Abstract: A downhole plug can include a housing having an aperture disposed generally through the center of the housing. A stopper can be disposed in the aperture and adapted to block fluid flow therethrough. The stopper can have a composition of at least two different materials. One or more covers can be at least partially disposed on the stopper, wherein and the stopper can be at least partially encapsulated by the one or more covers. A flow control device can be disposed adjacent the stopper to selectively introduce fluid to at least a portion of the stopper.

Abstract: A method for removing a downhole tool from a well bore comprises consuming at least a portion of the downhole tool within the well bore via exposure of the tool to heat and a source of oxygen. Another method of removing a downhole tool from a well bore comprises exposing the downhole tool to heat and a source of oxygen in situ within the well bore to desirably consume at least a portion of the tool within the well bore.

Abstract: A system and a method provide a downhole mechanical energy absorber that protects downhole tools from impact loads and shock loads that occur during run-in contacts, tool drops, perforating blasts, and other impact events. A continuous localized inelastic deformation of a tube is a primary energy absorber in a load limiting design of the downhole mechanical energy absorber.

Abstract: A downhole tool having a body or structural component comprises a material that is at least partially consumed when exposed to heat and a source of oxygen. The material may comprise a metal, such as magnesium, which is converted to magnesium oxide when exposed to heat and a source of oxygen. The downhole tool may further comprise a torch with a fuel load that produces the heat and source of oxygen when burned. The fuel load may comprise a flammable, non-explosive solid, such as thermite.

Abstract: Structures can be formed downhole by accumulating already existing materials and/or materials introduced into a well to perform a specified function. The formed structures may be used to obstruct fluid flow of production or injection fluids, carry mechanical loads, control electrical or magnetic properties of components, mechanically actuate a component, as well as others. The materials may be induced to form the specified structure, such as by application of a potential downhole. For example, electrical, magnetic, sonic, biological potentials, or a combination thereof may be established downhole to form specified structures in specified locations to perform specified functions.

Abstract: Oilfield elements are described, one embodiment comprising a combination of a normally insoluble metal with an element selected from a second metal, a semi-metallic material, and non-metallic materials; and one or more solubility-modified high strength and/or high-toughness polymeric materials selected from polyamides, polyethers, and liquid crystal polymers. Methods of using the oilfield elements in oilfield operations are also described. This abstract allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure. It will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A method can include applying a magnetic field to a well screen, thereby varying sizes of pores via which fluid flows through the well screen. A well screen can include a magnetic shape memory material having a dimension which changes in response to application of a magnetic field. Restriction to flow through the well screen can vary in response to the change in dimension of the magnetic shape memory material.

Abstract: Whipstocks and deflectors comprising a degradable composition, and methods of using same are described. A degradable composition may consist essentially of one or more reactive metals in major proportion, and one or more alloying elements in minor proportion, with the provisos that the composition is high-strength, controllably reactive, and degradable under defined conditions. Methods of using degradable whipstocks in oilfield operations are also described. This abstract allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the disclosure. It will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 C.F.R. 1.72(b).

Abstract: Degradable polylactic or polyhydroxyalkanoate polymers may be used to viscosify aqueous fluids for use in wells. Sand control screen or liner can be coated with a solid degradable polymer during placement in a well. Mechanical changes or flow changes in a well can be caused by solid degradable polymer that changes physical properties after it is placed in a well. Parts of devices or entire devices can be made of solid degradable polymer that converts to a fluid after selected times in an aqueous environment in a well.

Abstract: A plug disposable in a well bore to block fluid from passing through the wellbore. The plug includes a body formed from water soluble glass. The body dissolvable in water. A method of utilizing water soluble glass is included.

Abstract: Composite downhole tools for hydrocarbon production and methods for using same. The downhole tool can include an annular body having a valve assembly disposed therein. The valve assembly can include a first member preventing flow in a first direction through the annular body; a second member preventing flow in a second direction through the annular body; and a shoulder disposed on an inner diameter of the body between the first and second members. The shoulder can have a first end contoured to sealingly engage an outer contour of the first member and a second end contoured to sealingly engage an outer contour of the second member.

Abstract: A well tool can include a swellable material, and a degradable material which supports the swellable material, but which degrades in response to contact with a selected fluid in a well. A packer for use in a subterranean well can include a swellable material, and a degradable material which supports the swellable material. A method of unsetting a packer in a subterranean well can include the steps of, after the packer has been set in the well, exposing a degradable material of the packer to a selected fluid, thereby degrading the degradable material, and a seal element of the packer being unsupported by the degradable material in response to the exposing step.

Abstract: A bridge plug arrangement includes a plug having an upper end and a bottom end. The bridge plug arrangement also optionally includes a cylindrical seat. The bridge plug arrangement further includes a tubular member. The tubular member may be part of a casing string. The tubular member is configured to receive the plug and, when used, the seat. The plug and/or the seat may be fabricated from a frangible material. A method for diverting fluids in a wellbore using the bridge plug arrangement is also provided. The method may include landing the plug onto the seat within the wellbore below a subsurface zone of interest. Treatment fluids are then injected into the wellbore, where they are diverted through perforations and into a formation. The plug and/or seat is then optionally broken into a plurality of pieces through use of a downward mechanical force.

Abstract: A method of unplugging a seat, including dissolving at least a surface of a plug seated against the seat, and unseating the plug from the seat.

Abstract: Systems can be configured to move a ram block in a blowout preventer. The system includes: a first bank of accumulators configured to provide a first pressure to move the ram block; a second bank of accumulators configured to provide a second pressure to move the ram block, wherein the second pressure is greater than the first pressure; and a controller configured to sequentially control the first bank of accumulators to apply pressure to move the ram block and to then control the second bank of accumulators to move the ram block after the first bank of accumulators has moved the ram block a first distance.

Abstract: One apparatus for releasing a chemical in a well bore includes a casing collar configured to couple to a casing string. A chemical container is disposed within the casing collar, and the casing collar is configured to release the chemical from the chemical reservoir.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a bridge plug for isolating portions of a downhole casing is provided comprising a retrievable upper mandrel assembly and a lower mandrel assembly coupled to the upper mandrel assembly, wherein the lower mandrel assembly comprises a drillable material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a practical method capable of substantially removing downhole equipment by dissolving it with a chemical. The method comprises introducing an equipment dissolution mixture comprising one or more chemicals and/or materials suitable for the substantial dissolution of the downhole equipment.

Abstract: A system used to remove multiple isolation plugs from a wellbore. The system is efficient in fluidizing and circulating proppant located below an upper plug resting on top of proppant settled above a lower plug. The system uses a central port of the mill that is in communication with coiled tubing to fluidize and circulate the proppant around the perimeter of the upper plug. Once the proppant has been circulated from underneath the upper plug, the upper plug may mate and rotationally lock with a lower plug set within the wellbore. Upon locking, the system is able to rapidly mill out the upper plug and the lower plug until the lower plug is no longer set within the wellbore. The system provides for the rapid removal of multiple plugs positioned within a wellbore where an amount of proppant is present between the plugs.

Abstract: A downhole tool for use in completing a well includes a plug body selectively securable to a wellbore at a desired elevation and having a flowbore. A non-dissolvable flow restrictor is operably disposed in the flowbore and operates to restrict fluid flow through the flowbore, and a time-dissolvable retainer or spacer is operably coupled to the flow restrictor to retain the flow restrictor in a first position within the flowbore. The retainer is dissolvable within a predetermined passage of time to release the flow restrictor to move between the first position and a second position within the flowbore to control the flow of fluid through the downhole tool.

Abstract: A method for removing a downhole tool from a well bore comprises consuming at least a portion of the downhole tool within the well bore via exposure of the tool to heat and a source of oxygen. Another method of removing a downhole tool from a well bore comprises exposing the downhole tool to heat and a source of oxygen in situ within the well bore to desirably consume at least a portion of the tool within the well bore.

Abstract: A circulating sub apparatus comprising: a substantially tubular outer body member having a throughbore formed therein; a substantially tubular inner body member; wherein both the inner and outer bodies normally have holes formed therein; and a displacement mechanism for producing movement of the inner body member relative to the outer body member between: an open configuration, in which the hole(s) on the outer body member are open such that fluid is passable between a throughbore and the outside of the circulating sub apparatus via the one or more holes; and, an obturated configuration, in which the hole(s) on the outer body member are obturated; wherein the inner body member comprises a seat member adapted to catch a dropped object, and wherein the seat member is adapted to permit at least a proportion of fluid to flow past the dropped object when it is seated thereon. Normally the seat member is located upstream of the hole(s) of the outer body member in both the open and obturated configurations.

Abstract: A treatment fluid and system are disclosed for cleaning borehole filtercake using the treatment fluid, wherein the filtercake contains reservoir drilling fluid (RDF) solids. The treatment fluid comprises a fluoride source providing a 1.2 to 5 molar fluoride concentration, and another acid or combination of acids to provide a pH between 1.8 and 5. The treatment fluid is balanced for a dissolving power high enough to have significant dissolution of the filtercake, but low enough for even propagation to avoid premature leak-off.

Abstract: A connector guard is provided to protect one or both downhole connectors during wellbore run in prior to mating downhole. The connector guard may comprise dissolvable or degradable material and include an engagement sections and a removal feature. The connector guard may be dissolved or degraded via a reactive agent or temperature either introduced downhole proximate to the guards or contained within a chamber included in or created by a connector guard. The connector guard may be further coupled by a non-reactive cover in order to control the rate of reaction of the dissolvable material. The cover may be breached prior to mating of the downhole connectors.

Abstract: A method of removing a downhole tool from a wellbore comprising contacting the tool with a heat source wherein the tool comprises at least one load-bearing component comprising a thermally degradable material. A method of reducing the structural integrity of a downhole tool comprising fabricating the load-bearing components of the tool from a thermally degradable material. A method of removing a downhole tool comprising mechanically milling and/or drilling the tool from a wellbore wherein the tool comprises at least one load bearing component comprising a phenolic resin wherein the phenolic resin comprises a rosole, a novalac or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A fracturing operation is done in open hole. The annular space is spanned by telescoping members that are located behind isolation valves. A given bank of telescoping members can be uncovered and the telescoping members extended to span the annular space and engage the formation in a sealing manner. Pressurized fracturing fluid can be pumped through the telescoped passages and the portion of the desired formation fractured. In a proper formation, cementing is not needed to maintain wellbore integrity. In formations that need annular space isolation, the string in a preferred embodiment can have an external material that grows to seal the annular space in lieu of a traditional cementing operation.

Abstract: A method of drilling with a wellbore fluid, wherein the wellbore fluid forms a filtercake on a wellbore wall, that includes pumping the wellbore fluid with an oxidative degradable polymer and an inactivated oxidant; forming a filtercake in a downhole environment by the pumping of the wellbore fluid into a well and allowing some of the fluid to filter into a subterranean rock formation to produce a filtercake comprising the oxidative degradable polymer and inactivated oxidant; and removing the filtercake formed by the wellbore fluid from the wellbore walls by exposing the filterckae with a breaker fluid comprising an aqueous fluid, and at least one iminodiacetic acid or a salt thereof is disclosed.

Abstract: A plug device and a method of using same is described for use when temporarily sealing a fluid bore in a pipe. The plug device includes a plug body disposed in a sealing manner in the fluid bore, wherein the plug device, in order to disintegrate the plug body, further comprises a piston arrangement structured in a manner allowing it to provide a pressure increase in an activation fluid having been introduced to the plug body via at least one channel.

Abstract: A tubing shoe is disclosed with a body adapted to be connected to a section of tubing to be emplaced in a wellbore and a nose provided on the body, wherein the nose includes a failure guide structure for controlling break-up of the nose upon being drilled out from inside the nose. The failure guide structure typically controls break up by limiting the maximum size of pieces of the nose broken off upon drill out, for example, by defining weakened areas of the nose which are prone to failure upon drilling. The failure guide structure can include discontinuities such as slots or bores formed or drilled into the outer surface of the nose. The failure guide structure controls the break up of the nose in a consistent and predictable manner, and typically at a predictable stage during the drill-out process.

Abstract: A plug for insertion into a perforation in a liner or tubular. The plug comprises a base portion and one or more extendible portions. The base portion is securable to and receivable within the perforation. The base portion and the one or more extendible portions seal the perforation in the liner. The one or more extendible portions have a retracted position and an extended position such that when in their extended position the one or more extendible portions extend outwardly from the base portion and outwardly from the exterior surface of the liner. The plug including one or more shear pins retaining such extendible portions in said retracted position until sufficient force is applied to shear said shear pins.

Abstract: A method for removing mineral scale from tubing is disclosed. The method may include the steps of making a first longitudinal cut along a length of the tubing, making a second longitudinal cut along a length of tubing, and removing a plurality of sections of tubing, wherein the sections of tubing are defined by the first and second longitudinal cuts.

Abstract: A down hole pressure isolation tool is placed in a pipe string and includes a pair of pressure discs having one side that is highly resistant to applied pressure and one side that ruptures when much lower pressures are applied to it. The weak sides of the pressure discs face each other. Rather than rupturing the discs by dropping a go-devil into the well, in some embodiments, a first of the discs is ruptured or broken by the application of fluid pressure from the well head or surface. Formation pressure is then used, in different ways according to the different embodiments, to rupture the remaining disc. In another embodiment, a gas generating assembly located between the discs is actuated to produce enough pressure to rupture the discs.

Abstract: A down hole pressure isolation tool is placed in a pipe string and includes a pair of pressure discs having one side that is highly resistant to applied pressure and one side that ruptures when much lower pressures are applied to it. The weak sides of the pressure discs face each other. Rather than rupturing the discs by dropping a go-devil into the well, a first of the discs is ruptured or broken by the application of fluid pressure from the well head or surface. Formation pressure is then used, in different ways according to the different embodiments, to rupture the remaining disc.

Abstract: A method of removing a downhole tool from a wellbore comprising contacting the tool with a heat source wherein the tool comprises at least one load-bearing component comprising a thermally degradable material. A method of reducing the structural integrity of a downhole tool comprising fabricating the load-bearing components of the tool from a thermally degradable material. A method of removing a downhole tool comprising mechanically milling and/or drilling the tool from a wellbore wherein the tool comprises at least one load bearing component comprising a phenolic resin wherein the phenolic resin comprises a rosole, a novalac or combinations thereof.

Abstract: An acid-in-oil emulsion having a corrosion inhibitor as the external phase has been found to prevent downhole corrosion when acidizing carbonate formations to enhance hydrocarbon recovery.

Abstract: A cement diffuser and method for allowing a ported tubular to be cemented in place, while keeping an annulus about a port of the ported tubular generally free of set cement. The cement diffuser includes a collection of fibers secured over the port and extending out from an outer surface of the tubular.

Abstract: A process to drill through a spherical frac shifting ball in an oil well utilizes an improved mill, rotates drill pipe at one hundred to five hundred rpm, circulates drilling fluid such that the velocity of said fluid upwardly over said exterior of the drill pipe is in the range of three hundred to four hundred and seventy five feet per minute, and applies one thousand to three thousand pounds of slack off weight.

Abstract: Degradable polylactic or polyhydroxyalkanoate polymers may be used to viscosify aqueous fluids for use in wells, Sand control screen or liner can be coated with a solid degradable polymer during placement in a well. Mechanical changes or flow changes in a well can be caused by solid degradable polymer that changes physical properties after it is placed in a well. Parts of devices or entire devices can be made of solid degradable polymer that converts to a fluid after selected times in an aqueous environment in a well.

Abstract: Methods for severing tubing having a cable extending along its length include lowering a first cutting torch into the tubing to a desired location, igniting the first cutting torch, and directing cutting fluids in a circumferential arc to form a first cut in the tubing and sever the cable. A second cutting torch can be lowered and positioned relative to the first cut, and ignited to direct cutting fluids radially to cut the tubing all around the circumference, enabling retrieval of the tubing. The need for precise positioning and alignment of the torches to sever both the cable and tubing is thereby eliminated.

Abstract: Methods of making and using wellbore casing are described, one method comprising providing a plurality of flow-through passages in a portion of a casing while the casing is out of hole; temporarily plugging the flow-through passages with a composition while out of hole; running the casing in hole in a wellbore intersecting a hydrocarbon-bearing formation; and exposing the composition to conditions sufficient to displace the composition from the flow-through passages while in hole. Methods of using the casing may include pumping a stimulation treatment fluid through the casing string and into a formation through the flow-through passages in the first casing joint; plugging the flow-through passages in the first casing section; and exposing a second casing joint of the casing string to conditions sufficient to displace the composition from the flow-through passages in the second casing joint.

Abstract: A gas insertion tool for cleaning a well bore is connected to the down hole end of a fluid supply tubing inserted through a positioning string within a well bore. Fluid pressure within the string pushes the well tool therethrough pulling the fluid supply line and then exiting the well string within the well bore adjacent its termination. The positioning string is retrieved leaving the tool wedgeably secured within the well bore for dispensing pressurized fluid within the well bore dislodging fluid and trapped foreign material within the horizontal leg of the well bore.

Abstract: A method for enhanced degradation of a cutting structure on a drill shoe is provided. The cutting structure may be degraded at an accelerated rate after achieving a desired objective. Degradation of the cutting structures on the drill shoe may facilitate the eventual drill out of the drill shoe. In one embodiment, a method of degrading the cutting structure includes operating the drill shoe using a reduced flow rate of drilling fluid. In another embodiment, a method of degrading the cutting structure includes operating the drill shoe at an increased rotary speed. In yet another embodiment, a method of degrading the cutting structure includes operating the drill shoe with an increased weight on bit. In yet another embodiment, a method of degrading the cutting structure includes any combination of one or more of the enhanced degradation methods described herein.

Abstract: A drillable bridge plug comprising a mandrel, a sealing element disposed around the mandrel, a plurality of backup rings adjacent the sealing element, a lower slip assembly disposed around the mandrel, an upper slip assembly disposed around the mandrel, an upper cone adjacent the upper slip assembly and engaged with the mandrel with at least one axial locking apparatus and at least one rotational locking apparatus, and a lower cone adjacent the lower slip assembly and engaged with the mandrel with at least one axial locking apparatus and at least one rotational locking apparatus. A drillable bridge plug comprising a mandrel and at least one slip assembly at least partially made of a material having less than 10% elongation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a temporary well isolation device, which is sealingly disposable in downhole tubing, and which has a housing with an axial passage. The temporary well isolation device also has frangible barrier element within the housing, where the frangible barrier element is sealingly engaged in the passage blocking fluid flow through the passage. The frangible barrier element bears a load from fluid pressure. The temporary well isolation device also has a disengageable constraint in contact with a frangible barrier element so as to redirect the load on the frangible barrier element from a first component of the load to a second component of the load, thereby preventing rupture of the frangible barrier element. Also disclosed herein is a method for disintegrating a frangible barrier element disposed in a passage of a temporary well isolation device.

Abstract: An embodiment of a well bore servicing apparatus includes a housing having a through bore and at least one high pressure fluid aperture in the housing, the fluid aperture being in fluid communication with the through bore to provide a high pressure fluid stream to the well bore, and a removable member coupled to the housing and disposed adjacent the fluid jet forming aperture and isolating the fluid jet forming aperture from an exterior of the housing.

Abstract: A process is provided to drill through a composite frac plug. The plug is in an oil well. The process utilizes an improved mill. The process also rotates drill pipe at one hundred to five hundred rpm and circulates drilling fluid such that the velocity of the fluid upwardly over the exterior of the drill pipe is in the range of three hundred to four hundred and seventy-five feet per minute. One thousand to three thousand pounds of slack off weight is applied during the process.

Abstract: A method of dissolving a tool includes, exposing an outer surface of the tool to an environment reactive with the tool, reacting the tool with the environment, applying stress to the tool, concentrating stress on the tool at stress risers in the outer surface, and initiating fracturing the tool at the stress risers.

Abstract: A tripping ball including two or more relatively dissolution resistant parts of a ball and an adherent dissolvable material binding the two or more parts of the ball together and method for making a tripping ball as described.

Abstract: A method of dissolving a tool includes, positioning the tool within an environment reactive with at least a portion of the tool, introducing the environment below a surface of the tool through at least one perforation formed therein, reacting at least a portion of the tool exposed to the environment through the at least one perforation, weakening the tool to mechanical stress, and fracturing the tool.

Abstract: A device or system for controlling fluid flow in a well includes a flow restriction member that transitions from a first effective density to a second effective density in response to a change in composition of the flowing fluid. The flow restriction member may increase in effective density as the water cut of the flowing fluid increases and/or disintegrate when exposed to a selected fluid in the flowing fluid. The flow restriction member may be formed of a water-absorbing material and/or a porous material. The pores may be water permeable but not oil permeable. A method for producing fluid from a subterranean formation includes controlling a flow of fluid into a wellbore tubular with a flow restriction member. The method may include reducing a flow of water into the wellbore tubular when a percentage of water in the flowing fluid reaches a predetermined value.