Abstract: Plug and plug seat valves with selective orientation and engagement systems permit plugs to pass through a series of identically or similarly sized seats without the plugs mating with any of such seats before passing therethrough. Orientation systems may be employed in these valves such that the plug passes through each plug seat in a specific orientation in relation to the seat. The orientation systems may employ a steering track, such as rotational guide, to establish a desired relationship between features around the outer surface of the plug and the inner surface of the plug seat. Engagement systems may comprise one or more retractable elements on the plug which complement a receiving element of the plug seat. The orientation system may misalign the elements of the engagement system allowing a plug to pass an otherwise complementary plug seat.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to downhole tools, including downhole valves, which actuate via a pressure differential created across a shifting element having one or more pressure surfaces isolated from fluid, and fluid pressure, flowing through the interior flowpath. Embodiment downhole tools of the present disclosure may actuate in response to, among other signals, fluid pressure in the interior flowpath of the tool and fluid pressure communicated to a pressure surface of the shifting sleeve from the exterior of the tool. Certain embodiments may also have an outlet connector whereby fluid pressure from the downhole tool may be communicated to its exterior. Isolation of the shifting element from the interior flowpath may be accomplished using a frangible, shiftable, degradable or other members which may be moved from a closed state to an open state in response to fluid conditions in the interior flowpath.

Abstract: Devices for controlling the flow of fluids past a location in a wellbore and methods for using such devices are disclosed. Embodiment devices are configured such that the throughbore is maximized because of the devices' thin cross sectional length. The devices disclosed may use balls, darts or other plugs to seal against a plug seat and prevent flow therethrough, external seals prevent flow therearound and gripping elements, such as slips, prevent movement of the device within the well. Relatively high pressure rating may be accomplished with such thin cross sections by keeping the length of mandrel wall exposed to such pressures short. Some embodiment devices may have a plug seat that is integral, at least in part, with a setting ring and/or have a setting ring that is of one piece with the mandrel.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to downhole tools, including downhole valves, which actuate via a pressure differential created across a shifting element having one or more pressure surfaces isolated from fluid, and fluid pressure, flowing through the interior flowpath. Embodiment downhole tools of the present disclosure may actuate in response to, among other signals, fluid pressure in the interior flowpath of the tool and fluid pressure communicated to a pressure surface of the shifting sleeve from the exterior of the tool. Certain embodiments may also have an outlet connector whereby fluid pressure from the downhole tool may be communicated to its exterior. Isolation of the shifting element from the interior flowpath may be accomplished using a frangible, shiftable, degradable or other members which may be moved from a closed state to an open state in response to fluid conditions in the interior flowpath.

Abstract: Liner hanger running tool assemblies that may function as a treating string after the liner is set are disclosed. Such assemblies may have a stomp tool that with variable positions so that the stomp tool may be positioned optimally for run-in and them may be moved to a second position that is more optimal during treatment operations. The stomp tool may also serve as a locating device during high pressure treatment to permit full insertion of the seal assembly without impacting the liner hanger assembly with the bottom of the running tool.

Abstract: Hangers and related tools which actuate without fluid or mechanical communication between the interior of the tool and its exterior are disclosed. Devices as disclosed herein may include a piston for applying actuating force based on the fluid pressure outside of the tool. The piston may be fixed to a tubing wall or other body of the tool with a shear element to prevent the tool from actuating until a certain pressure is applied to piston, such as by the static pressure of wellbore fluid at a certain depth, by pressure applied to the annulus from surface, or a combination thereof. Actuation of the tool may cause latches to expand outwardly to engage a latch receptacle fixed in or along the host tubing or such actuation may lead to other hanging members, such as slips, to engage the host tubing wall in order to suspend the hanging string therein.

Abstract: Devices and methods related to setting and testing a packer in a single trip are disclosed. Embodiments disclosed herein provide a tubing engagement element for applying longitudinal force to expand the packer element, such as by compressing an elastomeric element longitudinally to cause radial expansion. Further, upon application of longitudinal force, a second packer element, inside of the first, also sets, isolating the interior of the packer form the exterior. The isolation on the interior of the packer, or tubing attached thereto, permits formation of a pressure differential across the installed packer, facilitating a pressure test to ensure that the packers is adequately set.

Abstract: Devices for controlling the flow of fluids past a location in a wellbore and methods for using such devices are disclosed. Embodiment devices are configured such that the throughbore is maximized because of the devices' thin cross sectional length. Embodiment devices may be optimized to expand into larger casing sizes by use of a multi-part cone system while maintaining the thin cross section. Embodiment devices may also permit the plug to be communicated into the well with the flow control devices, reducing the fluid volume required to treat well stages separated by the disclosed embodiment devices.

Abstract: A downhole tool comprising a nested sleeve preventing fluid communication between the interior of the tool and the exterior of the tool is provided. The downhole tool is actuated when fluid pressure is communicated from the interior of the tool to a first surface the nested sleeve, moving the nested sleeve such that it no longer prevents fluid communication from the interior to the exterior. Devices and methods for controlling the flow of fluid to the first surface of the nested sleeve are provided including fluid control devices such as burst disks, indexing sleeves and ratchet assemblies. In certain embodiments, the nested sleeve may be engaged with a slot system such that the nested sleeve moves along a path defined by such slot until the tool is actuated.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to downhole tools, including downhole valves, which actuate via a pressure differential created across a shifting element having one or more pressure surfaces isolated from fluid, and fluid pressure, flowing through the interior flowpath. Embodiment downhole tools of the present disclosure may actuate in response to, among other signals, fluid pressure in the interior flowpath of the tool and fluid pressure communicated to a pressure surface of the shifting sleeve from the exterior of the tool. Certain embodiments may also have an outlet connector whereby fluid pressure from the downhole tool may be communicated to its exterior, including to additional tools in the tubing strings via flowlines connecting the two tools. Isolation of the shifting element from the interior flowpath may be accomplished using a frangible, shiftable, degradable or other member which may be moved from a closed state to an open state in response to fluid conditions in the interior flowpath.

Abstract: Downhole tools, including downhole valves, may actuate via a pressure differential created across a shifting element having one or more pressure surfaces isolated from fluid, and fluid pressure, flowing through the interior flowpath. Embodiment downhole tools of the present disclosure may actuate in response to, among other signals, fluid pressure in the interior flowpath of the tool and fluid pressure communicated to a pressure surface of the shifting sleeve from the exterior of the tool. Certain embodiments may also have an outlet connector whereby fluid pressure from the downhole tool may be communicated to its exterior. Isolation of the shifting element from the interior flowpath may be accomplished using a frangible, shiftable, degradable or other members which may be moved from a closed state to an open state in response to fluid conditions in the interior flowpath.

Abstract: Hangers and related tools which actuate without fluid or mechanical communication between the interior of the tool and its exterior are disclosed. Devices as disclosed herein may include a piston for applying actuating force based on the fluid pressure outside of the tool. The piston may be fixed to a tubing wall or other body of the tool with a shear element to prevent the tool from actuating until a certain pressure is applied to piston, such as by the static pressure of wellbore fluid at a certain depth, by pressure applied to the annulus from surface, or a combination thereof. Actuation of the tool may cause latches to expand outwardly to engage a latch receptacle fixed in or along the host tubing or such actuation may lead to other hanging members, such as slips, to engage the host tubing wall in order to suspend the hanging string therein.

Abstract: A valve assembly, and related system and method, with a sleeve having an inner surface with a diameter, an outer surface, and a plurality of openings extending between the inner surface and the outer surface. A split ring having one or more segments and an expandable or collapsible body with a seating surface and an outer diameter extending from the body is at least partially within the inner surface of the sleeve. The split ring and sleeve may be placed in a variable diameter housing such that contact of the outer diameter with a smaller diameter section of the housing causes the split ring to close, whereas contact with an larger diameter of the housing allows the split ring to open. In certain embodiments, a spring element, which may be the split ring itself, applies force to move the split ring from an open to closed position. A spring may be positioned around a portion of the sleeve and in an annular space at least partially defined by an annular body and the second cylindrical outer surface.

Abstract: Devices for controlling the flow of fluids past a location in a wellbore and methods for using such devices are disclosed. Embodiment devices are configured such that the throughbore is maximized because of the devices' thin cross sectional length. The devices disclosed may use balls, darts or other plugs to seal against a plug seat and prevent flow therethrough, external seals prevent flow therearound and gripping elements, such as slips, prevent movement of the device within the well. Relatively high pressure rating may be accomplished with such thin cross sections by keeping the length of mandrel wall exposed to such pressures short. Some embodiment devices may have a plug seat that is integral, at least in part, with a setting ring and/or have a setting ring that is of one piece with the mandrel.

Abstract: The described embodiments relate to a downhole tool that can capture a ball in a trap to prevent both upwell and downwell movement of the ball. Further, certain embodiments described herein may prevent fluid from flowing past a captured ball in either the upwell or downwell directions. Ball and seat valves incorporating such ball trap assemblies can be used to create a bi-directional plug which prevents fluid flow in either direction when the ball trap is engaged with an appropriately configured ball.

Abstract: Devices for controlling the flow of fluids past a location in a wellbore and methods for using such devices are disclosed. Embodiment devices are configured such that the throughbore is maximized because of the devices' thin cross sectional length. The devices disclosed may use balls, darts or other plugs to seal against a plug seat and prevent flow therethrough, external seals prevent flow therearound and gripping elements, such as slips, prevent movement of the device within the well. Relatively high pressure rating may be accomplished with such thin cross sections by keeping the length of mandrel wall exposed to such pressures short. Some embodiment devices may have a plug seat that is integral, at least in part, with a setting ring and/or have a setting ring that is of one piece with the mandrel.

Abstract: A system and method comprising at least one ported sleeve assembly and a flapper assembly positioned downwell of the ported sleeve assembly. The system provides for the use of multiple ported sleeve assemblies for each stage of a hydrocarbon producing well that can be opened with a single element, and multiple stages, each have thFracturinge ability to be opened with a single element size.

Abstract: A downhole tool comprising an inner sleeve with a plurality of sleeve ports and a housing positioned radially outwardly of the inner sleeve and having a plurality of housing ports, with the housing and inner sleeve partially defining a space radially therebetween. The space is occupied by a shifting sleeve. A fluid path extends between the interior flowpath of the tool and the space. A fluid control device, such as a burst disk, occupies at least portion of the fluid path. In one state, the shifting sleeve is in a first position between the housing ports and the sleeve ports to prevent fluid flow between the interior flowpath and exterior of the tool. The fluid control device may selectively permit fluid flow, and thus pressure communication, into the annular space to cause a differential pressure across the shifting sleeve.