Abstract: A setting mechanism for a liner hanger to be secured within the casing of an oil/gas well includes an expandable hydraulic chamber a portion of which is connected to a setting collar positioned around the liner hanger. Expansion of the chamber will cause the setting collar to radially move one or more slips having a gripping surface into contact with an inner surface of the casing.

Abstract: A setting mechanism for a liner hanger to be secured within the casing of an oil/gas well includes an expandable hydraulic chamber a portion of which is connected to a setting collar positioned around the liner hanger. Expansion of the chamber will cause the setting collar to radially move one or more slips having a gripping surface into contact with an inner surface of the casing.

Abstract: A multi-function diverter tool is disclosed that allows positive-indication opening and closing of the tool in a downhole environment. The tool includes a first sleeve adapted to open outlet ports in the exterior surface of the tool body. The tool includes a second sleeve which is movable with respect to the first sleeve and is adapted to close the outlet ports when moved from an initial position to a second position.

Abstract: A multi-function diverter tool is disclosed that allows positive-indication opening and closing of the tool in a downhole environment. The tool includes a first sleeve adapted to open outlet ports in the exterior surface of the tool body. The tool includes a second sleeve which is movable with respect to the first sleeve and is adapted to close the outlet ports when moved from an initial position to a second position.

Abstract: The method and device for forming multilateral wells includes drilling a first lateral well bore and a second lateral well bore; sidetracking on the low side of the first. Subsequently a first production casing string along with the device is run in the well so that the device is positioned adjacent to the first lateral well bore. A second production casing string is run into the well and the device directs the second production casing string into the first lateral well bore.

Abstract: A multi-function diverter tool is disclosed that allows positive-indication opening and closing of the tool in a downhole environment. The tool includes a first sleeve adapted to open outlet ports in the exterior surface of the tool body. The tool includes a second sleeve which is movable with respect to the first sleeve and is adapted to close the outlet ports when moved from an initial position to a second position.

Abstract: A setting mechanism for a liner hanger to be secured within the casing of an oil/gas well includes an expandable hydraulic chamber a portion of which is connected to a setting collar positioned around the liner hanger. Expansion of the chamber will cause the setting collar to radially move one or more slips having a gripping surface into contact with an inner surface of the casing.

Abstract: A multi-function diverter tool is disclosed that allows positive-indication opening and closing of the tool in a downhole environment. The tool includes a first sleeve adapted to open outlet ports in the exterior surface of the tool body. The tool includes a second sleeve which is movable with respect to the first sleeve and is adapted to close the outlet ports when moved from an initial position to a second position.

Abstract: A setting mechanism for a liner hanger to be secured within the casing of an oil/gas well includes an expandable hydraulic chamber a portion of which is connected to a setting collar positioned around the liner hanger. Expansion of the chamber will cause the setting collar to radially move one or more slips having a gripping surface into contact with an inner surface of the casing.

Abstract: A multi-function diverter tool is disclosed that allows positive-indication opening and closing of the tool in a downhole environment.

Abstract: A setting mechanism for a liner hanger to be secured within the casing of an oil/gas well includes an expandable hydraulic chamber a portion of which is connected to a setting collar positioned around the liner hanger. Expansion of the chamber will cause the setting collar to radially move one or more slips having a gripping surface into contact with an inner surface of the casing.

Abstract: A drop ball catcher apparatus for use with downhole tools in oil well drilling and installation operations. A drop ball catcher apparatus is used to receive and stow a drop ball ejected from a ball-actuated downhole tool.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in the oil well industry for running in drilling/production liners and sub-sea casings down a borehole through drilling fluid on a drill pipe using a running tool with the benefits of surge pressure reduction are disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, a surge pressure reduction tool includes a diverter device having a housing with a set of flow holes formed therein and a sliding sleeve residing within the housing having a set of flow ports formed therein. By aligning the set of flow holes of the housing with the set of flow ports of the sleeve, the tool is set in a “surge pressure reduction” mode. By shifting, or axially indexing, the sleeve downward, the set of flow holes is blocked by the sleeve thus setting the tool in a “cementing” or “circulation” mode. This shifting or indexing is accomplished using an indexing mechanism.

Abstract: A drop ball catcher apparatus for use with downhole tools in oil well drilling and installation operations is disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, a drop ball catcher apparatus is used to receive and stow a drop ball ejected from a ball-actuated downhole tool. Moreover, the drop ball catcher apparatus may also be used as the primary activation device for a downhole tool such as a liner hanger or a circulation device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a float collar apparatus for regulating the passage of fluid through a drilling/production liner or sub-sea casing. Apparatus of the present invention is fabricated using plastic flapper valves and valve-actuating sleeve components in contrast to prior art float collar components which are fabricated almost entirely of hard metals. Particularly, the plastic may be nylon, phenolic, or a phenolic-nylon laminate. The use of plastic components in the float collar apparatus of the present invention provides a substantial reduction in time and resources expended during drilling out of the float collar once cementing operations are completed. Additionally, the float collar apparatus of the present invention is fabricated from a pre-determined combination of plastic components and metal components thereby ensuring that the improved float collar can still endure substantial hydrostatic stresses encountered during casing liner running in and cementing operations.

Abstract: A device for providing surge pressure reduction with volume compensation and methods of use are presented. Surge pressure reduction and volume compensation are accomplished by pressure-actuated release of the compensation device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a float collar apparatus for regulating the passage of fluid through a casing liner or sub-sea casing. Apparatus of the present invention is fabricated using plastic flapper valves and sleeve components in contrast to prior art float collar components which are fabricated almost entirely of hard metals. The use of plastic components in the float collar apparatus of the present invention provides a substantial reduction in time and resources expended during drilling out of the float collar once cementing operations are completed. Additionally, the float collar apparatus of the present invention is fabricated from a pre-determined combination of plastic components and metal components thereby ensuring that the improved float collar can still endure substantial hydrostatic stresses encountered during casing liner running in and cementing operations.

Abstract: A float shoe/collar apparatus and method for multi-purpose use in running a tubular string such as a casing string or liner into a wellbore and for optimizing cementing operations. In one presently preferred embodiment, the apparatus permits auto filling of the tubular string as the string is lowered into the wellbore. Circulation can be effected through down jets for washing the wellbore as necessary. After the tubular string is positioned, the down jets can be blocked off and up jets opened to thereby direct cement upwardly to optimize cement placement. Check valves can also be activated to prevent flow from the wellbore into the tubular string. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises an inner member and tubular member. The inner member is movable upon release of shear pins to cause longitudinal movement relative to the outer member. The movement of the inner member may close a plurality of downward jets and may also open a plurality of upward jets, if desired.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wiper plug and internal drop ball mechanism that may be used in conjunction with a downhole surge reduction tool to run, hang, and cement casing liners in a wellbore. The apparatus of the present invention comprises a wiper plug assembly removably attached to the drill string within the casing liner, a drop ball sub attached below the wiper plug assembly which releases a float valve actuator ball having a diameter larger than the drill string, and float equipment having a plurality of flapper valves. The apparatus of the present invention may further comprise a diverter tool connected between the drill string and the casing liner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in the oil well industry for running in drilling/production liners and sub-sea casings down a borehole through drilling fluid on a drill pipe using a running tool with the benefits of surge pressure reduction are disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, a surge pressure reduction tool includes a diverter device having a housing with a set of flow holes formed therein and a sliding sleeve residing within the housing having a set of flow ports formed therein. By aligning the set of flow holes of the housing with the set of flow ports of the sleeve, the tool is set in a “surge pressure reduction” mode. By shifting, or axially indexing, the sleeve downward, the set of flow holes is blocked by the sleeve thus setting the tool in a “cementing” or “circulation” mode. This shifting or indexing is accomplished using an indexing mechanism.