Abstract: Disclosed is a wellbore plug having a design that allows the mandrel of the plug to be made of concrete or other easy-to-drill materials. Disclosed is a wellbore plug assembly with slip and packing assemblies configured to hold the plug in place during setting and use without tensioning the mandrel, thereby allowing the mandrel to be made from easily drillable material, such as concrete.

Abstract: A technique includes deploying a string that includes a seat assembly in a well; and running a shifting tool in a passageway of the string. The shifting tool shifts the seat assembly to cause the seat assembly to transition between a first state in which the seat assembly forms a seat that is adapted to allow an untethered object communicated in the passageway of the string to pass through the seat assembly to a second state in which the seat assembly is adapted to catch the object to form a fluid barrier in the string. The fluid barrier is used to divert fluid in the tubing string to perform, for example, a stimulation operation.

Abstract: Provided is a shoe for wellbore lining tubing and to a method of locating wellbore lining tubing in a wellbore. In particular, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a shoe for wellbore tubing having an improved fluid flow diverter assembly for controlling circulation of fluid in the wellbore.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a base pipe, a screen and a first assembly. The screen at least partially circumscribes the base pipe to create a flow path between a first region that is outside of the screen and a second region that is inside the base pipe. The flow path includes at least one radial port of the base pipe and a third region between the screen and the exterior of the base pipe. The first assembly regulates fluid communication through the flow path. The first assembly includes a second assembly that is disposed in and mounted to the base pipe and a flow control device that is slidably connected to the second assembly. The flow control device is adapted to translate between at least two positions to regulate the fluid communication through the flow path.

Abstract: A retrievable flow control device comprising a housing configured to sealably couple with a completion component. The housing may comprise a first port and a second port establishing a fluid pathway. The fluid pathway may regulate a fluid flow as the fluid flow passes through the fluid pathway. The housing may further comprise a coupling mechanism configured to releasably couple with a corresponding feature of the wellbore completion. The downhole flow control device may be configured to be retrievable independently of the completion component. The flow control device may comprise a check valve in the fluid pathway in order to substantially constrain the fluid flow to a single direction. In some cases, the flow control device may be configured to couple with a side pocket. In other cases, a concentric flow control device may be configured to couple with a screen base pipe, tubing, or stinger.

Abstract: Apparatuses for restricting fluid flow through a conduit comprise a seat sleeve disposed in a housing, the housing being disposed in a tubular member. The seat sleeve comprises a seat and one or more ports in fluid communication with a seat sleeve bore. One or more seat bypass fluid flow channels are disposed in the housing and are initially placed in fluid communication with at least one of the seat sleeve ports. Landing a plug element on the seat blocks fluid flow through the seat, but fluid flow is permitted to flow through the seat bypass fluid flow channels, through the seat sleeve ports, and into the seat sleeve bore. Movement of the seat sleeve downward closes the seat sleeve ports. Thus, a plug element can restrict fluid flowing through an area of the apparatus that is larger than the plug element.

Abstract: A radial flow valve is disclosed which includes a plurality of flow openings, a first piston and a second piston, the first and second pistons being independently actuable relative to one another, and a sleeve operatively coupled to the second piston, the sleeve adapted to be positioned so as to cover the plurality of flow openings. A method is also disclosed which includes positioning a radial flow valve in a subterranean well bore having an upper zone pressure and a lower zone pressure, increasing a pressure within the valve to a value above the upper zone pressure to release a first piston within the valve and, after releasing the first piston, reducing the pressure within the valve to a value that is less than the lower zone pressure to thereby cause a second piston within the valve to move and thereby permit fluid flow through the valve.

Abstract: A downhole device having an oil/water separator having a well fluid inlet, an oil stream outlet conduit, and a water stream outlet conduit; a removable flow-restrictor located in at least one of the water stream outlet conduit or the oil stream outlet conduit.

Abstract: An apparatus for remotely launching cementing plugs is configured such that the length of a dart need not necessarily be the same as the corresponding plug to be launched. A hydraulic-liquid reservoir and a piston are incorporated into a plug-launching system. The size of the reservoir may be adjusted such that the axial displacement of the piston after the dart lands is sufficient to cause the expulsion of a plug from the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a downhole inflow control system for controlling an inflow of fluid into a casing from outside the casing, such as from a reservoir or an intermediate casing. The downhole inflow control system comprises a casing having an axial extension and a wall having a wall thickness (t), an inflow control valve having a housing, an axial extension in an axial direction along the housing, and a spring element moving in relation to the housing, thereby controlling the inflow of fluid through the valve from an inlet of the housing to an outlet of the housing.

Abstract: A tubular actuator includes, a restrictor disposed at a tubular that is engageably receptive to a runnable member run thereagainst as long as pressure remains above a latch pressure, the restrictor configured to allow passage of the runnable member after a delay at pressure equal to or below the latch pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for operating a packer and a fracture valve. The packer may include a tubular mandrel having a longitudinal bore with an annular packing element and a first piston disposed around the mandrel, wherein the first piston is operable to set the packing element, and a second piston operable to isolate fluid communication between the first piston and the mandrel bore. The fracture valve may include a tubular mandrel having a longitudinal bore and a port, a piston operable to close fluid communication between the bore and the port, and a latch disposed between the piston and the mandrel operable to resist movement of the piston.

Abstract: A design for a bridge plug wherein the slip elements include an outer contact portion to engage a surrounding tubular member and an inner body portion designed to easily disintegrate during removal of the bridge plug by subsequent milling. The inner body portion is formed of a softer material than the outer contact portion. Also, the inner body portion is made up of a plurality of segments that are readily separated and dispsersed during milling out.

Abstract: An inflow control device may include flow control elements along a flow path. The flow control elements may change the inertial direction of the fluid flowing in the flow path. The change in inertial direction occurs at junctures along the flow path. The flow control elements may also be configured to form segmented pressure drops across the flow path. The segmented pressure drops may include a first pressure drop segment and a second pressure drop segment that is different from the first pressure drop segment. The pressure drop segments may be generated by a passage, an orifice or a slot. In embodiments, the plurality of flow control elements may separate the fluid into at least two flow paths. The flow control elements may also be configured to cause an increase in a pressure drop in the flow path as a concentration of water increases in the fluid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a deep-water oil well plug apparatus having a plunger member on an elongate shaft and a plurality of inflatable members configured and shapes to seal within the well bore, and a bell-shaped chamber placed on top of the oil well and adapted to be filled with concrete, and a hydraulic mechanism to remove and release the bell-shaped chamber from the oil well.

Abstract: Methods of treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a well bore, by providing a treatment fluid comprising a blend including a first amount of particulates having a first average particle size between about 3 mm and 2 cm and a second amount of particulates having a second average size between about 1.6 and 20 times smaller than the first average particle size or a second amount of flakes having a second average size up to 10 times smaller than the first average particle size; by introducing the treatment fluid into the well bore; and by creating a plug with the treatment fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an activating mechanism (200) for guiding and controlling a downhole tool (100) and/or subsea equipment employed in connection with recovery of hydrocarbons. The activating mechanism (200) comprises an annular sleeve (21) provided with non-through-going recesses (22, 24) in the material of the annular sleeve (21), where separate replaceable elements are provided in the recesses (22, 24) to act as a pump (P), piston (S1), reservoirs (R1, R2), movable slide (S2) and pistons (25a, 25b), where these elements create a closed fluid circuit which on being subjected to a number of cyclical loads will open up a connection between the pistons (25a, 25b). A method for controlling the activating mechanism (200) is also presented.

Abstract: A tubular seating system includes a seat disposed at a deformable first tubular which is sealable with a plug such that pressure is buildable thereagainst. A second tubular in operable communication with the deformable first tubular defining a support cavity therebetween is configured such that pressure within the support cavity provides support to the seat.

Abstract: Gel compositions are disclosed including a high molecular weight water-soluble acrylamide polymer, a chromium III/carboxylate complex capable of crosslinking the polymer and a buffered aqueous solvent. The gel compositions are prepared at the surface and injected into a zone of a formation assessable by a wellbore to form a continuous single-phase gel. The gel compositions may be tailored to a specific formation by predetermining gelation rate, gel strength and/or gel stability to form gels having predetermined properties suitable for the zone.

Abstract: An activation-device launching system, mounted on a cementing head, allows the deployment of a combination of darts, balls, bombs, canisters in order to activate downhole equipment, launch cementing plugs, deliver chemical products, or the like. A valve controls the flow of process fluid, and holds an activation device in place until it is time for launching. The valve also has a hollow axle through which balls may be launched into the process-fluid stream at any time.

Abstract: A telescopic member includes, at least a central component and a barrier disposed within the central component, the barrier has a selectively tailorable dissolution rate curve and has structural properties enabling the containment of high pressure prior to structural failure of the barrier through dissolution.

Abstract: A mechanism for selectively activating a plurality of downhole pathways including a) a valve having: i) a sleeve coupled for movement between an open and normally closed position; and ii) a valve magnet set mounted to the sleeve; and b) a dart for pumping in hole including a dart magnet set matched to the valve magnet set such that the dart couples to the valve when in close proximity and, in turn, the sleeve moves from the closed position to the open position.

Abstract: A pressure equalization apparatus can include separate longitudinal bores which form a continuous flowpath, the flowpath alternating direction between the bores, and the bores being interconnected at opposite ends thereof. A well system can include a well tool with a chamber therein containing an assembly in a dielectric fluid, and a pressure equalization apparatus including a flowpath having one end connected to the chamber, and the other end connected to a source of a another fluid, the flowpath extending in opposite directions between the flowpath ends through multiple separate bores. A method of installing a well tool can include attaching a mandrel to the well tool, then lowering the well tool at least partially into the well suspended from the mandrel, and then securing a pressure equalization apparatus to the mandrel, a flowpath of the apparatus being connected to a chamber of the well tool containing an assembly.

Abstract: Seats for receiving a plug member comprise a tubular member having a seat disposed therein and a fluid flow reduction member that reduces the velocity of the fluid flowing through the tubular member as it approaches the seat so as to reduce the impact of the plug member landing on the seat. The fluid flow reduction member may be disposed on a fluid flow reduction device, such as on an inner wall surface of a sleeved insert, or formed in the inner wall surface of the tubular member. The fluid reduction member can comprise one or more longitudinal channels, one or more apertures, or one or more curved-shaped grooves disposed either on the inner wall surface of the tubular member or on a fluid flow reduction device, such as on an inner wall surface of a sleeved insert disposed within the tubular member.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally relate to tools and methods for hanging and/or expanding liner strings. In one embodiment, a method of hanging a liner assembly from a previously installed tubular in a wellbore includes running the liner assembly and a setting tool into the wellbore using a run-in string. The setting tool includes an isolation valve and the liner assembly includes a liner hanger and a liner string. The method further includes sending an instruction signal from the surface to the isolation valve, wherein the isolation valve closes in response to the instruction signal and isolates a setting pressure in the setting tool from the liner string; and increasing fluid pressure in the setting tool, thereby setting the liner hanger.

Abstract: A method for controlling the influx of fluids into a multizone well in which each inflow zone is provided with an inflow control device, comprises: assessing the flux of oil, gas, water and other effluents from the well; monitoring production variables, including ICD position and/or fluid pressure in each inflow zone upstream of each ICD and/or downstream of each ICD; sequentially adjusting the position of each of the ICDs and assessing the flux of crude oil, natural gas and/or other well effluents; monitoring production variables; deriving a zonal production estimation model for each inflow zone of the well; and adjusting each ICD to control the influx of crude oil, natural gas and/or other effluents into each inflow zone on the basis of data derived from the zonal production estimation model for each inflow zone of the well.

Abstract: A laminar flow tool is for channeling water, air or other fluids through a down drill pipe or tubing for pressurization of other tools or other purposes. The tool provides a flow divider having an 180 degree twist separating a driven fluid chamber from a buffer fluid pocket. Fluid in the tool is calmed as it travels and loses some of the spin (“turbulence”) inherent in the water or other fluid. A buffer pocket on one side absorbs shocks and stabilizes the driven side. Ports in the buffer side help equalize pressure.

Abstract: A removable module for actuating elements, such as valves, within a subsea production tree. The module can include a motor, a drive shaft, and a ball screw. Embodiments exist where only the motor is removable, optionally the motor and drive shaft and/or all module elements are removable. A fail safe system is included that moves the production tree element into a pre-designated fail safe position.

Abstract: A variable flow resistance system for use in a subterranean well can include a flow chamber having an outlet and at least one structure which resists a change in a direction of flow of a fluid composition toward the outlet. The fluid composition may enter the chamber in the direction of flow which changes based on a ratio of desired fluid to undesired fluid in the fluid composition. Another variable flow resistance system can include a flow chamber through which a fluid composition flows, the chamber having an inlet, an outlet, and a structure which impedes a change from circular flow about the outlet to radial flow toward the outlet.

Abstract: Embodiments of the hybrid tool string include coiled tubing and jointed tubing, as well as a means typically located at the connection of the coiled and jointed tubing for sealing the fluid flowpath through the bore of the hybrid tool string. Embodiments of the hybrid tool string may use a pressure-activated valve tool attached in series between the coiled tubing and the jointed tubing, which allows for sealing of the bore by application of pressure. Embodiments of the pressure-activated valve tool may use a flapper in conjunction with a sleeve to seal the bore. The novel hybrid tool string may be used to service a well.

Abstract: A plug release apparatus for use in a well bore, the apparatus having a canister, a liner plug, and a sub. The liner plug may be releasably attached to the canister via a first release mechanism. The sub may be releasably attached to the canister via a second release mechanism. The first release mechanism may be configured to release the liner plug from the canister at a first pressure and the second release mechanism may be configured to release the canister from the sub at a second pressure.

Abstract: A system includes a string that includes a passageway and a plurality of tools. The system further includes an untethered object that is adapted to be deployed in the passageway such that the object travels downhole via the passageway and controllably expand its size as the object travels downhole to selectively cause one of the tools to capture the object.

Abstract: A tubular valve system including a tubular having a plurality of ports therethrough; a plurality of strokable sleeves disposed at the tubular being configured to stroke in response to a same external input; and a plurality of motion translating details disposed at at least one of the tubular and the plurality of strokable sleeves configured to alter a stroke of the plurality of strokable sleeves after a selected number of strokes to thereby open at least one of the plurality of ports and method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a downhole artificial lifting system for introducing fluid into a production casing from an annulus arranged outside the production casing. The production casing has an axial extension and a casing wall with a wall thickness, and the system comprises the production casing which at a first part is surrounded by an intermediate casing creating the annulus which is downwardly closed, and a fluid delivering means pumping fluid into the annulus. The invention also relates to a tool for use in the system and a method.

Abstract: A dual wiper plug system having a first wiper including a first body having a first bore therethrough, and at least one wiper fin disposed around the body, a second wiper disposed axially above the first wiper, the second wiper including a second body having a second bore therethrough and a first shoulder formed on the inner surface of the second body, and at least one wiper fin disposed around the body, and a first collet ring coupled to the first wiper and including at least one collet finger extending axially upward, and a collet head disposed on an upper end of the collet finger and configured to engage the first shoulder of the second body.

Abstract: A remotely controllable flow control configuration including a body; one or more flow restrictors disposed in the body; and a selector fluidly connected with the body and capable of supplying or denying fluid to one or more of the one or more flow restrictors and method.

Abstract: A valve for use in fracing through cement casing in a well allows for flow of cement down the well during the cementing process and in the open position allows for fracing fluid to be directed through the cement casing for fracturing the formation adjacent the valve. The valve is constructed so as to reduce the likelihood of the valve to jam as a result of cement or other foreign material.

Abstract: A downhole valve apparatus including a force transmitter configured to move in an axial direction and a valve actuator configured to move in an axial direction. The valve actuator is independently movable relative to the force transmitter and physically isolated from the force transmitter. A first magnetic assembly is disposed at the force transmitter. A second magnetic assembly is disposed at the valve actuator. The first and second magnetic assemblies are configured to repel one another and cause the force transmitter to move the valve actuator when the force transmitter is moved toward the valve actuator.

Abstract: A variable flow resistance system can include a flow chamber through which a fluid composition flows in a well, the chamber having an inlet and an outlet. The fluid composition enters via the inlet in a direction which changes based on a ratio of desired to undesired fluid in the fluid composition. A well system can include a variable flow resistance system through which a fluid composition flows between a tubular string and a formation, the flow resistance system including a flow chamber through which the fluid composition flows, with only one chamber inlet. The fluid composition flows more directly from the inlet to an outlet as a ratio of desired to undesired fluid in the fluid composition increases. Another flow resistance system can include at least one structure which influences portions of the fluid composition which flow circuitously between the inlet and the outlet to maintain such circuitous flow.

Abstract: A downhole tool is hydraulically actuated through a control system that features rod piston(s) that are double acting. The piston bore is in a single housing component with an annular cavity that provides access to all piston bores to move the pistons in a first direction. The housing component that has the piston bore also includes an internal sleeve in a passage in the housing. A second control system connection communicates with a sealed annular space defined between the sleeve and the passage wall that holds the sleeve. A series of radial ports communicate from the annular space into each piston bore on the opposite side of each piston from the annular cavity so that each piston is double acting with a bore in a single housing component.

Abstract: A method of controlling pressure in a wellbore can include placing a barrier substance in the wellbore while a fluid is present in the wellbore, and flowing another fluid into the wellbore while the first fluid and the barrier substance are in the wellbore. The first and second fluids may have different densities. Another method can include circulating a fluid through a tubular string and an annulus formed between the tubular string and the wellbore, then partially withdrawing the tubular string from the wellbore, then placing a barrier substance in the wellbore, then partially withdrawing the tubular string from the wellbore and then flowing another fluid into the wellbore. A well system can include at least two fluids in a wellbore, the fluids having different densities, and a barrier substance separating the fluids.

Abstract: A wellbore plug and method for retrieving two or more wellbore plugs simultaneously from the wellbore. The wellbore plug can be actuated to an open position and released from engagement in the wellbore. The plug can be locked in an open position, and remain in an open position without regard to weight or tension applied to the plug. The released and locked open plug can be lowered to next plug to be retrieved. Prior to connecting to the next plug, reverse and/or normal fluid circulation can be utilized to clean the next plug. Upon connecting the first plug to the second plug, the second plug can be locked open and released in by applying tension in the same manner as the first plug. The process can continue to retrieve multiple plugs.

Abstract: A flow control screen having a fluid flow path between a perforated section of a base pipe and a filter medium positioned around a blank pipe section of the base pipe. A valve assembly, including a piston body and a valve plug, is disposed within the fluid flow path. The piston body has an internal seat and a collet assembly that is radially outwardly constrained in a first operating position of the piston body to retain the valve plug therein and radially outwardly unconstrained in a second operating position of the piston body. Reverse flow is initially prevented as an internal differential pressure seats the valve plug on the internal seat and causes the piston body to shift to the second operating position upon reaching a predetermined threshold. Thereafter, an external differential pressure causes the valve plug to be expelled through the collet assembly, thereby no longer preventing reverse flow.

Abstract: A system including a plurality of differential pressure actuated tools; a seat receptive to a plug; a first conduit fluidly communicating tubing pressure upstream of the seat to one end of each of the plurality of tools; and a second conduit fluidly communicating tubing pressure downstream of the seat to an opposite end of each of the plurality of tools and method.

Abstract: A method of performing a wellbore operation at an oilfield comprises providing a bottom hole assembly comprising a backpressure valve on coiled tubing, deploying the bottom hole assembly into the wellbore with the coiled tubing, operating the backpressure valve to control a flow of fluid thereabove, and performing distributed temperature sensor measurements above the valve.

Abstract: A tubular system with selectively engagable sleeves includes, a tubular, a plurality of sleeves disposed at the tubular, and a plurality of engagable members being movable through the tubular with each of the plurality of engagable members being configurable to selectively engage with at least one of the plurality of sleeves and such engagement at least temporarily preventing passage of an engaged engagable member by an engaged sleeve.

Abstract: A rigless sand-control tool string is for use in a wellbore having plural zones. The tool string includes plural flow port assemblies, and plural screen assemblies connected to corresponding circulation port assemblies. Each set of one of the flow port assemblies and one of the screen assemblies is configured to perform sand control with respect to a corresponding zone of the wellbore. The flow port assemblies are selectively activatable to allow selective performance of sand control with respect to the corresponding zones.

Abstract: A downhole sleeve has an insert movable in the sleeve's bore from a closed condition to an opened condition when a ball dropped in the bore engages an indexing seat in the sliding sleeve. In the closed condition, the insert prevents communication between the bore and the sleeve's port, while the insert in the opened condition permits communication between the bore and port. Keys of a seat extend into the bore to engage the ball and to move the insert open. After opening, the keys retract so the ball can pass through the sleeve to another cluster sleeve or to an isolation sleeve of an assembly. Insets or buttons disposed in the sleeve's port temporarily maintain fluid pressure in the sleeve's bore so that a cluster of sleeves can be opened before treatment fluid dislodges the button to treat the surrounding formation through the open port.

Abstract: An embodiment provides a device that includes a shape memory member having a sealed outer surface and a permeable inner mass and a selected fluid placed and sealed within the inner mass at a first temperature. The selected fluid is released from the inner mass when the shape memory member is heated to a second temperature.

Abstract: The invention comprises a sealing body (15) separating device) which can be used to separate fluids in risers used in offshore oil production from drilling vessels at the sea surface. The invention is characterized in that the sealing body (15) can be placed in position above the wellhead (13) using several appropriate methods and, in an especially preferred application, by utilizing an installation tool (27) which is not sealing against the inner wall of the riser and which contains a suitable positioning means (28), and that the body (15) which forms a seal against the inner wall of the riser separates fluids during the replacement of drilling fluid with water and of water with drilling fluid. The body (15) can be displaced using hydraulic force upwards in the longitudinal direction of the riser in that fluid is pumped at a relatively high pressure down the externally located smaller pipes (9, 10, 11) of the riser.