Abstract: A drilling tool including at least two cutting elements (e.g., redundant or upon a selected profile region) sized, positioned, and configured thereon so as to contact or encounter a change in at least one drilling characteristic of a subterranean formation along an anticipated drilling path prior to other cutting elements thereon encountering same is disclosed. Methods of designing a drilling tool are also disclosed including placing such cutting elements upon the cutting element profile in relation to a predicted boundary surface along an anticipated drilling path. Methods of operating a drilling tool so as to initially contact a boundary surface between two differing regions of a subterranean formation drilled with at least two cutting elements is disclosed. The cutting elements configured on drilling tools and methods of the present invention may be designed for limiting lateral force or generating a lateral force having a desired direction during drilling associated therewith.

Abstract: An apparatus for facilitating the connection of tubulars using a top drive, said apparatus comprising a motor (4, 4?) for rotating a tool (30) for drivingly engaging a tubular, and means (3) for connecting said motor (4, 4?) to said top drive, the apparatus being such that, in use, said motor (4, 4?) can rotate one tubular with respect to another to connect said tubular.

Abstract: A sealed multilateral junction system provides fluid isolation between intersecting wellbores in a subterranean well. In a described embodiment, a method of forming a wellbore junction includes the steps of sealing a tubular string in a branch wellbore to a tubular structure in a parent wellbore. The tubular string may be secured to the tubular structure utilizing a flange which is larger in size than a window formed in the tubular structure. The flange may be sealed to the tubular structure about the window by a metal to metal seal or by adhering the flange to the tubular structure.

Abstract: An underreamer for forming a cavity from within a well bore includes a housing adapted to be disposed within the well bore. The underreamer includes at least one cutter, wherein each cutter has a first end and a second end. The first end of each cutter is pivotally coupled to the housing. The underreamer also includes an actuator slidably positioned in the housing, wherein the actuator has a first end and a second end. The underreamer includes an enlarged portion of the actuator proximate the second end of the actuator. A first axial force applied to the actuator is operable to slide the actuator relative to the housing causing the enlarged portion to contact each cutter and extend the second end of each cutter radially outward relative to the housing from a retracted position to a first position. A second axial force applied to the underreamer may be operable to further extend the second end of each cutter radially outward relative to the housing from the first position to a second position.

Abstract: A process to transport a blow out preventer for a drilling rig having a drawworks wherein the blow out preventer is transported between a storage area and a use position over a wellbore. The process includes the steps of connecting an upper connector end of an elongated running tool to the drawworks of the drilling rig. The elongated running tool is moved in position parallel to the wellbore using the drawworks of the drilling rig. The running tool is lowered so that a stab connection is made between a lower connector end of the running tool and the blow out preventer. The blow out preventer is thereafter moved over and in alignment with the wellbore.

Abstract: A system for communicating hydraulic fluid to a wireline retrievable safety valve (44) comprises a tubing retrievable safety valve (50) having a non annular hydraulic chamber (60) in a sidewall portion thereof and a communication tool (100) that is selectively locatable within the tubing retrievable safety valve (50). The communication tool (100) creates a fluid passageway (150) between the non annular hydraulic chamber (60) and the interior of the tubing retrievable safety valve (50) by penetrating through the sidewall portion and into the non annular hydraulic chamber (60). Thereafter, when the wireline retrievable safety valve (44) is positioned within the tubing retrievable safety valve (50), hydraulic fluid is communicatable thereto through the fluid passageway (150).

Abstract: A rotating inner member is used to drive operation of a retrieval tool connected to a dual-member drill string. The retrieval tool preferably has a gripping assembly adapted to receive rotational energy from the inner member. In a preferred embodiment, an electric actuator assembly operates the gripping assembly of the retrieval tool. In another preferred embodiment, the gripping assembly of the retrieval tool is mechanically operated by a screw driven cam assembly. In yet another embodiment, the retrieval tool is adapted to grip both the inside and outside of the object to be retrieved.

Abstract: A power generating system (100) for a downhole operation (10) having production tubing (40) in a wellbore (12) includes a magnetized rotation member (110) coupled to the wellbore (12) within the production tubing (40), the rotation member (110) having a passageway (112) through which objects, such as tools, may be passed within the production tubing (40). Support braces (170, 172) couple the rotation member (110) to the production tubing (40) and allow the rotation member (110) to rotate within the production tubing (40). Magnetic pickups (150, 152) are predisposed about the rotation member (110) within the wellbore (12) and a power conditioner (200) is provided to receive currents from the magnetic pickups (150, 152) for storage and future use.

Abstract: A multilateral injection/production/storage completion system. In a described embodiment, a method of completing a well having a first wellbore intersecting each of second, third and fourth wellbores includes the steps of: injecting a first fluid into a first zone intersected by the second wellbore; receiving a second fluid into the third wellbore in response to the first fluid injecting step; flowing the second fluid from the third wellbore to the fourth wellbore; storing the second fluid in a second zone intersected by the fourth wellbore; and then producing the second fluid from the second zone to a remote location.

Abstract: A bottom hole assembly for use with fracturing or fracing a wellbore using coiled tubing is described having a first packing element and a second packing on a mandrel. The bottom hole assembly may be run into the wellbore such that the packing elements straddle the zone to be fraced. Also described is a timing mechanism to prevent the closing of dump ports before the bottom hole assembly may be flushed of the sand. A release tool is described that allows an operator to apply force to the coiled tubing to dislodge a bottom hole assembly without completely releasing the bottom hole assembly. Also disclosed is a collar locator capable of being utilized in a fracing process. Methods of using the above described components are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a drilling apparatus for enlarging a bore in the ground, comprising a drilling head (6) having a drilling bit (12); a percussion piston (14) which is driven by a drive medium (9) and which impacts against the drilling bit (12), and a hollow drill string (8) to which the drilling head (6) is fixed and through the cavity of which the drive medium (9) is passed to the percussion piston (14). The drill string (8) is surrounded by a hollow outer string (3) enclosing an annular space which surrounds the drill string (8) and through which the drive medium (9) is passed out of the borehole. The invention further concerns a method of enlarging an existing borehole, using a drilling head of that kind.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for perforating, testing, squeezing and/or stimulating an oil or gas well, or other tubular structure. The apparatus preferably is suspended from an elongate conduit, such as a drill string or tubing. The apparatus is secured in position by a retractable back-up plate, and then a piercing member perforates the casing. A first valve controls the flow of fluid from a high-pressure accumulator to drive the various pistons in the apparatus. A second valve directs fluid from the elongate conduit either to exit through the perforation or to exit the housing and return up the conduit. Axial movement of the elongate conduit controls both valves in the apparatus. Upon completion of the operation, the piercing member is advanced to plug the perforation, the back-up plate is retracted, and the apparatus is removed.

Abstract: A power swivel provides the rotational force to drill consolidated subsurface strata while an unrestricted airflow through the swivel and down a drill string remove cuttings from the borehole. The power swivel is configured to mount on direct push equipment, such as a cone penetrometer, to eliminate the need for a conventional drilling rig when a consolidated layer is encountered during direct push operations. A drilling nipple and pack-off are provided near the surface to maintain the air flow during drilling and to direct the cuttings to a desired location. Also, a dual-valved air delivery system provides safe, remote-controlled air flow to the swivel.

Abstract: A method and system of subsea intervention comprises lowering one or more assemblies of intervention equipment into the sea. Underwater marine units (such as remote operated vehicles or small submarines) may be employed to connect the assemblies to each other and to the subsea wellhead equipment. The subsea wellhead equipment includes a carrier line spool (e.g., coiled tubing spool, wireline spool, slickline spool) and equipment to inject a carrier line from the carrier line spool into the subsea well. The carrier line spool can be located underwater, such as on the sea floor or positioned above the subsea wellhead equipment. The carrier line spool can also be located on a sea vessel. Also, to switch tools, a carousel system having multiple chambers containing different types of tools can be used.

Abstract: A rotary drill bit includes a bit body that includes a plurality of upright legs that terminate in an exterior bearing surface. At least one roller cutter is affixed to a corresponding exterior bearing surface of one of the plurality of legs. The roller cutter has an exterior cutting surface and a base edge and defines an interior bearing surface that is complementary to a corresponding exterior bearing surface. At least one duct is defined by the lower surface of the lateral wall and is adjacent to at least one exterior bearing surface. A plug is disposed in the duct at a distance from the base edge one of the roller cutters so that if either the interior bearing surface or the exterior bearing surface wears beyond a threshold, the plug will cause a remotely-sensible indication of excessive bearing wear to be asserted.

Abstract: A laser alignment tool used in directional drilling operations for aligning, and marking the mule-shoe sub relative to the setting of an adjustable, bent housing, drilling motor assembly. A mark is produced as a result of a laser transmitter, located on the drill motor projecting a light beam upwards externally along the drill string, striking a photosensitive paper target or reflected onto a photosensitive paste or film located on the mule-shoe sub. The mark is then used as a reference point for orienting the internal keyed sleeve of the mule-shoe sub after the laser transmitter has been removed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a tool for treating at least one wall in a critical zone of a borehole, in particular a borehole for development of a hydrocarbon, water, gas or analogous field, the method consisting in reinforcing the wall of the critical zone by a coating obtained from a base fluid which is pumped from the surface to a tool (1) to be projected against the wall of the critical zone where it forms the coating once it has set, the method being characterized in that it consists in storing at least one additive or activator in liquid form in a reservoir (R) of the tool (1), and in projecting the additive simultaneously with the base fluid against the wall of the critical zone via at least one injector (I) in order to activate setting of the base fluid.

Abstract: A system for transmitting hydraulic control signals or hydraulic power to downhole well tools while significantly reducing the number of hydraulic lines required. Hydraulic control signals are furnished at relatively low pressures to actuate a selected well tool, and the hydraulic pressure is selectively increased over a threshold level to provide hydraulic power to the well tool. The hydraulic control actuation signals can be controlled by selectively pressurizing different hydraulic lines in a selected sequence and by selectively powering the fluid pressure within a selected hydraulic line. The combination of selective sequential actuation and selective fluid pressure provides multiple actuation combinations for selectively actuating downhole well tools. Additional combinations can be provided by changing the pressurization sequence, magnitude, absolute time, duration, and pressurization profile within a discrete time period.

Abstract: Backfill for a mine contains a main component of conventional backfill material and a flow enhancing superfine material component mixed with the main component. The superfine material component may be a clay, for example, and has a particle size of less than 1 micron. The superfine component is present in an amount of about 0.5 to 1% by weight to best achieve improved flow without plugging in a pipeline.