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 torch apparatus for consuming a material having a fuel load that produces heat and a source of oxygen when burned, and a plurality of slots having interstitial spaces therebetween for allowing longitudinal flow of fluid along the torch apparatus without interfering with the flow of fluid through the slots. The slots are oriented such that the heat and source of oxygen are provided to a material that is at least partially consumed when exposed to heat and oxygen, to thereby cause destruction of an object containing the material or disengagement of the object such that it falls into the wellbore.

Abstract: A power source for actuating a subsurface tool is described herein, the power source comprising thermite in a quantity sufficient to generate a thermite reaction, and a polymer disposed in association with the thermite. The polymer produces a gas when the thermite reaction occurs, the gas slowing the thermite reaction. The slowed thermite reaction enables a continuous pressure to be provided to the subsurface tool over a period of time, providing superior actuation over a conventional explosive power charge, through a non-explosive reaction.

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 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: 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 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 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: Methods for severing tubing having a cable extending along its length include lowering a first cutting torch into the tubing to a desired location, igniting the first cutting torch, and directing cutting fluids in a circumferential arc to form a first cut in the tubing and sever the cable. A second cutting torch can be lowered and positioned relative to the first cut, and ignited to direct cutting fluids radially to cut the tubing all around the circumference, enabling retrieval of the tubing. The need for precise positioning and alignment of the torches to sever both the cable and tubing is thereby eliminated.

Abstract: A method of severing a drill string or other tubular string that includes lowering a torch into the drill string, positioning the torch at a joint in the drill string, such that the joint may have a pin component engaged with a box component, igniting the torch to produce cutting fluids, and directing the cutting fluids into the joint in a direction that is along a length of the drill string to cut the joint.

Abstract: A power source for actuating a subsurface tool is described herein, the power source comprising thermite in a quantity sufficient to generate a thermite reaction, and a polymer disposed in association with the thermite. The polymer produces a gas when the thermite reaction occurs, the gas slowing the thermite reaction. The slowed thermite reaction enables a continuous pressure to be provided to the subsurface tool over a period of time, providing superior actuation over a conventional explosive power charge, through a non-explosive reaction.

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 method of perforating a downhole pipe by cutting at a location within the pipe in a radial direction toward the pipe, producing a determined reaction force, and using the determined reaction force to enhance the cutting of the pipe. The method may include continuing cutting in the radial direction to create an opening in the pipe, and attenuating a pressure wave through the opening.

Abstract: A method of severing a drill string or other tubular string that includes lowering a torch into the drill string, positioning the torch at a joint in the drill string, such that the joint may have a pin component engaged with a box component, igniting the torch to produce cutting fluids, and directing the cutting fluids into the joint in a direction that is along a length of the drill string to cut the joint.

Abstract: A method of perforating a downhole pipe by cutting at a location within the pipe in a radial direction toward the pipe, producing a determined reaction force, and using the determined reaction force to enhance the cutting of the pipe. The method may include continuing cutting in the radial direction to create an opening in the pipe, and attenuating a pressure wave through the opening.

Abstract: A drill string in a borehole can be cut at the drill collars. A torch is lowered into the drill string and positioned at a joint of the drill collar string. The joint has a pin component and a box component. The torch has one or more openings in the pattern of a vertical slot. The torch is ignited and the pin component is cut in a direction along the length of the drill string. The joint uncoupled, even though the box component need not be cut. The uncoupling of the joint effectively cuts the drill string at the joint.

Abstract: In cutting a downhole pipe in proximity to a closure in the pipe, the pipe is first perforated. A perforating torch is positioned with a pipe in proximity to the closure. The perforating torch produces cutting fluids in a first radial direction and produces an opening in the pipe, which cutting fluids produce a reaction force opposite to the first radial direction. This reaction force drives the perforating torch into contact with the pipe, anchoring it against any pressure wave produced by the cutting fluids and reflected off of the closure. Once the pipe is opened, a cutting torch is operated to sever the pipe. Any pressure wave generated by the cutting torch is vented through the opening.

Abstract: In cutting a downhole pipe in proximity to a closure in the pipe, the pipe is first perforated. A perforating torch is positioned with a pipe in proximity to the closure. The perforating torch produces cutting fluids in a first radial direction and produces an opening in the pipe, which cutting fluids produce a reaction force opposite to the first radial direction. This reaction force drives the perforating torch into contact with the pipe, anchoring it against any pressure wave produced by the cutting fluids and reflected off of the closure. Once the pipe is opened, a cutting torch is operated to sever the pipe. Any pressure wave generated by the cutting torch is vented through the opening.

Abstract: The apparatus is used for cutting an opening through the wall of a conduit located in a borehole traversing the subsurface formations. The apparatus includes a body adapted to be lowered into the conduit to a desired level. The body is formed by a cylindrical wall defining an elongated chamber having a combustible charge receiving portion and an ignition portion located close to the combustible charge receiving portion. A plurality of spaced apart apertures are formed through the wall defining a given pattern which may be at least one elongated row of apertures generally parallel with the axis of the cylindrical wall or a line which encloses a given configuration on one side of the axis.

Abstract: An ignition device for a downhole tool includes a body with a cavity, a thermite material and a resistive element within the cavity. The resistive element, which is heated to the high temperature needed for ignition of the thermite material, has a non-galvanic outer surface at the ignition temperature. A large amount of electrical power is required to reach the ignition temperature, making the device safe and unlikely to accidentally ignite. The device has an electrical connector that is located within a sealed chamber when downhole.