Abstract: In one embodiment, a filler ring for use with a packer element with a packer element radial stiffness and a packer element confined circumferential stiffness is disclosed, including, a filler ring body with a filler ring body radial stiffness greater than the packer element radial stiffness and a filler ring body circumferential stiffness less than the packer element confined circumferential stiffness. In another embodiment, a method to selectively deform a packer element with a packer element radial stiffness and a packer element confined circumferential stiffness is disclosed, including providing a filler ring body with a filler ring body radial stiffness greater than the packer element radial stiffness and a filler ring body circumferential stiffness less than the packer element confined circumferential stiffness, deforming the packer in a radial direction via the filler ring body, deforming the filler ring body in an axial direction in response to deformation of the packer element.

Abstract: A sealing element is flanked by wedge-shaped extrusion ring assemblies. The rings climb a ramp on an adjacent pedestal ring on the way out to the borehole wall. Depending on the dimension of the gap to be spanned the extrusion rings slide part way up the pedestal ring ramp or to the top of the pedestal ring. An anchor ring is initially forced up an opposite ramp of the pedestal ring. If the sealing gap is short the anchor ring touches the borehole wall to act as an anchor for the plug while remaining spaced apart from the extrusion ring assembly. For larger gaps the anchor ring moves out far enough to the borehole wall and in contact with the extrusion ring located on top of the pedestal so that reaction forces are directed to keep the anchor ring wedged in position for support of the extrusion ring assembly.

Abstract: A method of conducting multiple stage treatments. The method includes running a string into a borehole. The string having at least a first sleeve assembly and a second sleeve assembly. The first sleeve assembly in a position closing a port in the string; communicating from a radial exterior of the string or from a location downhole of the first and second sleeve assemblies to a first electronic trigger of the first sleeve assembly to trigger the first sleeve assembly into moving longitudinally relative to the string to open the port. Performing a treatment operation through the port; communicating from the radial exterior of the string or from a location downhole of the first and second sleeve assemblies to a second electronic trigger of the second sleeve assembly to trigger the second sleeve assembly into moving longitudinally relative to the string to close the port.

Abstract: A downhole communication and control system configured for use in a non-sequential order of treating a borehole, the system includes a string having at least three ports including first, second, and third longitudinally spaced ports arranged sequentially in a downhole to uphole manner in the string; at least three frac sleeve systems including first, second, and third frac sleeve systems arranged sequentially in a downhole to uphole manner in the string and arranged to open and close the first, second, and third ports, respectively, each frac sleeve system having self-powered, electronically triggered first and second sleeves; and, communication signals to trigger the first, second, and third frac sleeve systems into moving the first and second sleeves to open and close the ports. Also included is a method of completing downhole operations in a non-sequential order.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a filler ring for use with a packer element with a packer element radial stiffness and a packer element confined circumferential stiffness is disclosed, including, a filler ring body with a filler ring body radial stiffness greater than the packer element radial stiffness and a filler ring body circumferential stiffness less than the packer element confined circumferential stiffness. In another embodiment, a method to selectively deform a packer element with a packer element radial stiffness and a packer element confined circumferential stiffness is disclosed, including providing a filler ring body with a filler ring body radial stiffness greater than the packer element radial stiffness and a filler ring body circumferential stiffness less than the packer element confined circumferential stiffness, deforming the packer in a radial direction via the filler ring body, deforming the filler ring body in an axial direction in response to deformation of the packer element.

Abstract: A sealing element is flanked by wedge-shaped extrusion ring assemblies. The rings climb a ramp on an adjacent pedestal ring on the way out to the borehole wall. Depending on the dimension of the gap to be spanned the extrusion rings slide part way up the pedestal ring ramp or to the top of the pedestal ring. An anchor ring is initially forced up an opposite ramp of the pedestal ring. If the sealing gap is short the anchor ring touches the borehole wall to act as an anchor for the plug while remaining spaced apart from the extrusion ring assembly. For larger gaps the anchor ring moves out far enough to the borehole wall and in contact with the extrusion ring located on top of the pedestal so that reaction forces are directed to keep the anchor ring wedged in position for support of the extrusion ring assembly.

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: A downhole communication and control system configured for use in a non-sequential order of treating a borehole, the system includes a string having at least three ports including first, second, and third longitudinally spaced ports arranged sequentially in a downhole to uphole manner in the string; at least three frac sleeve systems including first, second, and third frac sleeve systems arranged sequentially in a downhole to uphole manner in the string and arranged to open and close the first, second, and third ports, respectively, each frac sleeve system having self-powered, electronically triggered first and second sleeves; and, communication signals to trigger the first, second, and third frac sleeve systems into moving the first and second sleeves to open and close the ports. Also included is a method of completing downhole operations in a non-sequential order.

Abstract: A downhole communication and control system configured for use in a non-sequential order of treating a borehole, the system includes a string having at least three ports including first, second, and third longitudinally spaced ports arranged sequentially in a downhole to uphole manner in the string; at least three frac sleeve systems including first, second, and third frac sleeve systems arranged sequentially in a downhole to uphole manner in the string and arranged to open and close the first, second, and third ports, respectively, each frac sleeve system having self-powered, electronically triggered first and second sleeves; and, communication signals to trigger the first, second, and third frac sleeve systems into moving the first and second sleeves to open and close the ports. Also included is a method of completing downhole operations in a non-sequential order.

Abstract: A downhole communication and control system configured for use in a non-sequential order of treating a borehole, the system includes a string having at least three ports including first, second, and third longitudinally spaced ports arranged sequentially in a downhole to uphole manner in the string; at least three frac sleeve systems including first, second, and third frac sleeve systems arranged sequentially in a downhole to uphole manner in the string and arranged to open and close the first, second, and third ports, respectively, each frac sleeve system having self-powered, electronically triggered first and second sleeves; and, communication signals to trigger the first, second, and third frac sleeve systems into moving the first and second sleeves to open and close the ports. Also included is a method of completing downhole operations in a non-sequential order.

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: 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: 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: Pressure relief devices comprise a chamber having a piston disposed therein. One side of the piston defines a hydrostatic chamber in fluid communication with an outside environment, such as an isolated wellbore annulus, through a port. The other side of the piston defines a sealed or isolated chamber. The pressure relief device permits changes in pressure in the isolated wellbore annulus to be distributed into the chambers so as to either reduce the pressure within the isolated wellbore annulus or increase the pressure within the wellbore annulus, both of which lessen the likelihood that the change in pressure within the isolated wellbore annulus will damage wellbore components disposed therein.

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: Pressure relief devices comprise a chamber having a piston disposed therein. One side of the piston defines a hydrostatic chamber in fluid communication with an outside environment, such as an isolated wellbore annulus, through a port. The other side of the piston defines a sealed or isolated chamber. The pressure relief device permits changes in pressure in the isolated wellbore annulus to be distributed into the chambers so as to either reduce the pressure within the isolated wellbore annulus or increase the pressure within the wellbore annulus, both of which lessen the likelihood that the change in pressure within the isolated wellbore annulus will damage wellbore components disposed therein.

Abstract: A self adjusting excluder sub includes a first subassembly; a second subassembly with respect to which the first subassembly is axially movable; and a support disposed at the second subassembly and when actuated being resiliently disposed against the first subassembly while being laterally movable relative to the first and second subassemblies jointly and method.

Abstract: A junction selective contaminant exclusion tool includes a tubular positionable within the junction and having an opening through a wall thereof, a material disposed on an outside surface of the tubular, the material being capable of increasing a radial dimension between a surface of the material in contact with the tubular and an opposite surface of the material upon exposure to a selected species. A method for excluding selected contaminants from a wellbore junction is also disclosed. The method includes: disposing a junction at a wellbore casing window; disposing a tubular member having at least one opening through a wall thereof at the junction, the tubular member including an exclusion material thereon capable of existing in a first configuration and a second configuration, the second configuration obtainable upon exposure to a selected species; and exposing the material to the selected species.

Abstract: A self adjusting excluder sub includes a first subassembly; a second subassembly with respect to which the first subassembly is axially movable; and a support disposed at the second subassembly and when actuated being resiliently disposed against the first subassembly while being laterally movable relative to the first and second subassemblies jointly and method.