Abstract: The present system and method comprises an expandable device for use in wellbores. In one embodiment, the present device comprises a plurality of slots disposed within the device. The slots define expansion compensation portions, wherein the compensation portions facilitate radial expansion of the device while concurrently maintaining essentially constant the axial length of the device. The present technique also comprises a method of forming the device in accordance therewith.

Abstract: A method of inserting a tubular member into a wellbore.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for expanding tubulars in a wellbore. In one aspect of the invention, an expansion tool with hydraulically actuated, radially expandable members is disposed on a string of coil tubing. In another aspect of the invention the apparatus is utilized to expand a tubular lining a lateral wellbore into contact with a window of a larger tubular lining a central wellbore.

Abstract: A well testing system and well testing method is described which can be operated as a closed system with no production of hydrocarbons outside the well or gas can be separated and flared at surface giving minimal environmental impact with the liquid hydrocarbon being re-injected. This is achieved by providing a string with at least two well conduits which may be arranged in a concentric or non-concentric parallel configuration. One conduit is used to produce formation fluids to surface or to produce/store unrepresentative initial flow products and the other conduit is used to store formation fluid. The storage conduit can be filled from the top (surface) or the bottom of the well. In a preferred arrangement a valve is provided between the storage conduit and the well annulus for well pressure control, and a shut-in or test valve, which is controllable from surface, is disposed in the non-storage production conduit.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods for drilling a subsea wellbore and landing a casing mandrel in a subsea wellhead. In one aspect, a method of drilling a subsea wellbore with casing is provided. The method includes placing a string of casing with a drill bit at the lower end thereof in a riser system and urging the string of casing axially downward. The method further includes reducing the axial length of the string of casing to land a wellbore component in a subsea wellhead. In this manner, the wellbore is formed and lined with the string of casing in a single run. In another aspect, a method of forming and lining a subsea wellbore is provided. In yet another aspect, a method of landing a casing mandrel in a casing hanger disposed in a subsea wellhead is provided.

Abstract: A portable mapping tool for use in a horizontal drilling system and associated methods use a boring tool configured for transmitting a locating signal. The mapping tool also includes at least one electromagnetic field detector which is configured for measuring the locating signal from a fixed position proximate to the surface of the ground in a drilling area. The mapping tool includes a housing and a transmitter arrangement supported by the housing for transmitting a setup locating signal for reception by the detector in the region for use in determining certain initial conditions at least prior to drilling. The associated methods include the step of configuring the mapping tool for transmitting a setup locating signal for reception by the detector in the region and using the received setup locating signal in determining certain initial conditions at least prior to drilling.

Abstract: A hydraulically powered tractor includes an elongated body, two gripper assemblies, at least one pair of aft and forward propulsion cylinders and pistons, and a valve system. The valve system comprises an inlet control valve, a two-position propulsion control valve, a two-position gripper control valve, two cycle valves, and two pressure reduction valves. The inlet control valve spool includes a hydraulically controlled deactivation cam that locks the valve in a closed position, rendering the tractor non-operational. The propulsion control valve is piloted on both ends by fluid pressure in the gripper assemblies. The propulsion control valve controls the distribution of operating fluid to and from the propulsion cylinders, such that one cylinder performs a power stroke while the other cylinder performs a reset stroke. Each end of the gripper control valve is piloted by a source of high-pressure fluid selectively admitted by one of the cycle valves.

Abstract: A rotary deck bushing having an outer body held in a fixed orientation within a drill deck and an inner bushing portion that is configured for rotatable positioning within the outer body portion. A floating center bushing is removable positioned within the inner bushing and can be replaced as wear occurs. A dust deflector made up of a dust canister and a live rubber face with an opening is connected to the inner bushing portion so as to rotate with the inner bushing and to seal out the bushing portion from dust and grit and thus decrease the amount of wear upon the bearings of the device.

Abstract: A method and a device for the drilling, in particular the percussive or percussive rotary drilling of a hole in earth or rock and for securing an anchorage in the hole. A bore hole is created by a drill bit mounted on a drill pipe and a sliding sleeve that surrounds the drill pipe at a distance is simultaneously introduced. A sliding sleeve configured with a longitudinal slit is introduced at least partially and rests substantially against the bore hole during the drilling, whereby a reliable anchorage can be achieved with a simple construction by the sliding sleeve with a longitudinal slit.

Abstract: An expansion cone for radially expanding tubular members.

Abstract: The performance of a double-cone device (1) is increased, not only by moving the gap or inlet openings (22) a short distance into the exit cone (47), but also by making the conicity ?3 (55) of the so-formed small diffuser less than the conicity ?2 (109) of the remaining part (53) of the exit cone. Double cone units (7, 60), particularly the ones with this improved diffuser, may be used in pump installations (1, 60), like well-pumps (1), where liquids must be pumped from great depths.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention relate to apparatus and methods for remedial and repair operations downhole. Certain embodiments of apparatus include a lightweight expandable member (22) that can be radially expanded to increased its inner and outer diameters using an inflatable element (34). The lightweight member (22) can be used to repair a fautly safety vavle flapper (12) for example. The invention also relates to lateral tubular adapter apparatus and a method of hanging a lateral from a cased borehole.

Abstract: Elastomeric seals for use in drill bits on which an inorganic surface modification material has been deposited onto the surface of the elastomeric seals. Wear resistance of the seal at the dynamic surface is improved by providing support for the soft seal surface, by means of the inorganic atoms, against a harder surface.

Abstract: A bi-directional seal assembly can be used in various types of cartridge valves including dirty fluid valves and a variety of other valves. The present seal assembly utilizes a seal spool, two O-rings and opposing seal cups. Back-up rings are provided to engage the O-rings to control deformation of the O-rings. The O-rings are compressed during manufacture of the seal assembly and the valve more than typically recommended by O-ring manufacturers. Because of this compression, the O-rings serve a dual function. At lower pressures, the O-rings act as a spring causing the seal cups to contact the opposing seal plates and at higher pressures they act as seals between the seal assembly and the valve.

Abstract: A portable pump includes a rotating elliptical plate mounted on a rotating shaft, an elliptical plate follower with rollers or bearings positioned on the top and bottom surfaces of the rotating elliptical plate at a fixed distance from the axis of the supporting rotating shaft, rollers or bearings on the plate follower mated to roller or bearing races to restrict movement of the elliptical plate follower to directions parallel to the axis of the rotating shaft, a well pump tube with a bottom check valve affixed to the elliptical plate follower so that horizontal rotation of elliptical plate causes alternate vertical lifting and draining of the pump tube so as to pump water or other fluids from a well. Alternate embodiments of the invention replace the well pump tube and check valve with a driven piston, confining cylinder, and check valves to allow creation of a partial vacuum, compression of a fluid, or pumping of any flowable material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a submersible pumping system for pumping wellbore fluids. The submersible pumping system includes a motor assembly, a pump assembly connected to the motor assembly, and a shroud assembly attached to the pump assembly. The shroud assembly includes a shroud having a connection end and an intake end. The shroud assembly at least partially encloses the motor assembly and includes a sealing ring adjacent the shroud prevents the wellbore fluid from entering the shroud at the connection end. The shroud assembly also preferably includes a retaining ring that holds the sealing ring in place.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for controlling pressure surges in a wellbore. One embodiment provides a downhole surge control tool equipped with a fluid motivator. The fluid motivator may be, for example, any type of motor or a venturi. The fluid motivator motivates wellbore fluid through a bypass channel formed in the tool and then out an exhaust port of the tool.

Abstract: A method of increasing productivity and recovery of wells in oil and gas fields includes determining a direction of maximal horizontal stresses, producing at least two wells so that they are spaced from one another in a direction corresponding to the direction of the maximum horizontal stresses, forming in at least one of the wells at least one vertical slot oriented substantially from the at least one well to the other of the wells, and introducing a hydrofracturing fluid at least into the at least one well to produce a hydraulic fracture in direction from the at least one well to the other well.

Abstract: In systems and methods for production of hydrocarbons fluids from a formation surrounding a wellbore, a production assembly is cemented into place, and excess cement is then cleaned from the production tubing and liner. Thereafter, hydrocarbon fluids are produced and artificial gas lift assistance is provided. All of this may be accomplished in a single trip (mono-trip) of the production tubing.

Abstract: The invention provides a casing adapter tool which connects and seals to a casing pipe at its lower end and to production or service equipment at its upper end, and is used with well servicing equipment, such as is involved in fracturing. The casing adapter tool includes a generally tubular casing adapter body having an upper end and a lower end, and is formed with a central bore extending therethrough. The central bore provides a profile which forms a casing seal chamber at the lower end, and a barrier seal chamber located thereabove. The barrier seal chamber is formed with a profile to accommodate and seal to a first removable pressure barrier on removal of any well servicing equipment. Most preferably, the barrier seal chamber has a profile sized to provide full bore access to the casing pipe and to accommodate and seal to the first removable pressure barrier which is of a threaded, latched or snap ring type check valve or plug.