Abstract: A sealing method and sealing arrangement is described. The sealing arrangement comprises a body and first and second sealing elements mounted thereon. The sealing elements are each movable between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration and are configured to move from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration in response to an axial compression. The second sealing element is however maintained in its retracted configuration until the first sealing element has moved from its retracted configuration to its extended configuration. The sequential extension of the sealing elements can deform to assume the extended configuration under compression and the progression and the form of the deformation can be arranged to improve the quality of the seal achieved. An extended sealing element in engagement with the bore wall may also serve as an anchor or retainer and facilitate application of a compression force to an intermediate sealing element.

Abstract: The invention provides a downhole initiator tool (10, 210, 410, 610) for use in initiating a downhole operation, and a method of use. The downhole initiator tool comprises a mandrel (34, 234, 434, 634), an initiator assembly (26, 226, 426, 626), and an anchor assembly (28, 228, 428, 628) mounted on the mandrel. The anchor assembly comprises a radially extendable anchor member (26, 226, 426, 626) for engaging an outer bore structure. The anchor assembly and the mandrel are axially moveable relative to each other in a first axial direction to sequentially extend the anchor member and activate the initiator assembly.

Abstract: A downhole valve (18) comprises a housing and first and second sleeve assemblies (70 and 76) mounted within the housing (24) and defining an axial pocket (80) therebetween, wherein the first and second sleeve assemblies are arranged to be moved axially relative to each other. A valve member (32) is mounted within the axial pocket and is rotatable about a rotation axis in response to relative axial movement of the first and second sleeve assemblies from a closed position in which fluid flow through the downhole valve is restricted towards an open position in which fluid flow through the downhole valve is increased or permitted. An interface arrangement (94) axially extends from the second sleeve assembly and engages the valve member via an interface mechanism for converting relative axial movement of the first and second sleeve assemblies to rotation of the valve member.

Abstract: A releasable connector apparatus is provided for permitting a releasable connection with an object. The apparatus comprises a connector assembly which includes a connector member moveable between connection and disconnection configurations to facilitate a releasable connection with an object. A connector mandrel comprising a support surface is movable relative to the connector assembly such that alignment of the support surface and the connector member locks said connector member in its connected configuration, and misalignment of the support surface and the connector member permits the connector member to be moved towards its disconnected configuration.

Abstract: The invention provides an actuator assembly for a downhole tool and a method of use. The actuator assembly comprises an actuator device, which includes a housing and a piston element movable with respect to the housing. First and second fluid paths are configured to couple first and second sides of the piston element to at least one source of fluid pressure in a drive module, and an actuator member is configured to be coupled to a downhole device. The actuator member is movable between a first position and a second position to operate the downhole device in response to a force acting on the piston element. The actuator assembly comprises a pressure release mechanism which is operable to equalise pressure between the first and second fluid paths of the actuator device.

Abstract: A downhole tool includes a slip member having an actuation surface, a bracing surface and an engagement surface. The slip member is pivotable about a pivot axis such that it can move between retracted and extended configurations. When the slip member is in the extended configuration, the engagement surface engages a bore wall. The downhole tool also includes a wedge member that has a wedge surface. The wedge member and the slip member are configured to move relative to each other such that the wedge surface of the wedge member engages the actuation surface of the slip member to cause the slip member to pivot about the pivot axis.

Abstract: A downhole valve (18) comprises a housing and first and second sleeve assemblies (70 and 76) mounted within the housing (24) and defining an axial pocket (80) therebetween, wherein the first and second sleeve assemblies are arranged to be moved axially relative to each other. A valve member (32) is mounted within the axial pocket and is rotatable about a rotation axis in response to relative axial movement of the first and second sleeve assemblies from a closed position in which fluid flow through the downhole valve is restricted towards an open position in which fluid flow through the downhole valve is increased or permitted. An interface arrangement (94) axially extends from the second sleeve assembly and engages the valve member via an interface mechanism for converting relative axial movement of the first and second sleeve assemblies to rotation of the valve member.

Abstract: A method for setting a barrier within a wellbore comprises deploying a first plug assembly (16) into a wellbore on a running string, wherein the first plug assembly comprises an extendable arrangement (24), and then setting the first plug assembly within the wellbore by extending the extendable arrangement. A settable medium is injected via the running string into the wellbore above the first plug assembly. To be accompanied, when published, with FIG.

Abstract: The invention provides an actuator assembly for a downhole tool and a method of use. The actuator assembly comprises an actuator device, which includes a housing and a piston element movable with respect to the housing. First and second fluid paths are configured to couple first and second sides of the piston element to at least one source of fluid pressure in a drive module, and an actuator member is configured to be coupled to a downhole device. The actuator member is movable between a first position and a second position to operate the downhole device in response to a force acting on the piston element. The actuator assembly comprises a pressure release mechanism which is operable to equalise pressure between the first and second fluid paths of the actuator device.

Abstract: A downhole valve (26) comprises a valve body (32) defining a sealing surface (34) and a flow port (36), a valve member (50) mounted within the valve body and including a sealing arrangement (60), and a protection sleeve (72) mounted within the valve body (32). The valve member is moveable within the valve body from a closed position in which the flow port is closed and the sealing arrangement sealingly engages the sealing surface of the valve body, towards an open position in which the flow port is opened and the sealing arrangement is disengaged from the sealing surface and received within the protection sleeve.

Abstract: A sealing method and sealing arrangement is described. The sealing arrangement comprises a body and first and second sealing elements mounted thereon. The sealing elements are each movable between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration and are configured to move from the retracted configuration to the extended configuration in response to an axial compression. The second sealing element is however maintained in its retracted configuration until the first sealing element has moved from its retracted configuration to its extended configuration. The sequential extension of the sealing elements can deform to assume the extended configuration under compression and the progression and the form of the deformation can be arranged to improve the quality of the seal achieved. An extended sealing element in engagement with the bore wall may also serve as an anchor or retainer and facilitate application of a compression force to an intermediate sealing element.

Abstract: A method for setting a barrier within a wellbore comprises deploying a first plug assembly (16) into a wellbore on a running string, wherein the first plug assembly comprises an extendable arrangement (24), and then setting the first plug assembly within the wellbore by extending the extendable arrangement. A settable medium is injected via the running string into the wellbore above the first plug assembly. To be accompanied, when published, with FIG.

Abstract: A releasable connector apparatus is provided for permitting a releasable connection with an object. The apparatus comprises a connector assembly which includes a connector member moveable between connection and disconnection configurations to facilitate a releasable connection with an object. A connector mandrel comprising a support surface is movable relative to the connector assembly such that alignment of the support surface and the connector member locks said connector member in its connected configuration, and misalignment of the support surface and the connector member permits the connector member to be moved towards its disconnected configuration.

Abstract: The invention provides a downhole initiator tool (10, 210, 410, 610) for use in initiating a downhole operation, and a method of use. The downhole initiator tool comprises a mandrel (34, 234, 434, 634), an initiator assembly (26, 226, 426, 626), and an anchor assembly (28, 228, 428, 628) mounted on the mandrel. The anchor assembly comprises a radially extendable anchor member (26, 226, 426, 626) for engaging an outer bore structure. The anchor assembly and the mandrel are axially moveable relative to each other in a first axial direction to sequentially extend the anchor member and activate the initiator assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating a drive force in a downhole environment includes chambers of a reactant and a catalyst, respectively, that are maintained separate until selectively exposed to one another. Once exposed, the reactant and catalyst produce expanding fluid pressure and sometimes heat. The products of the reaction are directed to a drive member to carry out a desired operation in the downhole environment.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides apparatus and methods for reducing the pressure of a circulating fluid in a wellbore. In one aspect of the invention an ECD (equivalent circulation density) reduction tool provides a means for drilling extended reach deep (ERD) wells with heavyweight drilling fluids by minimizing the effect of friction head on bottomhole pressure so that circulating density of the fluid is close to its actual density. With an ECD reduction tool located in the upper section of the well, the friction head is substantially reduced, which substantially reduces chances of fracturing a formation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a selectively operable timing device in operable communication with a force reducing mechanism, the mechanism restraining an effect of an external force on a tool member, that force being restrained to time actuation of a separate tool.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device that relates to a downhole tool. The tool comprising, a tool body having first and second support portions, and at least one extendable assembly pivotally mounted between the first and second support portions. The extendable assembly is reconfigurable between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration by relative movement of the support portions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device that relates to a non-return valve. The valve comprising, a valve seat, a valve piston in operable communication with the valve seat. The valve further comprising, a first seal disposed at the piston to interact with the valve seat, and a second seal positioned at the piston to interact with the valve seat temporally after the first seal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tubing connection release system. The system comprising, a male connector having a profile at one end thereof and receptive to a tubular at one end thereof, a female connector receptive to a tubular at one end thereof and receptive to the male connector at another end thereof. The system further comprising, a sleeve disposed radially inwardly of the female connector, and a collet having at least one deflectable collet finger disposed radially inwardly of the sleeve. The collet being biased to a position within the female connector whereat the at least one collet finger is supported against radially outward deflection. The collet further being urgable by the push-in connector against the bias to a position where the at least one collet finger is radially outwardly unsupported such that the profiled end of the male connector is movable into engagement with the at least one collet finger.