Abstract: A communication tool (100) for communicating hydraulic fluid through a tubing retrievable safety valve (50) is disclosed. The tool (100) has a first section (102) and a second section (132) that are initially coupled together. A set of axial locating keys (112) is operably attached to the first section (102) and is engagably positionable within a profile (62). A radial cutting device (148) is radially extendable through a window (152) of the second section (132). A circumferential locating key (140) is operably attached to the second section (132) and is engagably positionable within a pocket (66) of the safety valve (50) when the first and second sections (102, 132) are decoupled, thereby circumferentially aligning the radial cutting device (148) with the non annular hydraulic chamber (60).

Abstract: An articulated seal for use with polished rod and rotary drive head assemblies is described. In particular, an articulated seal assembly or system 10 is described which seals a rotating drive head and polished rod between high pressure internal fluids within a well 12 and the exterior while absorbing the normal wobble motion of a rotating polished rod.

Abstract: A rotating inner member is used to drive a downhole tool housed within the hollow outer member of a dual-member drill string. The downhole tool preferably will be adapted to receive rotational energy from the inner member. In a preferred embodiment, the downhole tool is an electric generator connected to a downhole electric device. In another preferred embodiment the downhole tool is a mechanical transmission that uses the rotational energy from the inner member to drive a non-electric tool, such as a downhole hammer. This invention will increase the consistency and efficiency of downhole energy production.

Abstract: The invention relates to well construction and is directed at an oscillation excitation in a pipe string. According to the inventive method, an operating fluid is circulated in the pipe string. An autonomous mechanism for vibrational impact embodied in the form of an element, for instance a hollow ball having a rigid envelop and filled with gas, possessing a positive floatability, covering from 0.85 to 0.95 of a cross-sectional flow area of the pipe string and having an unrestricted degree of freedom. In the second variant, the inventive device comprises a ball support embodied in the form of a transverse beam or a crossbar rigidly connected to a spiral cylindrical spring arranged inside a tube under the ball with the aid of an easy-push fit. The spring force is selected with respect to a calculated axleload dependence on the mass of the ball and on flow strength with a basic flow rate of the operating fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling tubular goods which includes an elongate body having a coupling end adapted for mating engagement with a tubular good. The coupling end includes a structural member, a flexible cylindrical cage and a pressure member. Longitudinal strips joined at their opposed ends form the cage coaxial with and connected to the structural member of the body. The coaxial pressure member is disposed in an annulus between the structural member and the cage. The pressure member is adapted to cause radial displacement of the cage, thereby exerting a gripping force to maintain the mating engagement between the tubular good and the coupling end enabling a transfer of force between the body and the tubular good.

Abstract: A method of removing a gravel packed screen to reach another zone is described. The method involves a bottom hole assembly comprising an isolation device for the screen and a tool to latch on to it. A perforating gun is shot off to put holes in the screen to allow gravel to come through. A flow through a reversing valve is initiated to urge the gravel into the newly perforated screen while a vibrator shakes the screen and stimulates gravel flow through the screen. Alternatively, the screen is not isolated and a reverse circulation from the surface in conjunction with vibration urges the gravel to flow through the screen and out through the tubing supporting the bottom hole assembly.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided which permit well testing operations to be performed downhole in a subterranean well. In various described methods, fluids flowed from a formation during a test may be disposed of downhole by injecting the fluids into the formation from which they were produced, or by injecting the fluids into another formation. In several of the embodiments of the invention, apparatus utilized in the methods permit convenient retrieval of samples of the formation fluids and provide enhanced data acquisition for monitoring of the test and for evaluation of the formation fluids.

Abstract: A technique for stimulating production of fluids from a subterranean formation. The technique utilizes a tubular member disposed within a wellbore. The tubular member comprises transverse openings that facilitate a formation fracturing process. Subsequent to fracturing, a completion element may be deployed within the tubular element. In some applications, the completion element is an expandable element.

Abstract: Well surface equipment is provided to seal around the outer surface of portions of tool sections as the tool sections are assembled or disconnected in a portion of the well surface equipment. The portion of the well surface equipment is isolated from wellhead pressure to enhance well operator control during assembly or disassembly of a tool string. Also, if a fluid path is opened up due to activation of the tool string (such as initiation of a detonating cord that is placed in the fluid path), a barrier mechanism is actuated to block fluid communication through this fluid path so that a portion of the well surface equipment can remain isolated from wellhead pressure to enable convenient retrieval and disconnection of tool sections.

Abstract: Geological probing device comprising a hollow probing rod to be extended into the geological matter to be probed, and a measuring probe fitted to the probing rod, said measuring probe comprising sensors for obtaining information about the matter. The measuring probe further comprises a microwave transmitter, arranged to transmit microwaves carrying data from said sensors, said hollow probing rod being adapted to act as a waveguide, guiding the microwaves to an upper orifice of said hollow probing rod. Compared to previously known techniques, the device according to the invention offers a reliable transmission of data under normal working conditions, and without substantive modifications of the probing rod or other equipment.

Abstract: A apparatus is disclosed for attaching and sealing to the upper end of the casing allowing the inner string to be run through the apparatus. The apparatus provides a latch for anchoring the inner string and a seal for sealing on the inner string. Also disclosed is a flow path for providing for circulation of fluid between the inner string and casing annulus. Also disclosed is an inner string sub that provides a profile anchoring and sealing the inner string by the apparatus.

Abstract: Subterranean reservoir monitoring method, computer system with programming code for implementing the method, and computer readable media and data signal embodying such programming code, the method including one or more of: (a) reservoir screening; (b) reservoir modeling; (c) generating model seismic data from a model; (d) model modification based on current VSP data; (e) repeating step (c) and step (d) until differences between the model and VSP data are as desired; (f) obtaining model production data from a reservoir model, and if necessary modifying the model and returning to step (c); (g) generating seismic model data for time t; and (h) comparing seismic model data with actual seismic data for time t, and if necessary modify the reservoir model and return to step (f) or modify the model of the subteranean and return to step (c).

Abstract: A drill string is equipped with a down hole sub assembly which contains sensors to detect equipment condition during drilling. The sub assembly has no electrical communication with the drill bit itself, and the sensors detect drill bit condition from vibrations or strain or other detectable phenomena. Sensors in the bit itself are not needed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a borehole radar tool comprising, in a housing (2) a transmitting antenna and a receiving antenna both of which comprise, near the housing wall (2), a dipole antenna (8) and a reflector (10) opposite thereto. Also provided are an algorithm, method and apparatus for determining electromagnetic contrast information of a site into which electromagnetic fields (27) are emitted. Signals (29) generated by induction are intercepted and, using a back-projection algorithm including a suitable weighting factor, are converted into contrast information. The algorithm and/or method can be recorded in a computer program or on a data carrier. Also disclosed is a method of determining said weighting factor. The invention further provides a method and apparatus for subsurface surveys in which electromagnetic pulse signals are emitted.

Abstract: The field of invention relates to ice auger that connects a standard battery operated drill to an adapter that connects a standard battery operated drill to an ice auger. Description of the prior art—Ice augers are known in the prior art and have been extensively utilized by fisherman during winter. To the best of my knowledge, there are no other patents comparable to the Easy Auger Adapter.

Abstract: There is provided drilling apparatus (10) comprising a hammer casing (11), a free piston motor piston guide and porting sleeve (12), a drive sub (13), a drill bit (15) splined by shank (16) to the drive sub (13). Below the splined portion (17) the drive sub is relieved at (23) to form an annular air space for motor exhaust air from the splines (16) and (17). The drive sub (13) retains a gauge sleeve (24) via an annular flange (25) between the hammer casing (11) at (26) and a shoulder (27) on the drive sub (13). Below the shoulder (27) the outer diameter of the drive sub (13) is provided with eight grooves that form conduits (30) with the lower portion (31) of the gauge sleeve (24) extending parallel to the drill axis in communication with the space (23) via ports (32). The lower portion (31) extends down the side of the drive sub (13) and terminates with it at (34) adjacent the shoulder (33) at the transition from the bit shank (16) and the bit head (35).

Abstract: A downhole chemical cutter (12) has first and second passages (124, 126) which extend parallel, in fluid communication with an interior passage (32). A first ignitor (210) in the first passage (124) ignites a propellant (34) in the interior passage (32) to dispense a cutting chemical (46). The second passage (126) extends from the interior passage (32) to an exterior of the chemical cutter (12), and is sealed by members (176, 156). After the first ignitor (210) is fired, the second ignitor (218) is fired to push the members (176, 156) from sealing the second ignitor passage (126), such that the interior passage (32) is in fluid communication with the exterior of the chemical cutter (12). A control circuit (252) has two diodes (106, 110) connected in parallel and configured for passing current of opposite polarity to respective ones of the first and second ignitors (210, 218).

Abstract: In an apparatus and method for actuating arms used on a borehole data-logging tool to deploy measuring instruments against a borehole wall, a mandrel is provided. At least one arm carried by the mandrel is mounted to the mandrel to move between an expanded position, in which a part of the arm projects from the mandrel, and a retracted position. A resilient biassing compression spring provides a resilient biassing force on each arm for biassing the arm towards its expanded position. A hydraulic piston and cylinder assembly associated with each arm restrains the arm against movement towards its expanded position. A drive piston and cylinder assembly acts upon the resilient biassing compression springs for adjusting the resilient biassing force acting upon each arm.

Abstract: A method of expanding tubing comprises the steps: providing a length of expandable tubing; locating an expansion tool, such as a cone, in the tubing; and applying impulses to the tool to drive the tool through the tubing and expand the tubing to a larger diameter. The tubing may be located downhole and may have a solid wall or a slotted wall.

Abstract: An apparatus for discharging sample fluid from a bailer with a ball-joint and a method of using thereof. The apparatus has a body, an interior and an exterior, a top opening and a bottom opening, and a lip disposed around the top opening. The bottom of the apparatus has a bailer-support disposed across the diameter of the bottom opening. A pin is located at the center of the bailer-support. The apparatus functions as a bailer discharge device. The apparatus is designed to be placed into an opening of a bucket or drum and is adapted to discharge sample fluid from the base of a bailer into a bucket or drum when the bailer with a ball-joint is inserted through the top opening of the apparatus and rests on the pin attached to the bailer-support support. The pin acts to release the ball-joint thereby allowing the sample fluid to be discharged into the bucket or drum.