Abstract: A downhole tool for projecting a projectable element downhole includes a tool body having a radial bore, a projectable element forming a piston in the radial bore, the projectable element having first and second element parts. In the retracted position the projectable element and the second bore part define an annular cavity, a hollow base part having an open end and a closed end, the open end extending into the open first end of the projectable element forming a chamber. The open end of the hollow base part has at least one spring element arranged in the chamber and connected to the closed first end of the projectable element and to the closed end of the hollow base part for retraction of the projectable element, and a pump configured to pump fluid into the chamber via a fluid channel to project the projectable element.

Abstract: A well installation comprising downhole power delivery apparatus for delivering electrical power from a surface power source S to a downhole tool T. The well installation comprises downhole metallic structure (2) running down into a borehole. The apparatus comprises an electrical cable (3) for carrying electrical power from the surface power source S, a power transfer arrangement (4) and a power pick up arrangement (5). The cable 3 runs down into the borehole together with the metallic structure (2) to the power transfer arrangement (4) which is provided at a first downhole location for transferring electrical power carried by the electrical cable (3) onto the downhole metallic structure (2) for onward conduction. The power pick up arrangement (5) is provided at a second downhole location, spaced from the first, for picking up electrical power from the downhole metallic structure (2) for supply to the downhole tool T.

Abstract: A downhole valve assembly comprises a sleeve concentric with a housing and movable relative to a port through the housing to control flow of fluid through the port. A sensor assembly provides indicates the relative positions of the sleeve and housing, and comprises first and second sensors on e.g. the housing which detect markers on e.g. the sleeve. The sensor outputs are produced by processing (e.g. combining, integrating, summing, subtracting or otherwise processing) the signal components of each of the first and second sensors to correct for misalignment of the sleeve with the housing. The sensor output provides position information for more than one plane, and the output signal therefore allows for correction of errors in the position information arising from misalignment of the sleeve with the housing.

Abstract: A well-logging system includes a first downhole tool coupled to a first cable for conveying the first downhole tool along a wellbore. A second downhole tool having a housing is coupled to a second cable for conveying the second downhole tool along the wellbore. The well-logging system includes a cable guide having a chassis structure coupled to the housing and a sleeve coupled to the chassis structure and disposed about the first cable. The first cable is configured to translate along the sleeve such that the sleeve facilitates guided movement of the first downhole tool relative to the second downhole tool.

Abstract: A drill bit comprises a bit body having a longitudinal axis and a blade extending radially outward from the longitudinal axis along a face region and axially along a gauge region. A gauge region includes a gauge feature and first and second recessed regions extending axially above and below the gauge feature, respectively. The gauge feature comprises an outermost surface extending radially beyond outer surfaces of the blade in the recessed regions. A method of drilling a borehole comprises rotating the bit about the longitudinal axis, engaging a formation with cutting elements mounted to the face region, and increasing a lateral force applied substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis such that radially outer surfaces in the gauge region engage the formation and such that side cutting exhibited by the bit is initially minimal and substantially constant and subsequently increases in a substantially linear manner with increasing lateral force.

Abstract: A setting tool for actuating a downhole component includes an inner tubular configured to be connected in fluid communication with a borehole string, a housing configured to define a first fluid chamber and a second fluid chamber isolated from the first fluid chamber and in fluid communication with the inner tubular, and a setting piston in pressure communication with the second fluid chamber. The setting tool includes a metering module coupled to the housing and disposed at an end of the first fluid chamber, the metering module including a fluid path forming a restriction therein, and an outlet connected to the fluid path. The outlet is configured to be opened to permit fluid to flow out of the first chamber at a controlled rate to generate a differential pressure between the first and second chambers that causes the setting piston to apply a gradually increasing force on the component.

Abstract: A rotation brake for stopping rotation of a spindle assembly on a horizontal directional drill. The rotation brake comprises a brake lock that is actuated by a cylinder and spring to interact with a non-rotating brake cap and a rotating pinion, thereby stopping rotation of the pinion. The brake lock is removed from the pinion by applying pressurized fluid to a cylinder such that a cylinder rod moves the brake lock out of a cavity between the brake cap and the pinion. Upon removing fluid pressure from the cylinder, a compressed spring moves the brake lock back to into the cavity, preventing rotation.

Abstract: A flow diversion valve comprising: a valve body including an upper housing releasably connected to a lower housing, the upper housing and lower housing being configured to receive a rotating rod therethrough; a shuttle positioned within the valve body, the shuttle being configured to move to cover one or more spill ports of the valve body; and a releasable locking member, wherein the releasable locking member is releasably connected to the valve body and positioned between the upper housing and the lower housing to assist in preventing relative movement therebetween.

Abstract: A wellbore hydraulic line rectification device arranged to rectify a hydraulic line in-situ includes a rectification line feeder, and a longitudinal first rectification line. The rectification line feeder is arranged to feed the first rectification line longitudinally into the hydraulic line. A cross section of the first rectification line has at least three protrusions arranged to slide along an inner surface of the hydraulic line.

Abstract: A drilling mud screen system, comprising: a hollow body having a first end, a second end and a first centerline from the first end to the second end; a drilling mud inlet having a second centerline forming an angle with the first centerline and extending to the first centerline, wherein the drilling mud inlet is offset from the first end of the body; a drilling mud outlet at the second end of the body; a drilling mud screen access port at the first end of the body; an end cap, disposed within the drilling mud access port to close and seal the drilling mud access port; a plug, disposed within the first body between the first end cap and the first drilling mud inlet; and a drilling mud screen, disposed within the body between the drilling mud inlet and the drilling mud outlet is disclosed. Methods of installing and using the drilling mud screen system are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatuses and method to reduce a pore-water pressure of water within a subsurface formation below a first pressure, include creating a pressure discontinuity in a well for a first period of time. The pressure discontinuity is created using ambient ground water pressure. A ground water flow regulating device (GFRD) is used to create the pressure discontinuity such that the GFRD restricts ground water flow through the well, which causes a pressure below the GFRD to increase. A flow of ground water is released through the well casing after the first period of time under natural ground water pressure. The GFRD releases the flow of the ground water and the pore-water pressure decreases to a second pressure after the ground water is released and the second pressure is less than the first pressure, wherein a first purge cycle is accomplished.

Abstract: A detonator activated wireline release tool is provided for use in geological well operations that enables the wireline cable to be easily released from tool string equipment upon activation of a detonator housed within the release tool. The release tool has a wireline subassembly portion that is connected to a tool string subassembly portion during assembly. It is sometimes necessary to disconnect the wireline subassembly from the tool string subassembly at a time when accessing the either is not physically possible. Such release is achieved by sending an electronic signal that detonates an explosive load which actuates a latch through an expansion chamber. The latch shifts and allows the finger flanges previously connecting the subassemblies to disengage, thus releasing the subassemblies.

Abstract: A drilling mud screen system, comprising: a first assembly having a first drilling mud inlet and outlet, a first body having a second drilling mud inlet and outlet, wherein the first drilling mud outlet of the first assembly is fluidly connected to the second drilling mud inlet of the first body, a second body having a third drilling mud inlet and outlet, wherein the second drilling mud outlet of the first body is fluidly connected to the third drilling mud inlet of the second body, a drilling mud screen, disposed within the first body and the second body between the first drilling mud inlet and the second drilling mud outlet, a lock system, comprising: a third body having a first inlet and outlet, wherein the first body is disposed through the third body such that the first body is held by a lip at the first end of the third body, a fourth body having a second inlet and outlet, wherein the first outlet of the third body is connected to the second inlet of the fourth body, wherein the second body is disposed

Abstract: A downhole tool includes an engaging member configured to increase in radial dimension from a run-in configuration to a set configuration, and to engage a surrounding tubular in the set configuration, and a plurality of buttons embedded in the engaging member. The plurality of buttons are positioned in radial alignment with or radially inward of an outer surface of the engaging member until at least a portion of the engaging member is increased in the radial dimension. The plurality of buttons are configured to extend radially outward of the outer surface of the engaging member and engage the surrounding tubular in when the radial dimension of the at least a portion of the engaging member is increased.

Abstract: Downhole vibratory tools that use fluid flow to reciprocate a rotor in a vibration chamber and associated methods and processes. In a first illustrative embodiment, an elongated external housing allows connection to a drillstring, behind a downhole drill. From a top sub, fluid flows through a first flow plate and spiral flow chamber to enter a central vibration chamber in a spiral direction and exits the vibration chamber through a counterpart second flow plate and spiral flow chamber. A rotor is disposed in the vibration chamber. The spiral flow through the vibration chamber causes the rotor to reciprocate around the vibration chamber, thereby creating vibrations that are transmitted to the drillstring. Methods of use include deploying the vibration tool to improve rates of penetration and enhances reach by creating resonance vibrations against the wall of a wellbore to effectively break static friction.

Abstract: A collapsible packer for use in a well includes a deployment assembly, a retraction assembly and a sealing assembly extending between the deployment assembly and the retraction assembly. The deployment assembly may include a spring and a degradable stop configured to offset the force applied by the spring. The degradable stop can be manufactured from a material that dissolves when contacted by fluid in the well. The retraction assembly may by hydraulically or spring energized.

Abstract: A containment device for containing leakage from a stuffing box is provided. The containment device can have a base defining an interior space, a structural member positioned substantially vertically with an interior passage sized to allow a polish rod to pass through and a lid. The containment device can be adapted for connection to the stuffing box so that a bottom of the structural member rests on the stuffing box when the containment device is installed on the stuffing box. The containment device can be installed by removing a dust cap from the stuffing box and attaching the containment device to a top of the stuffing box with the interior passage aligning with the stuffing box. The dust is installed on top of the lid and the lid placed on the base. The polish rod can then be run through the interior passage of the containment device.

Abstract: Drill bits and methods relating thereto are disclosed. In an embodiment, the drill bit includes a body having a plurality of legs each having a lower section that has a leading surface and a trailing surface. A plurality of cone cutters are each rotatably mounted to the lower section of one of the legs, each having a cone axis, and including a first plurality of cutter elements arranged about the cone axis such that each is shear the formation when the body is rotated about the bit axis.

Abstract: A tool for use in a wellbore includes a first tubular having an outer surface and an inner surface defining a first conduit. The inner surface includes a dog engagement zone. A second tubular includes an outer surface portion and an inner surface portion defining a second conduit. The second tubular extends into the first conduit and including a dog opening having a dog support. A dog is arranged in the dog opening. The dog includes an outer surface contour that engages with the dog engagement zone and an inner surface including a recess that engages with the one or more dog supports. The dog is moveably retained between the first tubular and the second tubular.

Abstract: A shock and agitator tool assembly vibrates a drill string to overcome stick slip and other friction-based problems that may occur during directional drilling. The agitator tool portion of the assembly, which can be used without the shock tool, allows for controlled activation and deactivation of the agitator tool by the use of one or more darts pumped downhole. The darts can be retrieved with a wireline tool. When activated, the agitator portion creates alternating pressure pulses. These pulses cause axial movement of the drill string above the agitator. A shock tool is described which utilizes a telescoping mandrel to amplify the axial movement created by the agitator tool.