Abstract: A method of forming a centralizer where a flat plate is created into a tubular where the flat plate is typically rolled so that two sides of the plate contact one another and are then linked, typically by welding. Openings are then created in the tubular such that there are no corners or other points that stress cracks may originate. Once the openings are created the remaining material between adjacent openings forms ribs. The openings created in the tubular are generally aligned with the long axis of the tubular. The material at the upper and lower end of the flat plate where openings were not created serve as circumferential collars. The ribs may be radially outwardly expanded in order to provide adequate stand-off. In many instances the ribs will also be hardened by heat treating or other hardening processes.

Abstract: A stop collar for a tubular and method for installing a stop collar on a tubular. The stop collar includes a flexible member extending circumferentially around the tubular more than once. A tension force on the flexible member causes the flexible member to apply a radially-inward gripping force on the tubular. The stop collar may also include a shield disposed around at least a portion of the flexible member, to protect the flexible member in a downhole environment. The stop collar may also or instead include an adhesive disposed radially between the flexible member and the tubular.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for preconditioning and/or testing a centralizer, and a preconditioned centralizer, are provided. The apparatus includes a restrictor positionable around a tubular and having an inner diameter that is greater than an outer diameter of the tubular. The apparatus also includes a driver configured to translate the restrictor relative to the tubular in at least a first axial direction. The restrictor is configured to engage a centralizer attached to the tubular, and the restrictor is configured to at least partially collapse flexible ribs of the centralizer when the driver axially translates the restrictor across at least a portion of the flexible ribs.

Abstract: A centralizer for centralizing a tubular in a wellbore, and a method of manufacturing a centralizer. The centralizer may include a plurality of ribs spaced circumferentially apart from one another around the tubular. Each of the ribs may include a first end section, a second end section, and a middle section extending between the first and second end sections. A first plurality of spacers may be spaced circumferentially apart from one another around the tubular. Each of the first plurality of spacers may be positioned circumferentially between two of the plurality of ribs. The first plurality of spacers and the first end sections of the plurality of ribs may be axially aligned and together at least partially define a first end collar.

Abstract: An attachment apparatus for attaching to a tubular. The apparatus may include a flexible member extending circumferentially around the tubular more than once. A tension force on the flexible member may cause the flexible member to apply a first radially-inward gripping force on the tubular. An annular sleeve may be positioned radially-outward from the flexible member. The sleeve may apply a second radially-inward gripping force on the flexible member and the tubular.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems for preconditioning and/or testing a centralizer, and a preconditioned centralizer, are provided. The apparatus includes a restrictor positionable around a tubular and having an inner diameter that is greater than an outer diameter of the tubular. The apparatus also includes a driver configured to translate the restrictor relative to the tubular in at least a first axial direction. The restrictor is configured to engage a centralizer attached to the tubular, and the restrictor is configured to at least partially collapse flexible ribs of the centralizer when the driver axially translates the restrictor across at least a portion of the flexible ribs.

Abstract: A centralizer for centralizing a tubular in a wellbore, and a method of manufacturing a centralizer. The centralizer may include a plurality of ribs spaced circumferentially apart from one another around the tubular. Each of the ribs may include a first end section, a second end section, and a middle section extending between the first and second end sections. A first plurality of spacers may be spaced circumferentially apart from one another around the tubular. Each of the first plurality of spacers may be positioned circumferentially between two of the plurality of ribs. The first plurality of spacers and the first end sections of the plurality of ribs may be axially aligned and together at least partially define a first end collar.

Abstract: A downhole tool including a body configured to be positioned on an outer surface of a tubular. A flexible member may extend circumferentially around the body more than once. The body may be positioned radially-between the outer surface of the tubular and the flexible member, and a tension force on the flexible member may cause the flexible member to apply a radially-inward gripping force on the body and the tubular.

Abstract: A stop collar for a tubular and method for installing a stop collar on a tubular. The stop collar includes a flexible member extending circumferentially around the tubular more than once. A tension force on the flexible member causes the flexible member to apply a radially-inward gripping force on the tubular. The stop collar may also include a shield disposed around at least a portion of the flexible member, to protect the flexible member in a downhole environment. The stop collar may also or instead include an adhesive disposed radially between the flexible member and the tubular.

Abstract: An attachment apparatus for attaching to a tubular. The apparatus may include a flexible member extending circumferentially around the tubular more than once. A tension force on the flexible member may cause the flexible member to apply a first radially-inward gripping force on the tubular. An annular sleeve may be positioned radially-outward from the flexible member. The sleeve may apply a second radially-inward gripping force on the flexible member and the tubular.

Abstract: A method of forming a centralizer where a flat plate is created into a tubular where the flat plate is typically rolled so that two sides of the plate contact one another and are then linked, typically by welding. Openings are then created in the tubular such that there are no corners or other points that stress cracks may originate. Once the openings are created the remaining material between adjacent openings forms ribs. The openings created in the tubular are generally aligned with the long axis of the tubular. The material at the upper and lower end of the flat plate where openings were not created serve as circumferential collars. The ribs may be radially outwardly expanded in order to provide adequate stand-off. In many instances the ribs will also be hardened by heat treating or other hardening processes.

Abstract: A method of forming a centralizer where a flat plate is created into a tubular where the flat plate is typically rolled so that two sides of the plate contact one another and are then linked, typically by welding. Openings are then created in the tubular such that there are no corners or other points that stress cracks may originate. Once the openings are created the remaining material between adjacent openings forms ribs. The openings created in the tubular are generally aligned with the long axis of the tubular. The material at the upper and lower end of the flat plate where openings were not created serve as circumferential collars. The ribs may be radially outwardly expanded in order to provide adequate stand-off. In many instances the ribs will also be hardened by heat treating or other hardening processes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying hydraulic treatment and diversion treatment to a wellbore are described. The method involves isolating a wellbore segment using hydraulic seals; applying fluid treatment and perforation diverters within the isolated segment; and scraping a portion of the wellbore after termination of treatment to remove any lodged perforation diverters from the wellbore. A collection chamber may also be provided for collecting used diverters for return to surface following treatment. In one embodiment, diverters used and collected within a first segment may be reused during treatment of a successive wellbore segment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a downhole cementing apparatus run into a borehole on a tubular. The apparatus is constructed on the pipe in such a way that pressure surge during run-in is reduced by allowing fluid to enter the pipe and utilize the fluid pathway of the cement. In one aspect of the invention, an inner member is provided that filters fluid as it enters the fluid pathway. In another aspect of the invention, various methods are provided within the cementing apparatus to loosen and displace sediment in the borehole prior to cementing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for completing a wellbore junction, wherein, in one embodiment, a first leg of a screen is fastened within a first tubular with a preformed window. The first tubular houses a whipstock with a cut-out portion containing a folded second leg of the screen. The first tubular is lowered into a junction of a central and a lateral wellbore. A second tubular is lowered within the first tubular and catches an end of the folded second leg of the screen thereby unfolding and expanding the screen as the second tubular is guided into the lateral wellbore.

Abstract: An expander tool for expanding a first tubular into a second surrounding tubular within a wellbore. The expander tool first comprises a body. Within the body is an expansion member capable of being actuated outwardly from the body when expansion of the first tubular is desired. In one aspect, the expander tool is a rotary expander tool, and the expansion members define a plurality of rollers. The expander tool further comprises at least one sensor for sensing a downhole condition during expansion of the tubular. The sensors in one aspect include at least one tool for sensing wall dimensions of the first tubular such as inner diameter or wall thickness. Examples include sonic logs, caliper logs, and electromagnetic wall thickness tools. A depth gauge may also be included. In one aspect, a data transmission device is provided between a surface server and the sensors downhole. In this way, the operator at the surface can monitor progress of the expansion operation downhole.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an apparatus for sealing a wellbore. The sealing apparatus includes an expandable tubular body having one or more sealing elements disposed thereon. In one aspect, the sealing elements include swelling and non-swelling sealing elements. Preferably, the swelling sealing elements are made of a swelling elastomer capable of swelling upon activation by an activating agent. The swelling elements may be covered with a protective layer during the run-in. When the tubular body is expanded, the protective layer breaks, thereby exposing the swelling elements to the activating agent. In turn, the swelling elements swell and contact the wellbore to form a fluid tight seal.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for controlling and/or powering downhole components without the need for control and/or power lines extending from the components to the surface of the well and without the need for power or control lines to be inserted into the wellbore along with the components. In one aspect of the invention, a borehole is lined with a casing, the casing having at least one aperture disposed. Adjacent the aperture, on the outer surface of the casing, is a docking station, which is permanently attached to the casing and includes a socket. After the casing is installed in the borehole, a downhole component can be lowered into the wellbore. The downhole component is equipped with a connector extending from an outer surface thereof. The connector assembly is disposable through the aperture in the casing and, the connector assembly can be connected to the socket of docking station.

Abstract: A connector arrangement used for connecting a first tubular to a second tubular. The first tubular member has at least one circumferential ring profile, and the second tubular member has a corresponding number of matching circumferential ring profiles. When the ring profiles of the two tubulars are mated and interlocked, they form separate and independent fluid seals as well as a mechanical lock able to hold the tubulars together during future expansion of the entire tubular and joint. Further, selecting properties of the tubulars such as yield strength and modulus of elasticity or constraining a diameter of one of the tubulars during expansion or compression forms a tight connection due to elastic recovery of the tubulars.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an apparatus for sealing a wellbore. The sealing apparatus includes an expandable tubular body having one or more sealing elements disposed thereon. In one aspect, the sealing elements include swelling and non-swelling sealing elements. Preferably, the swelling sealing elements are made of a swelling elastomer capable of swelling upon activation by an activating agent. The swelling elements may be covered with a protective layer during the run-in. When the tubular body is expanded, the protective layer breaks, thereby exposing the swelling elements to the activating agent. In turn, the swelling elements swell and contact the wellbore to form a fluid tight seal.