Abstract: A power charge for a packer setting tool includes an outer casing and an amount of flammable material within the casing. A heating igniter is retained within the outer casing in contact with the flammable material. The heating igniter is energized by electrical power to heat it to a temperature that is sufficient to ignite the flammable material.

Abstract: Methods for actuating tools within a wellbore include disposing the tool and an associated tool actuator within the wellbore. The tool actuator includes an amount of flammable, non-explosive material and a heating igniter. The tool actuator actuates the tool by generating gases which create a pressure differential.

Abstract: A test packer is lowered to a set liner hanger in a locked position that prevents the seal and slips from setting during running in. A first ball is dropped to shift a sleeve to release the grip of dogs to a groove on an outer housing. Setting down weight sets the test packer seal and sets the slips. After the casing integrity pressure test is done the test packer is lifted to again position the groove in the outer housing by the dogs. A second ball lands on the same seat now enlarged due to earlier movement and breaks a retainer on a locking sleeve. A spring return or continued downhole motion of the locking sleeve locks the packer in the run in position. Subsequent rotation and circulation can take place as completion fluid is circulated in. A circulation port above the packer can be opened optionally for circulation or reversing above the test packer.

Abstract: A percussion drilling assembly includes a housing with a hammer bit disposed in the lower end portion thereof and configured to move longitudinally within the housing. The hammer bit includes an annular bit shank having a bit strike face and a cutting structure at a lower end portion thereof. An annular piston having a piston strike face arranged and designed to strike the bit strike face is also disposed in the housing. At least one of the bit strike face and the piston strike face has a toroidal curvature profile. A method includes one or more of lowering the percussion drilling assembly into a borehole, engaging the cutting structure with a formation, and impacting the bit strike face of the annular bit shank with the piston strike face of the annular piston.

Abstract: A test packer is lowered to a set liner hanger in a locked position that prevents the seal and slips from setting during running in. A first ball is dropped to shift a sleeve to release the grip of dogs to a groove on an outer housing. Setting down weight sets the test packer seal and sets the slips. After the casing integrity pressure test is done the test packer is lifted to again position the groove in the outer housing by the dogs. A second ball lands on the same seat now enlarged due to earlier movement and breaks a retainer on a locking sleeve. A spring return or continued downhole motion of the locking sleeve locks the packer in the run in position. Subsequent rotation and circulation can take place as completion fluid is circulated in. A circulation port above the packer can be opened optionally for circulation or reversing above the test packer.

Abstract: A percussion drilling assembly includes a housing with a hammer bit disposed in the lower end portion thereof and configured to move longitudinally within the housing. The hammer bit includes an annular bit shank having a bit strike face and a cutting structure at a lower end portion thereof. An annular piston having a piston strike face arranged and designed to strike the bit strike face is also disposed in the housing. At least one of the bit strike face and the piston strike face has a toroidal curvature profile. A method includes one or more of lowering the percussion drilling assembly into a borehole, engaging the cutting structure with a formation, and impacting the bit strike face of the annular bit shank with the piston strike face of the annular piston.

Abstract: A downhole percussion drill or hammer (100) is disclosed having an outer casing (2) in which a reciprocating piston (26) which periodically impacts a drilling bit (16) disposed at a bottom end of the casing. A top chuck (1), attached to the top end of the casing, conducts pressurized air to the interior of the casing. A flow tube (5) includes a supply passage (27) and an exhaust passage (10). No cylinder sleeve exists between the inner diameter of the casing (2) and the outer diameter of the piston (26). Rather, the flow tube (5), piston (26) and interior structure of the casing cooperate to direct pressurized air alternately to the top and bottom ends of the piston while alternately opening and closing the exhaust passage. Accordingly, for a predetermined outer casing diameter, a relatively thicker casing wall and relatively larger top piston surface results in higher relative performance than prior hammers having a cylinder sleeve.