Abstract: A device for providing a seal between two tubular member in a downhole environment is presented. The sealing device provides the capability of “boosting” or improving the seal, in the event of hydraulic pressure increases from above or below the seal.

Abstract: A drop ball catcher apparatus for use with downhole tools in oil well drilling and installation operations. A drop ball catcher apparatus is used to receive and stow a drop ball ejected from a ball-actuated downhole tool.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in the oil well industry for running in drilling/production liners and sub-sea casings down a borehole through drilling fluid on a drill pipe using a running tool with the benefits of surge pressure reduction are disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, a surge pressure reduction tool includes a diverter device having a housing with a set of flow holes formed therein and a sliding sleeve residing within the housing having a set of flow ports formed therein. By aligning the set of flow holes of the housing with the set of flow ports of the sleeve, the tool is set in a “surge pressure reduction” mode. By shifting, or axially indexing, the sleeve downward, the set of flow holes is blocked by the sleeve thus setting the tool in a “cementing” or “circulation” mode. This shifting or indexing is accomplished using an indexing mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a float collar apparatus for regulating the passage of fluid through a drilling/production liner or sub-sea casing. Apparatus of the present invention is fabricated using plastic flapper valves and valve-actuating sleeve components in contrast to prior art float collar components which are fabricated almost entirely of hard metals. Particularly, the plastic may be nylon, phenolic, or a phenolic-nylon laminate. The use of plastic components in the float collar apparatus of the present invention provides a substantial reduction in time and resources expended during drilling out of the float collar once cementing operations are completed. Additionally, the float collar apparatus of the present invention is fabricated from a pre-determined combination of plastic components and metal components thereby ensuring that the improved float collar can still endure substantial hydrostatic stresses encountered during casing liner running in and cementing operations.

Abstract: A device for providing surge pressure reduction with volume compensation and methods of use are presented. Surge pressure reduction and volume compensation are accomplished by pressure-actuated release of the compensation device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a float collar apparatus for regulating the passage of fluid through a casing liner or sub-sea casing. Apparatus of the present invention is fabricated using plastic flapper valves and sleeve components in contrast to prior art float collar components which are fabricated almost entirely of hard metals. The use of plastic components in the float collar apparatus of the present invention provides a substantial reduction in time and resources expended during drilling out of the float collar once cementing operations are completed. Additionally, the float collar apparatus of the present invention is fabricated from a pre-determined combination of plastic components and metal components thereby ensuring that the improved float collar can still endure substantial hydrostatic stresses encountered during casing liner running in and cementing operations.

Abstract: The present invention provides a drop ball sub that may be used to drop a large ball having an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of a restriction in the wellbore such as the running tool used to run a first casing string through a second casing string. A smaller ball is used to control dropping of the large ball. The smaller ball has an outer diameter smaller than the restriction. The drop ball sub of the present invention may be used to operate any downhole tool that would benefit by receipt of a large ball. By dropping a larger ball, in one use of the invention larger valves can be controlled in the float equipment that provide a larger fluid flow path. A larger fluid flow path reduces surge pressure and enables the system to handle more debris. The present invention provides a system that preferably provides for a diverter tool above the running tool and a diverter tool below the running tool.