Abstract: An apparatus for use in a wellbore comprises a housing having a longitudinal axis and a mechanism having one or more impact elements adapted to move along the longitudinal axis in an oscillating manner to impart a back and forth force on the housing to vibrate the housing. In another arrangement, an apparatus for use in a wellbore comprises a housing and at least one impact element rotatably mounted in the housing. The at least one impact element is rotatable to oscillate back and forth to impart a vibration force to the housing.

Abstract: Cementing compositions for oil wells or the like comprise between 30% and 100% (by weight of cement) of rubber particles, with grain size in the 40-60 mesh range. Adding rubber particles in accordance with the invention produces a low density slurry while keeping the cement permeability low. Compositions of the invention are particularly advantageous for cementing zones subjected to extreme dynamic stresses such as perforation zones and the junctions of branches in a multi-sidetrack well.

Abstract: A system is provided for unloading accumulated liquids and enhancing the recovery of gas from a reservoir having diminished pressure. An annulus between a tubing string and casing is isolated by a packer and continually pressurized with a slipstream of compressed gas while the well continues to produce. A unique valve positioned in the tubing string is shuttled between a production position in which production fluids are permitted to bypass the valve to the surface and a lift position in which the bypass is blocked and an unloading port is opened to vent high pressure annulus gas to the tubing string above the valve, lifting accumulated liquids with it. Preferably, the valve is actuated to the lift position by the impact of a plunger dropped from a lubricator at the wellhead, when the pressure in the annulus has reached a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: Cement compositions with improved corrosion resistance, and methods of using the compositions in a subterranean formation, are provided. The cement composition comprises a high alumina cement, vitrified shale, a soluble phosphate, and water sufficient to form a slurry. Optionally, other additives may be included, such as accelerants, retardants, dispersants, and the like.

Abstract: A blowout preventer transportation and installation system. The system includes a transportation skid assembly having a transport carriage to raise the blowout preventer between a horizontal transport position and a vertical position. The transport carriage on the skid assembly moves the blowout preventer with respect to the skid assembly. A boomer assembly having a crane mounted on a carriage frame on a boomer assembly frame raises and lowers the blowout preventer. The carriage frame moves with respect to the boomer assembly frame to move the blowout preventer over a wellhead. A control line support assembly supports hose lines extending between the blowout preventer and a hydraulic power unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to affix a tool downhole in a cased wellbore, one embodiment comprising a tubular body with a slot along its length. A portion of the slot is V-shaped to accommodate a wedge with a corresponding V-shape. The outside of the tubular body has integral teeth. To set the apparatus, the wedge is driven into the V-shaped slot. This movement widens the slot and expands the diameter of the tubular body until it intersects with the casing. The teeth on the outside of the body bite into the casing wall to affix the tool to the casing.

Abstract: An instrument insert for a tool of the type comprising an inner member extending within an outer member, the inner and outer members being capable of relative longitudinal movement. The insert includes a first insert portion comprising a first instrument component of an instrument, a second insert portion comprising a second instrument component of the instrument and a coupling mechanism for connecting the first and second insert portions and for maintaining the first and second insert portions in a fixed relative longitudinal position. Further, the first and second insert portions are each adapted to be connected with one of the inner and outer members and the insert is adapted for mounting within the tool at a radial position between the inner and outer members such that the insert is capable of longitudinal movement relative to at least one of the inner and outer members.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and systems for making measurements associated with a rock formation including a main borehole, a microborehole extending from the main borehole into the rock formation, and one or more sensing devices positioned and arranged to make a measurement at measurement zones being located in the microborehole. A packer can also be installed in the microborehole dimensioned and arranged to hydraulically isolate the measurement zones from conditions present in other parts of the microborehole and/or main borehole. Methods and systems are also provided for taking fluid samples and injecting fluid tracers in a microborehole.

Abstract: A method of expanding tubing downhole comprises providing a section of expandable tubing of a first diameter, and axially compressing the tubing to induce buckling, such that the buckled portion describes a larger second diameter. The resulting diametric expansion may be utilised to anchor or seal the tubing within a larger bore.

Abstract: A downhole jarring apparatus including a shaft and a first mandrel configured to releasably engage, a collar operatively attached to the shaft such that an axial position of the collar relative to the shaft is adjustable by access through an opening in an outer surface of a second mandrel, and an energy store configured to exert a force against the shaft, wherein the force is adjustable in response to the axial position of the collar relative to the shaft.

Abstract: A nutating single cone drill bit includes a bit shank defining a bit axis, a journal defining a rotation axis skewed from the bit axis, and a cutter elements mounted upon a cutter body wherein the tip of each cutter elements is forward a plane defined normal to the cutter axis at an intersection of the cutter axis with the bit axis.

Abstract: An improved V-style gripper block to better accommodate a variable outer diameter material (e.g. cable, plastic, wire, or pipe). The gripper block comprises a block body being connectable to a gripper chain in an injector apparatus, a gripper plate having arcuate and/or angled gripping surfaces for engaging tubing of various outer diameters, and a flex layer disposed between the gripper plate and the block body to allow the gripping surface of the gripper plate to move relative to the block body to which it is attached. This relative movement allows the gripping surface of the gripper block to rapidly conform to changes in the outer diameter of coiled tubing. In various embodiments, the flex layer may be formed of elastomeric materials including natural or synthetic rubber; an encapsulated gel or liquid within a flexible membrane; or mechanical means such as springs.

Abstract: A coalbed methane borehole pipe liner perforation system comprises a plastic pipe punch that slips down inside a coalbed methane production borehole lined with a non-perforated plastic pipe. A ground-penetrating radar is used inside the plastic-pipe lined borehole to determine which sections of the pipe are in contact with groundwater. The punch is then operated along the length of the plastic-pipe lined borehole to perforate it for methane-gas collection wherever such groundwater is not present. A radar survey to determine groundwater contact can be made simultaneously in combination with the punching of liner pipe perforations, or earlier in a separate operation.

Abstract: Cementing compositions and methods of cementing in a subterranean formation are provided. The cement composition includes a hydraulic cement, lightweight beads, and a desegregating agent for inhibiting segregation of the beads. The lightweight beads may be, for example, cenospheres, glass spheres, and ceramic spheres. The desegregating agent comprises a particulate substrate such as precipitated silica. It also comprises a polar molecule producing chemical disposed on the particulate substrate. Preferably, the polar molecule producing chemical is absorbed on the particulate substrate. The polar molecule producing chemical comprises at least one of a polar molecule producing acid such as glacial acetic acid, a salt of such an acid, and an acid anhydride. The method of cementing includes forming a pumpable slurry using the cement composition, pumping the slurry into a subterranean formation, and allowing the slurry to set.

Abstract: A method for removing filter cake from a subterranean borehole comprising drilling the borehole with a drilling fluid that includes additives to form a filter cake having an oxidation-degradable component, preferably a polysaccharide. The filter cake is contacted with a clear brine containing a mixture of a persulfate salt in a variable density brine to degrade the polymers within the filter cake. The persulfate mixture breaks down the filter cake in well bores having temperatures ranging from about 65° F. to 165° F. Concentration of the persulfate sets the pace of the reaction.

Abstract: An apparatus for the directional drilling of a bore hole through a solid substrate includes a main bore head mounted for rotation on a flexible drive shaft and a pilot bore head for weakening a region of substrate in advance of the main bore head, the weakened region being eccentrically located relative to the main bore head. The apparatus further includes structure for enabling the drilling access of the main bore head, during subsequent drilling of the bore hole, to become substantially aligned with the weakened region of substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus for the directional drilling of bore hole through a solid substrate includes a main bore head mounted for rotation on a flexible drive shaft and a pilot bore head for weakening a region of substrate in advance of the main bore head, the weakened region being eccentrically located relative to the main bore head. The apparatus further includes structure for enabling the drilling access of the main bore head, during subsequent drilling of the bore hole, to become substantially aligned with the weakened region of substrate.

Abstract: Methods of drilling and completing open hole well bores and methods of removing filter cake comprised of a gelling agent and calcium carbonate are provided. A method of the invention for removing filter cake comprised of a gelling agent and calcium carbonate from the walls of an open hole well bore is basically comprised of the steps of contacting the filter cake with a delayed clean-up solution comprised of water and a formate ester and removing the clean-up solution from the well bore.

Abstract: An auto-cycling plunger including a hollow, longitudinally extending body, at least one first directional outer seal, at least one second directional outer seal and a valve stem. Both the at least one first directional outer seal and the at least one second directional outer seal are disposed on an exterior surface of the body for creating a seal between the body and a well bore. Portions of the seals extend in a direction substantially parallel to the length of the longitudinally extending body such that these portions are spread resiliently outwardly from the body with an applied pressure, thereby increasing the degree of sealing. The first directional outer seal extending in a direction substantially opposite to the direction of the at least one second directional outer seal. The valve stem includes a valve member, extends through the longitudinally extending body, and has actual ends extending from the body. The valve stem is operable to be shuttled between an open and a closed position.

Abstract: Method of well cementing with a foamed slurry having a very low water content. When based on ordinary cement, the solid fraction of the slurry includes (by volume) 20-35% Portland cement, 35-65% particles ranging from 200 ?m to 600 ?m, and 5% to 25% of fine particles in the range 0.5 ?m to 5 ?m and the water content is less than 50% by volume. When based on micro-cement, the solid fraction includes (by volume) 50-75% micro-cement, 15-40% fine particles in the range 0.5 ?m to 5 ?m, and 0-20% particles in the rang 3 nanometers to 60 nanometers and the water content is less than 72% by volume.