Abstract: A reverse circulation debris cleanup tool has a pressure control valve that closes up a passage through the body based on a sensed well condition to help pressure control the well when rams close around the tool to isolate the surrounding annulus. The sensor can hold the valve open for a predetermined time to allow debris removal operations and then close. The debris chamber below an eductor in a VACS tool can be thousands of feet long and the valve can provide protection during running in or removal of the tool from well pressure events so as to avoid using shear rams and losing the bottom hole assembly in the borehole and a fishing operation to get it out.

Abstract: A system includes a tubular having an interior surface, a longitudinal axis, a flowbore, and a main portion having a first inner diameter. A vibration inducing feature is disposed along the interior surface of the tubular and is immovable with respect to the tubular, and has a second inner diameter within the tubular that is different than the first inner diameter. The feature has a beveled first end surface and a beveled second end surface, the beveled first and second end surfaces longitudinally displaced from each other. The feature is configured to increase turbulence within the flowbore and configured to dissuade a capture of objects passing therethrough. A sensing system includes a sensor arranged to detect vibration within flow passing the vibration inducing feature, and is configured to output a command signal in response to sensed data reaching a threshold value or indicative of a predetermined pattern.

Abstract: A reverse circulation debris cleanup tool has a pressure control valve that closes up a passage through the body based on a sensed well condition to help pressure control the well when rams close around the tool to isolate the surrounding annulus. The sensor can hold the valve open for a predetermined time to allow debris removal operations and then close. The debris chamber below an eductor in a VACS tool can be thousands of feet long and the valve can provide protection during running in or removal of the tool from well pressure events so as to avoid using shear rams and losing the bottom hole assembly in the borehole and a fishing operation to get it out.

Abstract: A system includes a tubular having an interior surface, a longitudinal axis, a flowbore, and a main portion having a first inner diameter. A vibration inducing feature is disposed along the interior surface of the tubular and is immovable with respect to the tubular, and has a second inner diameter within the tubular that is different than the first inner diameter. The feature has a beveled first end surface and a beveled second end surface, the beveled first and second end surfaces longitudinally displaced from each other. The feature is configured to increase turbulence within the flowbore and configured to dissuade a capture of objects passing therethrough. A sensing system includes a sensor arranged to detect vibration within flow passing the vibration inducing feature, and is configured to output a command signal in response to sensed data reaching a threshold value or indicative of a predetermined pattern.

Abstract: An anchoring device includes at least one slip configured to fixedly engage the anchoring device to a structure when urged against the structure, and a member separate from the at least one slip positioned radially of the at least one slip having a portion that is radially deformable in response to longitudinal compression, the portion being configured to urge the at least one slip against the structure when deformed.

Abstract: A communication system for sequential operation of subterranean tools involves flow based signals that are picked up with an acoustic receiver at a master controller, which then signals one or more slave controllers that operate tools and communicate back to the master controller that the subject tool has been operated. Sensors associated with the control system gather data downloaded when the master controller is pulled out of the hole. The system can be used to set a liner hanger and release a running tool and communicate that the liner hanger and running tool has activated. This can be confirmed with setting down weight and noting the running string going from tension to compression with a load cell or by translating the running string within the hole. The liner top packer can be set with a flow based signal to the master controller which is then removed with the running string.

Abstract: A single trip coiled tubing conveyed Electronic Submersible Pump and packer deployment system including, a power coiled tubing string, an Electronic Submersible Pump (ESP) connected to the coiled tubing, and an interventionless packer operably connected to the ESP prior to running in a borehole. A method for deploying an Electronic Submersible Pump (ESP) including assembling an ESP to a length compensating device which itself is assembled to an interventionless packer together on a powered coiled tubing, running the assemblage to a target depth, and setting the packer.

Abstract: A communication system for sequential operation of subterranean tools involves flow based signals that are picked up with an acoustic receiver at a master controller, which then signals one or more slave controllers that operate tools and communicate back to the master controller that the subject tool has been operated. Sensors associated with the control system gather data downloaded when the master controller is pulled out of the hole. The system can be used to set a liner hanger and release a running tool and communicate that the liner hanger and running tool has activated. This can be confirmed with setting down weight and noting the running string going from tension to compression with a load cell or by translating the running string within the hole. The liner top packer can be set with a flow based signal to the master controller which is then removed with the running string.

Abstract: An actuator and method for setting a subterranean tool uses an externally mounted actuator on a tubular string that is operably engaged to the tool to be actuated. At the desired location for actuation a signal is given to a valve assembly. The opening of the valve releases the pressurized compressible fluid against a floating piston. The piston drives viscous fluid ahead of itself through the now open valve that in turn drives an actuating piston whose movement sets the tool. The triggering mechanism to open the valve can be a variety of methods including an acoustic signal, a vibration signal, a change in magnetic field, or elastic deformation of the tubular wall adjacent the valve assembly.

Abstract: Sealing devices such as packers comprise an expandable sealing element that is inflated and/or deflated by an electrically-activated pump disposed in a wellbore so that the sealing element can be set and retrieved from the wellbore. The pump is disposed downhole in close proximity to the expandable sealing element and is electronically associated with a surface processing unit located at the surface of the wellbore. In certain embodiments, an electric motor electronically associated with the surface processing unit drives the pump to flow a fluid into a chamber of the expandable sealing element to inflate the expandable sealing element and pumps the fluid out of the chamber of the expandable sealing element to deflate the expandable sealing element. Multiple sealing elements can be disposed on a tool or work string and all can be addressable and individually and separately controlled by the surface processing unit.

Abstract: An anchoring device includes at least one slip configured to fixedly engage the anchoring device to a structure when urged against the structure, and a member separate from the at least one slip positioned radially of the at least one slip having a portion that is radially deformable in response to longitudinal compression, the portion being configured to urge the at least one slip against the structure when deformed.

Abstract: A subterranean tool that is self contained for actuation can be run into a desired location on an automatic set mode controlled by a timer. If a problem develops in getting the tool to the desired location in time a magnetic field created by permanent or electro-magnets can be brought to bear on the tool to stop the timer before the tool actuates. Once the tool is subsequently positioned at the desired location another magnetic field can be brought to bear near the tool to set it. Alternatively, the tool can be run to the desired location without activation with the timer and then the magnetic field can be brought to the tool to set it. The magnetic field can be lowered to the tool with wireline or can be dropped or pumped past the tool to actuate the tool. Optionally the field can be generated from within an object that ultimately lands on a seat to provide a backup way to set the tool using tubing pressure.

Abstract: An actuator and method for setting a subterranean tool uses an externally mounted actuator on a tubular string that is operably engaged to the tool to be actuated. At the desired location for actuation a signal is given to a valve assembly. The opening of the valve releases the pressurized compressible fluid against a floating piston. The piston drives viscous fluid ahead of itself through the now open valve that in turn drives an actuating piston whose movement sets the tool. The triggering mechanism to open the valve can be a variety of methods including an acoustic signal, a vibration signal, a change in magnetic field, or elastic deformation of the tubular wall adjacent the valve assembly.

Abstract: Sealing devices such as packers comprise an expandable sealing element that is inflated and/or deflated by an electrically-activated pump disposed in a wellbore so that the sealing element can be set and retrieved from the wellbore. The pump is disposed downhole in close proximity to the expandable sealing element and is electronically associated with a surface processing unit located at the surface of the wellbore. In certain embodiments, an electric motor electronically associated with the surface processing unit drives the pump to flow a fluid into a chamber of the expandable sealing element to inflate the expandable sealing element and pumps the fluid out of the chamber of the expandable sealing element to deflate the expandable sealing element. Multiple sealing elements can be disposed on a tool or work string and all can be addressable and individually and separately controlled by the surface processing unit.

Abstract: An actuator and method for setting a subterranean tool uses an externally mounted actuator on a tubular string that is operably engaged to the tool to be actuated. At the desired location for actuation a signal is given to a valve assembly. The opening of the valve releases the pressurized compressible fluid against a floating piston. The piston drives viscous fluid ahead of itself through the now open valve that in turn drives an actuating piston whose movement sets the tool. The triggering mechanism to open the valve can be a variety of methods including an acoustic signal, a vibration signal, a change in magnetic field, or elastic deformation of the tubular wall adjacent the valve assembly.

Abstract: An inflatable packer contains a reactive metal in an annular space between the mandrel and the element. A fluid is admitted into the annular space to start a reaction that gives off gas. The generated gas fills the annular space and inflates the element in the process. The actuating fluid can be water and the off gas can be hydrogen. The volume of the reactants can also increase as they swell in the reaction that generates the gas. A valve arrangement associated with the mandrel retains the gas pressure and prevents over-pressurization. The packer can be set in a surrounding tubular or in open hole.

Abstract: A swelling element on a packer has a trough formed on a longitudinal axis. The control line or cable or conduit that needs to run along the string where the packer is mounted is first wrapped in a preferably non-swelling underlayment that can be a loose scroll or have its seam sealed. A swelling cover is placed over the underlayment using a seam that can be longitudinal or spiral to allow rapid deployment. The covering assembly for the control line or conduit is placed in the slot of the swelling element of the packer. The line or cable continues out opposed ends and can be secured to the tubular string with clamps. The control line can be covered with a swelling material and forced into a groove that runs the length of the packer swelling element.

Abstract: A subterranean tool that is self contained for actuation can be run into a desired location on an automatic set mode controlled by a timer. If a problem develops in getting the tool to the desired location in time a magnetic field created by permanent or electro-magnets can be brought to bear on the tool to stop the timer before the tool actuates. Once the tool is subsequently positioned at the desired location another magnetic field can be brought to bear near the tool to set it. Alternatively, the tool can be run to the desired location without activation with the timer and then the magnetic field can be brought to the tool to set it. The magnetic field can be lowered to the tool with wireline or can be dropped or pumped past the tool to actuate the tool. Optionally the field can be generated from within an object that ultimately lands on a seat to provide a backup way to set the tool using tubing pressure.

Abstract: An inflatable packer contains a reactive metal in an annular space between the mandrel and the element. A fluid is admitted into the annular space to start a reaction that gives off gas. The generated gas fills the annular space and inflates the element in the process. The actuating fluid can be water and the off gas can be hydrogen. The volume of the reactants can also increase as they swell in the reaction that generates the gas. A valve arrangement associated with the mandrel retains the gas pressure and prevents over-pressurization. The packer can be set in a surrounding tubular or in open hole.

Abstract: A swelling element on a packer has a trough formed on a longitudinal axis. The control line or cable or conduit that needs to run along the string where the packer is mounted is first wrapped in a preferably non-swelling underlayment that can be a loose scroll or have its seam sealed. A swelling cover is placed over the underlayment using a seam that can be longitudinal or spiral to allow rapid deployment. The covering assembly for the control line or conduit is placed in the slot of the swelling element of the packer. The line or cable continues out opposed ends and can be secured to the tubular string with clamps. The control line can be covered with a swelling material and forced into a groove that runs the length of the packer swelling element.