Abstract: According to some embodiments, a holding device for a detonation initiation system is disclosed. The holding device includes an initiator holder having a longitudinal internal cavity. The longitudinal internal cavity is configured to retain an initiator and an electrical cable in electrical contact with the initiator. The holding device further includes a plurality of retention fingers configured for retaining a shaped charge adjacent the initiator. The plurality of retention fingers define a shaped charge receiving portion that may be configured to receive shaped charges of different shapes. The holder may be formed from a thermoplastic material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed that use a control line to expand a piston that shears pins to disconnect a latching system for wellbore operations.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting sections of a wellbore tubular includes a housing shaped to enable movement along an interior of the tubular. The housing has an upper end arranged to connect to a conveyance and a lower end comprising a guide. Cutting materials are disposed in the housing and arranged to cut the wellbore tubular in two, longitudinally spaced apart circumferential cuts and at least one longitudinal cut extending between the circumferential cuts. The cutting materials are arranged to create the circumferential cuts simultaneously or with a time delay chosen to optimize energy created when cutting. A method for cutting wellbore tubulars includes positioning the apparatus at a selected position in the wellbore and actuating the cutting materials.

Abstract: A method of avoiding a frac hit in a hydrocarbon producing field. The method comprises locating a parent wellbore in the hydrocarbon producing field, and then locating a child wellbore in the hydrocarbon producing field. The method also includes running a perforating gun assembly into the child wellbore, wherein the perforating gun assembly comprises a first perforating gun and a second perforating gun, with each defining a gun barrel housing having a first end and an opposing second end. The assembly also includes a tandem sub, with the tandem sub having first and second opposing ends defining a threaded connector, and each end having a side port configured to receive an alignment screw. The method also comprises linearly aligning charges of each of the first and second perforating guns, wherein all charges are aligned in a single direction by rotating one or both of the respective perforating guns relative to the tandem sub.

Abstract: A system for diverting fluid in a borehole string includes an object configured to be deployed in the borehole string. The borehole string includes a plurality of fluid ports defining a plurality of zones along a length of the borehole string, each fluid port extending from a fluid conduit in the borehole string to at least one of: an annular region of the borehole string and a subterranean region. The object is configured to be advanced by a fluid to a fluid port to obstruct the fluid port and divert the fluid in the borehole string to another fluid port. The object includes a core portion made from a first material having a first property, and an outer portion at least partially surrounding the core portion and made from a second material, the second material being deformable and having a second property that is different than the first property.

Abstract: An aerial vehicle for delivering a package. The aerial vehicle having a package deployment system coupled to the aerial vehicle. The package deployment system having a spool coupled to the aerial vehicle, a lowering line fixedly coupled to the spool at a first end, the lowering line having a second end secured to a grasping device, and a cutting device coupled to one of the spool or the lowering line. The aerial vehicle also having a package coupled to the grasping device and a monitoring system couple to one of the aerial vehicle or the package deployment system. The package deployment system is configured to deliver the package at a delivery location. The cutting device is configured to sever the lowering line to deliver the package. A method for delivering a package with an aerial vehicle having the package deployment system.

Abstract: A window cutting system includes a whipstock having an outer surface, an inner surface, a recess, and a passage extending through the outer surface and the inner surface in the recess. A window mill is connected to the whipstock. The window mill includes a body having a tip portion, a pressure compartment formed in the tip portion, and an axial passage extending though the tip portion from the pressure compartment. A pin connects the window mill and the whipstock. The pin is arranged in the pressure compartment and extends through the axial passage and the passage into the recess. The pin is axially shiftable relative to the window mill and the whipstock when exposed to pressure in the pressure compartment.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments relate to systems and methods for locating, measuring, counting or aiding in the handling of drill pipes 106. The system 100 comprises at least one camera 102 capable of gathering visual data 150 regarding detecting, localizing or both, pipes 106, roughnecks 116, elevators 118 and combinations thereof. The system 100 further comprises a processor 110 and a logging system 114 for recording the gathered visual data 150. The method 200 comprises acquiring visual data 150 using a camera 106, analyzing the acquired data 150, and recording the acquired data 150.

Abstract: A differential iron roughneck for making or breaking a pipe connection includes: at least one first gripping cylinder for delivering torque to a first pipe; at least one second gripping cylinder for delivering and receiving torque to and from a second pipe; and a differential gearbox including: a primary shaft delivering torque to the at least one first gripping cylinder; and a secondary shaft receiving torque from the at least one second gripping cylinder, where the primary shaft and the secondary shaft rotate at different speeds.

Abstract: An imaging agent, a method of production of the imaging agent, and the use of the imaging agent for microseismic monitoring of subterranean formations such as those generated during hydraulic fracturing. The acoustic emitting agent is tailorable for emission delay to ensure placement and frequency emission profiles for well region differentiation. This monitoring tool is highly useful in gas, oil, and geothermal well defining and stimulation monitoring.

Abstract: A method for removing a drill string from a wellbore, the drill string comprising a plurality of pipe segments, the wellbore and the drill string defining an annulus, the annulus and the drill string containing a fluid, comprises: a) determining a desired dry pipe length; b) calculating a hydrostatic pressure for a column of fluid having a height corresponding to the desired dry pipe length; c) injecting into the drill string a gas having a pressure at least as great as the pressure calculated in step b) so as to displace fluid from an upper portion of drill string, thereby creating a dry pipe portion, wherein the length of the dry pipe portion corresponds to the desired dry pipe length; d) preventing fluid from flowing from the annulus into the drill string; and e) removing at least a part of the dry pipe portion from the wellbore.

Abstract: A top drive unit including a top drive housing, a drive stem disposed in the top drive housing, a carrier configured to axially move the drive stem relative to the top drive housing, and a drive mechanism for rotating the drive stem.

Abstract: A releasable tool using an electronic motor to drive a differential to engage or release a quick change sub that may be coupled to additional downhole tools, such as a perforating gun string.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments relate to systems and methods for locating, measuring, counting or aiding in the handling of drill pipes 106. The system 100 comprises at least one camera 102 capable of gathering visual data 150 regarding detecting, localizing or both, pipes 106, roughnecks 116, elevators 118 and combinations thereof. The system 100 further comprises a processor 110 and a logging system 114 for recording the gathered visual data 150. The method 200 comprises acquiring visual data 150 using a camera 106, analyzing the acquired data 150, and recording the acquired data 150.

Abstract: A method of drilling a wellbore includes drilling the wellbore through a formation by injecting drilling fluid through a drill string and rotating a drill bit. The drill string includes a shifting tool, a receiver in communication with the shifting tool, and the drill bit. The method further includes retrieving the drill string from the wellbore through a casing string until the shifting tool reaches an actuator. The casing string includes an isolation valve in an open position and the actuator. The method further includes sending a wireless instruction signal to the receiver. The shifting tool engages the actuator in response to the receiver receiving the instruction signal. The method further includes operating the actuator using the engaged shifting tool, thereby closing the isolation valve and isolating the formation from an upper portion of the wellbore.

Abstract: A setting tool for setting an auxiliary tool in a well, the setting tool including a housing having a floating piston, the floating piston separating the housing into a pressure chamber, located upstream the floating piston, and a hydraulic chamber located downstream the floating piston; an internal plug having an upstream end attached to the floating piston and having a downstream end extending into the hydraulic chamber; and a cover-insert member covering the downstream end of the internal plug. The internal plug has an internal passage that fluidly communicates (1) with an internal passage through the floating piston, at one end, and (2) with a port at the other end, and the port is covered by the cover-insert member.

Abstract: A coupler includes a housing having a bore therethrough, a lock member at least partially disposed within the bore of the housing and longitudinally movable relative to the housing between a locked position and an unlocked position, and an actuator at least partially disposed within the housing and configured to move the lock member. In another embodiment, a combined multi-coupler system includes a housing having a bore therethrough, an adapter of a tool dock, and a locking assembly including a lock member at least partially disposed within the bore of the housing and longitudinally movable relative to the housing between a locked position and an unlocked position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for an integrated flush-mount spider and power-tong apparatus comprising a flush-mount spider integrated with an attached power-tong and electronic load cell torque monitor. The power-tong applies rotation in opposite directions to make-up and breakout the pipe string. The flush mount spider holds the lower pipe string in place and serves as a backup tong to prevent rotation of the lower pipe string. The addition of a pipe spinner allows the integrated flush-mount spider and power-tong apparatus to replace a top drive for advancing a wellbore.

Abstract: A reusable frangible joint includes a first part having a hemispherical convex surface, and a second part defined by a reversely identical mating hemispherical concave surface. The convex and concave surfaces of the joint are secured and held together in compression until a predetermined applied load causes the joint to fail. The joint includes at least one replaceable fastener that rigidly secures and holds the respective concave and convex surfaces together. The fastener, designed to be the only part of the joint configured to fail, is sheared apart under the predetermined load, which results in separation of the concave and convex parts from one another irrespective of from which direction or to which part the impact load is applied. The failed fastener can then be replaced, wherein the frangible joint becomes immediately reusable, as having incurred no other damage by the impact load.

Abstract: A borehole plug or packer for treating is designed to be flowed back to a surface location after use. When the treatment is concluded pressure from above is relieved or lowered, and well fluid is flowed back, so that the plug or plugs disengages at slips designed to resist differential pressure from above. The application of differential pressure from below causes the lower slips to release one or more of such plugs in the hole into specialized sub surface or surface capture equipment so that well pressure is relieved before removal of the plugs from specialized subsurface or surface capture equipment. Packers or plugs are captured above, below or at a wellhead in a receptacle. Production ensues without milling with the captured plugs or packers in place or removed.

Abstract: A borehole plug or packer for treating is designed to be flowed back to a surface location after use. When the treatment is concluded pressure from above is relieved or lowered, and well fluid is flowed back, so that the plug or plugs disengages at slips designed to resist differential pressure from above. The application of differential pressure from below causes the lower slips to release one or more of such plugs in the hole into specialized sub surface or surface capture equipment so that well pressure is relieved before removal of the plugs from specialized subsurface or surface capture equipment. At least one apparatus is used to bridge transitions in wellbore dimension on the way to the surface and close the gaps to allow produced formation fluid to continue taking a packer or plug past the well diameter transition.

Abstract: A method for communicating in a borehole includes running a pipe or tubing into a borehole the pipe or tubing conveying a sensor, running a wireline through the pipe or tubing, connecting the wireline with the sensor, attaching a converter sub to the pipe or tubing, communicating to surface information on the wireline in a method different than wireline.

Abstract: A method can include increasing a pressure differential from an interior to an exterior of a packer, thereby deactivating a lock that prevents setting of the packer, and applying a compressive load to a tubular string, thereby setting the packer. A packer can include an annular seal that extends radially outward in response to a compressive load applied to opposite ends of the packer, and a lock that prevents relative longitudinal displacement between sections of the packer, the lock including a radially displaceable piston. In another packer, an inner mandrel can have circumferentially spaced apart engagement structures that are engageable with other circumferentially spaced apart engagement structures, displacement of one packer section relative to another packer section in a longitudinal direction being prevented when the engagement structures are engaged, and such displacement being permitted when the engagement structures are rotationally misaligned.

Abstract: Annular sealing structure associated with at least one annular support for sealing off against well casing said sealing structure including a first O-ring and at least two spaced annular sealing surfaces against which the O-ring seals in addition to sealing off against well casing.

Abstract: A travel joint comprises an outer housing, an inner mandrel, a first release device positioned between the outer housing and the inner mandrel, and a second release device positioned between the outer housing and the inner mandrel. The first release device is configured to actuate from the locked position to the unlocked position in response to a fluid pressure supplied to the first release device. The second release device is configured to selectively prevent and allow relative axial movement between the outer housing and the inner mandrel in response to an axial force applied to at least one of the outer housing or the inner mandrel, and the first release device is configured to prevent the application of the axial force to actuate the second release device in the locked position and allow the axial force to actuate the second release device in the unlocked position.

Abstract: In combination, an inverted electric submersible pump (ESP) sized to fit within a downhole production path and a coiled tubing string. The coiled tubing string has an internal bore, and one or more supply lines housed within the internal bore and connected between surface and the inverted ESP. The inverted ESP has a pump section and a motor section, the motor section disposed above the pump section, and the pump section having one or more inlet ports and one or more outlet ports. At least one sealing element is positioned between the one or more inlet ports and the one or more outlet ports and is sized to seal against the downhole production path. A coiled tubing connection sealably connects the motor section to the coiled tubing string.

Abstract: A sound absorber mountable between a drilling apparatus and a drill bit. The sound absorber defines an absorber axis therealong. The sound absorber includes a sleeve defining a chamber extending axially therealong, the chamber defining axially opposed chamber proximal and distal ends, the chamber being delimited by a chamber peripheral wall extending between the chamber proximal and distal ends and a chamber distal end wall provided at the chamber distal end, the sleeve defining a sleeve aperture leading to the chamber at the chamber proximal end. A piston is mounted to the sleeve so that at least part of the piston is in the chamber, the piston being reciprocatingly movable substantially axially along the sleeve, the piston defining axially opposed piston proximal and distal ends An absorbing system includes a first resilient element provided in the chamber between the piston distal end and the chamber distal end.

Abstract: A system and method for performing a flexible liner eversion into, or an inversion out from, a low-permeability borehole. A flexible liner may be installed by eversion down a subterranean borehole in order to selectively seal the borehole. Such a liner may be removed from the borehole by inverting it up the borehole. Water is removed by pumping from the borehole beneath the lowest end of the borehole, to facilitate eversion of the liner. Water is added, by pumping water into the borehole beneath the lowest end of the liner, to permit or facilitate inversion of the liner.

Abstract: A jack and push/pull apparatus is provided by attaching to a wellhead an extendable/contractible horseshoe-shaped jack assembly of sufficient diameter to surround and act upon the tubing or casing to be manipulated in the well, the linear action of the assembly being powered between an extended and a retracted position, the assembly having at least one tube-gripping mechanism at the end of the assembly away from the wellhead attachment. Tubing is inserted into the well bore through the assembly and the wellhead, and when injection forces are desired tube-gripping means grip the tubing being injected and the apparatus is powered to a retracted position, forcing the grasped tubing into the well. The operation may be reversed to pull tubing or casing. The assembly can be simply added to the rig while tubing is present on and above the rig's floor.

Abstract: Embodiments of proppants are described herein. In one embodiment, a proppant for hydraulic fracturing includes a proppant body. The proppant body has a length (L) and an outside diameter (D), and the proppant body length (L) to the proppant body outside diameter (D) ratio (L/D) is about 0.3 to about 5.0. The proppant body includes a space frame, and the space frame includes a plurality of rigid members creating a plurality of openings allowing fluid to flow through the proppant thereby increasing permeability. In another embodiment, a proppant for hydraulic fracturing includes a substantially cylindrical proppant body with a substantially circular cross-sectional area and an internal flow path with a substantially circular cross-sectional.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a release device (10) for releasably connecting a downhole object (80), such as a running tool or a plug, to a setting tool, the release device extending between a proximal end (10a) adapted to be coupled to the setting tool and a distal end (10b) adapted to be coupled to the downhole object, the release device comprising a base element (16) extending in a longitudinal direction and a connecting element arranged in continuation of the base element, the connecting element (11) constituting the distal end of the release device and being adapted to be coupled to the downhole object, wherein the connecting element is releasably coupled to the base element by an activatable release mechanism (60). Further, the invention relates to a downhole setting tool for setting an object in a wellbore and to a method for disconnecting a downhole object.

Abstract: A BOP cart includes a platform including at least one mounting position adapted to receive the bottom of a BOP and a cart back extending generally perpendicular to the platform. The cart back includes at least one mounting feature positioned to secure the BOP to the BOP cart.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for automatic control of the drilling an oil well. The system includes an autodrilling interface enabling parameter input data to be input and enabling the display of system output data, a controller, a hydraulic control system and at least one sensor configured to the hydraulic control system. The controller receives parameter input data from the autodrilling interface and at least one sensor and provides output instructions to the hydraulic control system such that the hydraulic control system operates to control drilling based on controller instructions and sensor data.

Abstract: An automated roughneck may include a backup tong and a makeup tong. The makeup tong and backup tong may be selectively movable relative to one another. The makeup tong and backup tong may include spinner and gripper assemblies respectively adapted to make up and break out threaded connections. The automated roughneck may be configurable to be removable from the drill string in a lateral direction.

Abstract: A method is for removing casing from a well. The method includes setting a first sealing element into fluid-sealing engagement with the inside of the casing, lowering a flow-through string into the well, a cutting tool and a second, reversibly expandable sealing element being connected to the string, forming perforations into the casing by means of said cutting tool, expanding the second, expandable sealing element into fluid-sealing engagement with the inside of the casing, passing a pressurized fluid through the string and into the annulus via the perforations, so that the viscous and/or solid mass is displaced up the annulus, cutting the casing around its entire circumference; and pulling a length of the casing up from the well.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disconnecting tool (1) for disconnecting a drill pipe from a lower casing in a bore-hole and having an axial extension along a centre line (2), comprising an axial force generator (4) comprising a first part (5) and a second part (6) and providing an axial movement of the second part in relation to the first part along the axial extension, a wireline (3) powering the axial force generator, and an element (7) comprising a leading part (8) and a trailing part (9), the second part being connected with the trailing part, wherein a fluid channel (10) extends from the leading part to the trailing part for letting fluid through or pass the element when the second part is moved in relation to the first part of the force generator during disconnection.

Abstract: A collet coupling for electric submersible pump shafts is provided. An example coupling for joining two shafts includes a tubular coupling member, and collet for fixing the coupling to a shaft via expandable fingers with ribs for latching into a groove on each shaft. Shoulders in the groove transmit axial load forces between the two shafts through the ribs, fingers, and collet. An example method includes attaching one end of the coupling to a shaft of an ESP unit already installed in a well, adjusting an axial reach of a threaded collet for attachment to a second shaft of an upper ESP unit, and engaging ribs of the collet into a groove of the second shaft to couple the two shafts. A sliding retainer allows quick release. An axial deviation distance may be factory-stamped on the ESP units for quick length adjustment and installation of collet couplings in the field.

Abstract: A tool is for clamping a saver sub assembly of the drive shaft of a top drive drilling machine, in which a tong, which is arranged to fixedly hold the saver sub assembly by releasable abutment against a portion of the saver sub assembly, is arranged on an upper portion of a frame which, in a position of use, is rotationally rigidly fixed to and projects from a support, the frame being provided with a through-going center opening arranged to receive a substantial portion of the saver sub assembly. A method of replacing a saver sub assembly on the drive shaft of a top drive drilling machine is described as well.

Abstract: A lateral is gravel packed without a junction in place in a single trip into the wellbore. A disconnect is provided between the isolation packer in the lateral and a main bore packer. The inner string assembly in the gravel packing completion releases a disconnect with a shift tool and then releases the main bore packer so that the inner string assembly takes out the main bore packer and the upper portion of the disconnect when pulling out of the hole. A junction is then placed into the main and lateral legs with a packer having a seal bore into which the production string is sealingly stabbed to produce out of the main bore and/or the just completed lateral.

Abstract: A system and method facilitate sidetracking by eliminating one or more trips downhole. A sidetracking system includes a whipstock assembly and a stinger assembly. The stinger assembly has a stinger which extends at least partially through the whipstock assembly. The stinger is coupled to a sub of the sidetracking system by a releasable latch mechanism, such as a shear pin or collet.

Abstract: Present embodiments are directed to a tubular catcher system configured to detect a falling tubular through a drilling rig and grip the tubular before it drops into the wellbore. A sensor configured to detect the velocity or acceleration of the tubular activates an actuation mechanism when the velocity or acceleration exceeds a specific threshold, indicating a falling tubular. The actuation mechanism forces a gripping mechanism into contact with the tubular, catching the tubular and sending energy from the tubular to a hydropneumatic shock absorber coupled to the actuation mechanism and/or the gripping mechanism.

Abstract: Devices and methods are described for quickly connecting and disconnecting a conduit to a port. A quick connect coupling is described for quickly connecting and disconnecting a cement supply conduit to the port of a top drive cement swivel.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards, in general, retrieval tools operable for conveyance within a wellbore extending below a wellsite surface, and methods of using such retrieval tools. One such retrieval tool comprises an annular member operable to receive a conveyance terminating at a downhole tool lodged within the wellbore. The annular member may subsequently receive and engage a portion of the downhole tool. The retrieval tool also comprises a flapper selectively operable to sever the conveyance if the downhole tool cannot be dislodged from the wellbore.

Abstract: A rigidizer and method for its use in supporting a tubular string during handling operations. The rigidizer includes upper and lower sleeves which pivotally open and close to clamp about the string. The upper and lower sleeves are rigidly connected by a number of structural telescopic legs that allow adjustment to different lengths for accommodating different strings. The rigidizer is installed on the string when the string is in a horizontal position and provides structural support to thin-walled components during upending and handling. Once the string is vertically oriented, the rigidizer is removed prior to being run into a marine riser or well.

Abstract: A packing apparatus including at least one sealing surface formed from a degradable material. The degradable material may be a biodegradable polymer such as polyglocolic acid, polylactic acid, or their copolymers. The body of the packing apparatus may also be formed from a degradable material. The packing apparatus may be deployed in a subterranean well and disposed of without milling.

Abstract: An automated, electric tong system and methods usable for making-up and breaking out threaded connections between tubular members, wherein the electric tong system comprises a power tong for applying torque and rotating the upper tubular member, a backup tong for gripping tubulars, and a lift assembly for vertically moving the electric tong system into proper position to grip the upper and lower tubulars. The power and backup tongs and lift assembly of the electric tong system are integrated into a single transportable unit and operated by three separate electrical motors, controlled by a single driver. The backup tong is located below the power tong and comprises a pneumatic cylinder, which operates a backup door, and a linear actuator driven by an electric motor for use in latching the backup tong door in a closed position and applying or releasing a clamping force to a tubular, during make-up or break-out operations.

Abstract: A method tor completing a well includes drilling a well through a wellhead having an annular bowl protector inserted therein. The bowl protector lias an internal recess. A lower end of a casing string is lowered through the bowl protector. A centrahzer having a plurality of lugs on an outer surface is installed on a retrieval joint of casing of the casing string. The retrieval joint of casing and the eentralizer is lowered so the logs engage the internal recess of the bowl protector. The retrieval joint of casing is raised to lift the centralker and bowl protector out of the wellhead.

Abstract: An automated roughneck may include a backup tong and a makeup tong. The makeup tong and backup tong may be selectively movable relative to one another. The makeup tong and backup tong may include spinner and gripper assemblies respectively adapted to make up and break out threaded connections. The automated roughneck may be configurable to be removable from the drill string in a lateral direction.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for a law profile rotating control device (LP-RCD) and its housing mounted on or integral with an annular blowout preventer seal, casing, or other housing. The LP-RCD and LP-RCD housing can fit within a limited space available on drilling rigs.

Abstract: A mud motor for use in a wellbore includes: a stator; a rotor, the stator and rotor operable to rotate the rotor in response to fluid pumped between the rotor and the stator; and a lock. The lock is operable to: rotationally couple the rotor to the stator in a locked position, receive an instruction signal from the surface, release the rotor in an unlocked position, and actuate from the locked position to the unlocked position in response to receiving the instruction signal.