Abstract: The present invention provides a downhole heating tool with an increased heating capacity for use in setting alloy plugs/seal in downhole target regions of wellbores, such as oil/gas wells. The increased heating capacity enables greater quantities of alloy to be melted in one operation. It also enables alloys with higher melting points to be melted in the downhole environment. To this end the heating tool comprises a plurality of discrete tubular heating units linked together by connection means that permit the movement of the tubular heating units relative to one another. The relative freedom of movement between the heating units facilitates a transition between a deployment configuration, in which the heating tool is optimised for deployment downhole, and a heating configuration, in which the heating tool adopts an expanded heating footprint within a downhole target region.

Abstract: The invention addresses protecting the free ends of communication lines from debris during downhole wet-mate connection in a wellbore, with protection of the lines upon disconnection as well. A reciprocating debris exclusion device is provided for use with upper and lower tools to be connected. The lower tool has a reciprocating cover member mounted for sliding engagement with the housing of the lower tool, the cover member shielding the free end of a communication line. An upper tool has a bladder-type cover member attached to the upper tool and protecting the free end of a communication line. The reciprocating cover member is moveable between a closed and an open position and is moved in response to contact with the upper tool. The bladder cover is movable between closed and open positions and is moved to the open position by contact with the reciprocating cover member of the lower tool.

Abstract: A well packer includes an expandable member carried on a mandrel, the mandrel including a groove formed on at least a portion of an outer radial surface of the mandrel; a back-up assembly carried on the mandrel adjacent the expandable member; and a fold back assembly carried on the mandrel adjacent the back-up assembly, the fold back assembly including a snap ring carried on the mandrel and adapted to move into the groove and adjust the expandable member into an expanded position in substantially sealing contact with a tubular.

Abstract: The invention addresses protecting the free ends of communication lines from debris during downhole wet-mate connection in a wellbore, with protection of the lines upon disconnection as well. A reciprocating debris exclusion device is provided for use with upper and lower tools to be connected. The lower tool has a reciprocating cover member mounted for sliding engagement with the housing of the lower tool, the cover member shielding the free end of a communication line. An upper tool has a bladder-type cover member attached to the upper tool and protecting the free end of a communication line. The reciprocating cover member is moveable between a closed and an open position and is moved in response to contact with the upper tool. The bladder cover is movable between closed and open positions and is moved to the open position by contact with the reciprocating cover member of the lower tool.

Abstract: A well tool includes: a well packer; a hydraulic sub-assembly coupled to the well packer; an anti-preset assembly coupled to the hydraulic sub-assembly; a slip assembly coupled to the anti-preset assembly; and a fold-back assembly coupled between the well packer and the hydraulic sub-assembly. The well packer includes an expandable member that rides on a mandrel extending at least a portion of the well tool. The fold-back assembly includes a bias member carried on the mandrel and adapted to engage a profile formed on the mandrel based on a setting stroke that adjusts the expandable member into an expanded position in substantially sealing contact with a tubular.

Abstract: A well packer includes an expandable member carried on a mandrel, the mandrel including a groove formed on at least a portion of an outer radial surface of the mandrel; a back-up assembly carried on the mandrel adjacent the expandable member; and a fold back assembly carried on the mandrel adjacent the back-up assembly, the fold back assembly including a snap ring carried on the mandrel and adapted to move into the groove and adjust the expandable member into an expanded position in substantially sealing contact with a tubular.

Abstract: The invention addresses ways to protect the free ends of communication lines from debris during downhole connection. A lower assembly, positioned downhole, has a lower connector with a free end of a communication line. An upper assembly is moved downhole and has an upper connector. A reciprocating member with attached protective cover is mounted for movement on the lower assembly. A second reciprocating member with attached protective cover is mounted for reciprocating movement on the upper assembly. The free ends are connected as the upper and lower assemblies are moved toward one another. Upon disconnection, the upper and lower connectors are moved apart and the reciprocating members return to their initial positions, again protecting the free ends of the communication lines. The covers are preferably biased towards a closed position and return to a closed state upon disconnection.

Abstract: The invention addresses ways to protect the free ends of communication lines from debris during downhole connection. A lower assembly, positioned downhole, has a lower connector with a free end of a communication line. An upper assembly is moved downhole and has an upper connector. A reciprocating member with attached protective cover is mounted for movement on the lower assembly. A second reciprocating member with attached protective cover is mounted for reciprocating movement on the upper assembly. The free ends are connected as the upper and lower assemblies are moved toward one another. Upon disconnection, the upper and lower connectors are moved apart and the reciprocating members return to their initial positions, again protecting the free ends of the communication lines. The covers are preferably biased towards a closed position and return to a closed state upon disconnection.

Abstract: A well packer includes an expandable member carried on a mandrel, the mandrel including a groove formed on at least a portion of an outer radial surface of the mandrel; a back-up assembly carried on the mandrel adjacent the expandable member; and a fold back assembly carried on the mandrel adjacent the back-up assembly, the fold back assembly including a snap ring carried on the mandrel and adapted to move into the groove and adjust the expandable member into an expanded position in substantially sealing contact with a tubular.

Abstract: A downhole fiber optic wet connect and gravel pack completion. In a described embodiment, a system for making fiber optic connections in a subterranean well includes a first fiber optic connector positioned in the well and a second fiber optic connector operatively connected to the first fiber optic connector after the first fiber optic connector is positioned in the well. A method of monitoring a subterranean well includes the steps of: positioning a fiber optic line in the well, the fiber optic line extending in a formation intersected by the well; positioning another fiber optic line in the well, the fiber optic line extending to a remote location; operatively connecting the fiber optic lines while the fiber optic lines are in the well; and monitoring a well parameter using a sensor operatively coupled to the fiber optic line extending in the formation.

Abstract: A downhole fiber optic wet connect and gravel pack completion. In a described embodiment, a system for making fiber optic connections in a subterranean well includes a first fiber optic connector positioned in the well and a second fiber optic connector operatively connected to the first fiber optic connector after the first fiber optic connector is positioned in the well. A method of monitoring a subterranean well includes the steps of: positioning a fiber optic lo line in the well, the fiber optic line extending in a formation intersected by the well; positioning another fiber optic line in the well, the fiber optic line extending to a remote location; operatively connecting the fiber optic lines while the fiber optic lines are in the well; and monitoring a well parameter using a sensor operatively coupled to the fiber optic line extending in the formation.

Abstract: A downhole fiber optic wet connect and gravel pack completion. In a described embodiment, a system for making fiber optic connections in a subterranean well includes a first fiber optic connector positioned in the well and a second fiber optic connector operatively connected to the first fiber optic connector after the first fiber optic connector is positioned in the well. A method of monitoring a subterranean well includes the steps of: positioning a fiber optic line in the well, the fiber optic line extending in a formation intersected by the well; positioning another fiber optic line in the well, the fiber optic line extending to a remote location; operatively connecting the fiber optic lines while the fiber optic lines are in the well; and monitoring a well parameter using a sensor operatively coupled to the fiber optic line extending in the formation.

Abstract: A fracturing/gravel packing tool with variable direction and exposure exit ports. A system for delivering an erosive flow into a subterranean well includes a port displacing in the well while the erosive flow passes through the port. Various displacement devices may be used in the system to displace the port.

Abstract: A downhole fiber optic wet connect and gravel pack completion. In a described embodiment, a system for making fiber optic connections in a subterranean well includes a first fiber optic connector positioned in the well and a second fiber optic connector operatively connected to the first fiber optic connector after the first fiber optic connector is positioned in the well. A method of monitoring a subterranean well includes the steps of: positioning a fiber optic line in the well, the fiber optic line extending in a formation intersected by the well; positioning another fiber optic line in the well, the fiber optic line extending to a remote location; operatively connecting the fiber optic lines while the fiber optic lines are in the well; and monitoring a well parameter using a sensor operatively coupled to the fiber optic line extending in the formation.