Abstract: One embodiment of the invention, directed to a computer implemented method in a computer system comprising at least one component, includes the step of responsive to detecting a problem in the system, generating a set of crowdsourcing tasks for analyzing a first possible cause of the detected problem. The method further includes the steps of assigning the set of crowdsourcing tasks to one or more selected crowdsourcing experts, and using information derived at least in part from task results provided by one or more crowdsourcing experts to compute a problem completeness (PC) index. Responsive to determining that the first possible cause is not the root cause of the detected problem, the PC Index is used to determine whether to assign one or more additional crowdsourcing tasks to any crowdsourcing experts.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention, directed to a computer implemented method in a computer system comprising at least one component, includes the step of responsive to detecting a problem in the system, generating a set of crowdsourcing tasks for analyzing a first possible cause of the detected problem. The method further includes the steps of assigning the set of crowdsourcing tasks to one or more selected crowdsourcing experts, and using information derived at least in part from task results provided by one or more crowdsourcing experts to compute a problem completeness (PC) index. Responsive to determining that the first possible cause is not the root cause of the detected problem, the PC Index is used to determine whether to assign one or more additional crowdsourcing tasks to any crowdsourcing experts.

Abstract: A control sub for use with a hydraulically operated downhole tool. In an embodiment, the sub comprises an outer sleeve connected to a work string and an inner sleeve slidably engaged to the outer sleeve by matching hex profiles, connected to the downhole tool. Radial ports in the outer sleeve provide selective circulation of fluid from the tool and by closing these ports with the sleeve fluid pressure in to the downhole tool can be controlled. Closure is effected by setting down weight on the sub against the tool. An indexing mechanism is also described to keep the tool in a configuration, which maintains pressure on the tool. The sub is suitable for use with an expander tool.

Abstract: A control sub for use with a hydraulically operated downhole tool. In an embodiment, the sub comprises an outer sleeve connected to a work string and an inner sleeve slidably engaged to the outer sleeve by matching hex profiles, connected to the downhole tool. Radial ports in the outer sleeve provide selective circulation of fluid from the tool and by closing these ports with the sleeve fluid pressure in to the downhole tool can be controlled. Closure is effected by setting down weight on the sub against the tool. An indexing mechanism is also described to keep the tool in a configuration, which maintains pressure on the tool. The sub is suitable for use with an expander tool.

Abstract: Apparatus which can collect loose debris, particularly ferrous debris, has a body 2 with upper 3 and lower 4 stabiliser sleeve. The body 2 has a one or more integral magnets or magnetic areas 5. In one embodiment the magnets are located in a first and second row on a split sleeve 6 and are covered by a protective stainless steel sleeve7. The apparatus may alternatively comprise magnetic scraper blades or a magnetic sub. The magnets are selectively activated. There is also described a method of trapping or retaining debris in a well bore.

Abstract: A down-hole tool comprises a generally tubular body for connection in a drill string, the body typically having an upper tubular member and a lower tubular member interconnected to be axially secured and relatively rotatable, and a frangible element securing the upper and lower members together rotationally and adapted to rupture at a predetermined load

Abstract: A cleanup tool is described for use in a wellbore, the tool having a body which defines flow passages which communicate with the venturi chamber, the venturi chamber itself communicating with a discharge passage for radially or near radially discharging jetted fluid for cleaning a well head or the like. The tool may further include or be associated with filtration devices, including a junk basket or filter screen.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of cleaning a well riser. In particular, the method comprises the steps of suspending in a drill pipe from the surface a circulating tool in the well riser, and causing the circulating tool to axially collapse so as to open one or more radial outlets in the tool and allow cleaning fluid to be expelled out of the tool and impact on the inside of the well riser.

Abstract: A down-hole tool 1 has a body of varying cross-sectional diameter to correspond with a stepped profile of a well bore, such as at the well head. The tool is provided with cleaning members, such as bristles, and fluid circulation paths terminating in radial outlets 11 for cleaning otherwise difficult formations or profiles.

Abstract: Well cleaning apparatus comprises a tubular body member attached to a work string which supports one or more resilient and pliable cleaning members. Each cleaning member is provided with a means for allowing bypass as sized and adapted to wipe the well casing. In one embodiment, the apparatus may be used to plunge the well with the cleaning members providing the sealing relationship with the well casing.

Abstract: A down-hole tool for use in an oil or gas well is provided with detachable components that are held to a body or tool housing by longitudinal mechanical fasteners disposed in a generally radial orientation. The mechanical fasteners allow for the components to be quickly removed and refurbished or replaced, while also permitting radial movement or floating of the components during operation of the tool. A spring may be incorporated to bias the components in a radial outward direction during operation.

Abstract: Apparatus and method is disclosed for setting inflatable packers in a well bore which includes the transporting of settable fluid from the surface with a work string or liner as it is run in the well. The invention therefore negates the requirement of having to pump cement or the like to precise locations down hole to the vicinity of the packers to be set.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of cleaning a well riser. In particular, the method comprises the steps of suspending in a drill pipe from the surface a circulating tool in the well riser, and causing the circulating tool to axially collapse so as to open one or more radial outlets in the tool and allow cleaning fluid to be expelled out of the tool and impact on the inside of the well riser.

Abstract: A circulating tool for circulating fluid in a borehole comprising a tubular assembly having an axial through passage between an inlet and a first outlet, a second outlet extending generally transversely of the tubular assembly, and an obturating member moveable relative to the tubular assembly between a first position closing the second outlet and a second position at which the second outlet is open, wherein the obturating member is also moveable between an engaging position at which it is engaged with the tubular assembly and a non-engaging position at which it is not so engaged with the tubular assembly, and wherein when the obturating member is in the first position it may be in either the engaging position or the non-engaging position.

Abstract: A tool or sub for use in a well bore is adapted to manipulate the circulation path of fluid through a drill string or work string in which the tool is connected. The apparatus has a body member defining an axial flow path with one or more radial outlets that may be opened or closed by respective valve members in use.

Abstract: A down-hole tool is described for collecting loose debris particles in a well bore. The tool has a body connectable in a work string for actively diverting well fluid through the tool body with at least some of the diverted well fluid being filtered as it passes through the tool by a filter. In a preferred embodiment the tool also comprises a cleaning member, such as a wiper for wiping the casing or liner wall of the well and a trap for trapping filtered debris up stream of the filter.

Abstract: A well cleaning tool for cleaning the inside walls of a well casing has at least two types of cleaning members; for example it may have a row of scraper blades and a row of brushes. The tool may also include one or more rotatable stabilizers that serve to maintain contact of the tool with the internal casing walls. The tool provides for obtaining the benefits of different types of cleaning members from a single trip into a well bore.

Abstract: A downhole tool having selectively openable ports therein, the tool being actuable between a closed configuration in which the ports are closed, a primed configuration in which the ports are primed for opening, and an open configuration in which the ports are opened.

Abstract: A tool for use in a well bore has a housing attachable to a work string or drill string wherein the housing supports a floating component that is free to move in the lateral or radial members relative to the housing within predetermined limits. The floating component is suitable for supporting active tool components such as wire bristles, scraper blades or other functional apparatus. Typically, the floating component is provided as a sleeve around the housing held within axial limits, while enabling radial movement.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for circulating fluid in a borehole is described. The apparatus comprises a tubular assembly (1; 40; 60) which has an axial through passage (21, 18; 47; 19) between a fluid inlet (21) and first fluid outlet (19). The fluid inlet (21) and the first fluid outlet (19) are connected (13, 20) in a work string which is supported from the surface above the borehole. There is a second outlet (16; 42, 48) which extends generally transversely of the assembly (1; 40; 60). An obturating member (9) is moveable between a first position in which the second fluid outlet (16; 42, 48) is closed and a second position which permits fluid flow through the second outlet (16; 42, 48). An engagement mechanism (12, 6, 7; 68, 69) is moveable between an engaged configuration in which the obturating member (9) is maintained in one of the first and second positions, and a disengaged configuration in which the obturating member (9) is in the other of the first and second positions.