Abstract: An isolation packer comprises an expandable sealing element, the outer diameter of the sealing element in a relaxed state is larger than the outer diameter in a stretched state. The sealing element comprises at least one hollow annular ring. In order to set the isolation packer into a casing of wellbore, a setting tool stretches the sealing element of the isolation packer prior to run-in-hole, moving the isolation packer down to a depth of a casing, utilizing the setting tool to relax the sealing element and then separating the setting tool from the isolation packer for retrieval of the setting tool.

Abstract: A fluid analysis assembly for analyzing a fluid the fluid analysis assembly includes a chamber, a fluid movement device, a pressurization assembly and at least one sensor. The chamber defines an evaluation cavity for receiving the fluid. The fluid movement device has a force medium applying force to the fluid to cause the fluid to move within the cavity. The pressurization assembly changes the pressure of the fluid in a continuous manner. The at least one sensor communicates with the fluid for sensing at least one parameter of the fluid while the pressure of the fluid is changing in the continuous manner.

Abstract: Techniques for reduced contamination formation evaluation are provided. The techniques relate to drawing fluid into a downhole tool positionable in a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation having a virgin fluid and a contaminated fluid therein. Fluid is drawn into at least two inlets for receiving the fluids from the formation. At least one evaluation flowline is fluidly connected to at least one of the inlets for passage of the virgin fluid into the downhole tool. At least one cleanup flowline is fluidly connected to the inlets for passage of the contaminated fluid into the downhole tool. At least one fluid circuit is fluidly connected to the evaluation flowline and/or cleanup flowlines for selectively drawing fluid therein. At least one fluid connector is provided for selectively establishing a fluid connection between the flowlines. At least one sensor is provided for measuring downhole parameters in one of the flowlines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a well-bore sensor apparatus and method. The apparatus includes a downhole tool carrying at least one sensor plug for deployment into the sidewall of a well-bore. The apparatus may also be used in conjunction with a surface control unit and a communication link for operatively coupling the sensor plug to the surface control unit. The sensor plug is capable of collecting well-bore data, such as pressure or temperature, and communicating the data uphole via a communication link, such as the downhole tool or an antenna. The downhole data may then be analyzed and control commands sent in response thereto. The sensor plug and/or the downhole tool may be made to respond to such control commands. In some embodiments, multiple surface control units for corresponding wells may be networked for decision making and control across multiple well-bores.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a well-bore sensor apparatus and method. The apparatus includes a downhole tool carrying at least one sensor plug for deployment into the sidewall of a well-bore. The apparatus may also be used in conjunction with a surface control unit and a communication link for operatively coupling the sensor plug to the surface control unit. The sensor plug is capable of collecting well-bore data, such as pressure or temperature, and communicating the data uphole via a communication link, such as the downhole tool or an antenna. The downhole data may then be analyzed and control commands sent in response thereto. The sensor plug and/or the downhole tool may be made to respond to such control commands. In some embodiments, multiple surface control units for corresponding wells may be networked for decision making and control across multiple well-bores.

Abstract: This invention is a new device that can be used to plug perforations in materials. This plug comprises a cylinder plug with a tapered bore partially extending through the plug from one end. A cylinder pin that is tapered substantially the same as the plug will fit in the plug after installation is complete. A shear flange surrounds the pin so that when the pin is installed in the plug, the shear flange is against a plug flange. The pin is adhered to the plug by means such as a thin layer of epoxy or glue which allows the pin and plug to be handled as a single component. The pin is designed so that while in this position, there is no significant radial expansion of the plug. The pin has a pattern of holes or grooves that extend the entire length of the pin in order to allow for the expansion of any trapped fluids in the bore of the plug. The pin can have a groove along the outer diameter to allow for easier handling of the pin.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for the removal and replacement of the used drill bit after each perforation through casing, cement, and into rock while using a flexible drive shaft. This apparatus involves both a bayonet-style "quick connector" between the flexible shaft and the drill bit and a cartridge that holds the drill bits while they await their turn to be used. The apparatus also has a means for indexing the cartridge so that the flexible shaft can have access to each of the drill bits in the cartridge. The method disclosed involves the process of connecting the flexible shaft to the drill bit at the start of the perforating process, the disconnecting of the used bit at the end of the perforation, and the indexing of the cartridge so that the next drill bit is in line with the flexible shaft for the next perforation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for applying thrust (weight on bit) to a drill bit when drilling with a flexible drilling shaft while creating perforations in a cased well. The thrust is applied directly to the drill bit instead of applying it to the drill bit through the flexible drilling shaft. A support bracket is also in contact with a piston and is in slidable contact with the tool housing. A portion of the piston is positioned inside a chamber in the housing and is slidably attached to the chamber walls. As hydraulic fluid flows into the chamber opposite the piston, the piston is forced toward the drill bit. As the piston moves toward the drill bit, force is exerted on the support bracket which causes the bracket to move toward the drill bit. This force is transferred to the drill bit during the drilling process, thereby supplying the force (weight on bit) needed by the drill bit to effectively drill through a desired material.