Abstract: A method for removing a downhole tool from a well bore comprises consuming at least a portion of the downhole tool within the well bore via exposure of the tool to heat and a source of oxygen. Another method of removing a downhole tool from a well bore comprises exposing the downhole tool to heat and a source of oxygen in situ within the well bore to desirably consume at least a portion of the tool within the well bore.

Abstract: A method for removing a downhole tool from a well bore comprises consuming at least a portion of the downhole tool within the well bore via exposure of the tool to heat and a source of oxygen. Another method of removing a downhole tool from a well bore comprises exposing the downhole tool to heat and a source of oxygen in situ within the well bore to desirably consume at least a portion of the tool within the well bore.

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 wellhead isolation tool including a cup mandrel and a centralizing device. The centralizing device will align the tool so that the cup seal at the lower end of the cup mandrel sealingly engages the production casing. The cup mandrel has an open bore for allowing service tools to pass therethrough unimpeded.

Abstract: A method for removing a downhole tool from a well bore comprises consuming at least a portion of the downhole tool within the well bore via exposure of the tool to heat and a source of oxygen. Another method of removing a downhole tool from a well bore comprises exposing the downhole tool to heat and a source of oxygen in situ within the well bore to desirably consume at least a portion of the tool within the well bore.

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: Acoustic telemetry installation in subterranean wells. In a described embodiment, a method of contacting an assembly with a generally tubular string in a subterranean well includes the steps of: suspending the tubular string in the well, the tubular string extending into a surface structure; and then displacing the assembly through the structure into contact with an exterior of the tubular string. The assembly can selectively contact any one of several tubular strings or other objects within a wellhead or casing. The assembly can be permanently or temporarily used on the well.

Abstract: A tool and a method for sealing a casing or a wellbore according to which a device is supported on a mandrel and expands into engagement with the casing or the wellbore. An explosive cutter is also supported on the mandrel and is adapted to explode to cut the mandrel and the device and release the engagement.

Abstract: A navigation system for a downhole tool comprises a first sensor operable within a well bore to sense a parameter, at least one additional sensor, each of the at least one additional sensors being operable within the well bore to sense a parameter, and a locator component operable to determine a location of the downhole tool within the well bore based on the sensed parameters. A method for determining a location of a downhole tool within a well bore comprises deploying the downhole tool into the well bore, sensing a first parameter within the well bore via the tool, sensing at least a second parameter within the well bore via the tool, and self-determining the location of the tool based on the sensed parameters without receiving communications from the surface.

Abstract: An autonomous downhole tool for use in a well bore is moved along at least a partial length of the well bore via an external force, and the tool is self-operable to perform one or more functions at one or more locations within the well bore.. A method for operating a downhole tool within a well bore comprises deploying the tool along at least a partial length of the well bore via an external force, and self-activating one or more functions of the tool, wherein the tool does not receive command communications from the surface.

Abstract: A downhole tool for use in a well bore comprises an onboard navigation system for determining the location of the tool within the well bore, wherein the tool is moved along at least a partial length of the well bore via an external force. A method of locating a downhole tool in a well bore comprises deploying the tool along at least a partial length of the well bore via an external force, and self-determining the location of the tool without receiving communications from the surface. In an embodiment, the tool is a well bore zonal isolation device.

Abstract: A method of servicing a well bore comprises deploying into the well bore a zonal isolation device operable to self-set at a sensed location, and self-setting the zonal isolation device to hold at the sensed location without receiving command communications from the surface, wherein the zonal isolation device is deployed along at least a partial length of the well bore via an external force. Another method of servicing comprises deploying into the well bore a tool operable to self-activate at one or more locations, and self-navigating the tool to determine the one or more locations without receiving communications from the surface, wherein the tool is moved along at least a partial length of the well bore via an external force.

Abstract: A disposable downhole tool comprises a material that dissolves when exposed to a chemical solution, an ultraviolet light, a nuclear source, or a combination thereof. In an embodiment, the material comprises an epoxy resin, a fiberglass, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment, the material comprises a fiberglass and a binding agent. The material may also be customized to achieve a desired dissolution rate of the tool. In an embodiment, the disposable downhole tool further comprises an enclosure for storing the chemical solution. The tool may also comprise an activation mechanism for releasing the chemical solution from the enclosure. In an embodiment, the disposable downhole tool is a frac plug. In another embodiment, the tool is a bridge plug. In yet another embodiment, the tool is a packer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to disposable composite downhole tool formed of a resin-coated fiber. The fiber is formed of a degradable polymer, such as a poly(lactide) or polyanhydride. The resin is formed of the same degradable polymer as the fiber. It chemically bonds to the fiber, thereby making a strong rigid structure once cured. The fiber may be formed into a fabric before being coated with the resin. Alternatively, the fiber is formed of a non-biodegradable material.

Abstract: A disposable downhole tool or a component thereof comprises an effective amount of biodegradable material such that the tool or the component thereof desirably decomposes when exposed to a wellbore environment. In an embodiment, the biodegradable material comprises a degradable polymer. The biodegradable material may further comprise a hydrated organic or inorganic solid compound. The biodegradable material may also be selected to achieve a desired decomposition rate when the tool is exposed to the wellbore environment. In an embodiment, the disposable downhole tool further comprises an enclosure for storing a chemical solution that catalyzes decomposition. The tool may also comprise an activation mechanism for releasing the chemical solution from the enclosure. In various embodiments, the disposable downhole tool is a frac plug, a bridge plug, or a packer.

Abstract: A disposable downhole tool includes an elongated body and a compression element. The compression element is disposed about the elongated body. The compression element includes at least one preconfigured division at disposal of the disposable downhole tool.

Abstract: A system and method for determining load on a downhole tool according to which one or more sensors are embedded in one or more components of the tool or in a material on one or more of the components. The sensors are adapted to sense load on the components.

Abstract: A method of treating a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore, according to which a tool is fabricated of a material that breaks up or dissolves in the presence of a fluid and is inserted in the wellbore for performing a function in the wellbore. The fluid is then introduced to the tool to break up or dissolve portions of the tool and the remaining portions of the tool fall to the bottom of the well.