurality of cutter knife sets configured to extend outwardly to separately perform a pipe cutting operation. A first cutter knife set has a diameter in an extended position larger than a diameter in an extended position of a second cutter knife set. A method includes running the downhole cutting tool into a wellbore, deploying the first set of expandable cutting arms to an extended position and engaging the extended expandable cutting arms with a first work piece, rotating the downhole cutting tool and cutting the first work piece, deploying the second set of expandable cutting arms during a single trip into the wellbore to an extended position and engaging the extended expandable cutting arms with a second work piece, and rotating the downhole cutting tool and cutting the second work piece.

Abstract: A method for well completion employs a combined plugging and perforating operation for creating multiple spaced-apart clusters of perforations and optional stimulation treatments in stages. For each stage to be completed, a frac plug, carried, for example, along a wireline bottom hole assembly with perforating guns, is set in the wellbore distal (toward the toe end of the well) of the most proximal perforation cluster of the previous stage, thereby maintaining open hole conditions that provide adequate flow past the most distal perforation clusters in the current stage and minimizing proppant accumulation in the wellbore from stimulation operations. The method further allows subsequent pump down of tools and equipment even with the plug set in the wellbore.

Abstract: Methods including introducing a downhole orienting tool into a wellbore comprising: a mandrel having a top end and a bottom end, and rotatable about a longitudinal central axis, a sensor module comprising a motor and a sensor, the sensor module disposed on the mandrel and configured to selectively interfere with the movement of the mandrel along the central axis and actively rotate the mandrel by orienting the sensor to a reference point, and a wellbore isolation device comprising an orientation key directionally aligned with the sensor, the wellbore isolation device removably coupled to the bottom end of the mandrel and configured to rotate about the central axis with the mandrel; actively rotating the mandrel and the wellbore isolation device until the sensor is oriented to the reference point, such that the orientation key is also oriented to the reference point; and setting the wellbore isolation device in the wellbore.

Abstract: A method for hydraulic stimulation of rock of a borehole of a well having an internal casing. The method includes positioning a conduit in the casing, the conduit having along its external face expandable tubular sleeves, fixedly linked to the conduit, and at least one aperture before each sleeve placing the internal space of the conduit into communication with the space demarcated by the conduit and each sleeve. A fluid is injected into the conduit under a first pre-determined pressure, which is sufficient to expand the sleeves. For each of the areas of the wall of the well to be stimulated, the method includes: plugging the conduit downstream from a first area to be stimulated; perforating the wall of the conduit and, at least in certain cases, perforating the casing at the first area to be stimulated; and injecting a fluid into the conduit under a second stimulation pressure.

Abstract: A system and methodology are provided for improving the triggering (firing) of perforating guns, such as perforating guns deployed downhole via tubing. According to an embodiment, a methodology is provided for dependably communicating with an electronic firing head. The electronic firing head receives signals via wireless telemetry, such as either electromagnetic or acoustical telemetry. The methodology prevents surface or off depth detonation of the perforating guns by utilizing a fire command protocol.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a perforating gun assembly. The perforating gun assembly includes an uphole plate and a downhole plate. Additionally, the perforating gun assembly includes a plurality of perforation guns coupled to the uphole plate and the downhole plate. The plurality of perforation guns have a plurality of charges that in operation punch holes in a casing within a wellbore.

Abstract: A pressure test system for use in downhole fluid injection includes a shear plug assembly disposed along a flow path defined in a sump housing. The sump housing also includes a sump cavity positioned downstream of the shear plug assembly. A shear element of the shear plug assembly secures the shear plug assembly in a first position within the flow path, so that the shear plug assembly blocks fluid flow through the sump housing. Following a pressure test, fluid pressure on the shear plug assembly may be increased until the shear element of the shear plug assembly shears, after which, the pressurized fluid drives the shear plug assembly into the sump cavity, permitting flow to bypass the sump cavity through bypass channels. The bypass channels and other flow paths may be arranged to function as a pressure wave muffler in order to protect pressure sensitive components after shear out.

Abstract: A seal stem anchor assembly of the present disclosure includes: a tubular portion having body lock threads disposed about an external portion; and an anchor assembly including an activation module about the tubular portion and proximate the body lock threads, a cone, one or more anchor slips extending between the activation module and the cone, and a helical spring positioned and biased so as to push the activation module away from the cone.

Abstract: A technique is provided for modeling flow simulations at downhole reservoir conditions and rock formations after performing wellbore perforations. By utilizing these flow simulations, a user may be able to simulate and compare different scenarios, thereby facilitating a more effective, profitable, and realistic choice of perforating systems and operating conditions.

Abstract: A multi-zone monitoring system allowing simultaneous measurement of separate zones of multi-zone wellbore formations comprising a multi-component umbilical containing both electrical lines and a hydraulic fluid lines, an inflatable isolation packer that can traverse through the wellbore and be inflated with hydraulic fluid to seal off a portion of the wellbore wherein the inflatable isolation packer is connected to a hydraulic line of the multi-component umbilical, wherein the inflatable isolation packer further comprises: one or more cable bypass feed throughs for the umbilical's electric and hydraulic fluid lines, wherein the hydraulic line is attached to the inflatable isolation packer with compression fittings.

Abstract: An apparatus that is usable with a well includes a body, a blocking member, a sensor, a radially expandable element and a controller. The body includes a longitudinal passageway that extends through the body, and the blocking member is disposed in the passageway to check fluid from flowing in a predefined direction through the passageway. The sensor is disposed on the body to sense a property of an environment of the string as the object is being communicated through the passageway; the radially expandable element is disposed on the body; and the controller is disposed on the body to selectively autonomously control the expandable element to land the body in a downhole restriction in response to the sensing.

Abstract: A system and method for transmitting data from within a wellbore to a surface location includes downhole tool that is nm into the wellbore. The downhole tool includes a sensor, a processor, and a transmitter. A pressure response in the wellbore is measured with the sensor. A function that approximates the pressure response is determined. The function is transmitted to the surface location with the transmitter.

Abstract: A bottom hole assembly (BHA) contains a motor and a section mill for milling in an uphole direction after blade extension with circulating fluid through the BHA. Below the section mill is sensing equipment to detect location of a bridge formed by the cuttings or swarf from the section mill. A secondary mill oriented for cutting in a downhole direction is located at the bottom of the BHA for use in removal of the bridge. The sensing equipment delivers in real time data as to the density of the bridge so that decisions to interrupt the section milling and to lower the secondary mill to the bridge can be made in real time. Cement is pumped and displaced by a wiper plug to plug and abandon the hole.

Abstract: A laser cutting apparatus operable in a wellbore to form radial slots in a subterranean formation penetrated by the wellbore. The laser cutting apparatus includes a housing, a deflector disposed for rotation about an axis within the housing, and an optical member conducting a laser beam incident upon the deflector. The deflector has at least one convex surface.

Abstract: A time delay tool and method in a wellbore casing is disclosed. The tool/method includes a mechanical restraining element, a reservoir for containing a reactive fluid, an actuating device and a wellbore device. When a stored energy is applied on the wellbore device, the actuation device is actuated and enables the reactive fluid in the reservoir to come in contact with the mechanical restraining element. While the mechanical restraining element undergoes a change in shape due to a chemical reaction, a stored energy applied on the wellbore device is delayed by a pre-determined time delay. The amount of the pre-determined time delay is determined by factors that include the reactive fluids, concentration of the reactive fluids, geometry and size of the mechanical restraining element.

Abstract: A tubing string ported sub including a valve covering the port that can be opened by a pressure differential established across the valve. The valve includes an exposed portion that can be engaged to mechanically shift the valve.

Abstract: Examples of the present disclosure relate to systems and methods for utilizing an inner diameter of a tool for jet cutting and hydraulically setting packers.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a perforation gun casing includes providing a perforation gun housing that has a wall of nominal thickness and at least one scallop. Each scallop is a portion of the wall having a reduced thickness relative to the nominal wall thickness. The process also includes applying a selective annealing process to the perforation gun casing. The selective annealing process affects the material properties of the scallop but generally does not substantially affect the material properties of the portions of the wall having a nominal thickness.

Abstract: A Y-tool is configured for use with a pumping system that includes an electric submersible pump and bypass tubing. The Y-tool includes a slave valve assembly that controls access to the bypass tubing. The Y-tool also includes a master valve assembly driven by pressure from the electric submersible pump and a linkage assembly connected between the master valve assembly and the slave valve assembly.

Abstract: Remotely actuated screenout relief valves, systems and methods are disclosed herein. The methods include providing a proppant slurry stream that includes proppant to a casing conduit that is defined by a casing string that extends within a subterranean formation. The methods further include detecting an operational parameter that is indicative of a screenout event within the casing conduit. Responsive to the detecting, the methods include providing a flush fluid stream to the casing conduit, opening the remotely actuated screenout relief valve, and displacing the proppant from the casing conduit into the subterranean formation with the flush fluid stream via the remotely actuated screenout relief valve. The methods may further include closing the remotely actuated screenout relief valve. The systems include hydrocarbon wells that include the remotely actuated screenout relief valve and/or hydrocarbon wells that include controllers that are configured to perform at least a portion of the methods.

Abstract: A communication system that is positionable in a wellbore can include a first transceiver for coupling externally to a casing string. The first transceiver can be for wirelessly transmitting data by generating and modulating a surface wave that propagates along an interface surface. The surface wave can include an electromagnetic wave that has a magnetic field or an electric field that is at an acute angle to a direction of propagation of the surface wave. The communication system can also include a second transceiver for coupling to the casing string and for wirelessly receiving the surface wave and detecting the data.

Abstract: A dedicated hydraulic line for transmission of a signal device capable of generating one or more unique signals to one or more tools within a subterranean well. Each tool can be equipped with a reader device for receiving signals from and transmitting signals to the signal device. Each reader device can control operation of the tool associated therewith if the reader device is programmed to respond to signals received from the signal device. Hydraulic fluid used to operate the tool can be conveyed via the dedicated hydraulic line or a separate hydraulic line. A separate hydraulic line can be used to reset the tool. Where the tools include sliding sleeves, the tools can be used to hydraulically fracture subterranean environs at spaced apart locations along a well bore in any desired sequence and without removing the tools from the well during the fracturing process.

Abstract: A mechanical firing system is used to detonate energetic material, such as external perforating charges, disposed on an apparatus deployed on tubing in a wellbore. In one embodiment, a through-bulkhead explosive energy transfer is used to deliver the detonation from the mechanical firing system to an external detonator. In another embodiment, the mechanical firing system delivers an electric pulse to initiate a detonator. A through-wire pressure bulkhead isolates the source of electric power from the wellbore environment. The electrical source can be a magneto-based device or can use a piezoelectric device.

Abstract: A zonal isolation apparatus for an open-hole wellbore completed with a gravel pack having sections of blank pipe intermediate selected sections of sand screen, comprising a blank liner, with a first packer and second packer disposed therein. The first and second packers are set adjacent to sections of blank pipe and seal an annular area formed between the blank liner and the surrounding sections of sand screen at the first and second sections of blank pipe. The flow of fluids into the wellbore intermediate the first and second sections of blank pipe is inhibited.

Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a perforating system for perforating a subterranean formation includes a carrier gun body having a cylindrical sleeve. The perforating system also includes a charge holder disposed in the cylindrical sleeve and a plurality of charges disposed on the charge holder. The charge holder is dissolvable in at least one wellbore fluid delivered through the carrier gun body after detonation of the charges. The charges may also be dissolvable during or after detonation. In some embodiments, the carrier gun body is dissolvable wellbore fluid delivered through the carrier gun body. By including dissolvable parts, the disclosed perforating gun yields relatively lower amounts of debris in the wellbore after detonation. In addition, the dissolving portions of the perforating gun allow the remaining portions of the gun to be used to perform wellbore operations downhole without pulling the perforating gun.

Abstract: A technique facilitates performance of a perforating operation in a wellbore. The technique comprises positioning a perforating gun assembly downhole in a wellbore via coiled tubing. The perforating gun assembly has a plurality of individually controllable perforating gun sections which may be selectively fired at different well zones. An optical fiber is deployed along the coiled tubing to deliver control signals to the perforating gun assembly. The control signals enable sequential firing of the individually controllable perforating gun sections at the desired locations, e.g. well zones, along the wellbore.

Abstract: A shaped-charge liner for a shaped-charge assembly is provided. The shaped-charge assembly includes a housing, a single liner, and explosive material between the housing and the liner. The single liner includes an apex portion constructed from a first material and a skirt portion made from a second material that is different than the first material.

Abstract: A system for providing information about a region of interest in a borehole, comprises a tubular passing through the region of interest, an optical fiber deployed on the outside of the tubular in the region of interest and optically connected to a light source and optical signal receiving means, at least one metal strip deployed on the outside of the tubular adjacent to the optical fiber, wherein the strip has at least one longitudinal face that is flat or concave so as to conform to the outside of the tubular, and means for holding the optical fiber and the metal strip in a fixed azimuthal location with respect to the tubular.

Abstract: A method of separating a tubular element, comprising providing a tubular element having an inner and an outer surface, a circumference of said outer surface, a longitudinal axis and a first end and a second end; radially surrounding said tubular element with an explosive shaped charge material, wherein said shaped charge explosive material is capable of generating a high-velocity plasma jet in response to an activation signal, and wherein said explosive material comprises an electrically conductive layer; transmitting said activation signal to said explosive material; generating said high-velocity plasma jet; and separating said tubular element into a first portion comprising said first end and a second portion comprising said second end when said high-velocity plasma jet penetrates said outer surface of said tubular element and exits said inner surface of said tubular element.

Abstract: The well includes a wellbore with a casing string that extends within the wellbore, defining a casing conduit including existing perforations. A re-completion liner extends within the casing conduit and defines a liner conduit therein, and an annular space extends between the re-completion liner and the casing string. Systems and methods include perforating the re-completion liner to create liner perforations and perforating the casing string to create re-completion perforations that are generally aligned with respective liner perforations, stimulating the subterranean formation by flowing a completing fluid through the plurality of liner perforations and re-completion perforations, controlling flow of a fluid within the annular space, and/or producing a reservoir fluid from the subterranean formation and through both the existing perforations and the re-completion perforations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the relative orientation of objects downwell, and especially to determining perforator orientation, involves varying the orientation of an object, such as a perforator gun (302) in the wellbore (202) and activating at least one directional acoustic source (402a-c). Each directional acoustic source is fixed in a predetermined location to the object and transmits an acoustic signal preferentially in a known direction. The directional acoustic sources are activated so as to generate sound in a plurality of different orientations of said object. An optical fiber (104) is interrogated to provide distributed acoustic sensing in the vicinity of the object; and the acoustic signals detected by the optical fiber are analyzed to determine the orientation of the at least one directional acoustic source relative to the optical fiber, for instance by looking at the relative intensity in the different orientations.

Abstract: A method of stimulating a subterranean formation. The method begins with positioning a stimulation tool into a wellbore formed through the formation. The stimulation tool includes (i) at least one tubular segment; (ii) an outer sleeve positioned on the tubular segment and forming an annular space between the tubular segment and the outer sleeve; (iii) a propellant positioned within the annular space; (iv) at least one ignitor positioned to ignite the propellant; (v) at least one rupture disc positioned within a wall of the tubular segment; and (vi) the absence of a detonator for detonating the propellant. Thereafter, the propellant is ignited to begin deflagration of the propellant.

Abstract: Methods of using a component in a subterranean wellbore include positioning a component including a degradable thermoset polymer material in a wellbore location, obstructing flow with the component, exposing the component to an acidic solution to degrade the selectively degradable thermoset polymer material and to remove the component from the wellbore location, and flowing a fluid through the wellbore location where the component was positioned. Methods of forming a component of a wellbore system include forming at least a portion of the component to comprise a degradable thermoset polymer material. Wellbore systems include at least one component including a selectively degradable thermoset polymer material. The selectively degradable thermoset polymer material may be a polyhexahydrotriazine (“PHT”) material.

Abstract: There is provided systems, methods and apparatus for the use of directed energy, including high power laser energy, in conjunction with mechanical shearing, sealing and closing devices to provide reduced mechanical energy well control systems and techniques.

Abstract: According to an aspect an initiator head assembly (10, 110) is provided having particular application with a perforating gun assembly, in particular for oil well drilling applications. The initiator head assembly includes a body (20, 120) and an electrical contact component (40, 140) with the electrical contact component embedded therein. In another aspect, the initiator head assembly with the embedded electrical contact component is configured as a unitary component and also to hold a pressure differential across the top and bottom parts of the initiator head assembly. In an aspect, the method of forming the initiator head assembly is also generally described.

Abstract: A well completion method can comprise, in a single trip into a wellbore, the following steps being performed for each of multiple zones penetrated by the wellbore: abrasively perforating the zone with a tubing deployed perforating assembly, fracturing the perforated zone with flow from surface via a well annulus, and then plugging the fractured zone with a removable plug substance, the perforating assembly displacing in the wellbore while the fractured zone is being plugged. Another well completion method can comprise, in a single trip into a wellbore, the following steps being performed for each of multiple zones penetrated by the wellbore: perforating the zone using an abrasive perforator, then displacing the perforator in the wellbore away from the earth's surface, then fracturing the zone, and plugging the fractured zone with a flowable plug substance.

Abstract: A device and a method are for perforating downhole casings. The method includes arranging a device on a drill string, running the device into a bore hole, dropping a ball down through the drill string down to the device for causing a first sequence of pressure rise and relief, causing a firing system to trigger a charge for punching one or more holes through a surrounding casing wall in response to the first sequence of pressure rise and relief, driving the pressure inside of the drill string up to a second level, and causing a rupture disc at the second level to burst so as to establish a fluid communication between the inside and outside of the drill string through the opening in the pipe wall of the pipe section.

Abstract: A uniform interval treatment method features a plug with a breakable member in a passage set above a perforated interval so that pressure above the plug can be build up to the desired pressure that is high enough when the rupture disc breaks to deliver a burst of pressure at a level to overcome differential breakdown stress in the interval. A ball is then dropped on a seat on the same plug and captured so that it will stay on the seat when a gun is removed above. Another gun with a plug are delivered and the gun fired with the previous plug having a landed ball in the seat. The plug is again positioned above the just made perforations and the gun is removed. The rupture disc breaks to uniformly treat the next interval with a pressure to overcome differential breakdown stress of heterogeneous rock in the treated interval.

Abstract: Certain aspects and features of the present invention are directed to a safety joint that can be disposed in a wellbore through a fluid-producing formation. The safety joint can include a body configured to be disposed in the wellbore, a primary retention mechanism, a secondary retention mechanism, and a time delay mechanism. The primary retention mechanism can be coupled to the body and can prevent the actuation of the safety joint. The secondary retention mechanism can be coupled to the body and can prevent the actuation of the safety joint in response to the primary retention mechanism allowing the actuation of the safety joint. The time delay mechanism can generate a time delay between the primary retention mechanism allowing the actuation of the safety joint and the secondary retention mechanism preventing the actuation of the safety joint.

Abstract: A cutting element may have a substrate; and an ultrahard material layer having a substantially planar upper surface disposed on an upper surface of the substrate; wherein at least a portion of the side surface between the upper surface of the substrate and a lower end of the substrate form at least one conic surface, wherein the at least one conic surface extends a height relative to the total height of the substrate and ultrahard material layer ranging from about 1:10 to 9:10, and wherein the substrate comprises a substantially planar lower surface. The cutting elements may also be rotatable cutting elements at least partially surrounded by outer support elements.

Abstract: Components for a perforation gun system are provided including combinations of components including a self-centralizing charge holder system and a bottom connector that can double as a spacer. Any number of spacers can be used with any number of holders for any desired specific metric or imperial shot density, phase and length gun system.

Abstract: A propellant tool for use in a hydrocarbon bearing formation. The tool includes a tubular body having a connector on each end for connection with other tubular members within a tubular string. A coded marker is positioned on the tubular body and a propellant chamber is positioned on an outside surface of the tubular body. A propellant ignition mechanism positioned on the tubular body for igniting the propellant in the propellant chamber.

Abstract: A hydraulic jar coupled between opposing first and second portions of a downhole tool string. The hydraulic jar includes a housing comprising a shoulder protruding radially inward from an internal surface of the housing, a shaft disposed within the housing, a piston fixedly positioned about the shaft and fluidly sealed against the shoulder, and a pressure relief device. The housing and the shaft move axially relative to each other and the shoulder axially interposes first and second portions of an annulus formed between the shaft and the housing. The pressure relief device controls fluid flow from the first annulus portion to the second annulus portion based on a pressure of the fluid in the first annulus portion relative to a set pressure of the pressure relief device.

Abstract: A tool equalizes a packer or bridge plug before it can release the slips and sealing element of the packer or bridge plug with a reconfigurable grip tool. In one configuration the grip tool is latched only into the equalizing mechanism for the packer or bridge plug. Having equalized the pressure and while still latched to the equalization mechanism the tool is reconfigured with a force and locked into a second configuration. From that position the grip tool can latch and move the release mechanism for total release and retrieval to the surface. Release force undermines a ratchet lock for the slips to allow extension as the sealing element extends axially and radially retracts. If the slips fail to release with undermining of the ratchet lock then a set down force can be applied to re-engage the lower slip cone to push it from the lower slips for a release.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a wellbore is disclosed. The apparatus includes a downhole tool coupled to a wireline for conveying the downhole tool into the wellbore and for providing a data communication between the downhole tool and a surface device. The downhole tool further includes a settable device, a setting tool for setting the settable device in the wellbore, a sensor that provide measurements relating to downhole parameter, and a controller for determining the downhole parameter from the measurements and in response thereto altering an operation parameter.

Abstract: A perforation tool assembly. The perforation tool assembly comprises a tool string connector, a perforation gun coupled to the tool string connector, and a structure configured to absorb mechanical energy released by firing one or more perforation guns. The coupling is configured to provide a limited range of motion of the tool string connector relative to the perforation gun. The tool string connector and the perforation gun retain the structure configured to absorb mechanical energy.

Abstract: A limited entry perforating phased gun system and method for accurate perforation in a deviated/horizontal wellbore is disclosed. The system/method includes a gun string assembly (GSA) deployed in a wellbore with shaped charge clusters. The charges are spaced and angled such that, when perforated, they intersect at a preferred fracturing plane. Upon fracturing, the fractures initiate at least principal stress location in a preferred fracturing plane perpendicular to the wellbore from an upward and downward location of the wellbore. Thereafter, the fractures connect radially about the wellbore in the preferred fracturing plane. The fracture treatment in the preferred fracturing plane creates minimal tortuosity paths for longer extension of fractures that enables efficient oil and gas flow rates during production.

Abstract: A hydraulic jar coupled between opposing first and second portions of a downhole tool string. The hydraulic jar includes a housing comprising a shoulder protruding radially inward from an internal surface of the housing, a shaft disposed within the housing, a piston fixedly positioned about the shaft and fluidly sealed against the shoulder, and a pressure relief device. The housing and the shaft move axially relative to each other and the shoulder axially interposes first and second portions of an annulus formed between the shaft and the housing. The pressure relief device controls fluid flow from the first annulus portion to the second annulus portion based on a pressure of the fluid in the first annulus portion relative to a set pressure of the pressure relief device.