Abstract: A method and apparatus are presented for actuating a differential pressure firing head to actuate a perforating gun at a downhole location in a subterranean wellbore adjacent a formation. An exemplary method includes positioning the perforating gun and the differential pressure firing head at a downhole location on a tubing string and then communicating an applied fluid pressure to a wellbore annulus, a first chamber which communicates the applied fluid pressure to a low-pressure side of the firing head assembly, and a second fluid chamber which communicates the applied fluid pressure to a high-pressure side of the firing head assembly. The applied fluid pressure is then trapped within the second fluid chamber. When the applied pressure in the annulus is subsequently removed, a pressure differential is created across the firing head by the low pressure in the first chamber and the trapped applied pressure in the second chamber.

Abstract: A fluid drilling head for drilling a bore hole through rock. The fluid drilling head has a rotatable nozzle assembly incorporating a plurality of nozzles arranged to form fluid jets when provided with a supply of drilling fluid under pressure. The fluid jets include pilot jets directed in the general direction of movement of the drilling head and reaming jets directed generally radially and arranged to enlarge the initial hole formed by the pilot jets. A gauging ring is located behind the cutting head and sized to the intended diameter of the bore hole. The gauging ring is arranged to slide axially relative to the rotating cutting head between a rearward position where the reaming jets are exposed, and a forward position where some or all of the reaming jets are shrouded by the gauging ring and inhibited from enlarging the diameter of the bore hole.

Abstract: A wireline interface sub includes a wireline-interface-sub housing mechanically coupleable to a wireline and a wireline-interface module electrically coupleable to the wireline. A first tandem sub includes a first-tandem-sub housing mechanically coupled to the wireline-interface-sub housing, a first-tandem-sub-upside transceiver wirelessly coupled to the wireline-interface module, and a first-tandem-sub-downside transceiver electrically coupled to the first-tandem-sub-upside transceiver. A first gun sub includes a first-gun-sub housing mechanically coupled to the first-tandem-sub housing, a first-gun-sub transceiver wirelessly coupled to the first-tandem-sub-downside transceiver, and a first-gun-sub detonator coupled to, and triggerable by, the first-gun-sub transceiver.

Abstract: A rotary steering apparatus for a drill string in which a bending section induces a bend in a portion of the bottom hole assembly of the drill string by using the rotation of the drive shaft that drives the drill bit during normal drilling, while operating at a reduced or zero drilling mud flow rate, to drive a reduction gear that rotates a nut or cam so as to place a tension tube into tension. The tension tube abuts a flexible housing and places the flexible housing in compression. The flexible housing has a local weakening formed in it that causes it to preferentially bend in a predetermined direction. Compression in the flexible housing causes the housing to bend, which bends a portion of the bottom hole assembly so as to alter the direction of drilling. Rotation of the drive shaft at reduced or zero mud flow rate also causes the drive shaft to drive rotation of a second reduction gear the output of which rotates the bent portion of the bottom hole assembly thereby altering its tool face angle.

Abstract: A circulating valve assembly can include a valve controlling flow between an interior and an exterior of the assembly, another valve controlling flow between sections of a flow passage extending through the assembly, and an actuator that both opens one valve and closes the other valve in response to each of multiple positive pressure differentials from the interior to the exterior. A system for use with a well can include a circulating valve assembly controlling flow through a tubular string and a well tool connected in the tubular string downstream of the assembly. In one configuration of the assembly, the flow passes through the well tool. In another configuration, the flow passes from the tubular string to an annulus external to the tubular string, with the flow substantially bypassing the well tool. The assembly cycles between the configurations in response to alternating increases and decreases in the flow.

Abstract: A method for abandonment of a subsea well includes: fastening a pressure control assembly (PCA) to a subsea wellhead; and deploying a tool string into the PCA. The tool string includes a packer and an upper perforator located above the packer. The method further includes: closing a bore of the PCA above the tool string with a solid barrier; and setting the packer against an inner casing hung from the subsea wellhead. The method further includes, while the PCA bore is closed, perforating a wall of the inner casing by operating the upper perforator. The method further includes injecting cement slurry into an inner annulus formed between the inner casing and an outer casing hung from the subsea wellhead.

Abstract: Detonation of a perforating gun is initiated by engagement of the lower distal end of the gun assembly against a bottom hole bore plug. A fluid pressure actuated firing head is initiated by well fluid that is pressurized by a free piston having an integral rod projecting from the distal end of the gun assembly. The piston is displaced against a closed fluid volume when the projecting rod engages the bore plug.

Abstract: A plug and shoot assembly including a perforating gun to perforate a subterranean wellbore, a setting tool to install a plug within the wellbore, and an adapter configured to connect to each of the perforating gun and the setting tool. The adapter includes a single outer housing, the outer housing further including a first end to directly connect to the perforating gun, a second end to directly connect to the setting tool, and an internal passage extending between the first and second ends of the outer housing. In addition, the adapter includes a diode housing disposed within the internal passage and configured to receive a diode member, and an internal contact assembly also disposed within the internal passage. The internal contact assembly is configured to route an electrical signal to cause the setting tool to install a plug within the wellbore.

Abstract: A hydraulically-actuated propellant stimulation of a downhole tool for use in hydrocarbon wells, which comprises a rupture disc that allows a predetermined pressure in the central bore of the tool to actuate a detonator assembly and, thereby, detonating a propellant volume.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a wellbore perforating apparatus. The apparatus includes a tubular body and a perforating charge. The tubular body has a wall defining an interior space and an exterior space and the wall has a cavity. In some embodiments, the cavity may be shaped to define a charge socket that receives a perforating charge. The perforating charge is configured in the cavity at a location inside the wall. The perforating charge is configured to discharge toward and into the interior space and penetrate into the exterior space by perforating the wall across the interior space from the location of the perforating charge.

Abstract: This application relates to methods and apparatus for monitoring hydraulic fracturing in well formation and fracture characterization using distributed acoustic sensing (DAS). The method involves interrogating a optic fiber (102) arranged down the path of a bore hole (106) to provide a distributed acoustic sensor and also monitoring flow properties of fracturing fluid pumped (114) into the well. The acoustic data from the distributed acoustic sensor is processed together with the flow properties data to provide an indication of at least one fracture characteristic.

Abstract: The pipe cutting capacity of an explosive pipe cutter may be improved by directing colliding shock fronts from opposite axial directions against a disc of metal having a shock impedance substantially corresponding to the shock impedance capacity of the explosive material.

Abstract: A method for estimating a property of an earth formation penetrated by a borehole includes: performing a borehole integrity test at a pressure less than a fracture gradient pressure of the formation to provide leakage data; injecting a fluid into the formation at a first pressure greater than the fracture gradient pressure during a first injection time interval using a fluid injector; measuring pressure versus time using a pressure sensor and a timer during a first test time interval to provide first pressure data; injecting a fluid into the formation at a second flow rate greater than the first flow rate during a second injection time interval using the fluid injector; measuring pressure versus time using the pressure sensor and the timer during a second test time interval to provide second pressure data; and estimating the property using the first pressure data, the second pressure data, and the leakage data.

Abstract: There is provided a high power laser system for powering a remotely located laser device, such as an ROV, using a high power laser fiber optic tether and a photo-conversion device, such as a laser photovoltaic assembly. Laser device systems, such as ROV systems that utilizes a high power laser cutting and/or cleaning tools are also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for stimulating a plurality of zones of a subterranean formation to increase production of reservoir fluids therefrom. The subterranean formation contains a well that includes a liner that defines a liner conduit, and the systems and methods include stimulating the plurality of zones with a stimulation assembly that is present within the liner conduit without requiring removal of the stimulation assembly from the liner conduit. The stimulation assembly includes a perforation device, which is configured to selectively form one or more perforations in a plurality of portions of the liner, and a resettable sealing device, which is configured to fluidly isolate the plurality of portions of the liner from a plurality of respective downhole portions of the liner. The fluid isolation provides for selective introduction of a stimulant fluid to a selected zone of the subterranean formation that is associated with a corresponding portion of the liner.

Abstract: The present invention provides composite perforation methods and device with propping agent capable of effectively propping the fractures in the oil layer, thereby reducing the closure of fractures and prolonging the oil extraction cycle. The device comprises one or more connected perforators wherein each of said perforator comprises one or more perforating charges and a propping agent unit 7 at the open end of each of said perforating charge, a pressure release hole 9 located directly behind the jet flow of said perforating charge, and a shatterable sealing sheet 8 mounted on said pressure releasing hole 9, wherein said propping agent unit 7 comprises a propping agent box 70, a center through-hole 71 located at the center of said propping agent box 70, and propping agent 72 in said propping agent box 70.

Abstract: There is provided a high power laser riser blowout preventer system and controller for operation thereof. The system utilizes high power laser cutters that are associated with the riser and the blowout preventer to provide an integrated operation to quickly weaken or cut tubulars to address potential emergency and emergency situations that can arise during deep sea drilling.

Abstract: An example underbalance pressure generator device includes a housing having a first end, a second end, and an implosion chamber between the first and second ends, one or more influx ports defined in the housing and enabling fluid communication between the implosion chamber and an exterior of the housing, at least one frangible member fixedly attached to the housing such that a pressure differential can be generated across the at least one frangible member between the implosion chamber and the exterior of the housing, and an actuation device within the housing and configured to rupture the at least one frangible member upon being triggered.

Abstract: Perforating assemblies and perforating safety systems capable of being disposed in a wellbore for hydrocarbon fluid production are described. The perforating assemblies can include an isolation device that is capable of preventing a detonation train when the assemblies are in a first orientation and allowing a detonation train when the perforating assemblies are in a second orientation. The isolation device can be automatically reoriented or reconfigured upon a change in the orientation of the perforating assembly.

Abstract: A nuclear power plant construction preparation unit includes: a device main body which enters into a space; a moving part which causes the device main body to enter into the space; an eddy-current inspection sensor which is provided on the device main body, and which detects a target portion of a member surface within the space; a punch marking part which is provided on the device main body, and which performs marking on the member surface; and a control part which controls the moving part and the marking device based on detection results from the target portion detection device, to thereby perform marking at a relative position with respect to the target portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to the oil and gas production industry, in particular, to development and production of oil reservoirs with various permeability zones, specifically, with lateral/lateral horizontal holes, drilled from the production casing. The method described includes running into the well of a tubing string with a cable, control devices in form of electrical valves, measurement pressure and temperature sensors, and one or more packers for isolation of the downhole space, in which information from the sensors is passed to the measurement unit at the wellhead, and signals for opening/closing of the control devices are transferred from the wellhead control unit by the cable. A device for carrying out this method is also described.

Abstract: A method for treating a well includes positioning a seat within the well that is capable of catching an obstruction which will prevent flow of fluid downstream of the seat. The seat is formed by expanding a sleeve with a ring positioned around its periphery or as a subsequent step in the process. As the sleeve is expanded over the ring, the seat is formed. Once the seat is formed, an obstruction in the form of a ball or dart is dropped down to the seat. The sleeve may also act as a stop for a secondary valve seat which catches the obstruction. The casing uphole of the seat is perforated so that fluid under pressure will enter the formation surrounding the perforations. The process is particularly useful for fracing a formation in a horizontal well where numerous stages are required to complete the stimulation of the well. There is also potential application in vertical wells.

Abstract: There is provided a high power laser system for powering a remotely located laser device, such as an ROV, using a high power laser fiber optic tether and a photo-conversion device, such as a laser photovoltaic assembly. Laser device systems, such as ROV systems that utilizes a high power laser cutting and/or cleaning tools are also provided.

Abstract: A method for stimulating a multi-zone wellbore completed with a string of production casing, including pumping a first volume of acidic fluid into the wellbore under pressure, and then injecting the first volume of acidic fluid into a first zone of interest along the production casing dropping at least one plug into the wellbore, the plug being fabricated from a material that substantially dissolves in the presence of the acidic fluid at or over a selected period of time.

Abstract: A geological perforating tool (gun) shape charges disposed at an angle that provides an improvement over other known embodiments by accurately securing the charges in the tool to facilitate reliable, reproducible focus of the shaped charges. Charges are disposed on metal strips fitted into slots that are precision cut at predetermined angles in a tool barrel circumference.

Abstract: A technique includes running a seat assembly on a conveyance line into a tubing string, which has previously been installed in a well. The seat assembly includes a seat, which is adapted to receive an untethered object. The technique includes attaching the seat assembly to the string at a location downhole in the well; receiving the object to create a fluid barrier; and diverting fluid using the fluid barrier.

Abstract: The method allows a pressure test of a string with external packers without having the packer setting apparatus exposed to tubing pressure so that at a later time and at a lower pressure than the pressure test pressure, the external packers can be set with annulus pressure opened to a piston that references a low pressure chamber. The packers can be set in any desired order. Thereafter, a circulation sub can be triggered to open to allow the fracking to start. Fracking each interval beyond the first in an uphole direction can be accomplished with pumping ever increasing balls to seats associated with sliding sleeves to open the sleeves in order. In cemented completions, after a pressure test, a ported sub can open on a timer or other signal to allow pumping a combination of a bridge plug and a perforating gun to the desired location.

Abstract: There are provided high power laser perforation, hydraulic fracturing systems, tools and methods for the stimulation and recovery of energy sources, such as hydrocarbons, from a formation. These systems, tools and methods provide predetermined laser beam energy patterns, to provide for the down hole volumetric removal of custom geometries of materials, sealing of perforations, reperorations, refractures and other downhole actives.

Abstract: Systems and methods for stimulating a plurality of zones of a subterranean formation to increase production of reservoir fluids therefrom. The subterranean formation contains a well that includes a liner that defines a liner conduit, and the systems and methods include stimulating the plurality of zones with a stimulation assembly that is present within the liner conduit without requiring removal of the stimulation assembly from the liner conduit. The stimulation assembly includes a perforation device, which is configured to selectively form one or more perforations in a plurality of portions of the liner, and a resettable sealing device, which is configured to fluidly isolate the plurality of portions of the liner from a plurality of respective downhole portions of the liner. The fluid isolation provides for selective introduction of a stimulant fluid to a selected zone of the subterranean formation that is associated with a corresponding portion of the liner.

Abstract: A shaped charge pipe cutter is constructed with the cutter explosive material packed intimately around an axially elongated void space that is continued through a heavy wall boss portion of the upper thrust disc. The boss wall is continued to within a critical initiation distance of a half-cuter junction plane. An explosive detonator is positioned along the void space axis proximate of the outer plane of the upper thrust disc. Geometric configurations of the charge thrust disc and end-plate concentrate the detonation energy at the critical initiation zone.

Abstract: A method for wellbore perforation in which a section of the wellbore to be perforated is isolated and purged of wellbore fluid to provide a clear path for laser beam transmittal. A laser beam emitter in the purged wellbore section transmits a laser beam pulse from the laser beam emitter to a target area of a sidewall and formation lithology of the purged wellbore section, thereby altering a mechanical property of a material of the sidewall and formation lithology and producing material debris. A liquid jet pulse of a liquid is transmitted immediately following termination of the laser beam pulse to the target area, thereby removing the material debris from the target area. This cycle is then repeated until the desired perforation depth has been achieved.

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: Systems and methods for secondary sealing of a perforation present within a wellbore casing associated with a primary sealing agent. The wellbore casing defines a casing conduit present within a wellbore that extends between a surface region and a subterranean formation. The systems and methods include a sealing apparatus that retains a charge of sealing material with a secondary sealing agent and is conveyed within the casing conduit to within a threshold distance of the perforation. The systems and methods further include selectively releasing the charge of sealing material from the sealing apparatus, such as by a release mechanism, to deliver the charge of sealing material to the perforation, to supplement the primary sealing agent (and/or a seal formed thereby), and/or to decrease a flow rate of a fluid from the casing conduit through the perforation.

Abstract: An assembly with a shock inducing tool and shock sensitive components. The assembly includes a shock mitigator that is constructed in a manner that allows a communication line to stretch across an interface of the mitigator between a housing for the components and the shock inducing tool. So, for example, where the tool is a perforating gun, power and/or communication with the tool need not be sacrificed for in exchange for safeguarding electronic components of the housing with the mitigator.

Abstract: A fracturing valve comprising a tubular mandrel having a through bore continuous with a tubing string, and a frac window through the side of the tubular mandrel. An outer sleeve is radially disposed around the tubular mandrel. The outer sleeve includes a sleeve port in a sidewall. The tubular mandrel slides relative to the sleeve by application and release of set down weight on a coiled tubing string. When the valve is closed, there is no fluid communication from the tubing string out of the frac window. When the valve is open, fluid communication from the tubing string is enabled. The valve may be installed in a downhole tool having a perforation device. The tool string can be used with one sealing element as the tool is pulled up the hole isolating lower perforations, or with two sealing elements to allow pin-point treatments isolating perforations both up and downhole.

Abstract: A method of severing at least a first object comprises: positioning a severing device adjacent to the first object, wherein the first object is a wireline or a tubular, and wherein the severing device comprises: a first reactant, and a second reactant; initiating a reaction, or allowing a reaction to occur, between the first reactant and the second reactant, wherein the reaction is an exothermic reaction, and wherein heat evolved from the reaction has a temperature greater than or equal to the melting point of the first object; and directing at least a portion of the heat from the outside of the first object through the first object.

Abstract: A perforation tool assembly comprises a perforation gun, and a mass energy absorber coupled to the perforation gun. The mass energy absorber is configured to alter the propagation of mechanical energy released by firing one or more perforation guns. The mass energy absorber comprises a mass and at least one absorber, and the at least one absorber is disposed between the mass and the perforating gun.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are presented for a “disappearing” perforator gun assembly. In a preferred method of perforating a well casing, inserted into the well casing is a tubing conveyed perforator having an outer tubular made from a metallic glass alloy having high strength and low impact resistance. An inner structure is positioned within the outer tubular and holds one or more explosive charges. Upon detonating the explosive charges, the outer tubular is fragmented. The inner structure is preferably also substantially destroyed upon detonation of the one or more explosive charges. For example, the inner structure can be made from a combustible material, corrodible, dissolvable, etc., material. A disintegration-enhancing material is optionally positioned between the outer tubular and the inner structure. Additional embodiments are presented having gun housings which dematerialize upon detonation of the charges.

Abstract: A perforation tool comprises an explosive charge comprising an explosive focal axis, a tool body containing the explosive charge, and a flowable material carried with the tool and disposed along the explosive focal axis. The flowable material is configured to be released by detonation of the explosive charge and flow to create at least a partial barrier to flow through the aperture in response to the perforation of the tool body by the explosive charge to form an aperture in the tool body.

Abstract: A rigless abandonment system including a surface vessel having an attached lifting device and a moonpool. The system further includes a cutting module configured to connect to a subsea wellhead, the cutting module having a wellhead connector having an actuatable lock and release mechanism, a motor assembly, and a cutter. An umbilical line connects the cutting module to the surface vessel, wherein the lifting device is used to raise and lower the cutting module connected to the surface vessel through the moonpool. A method for performing rigless casing cutting and wellhead removal operations, the method includes positioning a surface vessel above a subsea wellhead, where the surface vessel has a moonpool and a lifting device. The method further includes providing a cutting module, and deploying the cutting module through the moonpool, wherein the cutting module is connected to the surface vessel by an umbilical line.

Abstract: A system and method of perforating by stacking a perforating string within a wellbore, then deploying the perforating string to a designated depth for detonating shaped charges in the perforating string. The string can be formed by anchoring a single perforating gun in the wellbore, then landing subsequent guns on one another atop the anchored gun. Wet connects on the ends of the perforating guns enable mechanical engagement of each adjacent gun as well as signal communication through the connections.

Abstract: A combined fracturing and perforating method and device for oil and gas well are disclosed. The method utilizes an explosion of a perforating charge (5) in a combined fracturing perforator to ignite primary gunpowder in the perforator, and burning of the primary gunpowder ignites secondary gunpowder in the perforator. The body of the perforating gun in the combined fracturing and perforating device is provided with pressure releasing hole (8) which is directly facing the jet direction of said perforating charge, and sealing sheet (9) is arranged on said pressure releasing hole (8). Inner gunpowder box (6), which contains the primary gunpowder, and outer gunpowder box (7), which contains the secondary gunpowder, are mounted on the cylindrical charge frame (4).

Abstract: Certain aspects and features of the present invention are directed to a supercapacitor device that can be disposed in a wellbore through a fluid-producing formation. The supercapacitor device can include a body that can be disposed in the wellbore, a supercapacitor disposed in the body, at least two terminals disposed at least partially outside the body, and an actuation mechanism. The supercapacitor stores energy. The terminals can be electrically connected with the supercapacitor. An electrical connection between the supercapacitor and the terminals can cause the energy to be discharged from the supercapacitor in response to a conductive material providing an electrical path between the at least two terminals. The actuation mechanism can selectively prevent a deployment of the supercapacitor device in the wellbore from causing a discharge of the energy from the supercapacitor.

Abstract: A technique that is usable with a well includes communicating a stabilized treatment slurry downhole into the well and dehydrating a portion of the slurry to form a barrier in the well.

Abstract: A firing assembly for a wellbore perforating gun or other downhole tool includes; one or more casings connected together to form a firing head containment body, the firing head containment body is in fluid communication with a firing assembly that includes a click pressure firing module that allows the wellbore to be pressurized to high pressures required for pressure testing the well casing one or more times without firing the gun or actuating a certain downhole tool, and after a predetermined number of pressure increase events, allows the subsequent high pressure activation to reach the firing pin or actuation device and fire the gun or activate the tool without further activity from the surface other than applying the pressure.

Abstract: A downhole apparatus including a tool body and a sealing element disposed within the tool body. Also, at least one sensor disposed on the tool body, wherein the sensor is configured to take measurements from a well and wherein the sensor measures an actuation condition, the sensor signals the sealing element to actuate. Also, a method of sealing a portion of a well including disposing an automatic packer in a well, wherein the automatic packer includes a tool body, a sealing element disposed within the tool body, and a sensor disposed on the tool body. The method also includes measuring a condition within the well, determining an actuation condition with the sensor, and expanding the sealing element into contact with an inner diameter of the well when the actuation condition is determined.

Abstract: A pipe severing tool is arranged to align a plurality of high explosive pellets along a unitizing central tube that is selectively separable from a tubular external housing. The pellets are loaded serially in a column in full view along the entire column as a final charging task. Detonation boosters are pre-positioned and connected to detonation cord for simultaneous detonation at opposite ends of the explosive column. Devoid of high explosive pellets during transport, the assembly may be transported with all boosters and detonation cord connected.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the disclosure, an intercept well for penetrating an existing tubular is drilled. A casing entry tool is provided in the intercept well and operated to form at least one aperture in the wall of the existing casing. The casing entry tool may be oriented toward the target tubular. In some embodiments, a generally concave notch may be positioned on the casing entry tool and adapted to engage with the convex outer surface of the target tubular. In some embodiments, a locking mechanism may retain the orientation of the casing entry tool within the intercept well.

Abstract: There is described a device for machining apparatus arranged for machining of a portion of a casing positioned in a wellbore, wherein a return fluid conduit extends from the machining apparatus in a direction toward a deposit area arranged in the wellbore. Also described is a method for machining of a portion of a casing positioned in a wellbore, wherein the method comprises the steps of: arranging a return fluid conduit between a machining apparatus and a deposit area or an area connected to the deposit area, providing a particle carrying liquid flow (M) in a direction from the machining apparatus and toward the deposit area, during the machining of the casing leading metal shavings into the liquid flow (M), and directing the liquid flow (M) into the return fluid conduit, as the metal shavings are held back and deposited in the wellbore.

Abstract: The lowside of a casing joint is protected from wear while milling a casing exit for a lateral borehole. The casing joint is coupled to a casing string and is made of a material that is softer than that of the casing string. A whipstock assembly is arranged within the casing joint and has a deflector surface operable to direct a drilling assembly into a sidewall of the casing joint to create the casing exit. A wear sleeve is coupled to and extends axially from the whipstock assembly, the wear sleeve defining a throat that extends axially along the axial length of the wear sleeve and transitions into the deflector surface. The axial length of the wear sleeve extends beyond a point of contact where the drilling assembly would otherwise engage the lowside of the casing joint.