Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods, for perforating a downhole object while minimizing collateral damage to other objects, include use of a perforating device having a body, at least one fuel source having a characteristic that produces a selected mass flow rate, a selected burn rate, or combinations thereof, and an initiator for reacting the fuel to project a force through at least one port in the body. Characteristics of the at least one fuel source can include use of differing fuel types, shapes, and placement to achieve the desired mass flow rate or burn rate, and thus, a controlled force from the apparatus. An anchor or similar orienting device can be used to control the direction and position from which the force exits the apparatus. Openings formed in downhole objects can include a chamfered profile for facilitating future orientation or for injecting or removing substances from a formation.

Abstract: A setting tool for deploying a downhole tool within a wellbore is described herein. The setting tool uses an in situ non-explosive gas-generating power source to generate high-pressure gas, which drives a mechanical linkage to actuate the deployment of the downhole tool. According to certain embodiments the non-explosive gas-generating setting tool contains no hydraulic stages and may contain only a single piston. The setting tool may be fitted to provide different stroke lengths and can provide usable power over a greater percentage of its stroke length, compared to setting tools using explosive/pyrotechnic power sources. Methods of using a non-explosive gas-generating setting tool to deploy a downhole tool within a wellbore are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for removing casing from a wellbore including a casing removal tool that includes a tubular body configured to contain a thermite fuel mixture configured to initiate into a molten thermite fuel. The casing removal tool also includes a nozzle array having a plurality of nozzles positioned on an external surface of the tubular body. The nozzle array is configured to impinge the molten thermite fuel from within the tubular onto the wellbore casing. The casing removal tool also includes an orientation lug configured to anchor into a downhole orientation tool.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing pressurized fluid to a formation that includes a power source body configured to contain a gas-generating fuel and a tool body comprising a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber is configured to hold a fluid, and the second chamber is configured to receive gas from the gas-generating fuel within the power source body. The apparatus further comprises a piston sealed between the first chamber and the second chamber and configured to stroke through the first chamber in response to a pressure increase within the second chamber, and a hose configured to generate a high-pressure jet of the fluid and to extend from the tool body or a diverter sub into the formation when the piston strokes through the first chamber.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring a wellbore and actuating a downhole device include a body adapted for insertion into the wellbore that contains a processor, data storage, and sensors that detect a pressure, temperature, and acceleration associated with the body. Computer instructions are usable to receive and store preselected parameters, which include pressure, temperature, and acceleration ranges, and to compare measured values to these ranges for forming a determination usable to initiate actuation of a downhole tool. Additional parameters, such as temporal parameters, can be used to allow, cease, reset, or prevent actuation of the downhole tool.

Abstract: A system and method for positioning a tool within a tubular segment or a tubular tool, wherein the interior surface of the tubular segment or tubular tool is provided with one or more pluralities of grooves, each defining a selected profile. A downhole tool is lowered into the tubular segment or tubular tool, having a blade in communication therewith. The blade includes a plurality of protruding members thereon, which define a profile complementary to one of the selected profiles formed by one of the pluralities of grooves. A biasing member biases the blade toward the interior surface of the tubular segment or tubular tool to engage the protruding members of the blade within the complementary profile of the tubular segment or the tubular tool. The system and method further include a slip and wedge assembly usable to position a tubular segment or tubular tool within a tubular member or wellbore.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods, for perforating a downhole object while minimizing collateral damage to other objects, include use of a perforating device having a body, at least one fuel source having a characteristic that produces a selected mass flow rate, a selected burn rate, or combinations thereof, and an initiator for reacting the fuel to project a force through at least one port in the body. Characteristics of the at least one fuel source can include use of differing fuel types, shapes, and placement to achieve the desired mass flow rate or burn rate, and thus, a controlled force from the apparatus. An anchor or similar orienting device can be used to control the direction and position from which the force exits the apparatus. Openings formed in downhole objects can include a chamfered profile for facilitating future orientation or for injecting or removing substances from a formation.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for penetrating a downhole target within a wellbore include providing a body with a longitudinal axis, a first end, and a second end into a wellbore, the body having a nozzle at the first end. The nozzle is adapted to project a medium, such as molten thermite, in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis, such as in a downhole direction. An initiation source is usable to consume a fuel load associated with the body to cause projection of the medium in a direction generally parallel to the axis of the wellbore, to affect an obstruction in the wellbore. A series of such apparatus can be used in succession, such that the actuation of each preceding apparatus enhances the effect of each subsequent apparatus on the obstruction.

Abstract: Power sources and methods for applying a force to an object include use of thermite in a quantity sufficient to generate a thermite reaction, and a gas producing substance disposed in association with the thermite. The gas producing substance produces a gas when the thermite reaction occurs. The thermite reaction, the gas, or combinations thereof provide a force to the object. The gas can slow the thermite reaction to enable slower or continuous application of force while being non-extinguishing of the thermite reaction. The gas can further control heat transfer from the thermite reaction to adjacent objects.

Abstract: Power sources and methods for applying a force to an object include use of thermite in a quantity sufficient to generate a thermite reaction, and a gas producing substance disposed in association with the thermite. The gas producing substance produces a gas when the thermite reaction occurs. The thermite reaction, the gas, or combinations thereof provide a force to the object. The gas can slow the thermite reaction to enable slower or continuous application of force while being non-extinguishing of the thermite reaction. The gas can further control heat transfer from the thermite reaction to adjacent objects.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring a wellbore and actuating a downhole device include a body adapted for insertion into the wellbore that contains a processor, data storage, and sensors that detect a pressure, temperature, and acceleration associated with the body. Computer instructions are usable to receive and store preselected parameters, which include pressure, temperature, and acceleration ranges, and to compare measured values to these ranges for forming a determination usable to initiate actuation of a downhole tool. Additional parameters, such as temporal parameters, can be used to allow, cease, reset, or prevent actuation of the downhole tool.

Abstract: A system and method for positioning a tool within a wellbore are described herein. The interior surface of a tubular string is provided with one or more pluralities of grooves, each defining a selected profile. A tool is lowered into the tubular string, having a blade in communication therewith. The blade includes a plurality of protruding members thereon, which define a profile complementary to at least one of the selected profiles formed by one of the pluralities of grooves. A biasing member in communication with the blade continually biases the blade toward the interior surface of the tubular string to cause the profile of the blade to engage within the corresponding complementary profile of the tubular string. Positioning a tool in this manner is especially advantageous for locating a cutting tool at a precise location to sever a tubular segment at a joint, releasing tensile forces from the joint.

Abstract: A power source for applying a force to an object includes thermite in a quantity sufficient to generate a thermite reaction, and a gas producing substance disposed in association with the thermite. The gas producing substance produces a gas when the thermite reaction. The thermite reaction, the gas, or combinations thereof provide a force to the object.

Abstract: A system and method for positioning a tool within a wellbore, wherein the interior surface of a positioning apparatus includes one or more pluralities of grooves, each defining a selected profile. A tool is lowered into the positioning apparatus, having a blade in communication therewith. The blade includes a plurality of protruding members, which define a profile complementary to at least one of the selected profiles formed by one of the pluralities of positioning apparatus grooves. A biasing member, in communication with the blade, can continually bias the blade toward the interior surface of the positioning apparatus to cause the profile of the blade to engage within the corresponding complementary profile of the positioning apparatus. Positioning a tool in this manner is advantageous for locating cutting tools at a precise location to sever a joint, perforate casing or stack multiple tool operations at a fixed, targeted point within a wellbore.

Abstract: Methods for severing a tubular string having a cable in association therewith can include lowering a cutting apparatus into the tubular string and actuating the cutting apparatus to form a cut in the tubular string and sever the cable. Severing the cable in this manner can be performed through a single actuation of a single cutting apparatus, enabling at least a portion of the tubular string to be subsequently severed and retrieved, unimpeded by the cable.

Abstract: A method for providing a torch apparatus into a well bore for providing heat to a material that includes the step of inserting the torch apparatus into the well bore, such that a plurality of slots along the torch apparatus are oriented to provide the heat and a source of oxygen to the material. The method further includes igniting a fuel load of the torch apparatus to provide the heat and the source of oxygen through the plurality of slots to the material so that the portion of the material is at least partially consumed. The interstitial spaces between the plurality of slots allow longitudinal flow of heat and the source of oxygen along the torch apparatus without interfering with the flow of heat and the source of oxygen through the slots.

Abstract: A method of removing a downhole tool from a wellbore comprising contacting the tool with a heat source wherein the tool comprises at least one load-bearing component comprising a thermally degradable material. A method of reducing the structural integrity of a downhole tool comprising fabricating the load-bearing components of the tool from a thermally degradable material. A method of removing a downhole tool comprising mechanically milling and/or drilling the tool from a wellbore wherein the tool comprises at least one load bearing component comprising a phenolic resin wherein the phenolic resin comprises a rosole, a novalac or combinations thereof.

Abstract: A downhole tool having a body or structural component comprises a material that is at least partially consumed when exposed to heat and a source of oxygen. The material may comprise a metal, such as magnesium, which is converted to magnesium oxide when exposed to heat and a source of oxygen. The downhole tool may further comprise a torch with a fuel load that produces the heat and source of oxygen when burned. The fuel load may comprise a flammable, non-explosive solid, such as thermite.

Abstract: A downhole tool having a body or structural component comprises a material that is at least partially consumed when exposed to heat and a source of oxygen. The material may comprise a metal, such as magnesium, which is converted to magnesium oxide when exposed to heat and a source of oxygen. The downhole tool may further comprise a torch with a fuel load that produces the heat and source of oxygen when burned. The fuel load may comprise a flammable, non-explosive solid, such as thermite.

Abstract: A power source for applying a force to an object includes thermite in a quantity sufficient to generate a thermite reaction, and a gas producing substance disposed in association with the thermite. The gas producing substance produces a gas when the thermite reaction. The thermite reaction, the gas, or combinations thereof provide a force to the object.