Abstract: Disclosed is an open-hole casing perforation tool having projecting fins around the circumference of a mandrel that have firing mechanisms and shape charges to allow flexible operation of geological formation fracturing at desired predetermined locations in an oil or gas well bore.

Abstract: A perforating gun assembly comprises a drop sub linking the firing head to the gun tube or tubes. The drop sub includes a 360° perimeter shaped charge explosive for severing pipe having an axial bore to accommodate a pass-through of the perforation charge detonation chord. Consequently, the severing tool is detonated by the traverse of a detonation wave along the chord length to disconnect the perforating gun prior to detonation of the perforation charges.

Abstract: An apparatus for perforating a subterranean formation may include a casing, an energetic material, a liner, and an acid-generating material. The casing may have a slotted end configured to receive a detonator cord, and an open end. The energetic material may be disposed in the open end and in ballistic. The liner may enclose the open end, and the liner may include an acid-generating material that is configured to form an acid upon detonation of the explosive material.

Abstract: A method for performing a downhole perforating and fracturing operation from a wellbore (12) positioned within a subterranean formation (18). The method includes locating a perforating gun string (24) within the wellbore (12), detonating a first perforating gun (28) to create a first discrete fracture initiation site (42) in the formation (18), repositioning the perforating gun string (24) within the wellbore (12) and detonating a second perforating gun (30) to create a second discrete fracture initiation site (44) in the formation (18). Thereafter, the method also includes pumping a fracture fluid into the wellbore (12) and propagating a single dominant planar fracture (56, 58) from each of the discrete fracture initiation sites (42, 44).

Abstract: Devices and methods for deploying perforating guns through a wellhead production assembly and into a wellbore. In particular embodiments, the invention provides devices and methods for deploying multiple perforating guns through a wellhead production assembly. In the event that the perforating gun assembly is dropped into the wellhead production assembly, a safety clamp will land upon a landing profile within a deployment riser, preventing the perforating gun assembly from falling into the wellbore.

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: A perforation tool assembly is provided. The perforation tool assembly comprises an energy train, a first perforation gun, and a second perforation gun. The energy train comprises a moderator to reduce the speed of propagation of a detonation in a direction parallel to the axis of the perforation tool assembly. The first perforation gun comprises a plurality of explosive charges coupled to a first portion of the energy train. The second perforation gun comprises a plurality of explosive charges coupled to a second portion of the energy train, wherein the second portion of the energy train is coupled to the first portion of the energy train.

Abstract: A downhole tool having a cylindrical body, a sleeve having a contact portion disposed on a distal end, and a cutter having a radiused portion on a top surface operatively engageable with the contact portion. Also, a method of cutting drill pipe, the method including disposing a cutting tool in a wellbore around the drill pip and actuating a radiused cutter of the cutting tool, wherein the actuating includes radially extending the cutter into contact with the drill pipe. The method also includes applying a substantially constant force between the cutter and the drill pipe and rotating the cutting tool. Additionally, a cutter for a drill pipe cutting tool, the cutter including a work surface located at a first end of the cutter, an attachment point located at a second end of the cutter, and a radiused surface located between the work surface and the attachment point.

Abstract: An electromechanical assembly for a series of guns used in the perforation of petroleum producing wells. Each gun is a cylindrical housing having a charge-carrier loaded with explosive charges in contact with a detonating cord which contacts an electronically activated detonator. The guns are joined by intermediary joints and terminate in a bottom sub on its lower end and a firing head at its upper end. The charge-carrier of each gun is detonated, beginning with the bottommost gun. Insulating end plates are on the lower and upper ends of the carrier for centering and anchoring the charge-carriers. An electrical wire runs from a retractable contact pin in each carrier, through the intermediary joint which has a changeover switch sensitive to the high pressures produced by the explosion in the carrier located in the gun immediately beneath it, rupturing a mechanical fuse and allowing the switch to close.

Abstract: A perforating gun is run in the hole with a valve assembly. Both are remotely actuated with known telemetry techniques. The gun is fired and flow takes place through the gun and is regulated remotely from the surface without further wellbore intervention. The valve assembly can be a sliding sleeve that can be regulated between end positions and in between for flow regulation. Other valve types are contemplated. Signaling can be by acoustic or pressure pulse patterns that work in association with a processor to actuate the gun and the valve assembly in the needed sequence.

Abstract: A grapple device is secured to a mill to allow relative rotation between them. The grapple has an outward bias to allow it to grip the packer bore or an extension from the packer. The mandrel has a wedge adjacent its lower end and torque fingers that fit between grapple segments when relative longitudinal movement occurs between the mandrel and the grapple assembly. The grapple assembly has a left hand thread so that it comes out of the packer if the mandrel engages the grapple assembly in a manner for tandem rotation. The torque fingers on the wedge on the mandrel support the grapple fingers over their length as rotation to the right removes the grapple assembly from the packer bore. Reverse circulation takes away the cuttings into the mill bore where they are separated from the reverse circulating fluid.

Abstract: A method for performing an operation in the wellbore may include at least partially separating a wellbore tubular while reducing a compression in a section of the wellbore tubular using a force applicator in the wellbore. An apparatus for performing the downhole operation may include a cutter configured to at least partially sever a wellbore tubular; and a force applicator configured to reduce a compression in a section of a wellbore tubular proximate to the cutter.

Abstract: A downhole tool mechanism for applying a driving force, such as a cutter tool for cutting a line captured within the tool, comprises a resiliently compressible member for storing a compressive force; a retaining device for maintaining storage of the compressive force until released; a trigger mechanism for releasing the compressive force when the trigger mechanism is activated. In one form the resiliently compressible member comprises a plurality of concentrically arranged spring washers each having a radial slot therein for receiving a line along the length of the resiliently compressible member. In the cutter form, there is a cutter arranged to cut the line when the trigger mechanism is activated, and the trigger mechanism is activated when the tool receives a shock force to one or both ends.

Abstract: A method for controlling pressure in a wellbore during a perforating operation is disclosed. The method can include positioning a perforating tool within the wellbore, where the perforating tool comprises a gun and an energetic chamber. The method can also include igniting an energetic within the energetic chamber to generate a propellant. The method can further include igniting at least one charge within the gun, where the at least one charge is ignited toward a wall of the wellbore adjacent to the gun. The method can also include directing the propellant from the energetic chamber into the gun.

Abstract: A method for servicing a subterranean formation comprising providing a wellbore penetrating the subterranean formation, and placing a wellbore servicing tool in the wellbore, wherein the wellbore servicing tool comprises a baffle, wherein the baffle comprises a seat contoured to match a spherical zone of an obturator.

Abstract: A first end of a conductive spring is embedded in a wall of a large chamber of a piston housing. The spring is held in tension by a second end of the spring being pinned against a bead contact by a trigger pin. The diameter of the piston and a tensile breaking strength of the trigger pin are selected so that the trigger pin is breakable and the tension in the spring is releasable upon the presence of a predetermined pressure difference between a pressure on the contact side of the piston and a pressure on the pinning side of the piston. Release of tension in the spring closes an electrical circuit.

Abstract: A method to separate a gas phase from a liquid phase in a subterranean formation that includes positioning a downhole tool in a wellbore, operating the downhole tool to form perforations in the subterranean formation in a manner that creates cyclonic motion in fluids that exit the subterranean formation and enter the wellbore through the perforations, the fluid having a gas phase and a liquid phase, and producing the liquid phase to the surface, whereby the liquid phase is substantially devoid of the gas phase as a result of the cyclonic motion.

Abstract: A method of controlling a fluid jet can include discharging fluid through an outlet of a jetting device, thereby causing the fluid jet to be flowed in multiple non-coplanar directions, and the fluid jet being directed in the non-coplanar directions by a fluidic circuit of the jetting device. A jetting device can include a body having at least one outlet, and a fluidic circuit which directs a fluid jet to flow from the outlet in multiple non-coplanar directions without rotation of the outlet. A method of drilling a wellbore can include flowing fluid through a fluidic switch of a jetting device, thereby causing a fluid jet to be discharged in multiple non-coplanar directions from the jetting device, and the fluid jet cutting into an earth formation.

Abstract: An interval can be divided into zones by inserting a series of plugs that register with specific profiles at predetermined intervals along a section of pipe. Each plug supports a releasable perforating gun that can release from the plug and perforate an interval for treatment such as fracturing or acidizing. A subsequent plug then isolates the just treated zone and the process is repeated working up toward the surface. When the full interval is treated the plugs can then be removed by making their cores disappear using a reaction or dissolving techniques. Mechanical alternative that push all the plugs to hole bottom or that retrieve them together or individually are possible alternative techniques for removal of the plugs from the treated interval before production is initiated.

Abstract: Tools and methods for cutting multiple, co-extending casings in oil and gas wells. The tools comprise a cylindrical body and first and second sets of cutting blades. Each set of cutting blades is mounted to the body for actuation from a retracted, run-in position to an extended, cutting position. The cylindrical body is rotated and the first set of cutting blades is actuated to cut the co-extending casings within a first sweep diameter. The second set of cutting blades then is actuated to cut the co-extending casings beyond the first sweep diameter and within a second sweep diameter.

Abstract: A perforating system having a perforating gun with a gun body formed from a ductile material. The gun body deforms under pressure while maintaining sufficient structural integrity to remain intact and without rupturing or leaking. A flowable material can be inserted within the gun body that provides additional support to the gun body.

Abstract: A perforation gun string. The perforation gun string comprises a perforation gun that forms at least part of the perforation gun string; and a swellable material coupled to the perforation gun string. The swellable material is configured to be exposed to a downhole wellbore environment; the swellable material is configured to swell in response to exposure to the downhole wellbore environment; and the swellable material is configured to protrude beyond an outer surface of the perforation gun string when it swells.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods, for perforating a downhole object while minimizing collateral damage to other objects, include use of a perforating device having a body, at least one fuel source having a characteristic that produces a selected mass flow rate, a selected burn rate, or combinations thereof, and an initiator for reacting the fuel to project a force through at least one port in the body. Characteristics of the at least one fuel source can include use of differing fuel types, shapes, and placement to achieve the desired mass flow rate or burn rate, and thus, a controlled force from the apparatus. An anchor or similar orienting device can be used to control the direction and position from which the force exits the apparatus. Openings formed in downhole objects can include a chamfered profile for facilitating future orientation or for injecting or removing substances from a formation.

Abstract: A well system for forming a window in a casing string positioned in a wellbore. The system includes first and second steel casing joints (462, 464) interconnectable within the casing string. An aluminum exit joint (460) is positioned between the first and second steel casing joints (462, 464). The aluminum exit joint (460) has a first interconnection with the first steel casing joint (462) and a second interconnection with the second steel casing joint (464). The aluminum exit joint (460) is operable to have the window formed therethrough. A first sleeve (470) is positioned within the first interconnection to provide galvanic isolation between the aluminum exit joint (460) and the first steel casing joint (462). A second sleeve (472) is positioned within the second interconnection to provide galvanic isolation between the aluminum exit joint (460) and the second steel casing joint (464).

Abstract: Disclosed are plasma charges and methods for using plasma charges in completing a well.

Abstract: A perforating gun system comprises at least one charge disposed within a gun body, and a first sleeve disposed within the gun body about the at least one charge. The first sleeve comprises a first expansion section, and the first sleeve is configured to undergo non-uniform expansion in response to the detonation of the at least one charge.

Abstract: A method comprises providing a gun string assembly within a wellbore and perforating the wellbore using the gun string assembly. The gun string assembly comprises a plurality of perforating guns coupled in series. A first perforating gun of the plurality of perforating guns comprises a first portion of shaped charges, and a second perforating gun of the plurality of perforating guns comprises a second portion of shaped charges operably associated with a secondary pressure generator. The first perforating gun and the second perforating gun are configured in the gun string assembly to provide a pressure transient comprising one or more pressures at a location in the wellbore that meet one or more thresholds.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for wellbore perforation in which a laser beam at a downhole location of a wellbore is directed to a target area of a wellbore wall to be perforated. The laser beam is guided through a longitudinally extensible nozzle onto the target area and a purge fluid is introduced into the longitudinally extensible nozzle, thereby longitudinally extending the nozzle toward the target area. The purge fluid in the longitudinally extensible nozzle is passed through a purge fluid outlet of the nozzle onto the target area, thereby removing debris from the target area generated by the laser beam.

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: A borehole is drilled from the surface to an underground shale matrix. A pipe is inserted into the borehole. Openings are created in the pipe in fluid communication with fractures in the shale matrix. The interior surface of at least one section of pipe is coated with a contaminant-capturing substance. Fracturing fluid including water, proppants and chemicals is pumped through the pipe and into the fractures in the shale matrix. The fluid re-enters the pipe from the shale matrix and moves toward the surface through the coated pipe section where contaminants are sequestered by the coating. Natural gas or oil from the fractured shale then enters the pipe and moves to the surface to be collected. The coated pipe section remains in the ground permanently such that the necessity of disposing of the captured contaminants is eliminated.

Abstract: A method of adjusting a pressure reduction to occur in a wellbore following firing of at least one perforating gun can include determining a desired free gun volume which corresponds to a desired pressure reduction in the wellbore resulting from firing of the perforating gun, and varying a free gun volume of the perforating gun until the free gun volume is substantially the same as the desired free gun volume. A well system can include at least one perforating gun positioned in a wellbore, the perforating gun comprising multiple perforating charges and a free gun volume, and the free gun volume being reduced by presence of a flowable material about the multiple perforating charges.

Abstract: A charge assembly for incorporation into a downhole tool to induce pressure at an interior of the tool during a downhole application. The assembly includes a reactive powder metals that is particularly configured of a reaction rate slower than that of a high energy explosive directed at the application. Thus, upon triggering of the explosive and downhole application in a high pressure well environment, reaction of the powder metals may serve to substantially reduce any pressure differential at the tool. As such, shock related damage due to sudden introduction of pressure differential wave to the tool may be minimized.

Abstract: A method for extracting bitumen from a subterranean oil sand deposit including: drilling a portion of the deposit; fragmenting the drilled deposit; drilling of the fragmented deposit to allow for flooding, wherein one or more wells are drilled to provide access to the deposit and retrieval of extracted bitumen, to form a drilled fragmented deposit; flooding the drilled fragmented deposit with a first flood volume of fluid to permit the first flood volume of fluid to admix with the fragmented first portion, to re lease heavy oil from any inert material so that the heavy oil floats within the first flood volume of fluid in the drilled fragmented deposit to form a flooded first portion; recovering the heavy oil; and repeating the above for each additional portions.

Abstract: There is provided a high power laser assisted blowout preventer and methods of use. In particular, there are provided systems and assemblies for utilizing high power laser energy within a blowout preventer to cut tubulars that are present within the bore of the blowout prevent, reducing the risk that such tubulars will inhibit the ability of the blowout preventer to seal a well.

Abstract: There is provided a high power laser-riser blowout preventer package and laser module for use with a subsea riser. The laser module and laser-riser package use high power laser energy to quickly cut the riser permitting an offshore drilling rig to quickly, and in a controlled manner disconnect from a blowout preventer.

Abstract: Downhole tools for use in oil and gas production which degrade into non-toxic materials, a method of making them and methods of using them. A frac ball and a bridge plug comprised of polyglycolic acid which can be used in fracking a well and then left in the well bore to predictably, quickly, and safely disintegrate into environmentally friendly products without needing to be milled out or retrieved.

Abstract: A firing head embodiment of the invention confines a connected capacitance cartridge, explosive detonator, and wireline connection switch within an independent, cylindrical housing tube that is environmentally capped at both ends by threaded closures for secure transport to a well site.

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: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards a downhole slot cutter. The downhole slot cutter a housing of the downhole slot cutter configured to be inserted into a tubular positioned within a wellbore, and a plurality of dies supported by the housing, wherein the plurality of dies is configured to extend radially outward from the housing.

Abstract: A completion system, including a tubular string initially having an substantially constant first dimension and configured to include at least one unexpanded portion having the first dimension and at least one expanded portion having a second dimension larger than the first dimension. The tubular string has at least one opening therein formed at the at least one expanded portion. At least one screen assembly is included having a third dimension and positioned radially adjacent the at least one expanded portion. A radial clearance is formed between the outer dimension of the at least one screen assembly and the second internal dimension of the at least one second portion of the outer tubular string. A method of completing a borehole is also included.

Abstract: An apparatus usable with a well includes an explosive pellet that is adapted to be communicated into the well via a fluid and includes an explosive material that is adapted to be detonated downhole in the well. The apparatus further includes an encapsulant to encapsulate the explosive pellet to inhibit unintended detonation of the explosive material. The encapsulant is adapted to be at least partially removed from the explosive pellet in response to the explosive pellet being communicated into the well.

Abstract: A downhole hydraulic tool employing multiple nozzles in a selectable fashion from an oilfield surface. At least one of the nozzles of the tool is equipped with a burst disk such that fluid pressure directed from the surface may be utilized in activating the nozzle. The pressure may be driven to exceed a predetermined level for sake of the activating by way of sealing off access to other nozzle(s) therebelow, for example, by way of standard ball drop techniques. Thus, nozzle selectivity may be taken advantage of when a first nozzle wears out without requiring time consuming removal of the tool from the well for sake of remedial repairs or replacement.

Abstract: A shaped charge includes a charge case; a liner; an explosive retained between the charge case and the liner; and a primer core disposed in a hole in the charge case and in contact with the explosive, wherein at least one of the case, the liner, the primer core, and the explosive comprising a material soluble in a selected fluid. A perforation system includes a perforation gun, comprising a gun housing that includes a safety valve or a firing valve, wherein the safety valve or the firing valve comprises a material soluble in a selected fluid.

Abstract: A method comprises: a. determining a configuration of a gun string, b. determining, by a computer, a pressure transient at a location in a wellbore, c. comparing the one or more pressures with the one or more pressure thresholds at the location, and d. perforating the wellbore with the gun string using the determined configuration of the gun string when the one or more pressures meet the one or more pressure thresholds at the location. The location in the wellbore has one or more pressure thresholds, and the pressure transient comprises one or more pressures.

Abstract: Method and system that permits explosive operations to be conducted concurrently with drilling and other wellsite operations involving an electrical top drive mechanism or other components that utilize electricity are disclosed. A platform is placed at a location where subterranean operations are to be performed. A first well bore is drilled in a formation using drilling equipment on the platform by activating a top drive. Concurrently with drilling the first well bore, a perforating operation is performed in a second well bore extending from the platform. The perforating operation is performed using a perforating gun that comprises at least one of an electric isolator and an explosive isolator. The perforating gun is activated when the perforating gun reaches a safe depth.

Abstract: A downhole tool assembly for use in a wellbore includes a tubular body carrying an explosive which is selectively detonated to create a dynamic underbalance or overbalance effect in the wellbore. The tubular body has opposite ends provided with plug assemblies including plug elements movable between a normally collapsed state and an actuable expanded state. The plug elements are adapted to be actuated to the expanded state between the tubular body and an outer extent of the wellbore before the creation of the dynamic underbalance or overbalance effect to isolate a discrete segment of the wellbore to which the dynamic underbalance or overbalance effect is confined.

Abstract: By using reactive shaped charges, a dynamic underbalance effect associated with detonation of a perforating system is enhanced without compromising shot density. Fewer shaped charges can be loaded to achieve the same or better effective shot density as a gun fully loaded with conventional shaped charges, thereby increasing the free volume within the gun while creating debris-free tunnels with fractured tips and substantially eliminating the crushed zone surrounding each perforated tunnel. Further, the strength and grade of gun steel required to construct the gun can be reduced without compromising the amount the gun swells following detonation.

Abstract: A method for diverting fluids across a perforation tunnel in high-rate water pack operations may include providing a wellbore extending into a subterranean formation, wherein a perforation tunnel provides a fluid connection between the wellbore and the subterranean formation; providing a diverting particulate that comprises a degradable plasticized polymer coating on a particulate; placing the diverting particulate into the perforation tunnel, wherein the step of placing the diverting particulate forms a particulate pack within the subterranean formation and the perforation tunnel; allowing the degradable plasticized polymer coating to deform and fill the interstitial spaces within the particulate pack in the perforation tunnel such that the fluid conductivity between the wellbore and the subterranean formation is substantially blocked; and allowing the plasticized polymer coating to degrade over time thereby substantially restoring the fluid conductivity between the wellbore and the subterranean formation.

Abstract: A method for severing a tubular of a wellbore is provided. The method involves positioning a blowout preventer about a tubular, the blowout preventer having a plurality of rams slidably positionable therein and a plurality of blades carried by the rams for engaging the tubular. The method further involves piercing the tubular with a piercing point of at least one of the blades such that a portion of the tubular is dislodged therefrom, and raking through the tubular with a cutting surface of at least one of the blades.

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 provided an integrated operation to quickly weaken or cut tubulars to address potential emergency and emergency situations that can arise during deep sea drilling.