Abstract: A method for performing operations and for improving production in a well includes the steps of: locating a process tool at a required depth in the well, placing a reader device in the well proximate to the process tool, and then transporting an identification device through the well past the reader device to actuate the reader device and control the tool. The reader device includes a transmitter configured to transmit rf signals to the identification device, a receiver configured to receive a unique rf code signal from the identification device, and a control circuit configured to control the tool responsive to reception of the unique rf code signal. In a first embodiment the tool comprises a casing conveyed perforating tool and a perforating process is performed. In a second embodiment the tool comprises a tubing conveyed packer setting tool and a packer setting process is performed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for coiled tubing drilling of substantially horizontal shallow depth boreholes for installation of transmission or conveyance lines. A mobile platform mounts a coiled tubing reel and an adjustably mounted injector head. On the leading end of the coiled tubing is a drilling assembly, including a drill, a drill motor, and an orienter. Once the borehole has been drilled by pushing the drilling assembly through the borehole and exiting the earth's surface, a back reamer may be attached for enlarging the borehole as the coiled tubing is pulled back through the borehole. Once the borehole has been properly sized, the transmission or conveyance line may be attached to the leading end of the coiled tubing and the transmission or conveyance pipe pulled back through the borehole.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system for downhole tools enables convenient selection and actuation of a well tool assembly from among multiple well tool assemblies installed in a well. Each well tool assembly includes a control module having a selecting device and a fluid metering device. A predetermined range of pressure levels on one of multiple hydraulic lines causes the well tool assembly to be selected for actuation, a differential between pressure on that hydraulic line and pressure on another hydraulic line determines a manner of actuating the selected well tool assembly, and pressure fluctuations on one of the hydraulic lines causes fluid to be transferred from another hydraulic line to an actuator of the well tool assembly.

Abstract: A tool string, such as one used for performing fracturing operations or other types of operations, includes a valve, a valve operator, and a sealing assembly that in one arrangement includes packers to define a sealed zone. The tool string is carried on a tubing, through which fluid flow may be pumped to the sealed zone. The valve operator is actuated in response to fluid flow above a predetermined flow rate. When the flow rate at greater than the predetermined flow rate does not exist, the valve operator remains in a first position that corresponds to the valve being open. However, in response to a fluid flow rate at greater than the predetermined flow rate, the valve operator is actuated to a second position to close the valve.

Abstract: The invention provides an excavation bit, which is constructed from either a single or double carrier. If two carriers are present the carriers are contra-rotating. By the off setting of the axes of rotation of single or dual carriers from a longitudinal axis of the bit, and by driving to carriers to rotate, a ground engaging thrust is produced, as well as the rotation of the excavation bit in the ground as a consequence of the rotation of the carriers, and not vice versa as is the case with prior art. By the invention, there can result sufficient thrust on the bit, by the rotation of the carriers, so that the need to apply thrust down the bore via the drill rod is reduced or eliminated. As a result of the invention the number and or size of the ground engaging tools are not a function of the bore diameter to be drilled. Thus as the excavation bit is scaled up for larger diameter bores more ground engaging tools and or an increase in their size is not required.

Abstract: A multi-gradient system for drilling a well bore from a surface location into a seabed includes an injector for injecting buoyant substantially incompressible articles into a column of drilling fluid associated with the well bore. Preferably, the substantially incompressible articles comprises hollow substantially spherical bodies.

Abstract: A method for optimizing drilling performance of a roller cone drill bit is disclosed. The method includes simulating drilling with the bit in a selected earth formation to determine at least one drilling performance parameter. The orientation of at least one non-axisymmetric cutting element on the bit is adjusted and the simulating the drilling and determining the at least one performance parameter are repeated. The adjusting and simulating the drilling are repeated until the at least one performance parameter is determined to be at an optimum value. In one embodiment, the performance parameter includes rate of penetration.

Abstract: Cutting elements for use in a rotary drill bit are configured to facilitate positioning of the cutting elements at a positive rake angle with respect to the formation to enhance compressive stresses in the cutting element and to reduce cutting loads on the cutting elements. The cutting element generally comprises a three-dimensional superabrasive cutting member having a leading edge and a three-dimensional arcuate scoop-like surface which conveys formation cuttings away from the cutting element. The cutting element may also be formed to a substrate or backing. A drill bit suitable for use of the cutting elements of the invention is disclosed which includes passageways and internal fluid passages for enhancing the conveyance of formation cuttings away from the leading edge of the cutting element.

Abstract: A gauge carrier comprises a main body capable of incorporation into a suitable drill string, and a separate instrument housing including a gauge, the instrument housing being securable to the main body. The main body includes a handling region suitable for being handled by rig tongs, such that the instrument housing may be attached substantially along that handling region subsequently to its being handled. The handling region is located substantially centrally along the length of the main body. The main body includes at least one protective region having a larger cross section than the majority of the main body.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided to provide structural support for explosives (e.g., shaped charges) in a tool (e.g., a perforating gun). An encapsulant surrounds at least portions of the explosives to provide structural support for the explosives. The encapsulant contains a porous material, such as porous cement or polymer.

Abstract: A high load wireline lock features a plurality of dogs supported by a fishing neck. Radial loads, transmitted through the dogs when the lock is engaged, are in turn directed into the fishing neck in the manner so as to distribute the load into the wall of the fishing neck. The contact between the dogs and the fishing neck is along sloping surface which minimize the radial forces against the fishing neck and in turn applies forces in a near tangential direction through the wall of the fishing neck thus greatly increasing the load capacity of the wireline lock.

Abstract: The present invention provides continuous or near continuous motion drill strings which include motion sensitive and other MWD sensors which take stationary measurements while the drilling assembly is continuing to drill the wellbore. For simultaneous continuous drilling and stationary measurements, the present invention provides a drilling assembly wherein a force application system almost-continuously applies force on the drill bit while maintaining a housing or drill collar section stationary. Motion sensitive sensors carried by the drill collar take stationary measurements. A steering device between the drill bit and the force application system maintains drilling of the wellbore along a prescribed well path.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for directional drilling including a drill head mounted on a drill column. A driving device applies an axial driving force to the drill column. A delivery device supplies a wash medium to the drill head through a channel in the drill column. The device provides for increased removal of material and drilling through hard materials by by providing a housing on the drill head having a receptacle for an axially movable piston and a piston drive for producing strikes of the piston acting on the drill head. A connecting link permits an axial movement between the drill head and the drill column. A channel for the wash medium may be sealed at least with respect to the end faces of the piston.

Abstract: In a broad aspect, the invention may include a subsurface safety valve for controlling a fluid flow through a well conduit. The valve may include a housing that has a bore and is disposed within an annulus defined by the space between the well conduit and the housing. The valve may also have a valve closure member that is movable between an open position and a closed position, and adapted to restrict the fluid flow through the bore when in the closed position. The valve may also include a flow tube that is moveably disposed within the housing and adapted to shift the valve closure member between its open and closed positions. The valve may also include a piston that is moveably disposed within a cylinder in the housing and in mechanical communication with the flow tube. The piston may have a first seal disposed adjacent an upper end of the piston, a second seal disposed adjacent a lower end of the piston, and a third seal disposed between the first and second seals.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides a port collar assembly comprising a housing and a sleeve disposed therein. The sleeve is moveable between a first or opened and a second or closed position relative to the housing. In the closed position, the port collar prevents communication of the fluid between the exterior and interior of the port collar. In the open position, the port collar permits communication of the fluid between the exterior and interior of the port collar. The assembly includes a locking mechanism for the opened and closed positions comprising ratchet teeth formed on the exterior surface of the sleeve and mating ratchet teeth formed on the interior surface of the housing. The mating ratchet teeth are designed to secure the sleeve in a first position within the housing. A second set of mating ratchet teeth secures the sleeve in a second position.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention may be a well completion including a production tubing, an upper packer connected to a lower end of the production tubing, an intelligent device disposed below the upper packer, a continuous control cable running from the intelligent device to a connection point, and a sand screen disposed below the packer. The completion may be installed in a well in a single trip, instead of multiple. Sand-control operations may be performed by a service tool that is deployed through the production tubing. The completion may include the ability to washdown the well as the completion is being run into place. Related methods are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for taking a soil sample includes a drill pipe, a first driving gear for introducing the drill pipe into the soil, a sampling bush which movably fits into the drill pipe and a second driving gear for introducing the sampling bush into the soil.

Abstract: A well drilling system with a miniature directional indication sensor capable of operating at elevated temperature. The present invention is implemented with power supply, sensor drive and sense circuits in thick film or multi-chip module electronic assemblies, mounted on a chassis with a high resonant frequency. The thick film or multi-chip module electronics assemblies also contribute to increased shock and vibration resistance. Sensor drive and sense functions may be implemented in one or more application specific integrated circuits and integrated with multi-chip module electronics assembly. Analog-to-digital conversion of sensor signals is implemented in a voltage-to-digital converter circuit provided by the present invention. Furthermore, the present invention eliminates data lag between channels by providing simultaneous sampling of all the sensor channels.

Abstract: In downhole apparatus for an oil well, components (26) are installed in tubes (28) received in a space defined between an outer case (20) and an inner length of cylindrical production column (24) that is eccentric relative to the case (20). Each tube (28) is fixed at one end to an interconnection box (30) that is also received in said space, and that has electrical conductors passing therethrough. The tubes (28) are fixed to the box (30) by welding, and the ends of the tubes remote from the box are closed by plugs that are welded on.

Abstract: A wellbore casing formed by extruding a tubular liner off of a mandrel. The tubular liner and mandrel are positioned within a new section of a wellbore with the tubular liner in an overlapping relationship with an existing casing. A hardenable fluidic material is injected into the new section of the wellbore below the level of the mandrel and into the annular region between the tubular liner and the new section of the wellbore. The inner and outer regions of the tubular liner are then fluidicly isolated. A non hardenable fluidic material is then injected into a portion of an interior region of the tubular liner to pressurize the portion of the interior region of the tubular liner below the mandrel. The tubular liner is then extruded off of the mandrel.