Abstract: Systems and methods for determining the orientation of the toolface of a rotating downhole tool using multiple sensors that measure different parameters related to the orientation of the toolface, where outputs of the different sensors are used by a Kalman filter which generates accurate predictions of the toolface orientation (state) at each of a series of time steps. The Kalman filter generates a state prediction based on a physical model and a previous state, and updates the prediction based on a received sensor output. Another sensor output is fed through a phase locked loop to generate a sine wave at the fundamental frequency of the sensor signal. The sine wave is used to synchronize another sensor signal that is provided to the Kalman filter for further adjustment of the state prediction.

Abstract: An embodiment of a fluid bypass apparatus includes an axially elongated body configured to be deployed in a borehole in an earth formation, the body including a pilot conduit that allows fluid to flow through the body and a bypass conduit extending from the pilot conduit to an exterior of the body and defining a fluid flow path from the primary conduit to the exterior of the body, The apparatus also includes a modular valve insert housed within the bypass conduit, the valve insert being removable and replaceable, the modular valve insert configured to obstruct the fluid flow path and configured to automatically open in response to a pressure or flow rate through the primary conduit meeting or exceeding a selected threshold pressure or flow rate.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing a milling operation includes a mill having an internal fluid conduit and a fluid port configured to connect the internal fluid conduit to an exterior of the mill. A moveable flow diversion component is configured to move axially in the internal conduit from a first axial position in which fluid is prevented from flowing between the internal fluid conduit and the fluid port, to a second axial position in which the internal fluid conduit is in fluid communication with the fluid port. The apparatus also includes one or more slots configured to engage one or more pins extending into the internal fluid conduit, the one or more slots defining a path that directs movement of the flow diversion component. The flow diversion component is configured to be moved from the first to the second axial position by changing fluid pressure in the internal fluid conduit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling fluid flow through a drill string includes a housing having an axis, a radial wall with a bore extending axially therethrough, and an aperture formed in the radial wall. The aperture is in fluid communication with the bore. A piston is located inside the housing and has an orifice configured to permit axial fluid flow through the housing. The spring axially biases the piston to a closed position.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing a milling operation includes a mill having an internal fluid conduit and a fluid port configured to connect the internal fluid conduit to an exterior of the mill. A moveable flow diversion component is configured to move axially in the internal conduit from a first axial position in which fluid is prevented from flowing between the internal fluid conduit and the fluid port, to a second axial position in which the internal fluid conduit is in fluid communication with the fluid port. The apparatus also includes one or more slots configured to engage one or more pins extending into the internal fluid conduit, the one or more slots defining a path that directs movement of the flow diversion component. The flow diversion component is configured to be moved from the first to the second axial position by changing fluid pressure in the internal fluid conduit.

Abstract: An embodiment of a fluid bypass apparatus includes an axially elongated body configured to be deployed in a borehole in an earth formation, the body including a pilot conduit that allows fluid to flow through the body and a bypass conduit extending from the pilot conduit to an exterior of the body and defining a fluid flow path from the primary conduit to the exterior of the body, The apparatus also includes a modular valve insert housed within the bypass conduit, the valve insert being removable and replaceable, the modular valve insert configured to obstruct the fluid flow path and configured to automatically open in response to a pressure or flow rate through the primary conduit meeting or exceeding a selected threshold pressure or flow rate.

Abstract: A downhole tool and method of using the tool that includes a mandrel having at least one pocket formed in an exterior surface of the mandrel. The tool includes a sleeve positioned on the exterior of the mandrel to cover the pocket. A first portion of the sleeve is a conic section and is positioned adjacent to the pocket. The conic section of the sleeve may have a smaller cross-sectional thickness than a supporting portion of the sleeve. A curvature of the inner surface of conic section may differ from the curvature of the inner surface of the supporting section of the sleeve. The inner surface of the conic section may be an arch, a parabolic shape, or the like. The mandrel may include a plurality of pockets and the sleeve may include a plurality of corresponding conic sections separated by supporting sections that engage the exterior of the mandrel.

Abstract: A valve arrangement including a housing having a port, a closure member defining a bore, the bore being of a smaller flow area than an adjoining flow area to produce a lower pressure in flowing fluid therein than pressure in fluid flowing in the adjoining flow area, the closure member being disposed within the housing and movable between a closed position and an open position, a volume defined between the closure member and the housing, an opening in the closure member extending from the volume to the bore of the closure member to convey fluid pressure generated in the bore of the closure member to the volume thereby creating a lower pressure in the volume thereby biasing the closure member into a closed position.

Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus for inducing vibrations in an object in a wellbore is disclosed that in one embodiment includes a tubular conveyable in the wellbore and has at its bottom end an engagement tool that is configured to engage with or latch onto the object. A first flow control device, such as a cycling valve, in the tubular cycles (closes and opens) at a selected frequency or rate and generates at each closing a first upward pressure pulse in a fluid flowing through the tubular and a downward pressure pulse in the fluid, which induces a first force in the engagement tool and thus in the fish engaged with the engagement tool. A second flow control device, above the first flow control device in the tubular, closes in response to the first upward pressure pulse during each cycle and generates a second upward pressure pulse in the fluid flowing through the tubular and a second downward pressure in the fluid and a corresponding second force in the object.

Abstract: A ball seat is integrated with a movable biased sleeve. Sleeve movement against its bias moves a diverter from a position outside the through passage to a position across the main passage such that any balls that drop down will be directed by the diverter into an annular retention volume. In treatment of the formation for fluid loss the movement of a seat with the seated ball opens lateral ports for delivery of sealing material and moves the diverter. Smaller balls are then introduced to close lateral ports above the seated ball so pressure can be built to shift the sleeve and extrude the first ball. Once the seated ball blows through, the smaller balls come through the seat and are all diverted to an annular capture volume. The device is resettable for multiple operations. Fluid flow cessation closes lateral ports and opens a through passage retracting the diverter.

Abstract: A downhole tool and method of using the tool that includes a mandrel having at least one pocket formed in an exterior surface of the mandrel. The tool includes a sleeve positioned on the exterior of the mandrel to cover the pocket. A first portion of the sleeve is a conic section and is positioned adjacent to the pocket. The conic section of the sleeve may have a smaller cross-sectional thickness than a supporting portion of the sleeve. A curvature of the inner surface of conic section may differ from the curvature of the inner surface of the supporting section of the sleeve. The inner surface of the conic section may be an arch, a parabolic shape, or the like. The mandrel may include a plurality of pockets and the sleeve may include a plurality of corresponding conic sections separated by supporting sections that engage the exterior of the mandrel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling fluid flow through a drill string includes a housing having an axis, a radial wall with a bore extending axially therethrough, and an aperture formed in the radial wall. The aperture is in fluid communication with the bore. A piston is located inside the housing and has an orifice configured to permit axial fluid flow through the housing. The spring axially biases the piston to a closed position.

Abstract: A valve arrangement including a housing having a port, a closure member defining a bore, the bore being of a smaller flow area than an adjoining flow area to produce a lower pressure in flowing fluid therein than pressure in fluid flowing in the adjoining flow area, the closure member being disposed within the housing and movable between a closed position and an open position, a volume defined between the closure member and the housing, an opening in the closure member extending from the volume to the bore of the closure member to convey fluid pressure generated in the bore of the closure member to the volume thereby creating a lower pressure in the volume thereby biasing the closure member into a closed position.

Abstract: A ball seat is provided in a subterranean string for a preferably non-metallic ball. At least one barb is downwardly oriented toward the ball seat and disposed uphole such that as the ball passes the barb, a groove is worn or cut into the outer surface of the ball. When the ball is seated and motion of the ball stops, the end of the barb is at groove bottom of the ball. In that manner, the barb bears against the ball to keep the ball on the seat to prevent fluids from going further downhole as treatment takes place above the ball. The barb can have a variety of shapes that force the ball to be extruded over it to score the outer surface of the ball and keep the ball against the seat. Ultimately, the ball can be blown through the seat with enough pressure applied above it.

Abstract: An apparatus for operating a device in a wellbore is disclosed that in one non-limiting embodiment includes a drop device configured to be dropped into the wellbore that transmits a selected signal while the drop device is traveling in the wellbore, a control circuit in the wellbore that detects the transmitted selected signal and provides a control signal in response to the detected signal to operate the device in the wellbore.

Abstract: A ball seat is provided in a subterranean string for a preferably non-metallic ball. At least one barb is downwardly oriented toward the ball seat and disposed uphole such that as the ball passes the barb, a groove is worn or cut into the outer surface of the ball. When the ball is seated and motion of the ball stops, the end of the barb is at groove bottom of the ball. In that manner, the barb bears against the ball to keep the ball on the seat to prevent fluids from going further downhole as treatment takes place above the ball. The barb can have a variety of shapes that force the ball to be extruded over it to score the outer surface of the ball and keep the ball against the seat. Ultimately, the ball can be blown through the seat with enough pressure applied above it.

Abstract: A housing is integrated into a tubing string having a straight through passage and a lateral wall exist. Inside the passage is a flow responsive member with an applied preload force. Flow corresponding to a predetermined differential pressure in the housing will not move the valve member so all flow will go straight through in a downhole direction. As flow increases, the preload bias is overcome to align the passage through the housing and openings in the valve member with wall openings. As flow into the housing increases, more lateral wall opening area is aligned with the passage to increase circulation flow while holding through flow downhole constant. Dropping a ball on the valve member blocks through flow and allows opening of total bypass passages. The ball can be removed by blowing it through the seat or otherwise failing or disintegrating it.

Abstract: A surface handling tool for casing employs slips to grab the casing internally and a lock that operates mechanically in conjunction with the setting of the slips. The slips rub on the inside wall to hold an outer housing against rotation. The top sub and mandrel are rotated in tandem relative to the outer housing that is held by the rubbing of the slips on insertion. The mandrel rises when rotated to extend the slips while lock segments ratchet over a series of protrusions that are shaped to resist downward movement of the mandrel. Once slips and lock are set, subsequent rotation will not release the lock or slips. When the casing is supported on the rig floor weight can be set down and a spring compressed as the leading ramp of the top sub retracts the lock segments such that rotation to the right can then retract the slips.

Abstract: The compensating device has a through passage that goes to the borehole tool. There is a lateral passage to a piston housing. Through the use of a differential piston area on the outer housing, a net uphole force results from backpressure as a result of flow pumped through a section mill that mills in an uphole direction. If the vessel goes down the mill is just pushed away from the tubular being cut. If wave action takes the vessel up fluid is displaced back into the mandrel but the constant force up that is dependent on the existing backpressure in the tubing keeps a steady uphole force on the mill. The tool can be reversed for applications that require a net down force during milling. Rotational locking between the mandrel and the outer housing can be used. Ports are sized to prevent damping responses.

Abstract: A whipstock anchor is hydraulically set and locked in the set position. Release occurs with a pull induced component failure that relieves hydraulic pressure that allows the slips to retract. Release can occur with a remotely actuated circuit that burns a retainer for a piston whose movement opens a vent or initiates a chemical reaction to undermine a lock ring. Movement of a single cone or opposed cones extends the slips. The cone angles being different (cone angles do not have to be different, it is preferred to have the slip angles different) adds a skew to the slips and positions the top of the whipstock against the tubular top in a horizontal run. A bottom cap is removable to convert to setting by set down weight or to attach a hydraulically operated packer below the slips. Slips can be extended with radial movement of pistons.