Abstract: A system and method comprising at least one ported sleeve assembly and a flapper assembly positioned downwell of the ported sleeve assembly. The system provides for the use of multiple ported sleeve assemblies for each stage of a hydrocarbon producing well that can be opened with a single element, and multiple stages, each have the ability to be opened with a single element size.

Abstract: A hydraulically-actuated propellant stimulation downhole tool for hydrocarbon wells. According to one embodiment of the invention, the tool comprises a first section having an internal sidewall defining at least a portion of a flowpath, and a ported outer sidewall and a propellant volume having at least a portion within said first section. An annular portion has at least one chamber having an end positioned adjacent to the propellant volume and an inlet providing a communication path to said flowpath. A detonator assembly is located within each chamber proximal to the propellant volume such that detonation of the assembly causes detonation of the propellant volume. A firing pin is propelled toward the detonation assembly by providing communication between the chamber and the flow path, causing a pressure differential between the pressure isolated ends of the firing pin.

Abstract: A shifting tool and method of shifting a downhole device that requires only a minimal profile or no profile to engage and move the movable portion of the tool. The invention comprises a ported housing assembly and at least one friction pad alignable with said at least one port and radially movable through the port between a first pad position and a second pad position. In the second pad position, the friction pad extends outside said outer diameter of said housing assembly to engage the targeted downhole device. A mandrel positioned through the ported housing has a first section with a first outer diameter and a second section with a second outer diameter, said second outer diameter being greater than said first outer diameter. The mandrel is movable between a first mandrel position and a second mandrel position. In the second mandrel position, the second outer diameter supports the friction pads in the second pad position.

Abstract: A hydraulically-actuated propellant stimulation downhole tool for hydrocarbon wells. According to one embodiment of the invention, the tool comprises a first section having an internal sidewall defining at least a portion of a flowpath, and a ported outer sidewall. A propellant volume having at least a portion within said first section. An annular portion has at least one pressure chamber having an end positioned adjacent to the propellant volume and an inlet providing a communication path to said flowpath. A detonator assembly is located within each pressure chamber proximal to the propellant volume such that detonation of the assembly causes detonation of the propellant volume. A firing pin is propelled toward the detonation assembly by providing communication between the pressure chamber and the flow path, causing a pressure differential between the pressure isolated ends of the firing pin.

Abstract: A shifting tool and method of shifting a downhole device that requires only a minimal profile or no profile to engage and move the movable portion of the tool. The invention comprises a ported housing assembly and at least one friction pad alignable with said at least one port and radially movable through the port between a first pad position and a second pad position. In the second pad position, the friction pad extends outside said outer diameter of said housing assembly to engage the targeted downhole device. A mandrel positioned through the ported housing has a first section with a first outer diameter and a second section with a second outer diameter, said second outer diameter being greater than said first outer diameter. The mandrel is movable between a first mandrel position and a second mandrel position. In the second mandrel position, the second outer diameter supports the friction pads in the second pad position.

Abstract: A self-orientating fracturing system locatable in a tubing string, the system comprising a swivel sub having a top connection and a lower connection radially rotatable relative to said top connection; at least one ported sleeve positionable downwell of said swivel sub, said at least one ported sleeve defining a flowpath and comprising a ported housing having an outer surface with at least one planar engagement surface and at least one port providing a communication path to the interior of said housing; and an insert moveable within said ported housing between a first position and a second position, wherein in said first position said insert is positioned radially between said at least one port and said flowpath. The system further comprises a centralizer having a outer surface with at least one flute formed therein, said centralizer positionable downwell of said swivel sub.

Abstract: A remotely-operated selective fracing system and valve. The valve comprises a casing with at least one casing hole; an inner sleeve nested within the casing and having at least one sleeve hole alignable with the at least one casing hole; actuator means engagable with the inner sleeve for moving the inner sleeve relative to the casing to selectively align the at least one sleeve hole with the at least one casing hole; and receiver means electrically connected to the actuator means and having a sensor for detecting a seismic or electromagnetic signal generated by a remote source. The system further includes source means for generating an acoustical signal receivable by the receiver means.