Abstract: Methods and apparatus for creating a downhole buoyant casing chamber. The buoyant casing chamber may be created after the casing has been at least partially run into the wellbore. Some embodiments also allow circulation of fluid as the casing is being run after the creation of the buoyant chamber. A method of the invention comprises running a length of casing into the well to a first step, forming a buoyant chamber in the casing, filling the chamber with buoyant fluid, either a gas or a light liquid, and running the casing to a second depth greater than the first depth. The apparatus used comprises a length of casing, a floating device disposed in a lower end of the casing and forming a lower boundary of a buoyant chamber, a packer for sealingly engaging the casing in an upper end of the buoyant chamber, and a volume of buoyant fluid to fill the chamber.

Abstract: A small diameter stage cementer assembly 10 and a hydraulically operated packer collar stage cementer 110, including a cementer housing 12 for interconnection with a casing string 14 positionable in a slim-hole wellbore for a cementing operation. The cementer housing 12 including a seat 11 for receiving a lower, drillable portion 335 of an opening sleeve assembly 135 after the upper drillable portion 235 of the opening sleeve assembly 135 has been drilled out. The lower, drillable portion 335 wedges into engagement with the seat 11 to prevent rotation of the drillable portion 335 during drill-out, such that the lower portion 335 may be drilled up using a small diameter bit and drill string, and accommodating a reduced weight on bit. The packer collar embodiment includes a hydraulically actuatable packer 70.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in a cased well having a production tubing assembly installed in the well and terminating with a connection mechanism at a subterranean location. The apparatus and method utilizes a spoolable tubular assembly for installation extending into the well to the connection mechanism wherein the tubular assembly has a plurality of conductors formed connected to electrically operable valve, sensors and tubing latch in the tubular assembly. In the method the assembly is spooled into the well with the tubing latch being operated from outside the well through the tubing conductors to selectively connect and disconnect the assembly from the connector mechanism. Operating the salve and sensors from outside the well when the assembly is installed. The assembly tubing is preferably made of a non-conductive, and preferably composite material that enclosed at least one, and preferably a plurality of electrical conductors.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining the fluid column in an annulus are provided. The fluid column support, or fluid column seal is disposed about a second casing being lowered into a well through a first casing already cemented in the well. The fluid column support includes a seal connected to the second casing that engages the first casing as it is lowered therethrough. The seal will allow flow in an upward direction but prevents downward flow. The seal will support, or maintain a fluid column in the annulus between the first and second casing in the event that the fluid level below the seal drops for any reason, such as lost circulation or the failure of a buoyancy chamber in the second casing. The fluid seal, in conjunction with stage tools, provides hydrostatic pressure in the well to maintain proper fluid placement therein.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for treating a wellbore, comprising subjecting a substantially same portion of the wellbore to vibratory waves produced by a plurality of vibratory wave generators. The vibratory waves may have about the same frequency or a plurality of frequencies, and the frequencies may partially overlap, not overlap, or be modulated across a range. Additionally, the frequencies may be modulated in an oval, hoop, and flexural modes. The vibratory waves may be produced by firing the vibratory wave generators simultaneously or in sequence. Combinations of a vibrating pipe, piston pulser, or valve may be used as vibratory wave generators. In a preferred embodiment, the thickness and change of thickness of a mudcake on the interior surface of a wellbore are measured to evaluate the effectiveness of the wellbore treatment.

Abstract: A foaming apparatus and method according to which a mixture of gas and a liquid is introduced into a vessel at a predetermined velocity and passes through a passage in the vessel. The flow of the mixture through the passage is increased to increase the velocity of the mixture and cause corresponding shearing forces on the mixture to create a turbulance and form foam from the mixture. The restrictor can be moved in the passage to vary the amount of restriction and therefore the amount of the foam.

Abstract: An object to be displaced in an oil or gas well includes a body that is movable through a conduit of an oil or gas well and an electrical circuit that is connected to the body. The electrical circuit can include an active or passive radio frequency identification tag, at least the passive type of which is responsive to an externally generated alternating current electromagnetic signal such that the electrical circuit transmits a responsive signal for reception outside the object as the object moves through the conduit. A detector apparatus for an oil or gas well generally comprises: a body movable through a conduit of an oil or gas well; an electrical circuit connected to the body, the electrical circuit for transmitting an electromagnetic signal for reception away from the body as the body moves through the conduit; and a receiver disposed relative to the conduit and the body to receive the electromagnetic signal from the electrical circuit.

Abstract: A quick connect system and method for fluid devices according to which one end portion of a first tubular member is inserted in an end portion of a second tubular in a telescoping relationship. An arcuate clamp extends over the telescoping portions of the tubular members, and a tapered locking surface is formed on at least one of the tubular members and on the clamp. The tubular members move relative to each other in an axial direction in response to fluid pressure therein to move the tapered locking surfaces into engagement to lock the clamp against radial movement relative to the tubular members. A pipe assembly including a first connection system for connecting one end of a first pipe to one end of a second pipe while permitting relative rotation between the pipes, and a second connection system for connecting the other end of the first pipe to a third pipe so that rotation of the first pipe relative to the second pipe causes angular movement of the third pipe.

Abstract: A well tool assembly interconnection method is provided. In a described embodiment, a continuous tubing string has connectors positioned corresponding to desired locations for tool assemblies in a well. The tubing string is wrapped on a reel and transported to a well. As the tubing string is deployed from the reel into the well, the tool assemblies are interconnected between the connectors.

Abstract: A cementing head is provided for introduction and separation of fluids in a well. The cementing head comprises a plug container having upper and lower fluid inlets oriented tangent to the bore of the plug container. The upper inlet is located below the upper end of the plug so that a compact manifold can be used therewith. The compact manifold includes first and second discharge tees which may be connected by a one-piece coupling such that rotation of the coupling in one direction causes the discharge tees to seal against a spacer therebetween and rotation in a second direction causes the discharge tees to move apart from one another. A coupling for quick coupling of the plug container to a casing collar is also provided. The coupling apparatus comprises a locking clamp having pivotally connected arcuate clamp portions. Each arcuate clamp portion engages a lower end of a casing collar. A threaded adjustment is provided for increasing an initial compression of a seal against the upper end of the casing collar.

Abstract: A downhole apparatus and method for depositing metal at a desired area in a well casing. In one embodiment the apparatus comprises an oxygen tank filled with oxygen, a fuel tank filled with fuel, and a metal depositing device. An inert gas, such as nitrogen, may be supplied to dampen the heat generated by the metal depositing device. In an alternate embodiment, the apparatus comprises a gas tank with nitrous oxide therein and a sparking device to initiate a decomposition reaction to separate the nitrous oxide into its oxygen and nitrogen components. The metal depositing device may be adapted for flame spraying, plasma spraying or welding. A steering head is provided to reciprocate and rotate the apparatus so that the metal depositing device may be directed to the desired area in the casing. A camera and light are disposed at the bottom of the apparatus so that the interior of a well casing is illuminated and an image is transmitted to the operator for proper actuation of the steering sub.

Abstract: A downhole tool for sealing a wellbore. The downhole tool includes a packer with a ball seat defined therein. A sealing ball is carried with the packer into the well. The movement of the sealing ball away from the ball seat is limited by a ball cage which is attached to the upper end of the packer. The ball cage has a plurality of ports therethrough for allowing flow into the ball cage and through the packer at certain flow rates. A spring is disposed in a longitudinal opening of the packer and engages the sealing ball to prevent the sealing ball from engaging the ball seat until a predetermined flow rate is reached. When the packer is set in the hole, flow through the frac plug below a predetermined flow rate is permitted. Once a predetermined flow rate in the well is reached, a spring force of the spring will be overcome and the sealing ball will engage the ball seat so that no flow through the frac plug is permitted.

Abstract: A high temperature, high pressure retrievable packer adapted for service under extreme operating conditions when the packer apparatus is held in the wellbore with a mechanical slip and a barrel slip. The barrel slip has a barrel slip body with a plurality of openings defined in the outer surface of the body. Cylindrical inserts are received in the openings. The cylindrical inserts define upward facing and downward facing gripping edges that will engage casing when the barrel slip body is radially expanded. The inserts are preferably tungsten carbide inserts. A sufficient number of inserts are included along the length and around the circumference of the barrel slip so that the barrel slip can get a good grip in the casing wall. Separate metals may be used for the barrel slip body and the inserts so that a higher yield strength alloy steel may be utilized than is possible with other barrel slip arrangements.

Abstract: A packer with an equalizing valve for automatically equalizing the pressure above and below the packer element. The packer comprises a housing having an equalizing valve disposed therein. A packer element is disposed about the housing for sealingly engaging the wellbore. An equalizing valve is disposed in the housing and seals the housing to prevent flow therethrough when the packer element is actuated to engage the wellbore. The valve is movable in the closed position wherein communication through the housing is prevented to an open position so that the portion of the wellbore above the packer element may be communicated with a portion of the wellbore below the packer element while the element is in the set position so that pressure above and below the element may be equalized. Once the pressure is equalized, the packer can be unset and retrieved from the wellbore.

Abstract: A mixing apparatus includes a mixing tube, a liquid inlet, a dry substance inlet and a recirculation mixture inlet. The mixing apparatus is utilized with a tub. A liquid and a dry substance may be mixed in the mixing tube and the mixture may be recirculated so that a liquid, a dry substance and a recirculated mixture may all be mixed in a mixing tube and subsequently utilized in a wellbore. The mixing apparatus includes a valve connected to the liquid inlet. The valve comprises a cylindrical outer housing, a jetting sleeve and a rotatable plug therein. The jetting sleeve is disposed in the outer housing and has a plurality of ports which will direct liquid downwardly and inwardly so that it mixes with the dry substance as the dry substance passes downwardly in the mixing tube. The plug may be rotated in the jetting sleeve to completely cover all the jetting ports to prevent flow into the mixing tube and is rotatable to an open position in which liquid may be allowed to flow through the jetting ports.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for wellbore and formation heating. In the method, after perforation of the well, fracturing material is pumped into the perforations to fracture the formation. This fracturing material comprises a mixture of sand and thermosetting plastic. Heat is subsequently applied to the formation and thereby to the plastic to cause the plastic to set so that flow-back of the plastic and sand is prevented while still allowing fluid flow from the formation through the sand into the well casing. The heating apparatus comprises a dual tubing string with a burner chamber attached to the lower end thereof The outer tubing of the dual tubing string is adapted for connection to an oxygen source, and the inner tubing string is adapted for connection to a fuel source. The apparatus also comprises an ignition source for providing a spark to ignite the fuel and oxygen mixture.

Abstract: A fluid property monitor includes a transducer assembly to impart multiple frequency energy to a conduit in one or more modes and to receive resonant frequency energy from the conduit. The resonant frequency energy is responsive to the imparted energy, the conduit and a fluid in the conduit. The fluid property monitor can also be defined as including: a frequency signal generator connected to cause multiple frequency energy to be transferred to a conduit having a fluid to be monitored; and a spectral analysis signal processor connected to receive and process electrical signals generated in response to vibrations propagated through the conduit and the fluid in the conduit in response to transferred multiple frequency energy. Particular implementations can be adapted as a densitometer, a coherent flow detector, and other particular fluid parameter detectors.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting a main casing section to a lateral casing section using thermoset plastic molding. The apparatus is used to set a flexible sock made of a hardenable material at a location adjacent to an intersection between the main and lateral casing sections. The sock is inflated so that it conforms to the inner surfaces of the main and lateral casing sections. Heat is applied to the hardenable material so that the sock is cured in the inflated, operating position. Heat may be applied by releasing chemicals which provide an exothermic reaction and/or by using a heater positioned within the sock.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing a frangible rupture disc or other frangible device from a wellbore casing. The casing has a special casing section defining a plurality of holes therethrough. Rupturable glass ceramic discs or inserts are disposed in the holes and retained therein. The glass ceramic discs or inserts are adapted to withstand fluid differential pressure normally present in the wellbore but are rupturable in response to impingement by a pressure wave thereon. The pressure wave is provided by a pressure wave generating device positionable in the casing string adjacent to the holes in the special casing section. The pressure generative device may generate a pressure pulse or an acoustical wave. Methods of perforating a well casing using a pressure pulse or an acoustical wave are also disclosed.

Abstract: A downhole tool for sealing a wellbore. The downhole tool includes a packer with a ball seat defined therein. A sealing ball is carried with the packer into the well. The movement of the sealing ball away from the ball seat is limited by a ball cage which is attached to the upper end of the packer. The ball cage has a plurality of ports therethrough for allowing flow into the ball cage and through the packer at certain flow rates. A spring is disposed in a longitudinal opening of the packer and engages the sealing ball to prevent the sealing ball from engaging the ball seat until a predetermined flow rate is reached. When the packer is set in the hole, flow through the frac plug below a predetermined flow rate is permitted. Once a predetermined flow rate in the well is reached, a spring force of the spring will be overcome and the sealing ball will engage the ball seat so that no flow through the frac plug is permitted.