Abstract: The present invention is directed, in part, to a high efficiency manually controlled or motorized roller shade device, the device being capable of rolling and unrolling one or more window or other type of shade simultaneously employing use of a single motor. The invention employs several elements including roller shades, optionally, a motorized device capable of rolling and unrolling shade coverings, one or more grudgens configured on either side of the roller shades, with each grudgen containing in its center a square hole that receives a square rod, the square rod acting to connect a first shade roller to a second shade roller, the second shade roller being configured adjacent to the first shade roller. The addition of more grudgens to additional shade rollers allows the single manually controlled or motorized device to control the rolling and unrolling of multiple shade rollers simultaneously without the need for multiple rolling motors.

Abstract: A platform unit used with a scaffolding structure includes a worker's platform and a ladder for climbing onto the worker's platform. The platform unit includes a first tipping prevention member adapted to interact with a substantially horizontal longitudinally extending first support member, and a second tipping prevention member adapted to interact from below with a substantially horizontal longitudinally extending second support member. The second support member is vertically spaced apart from the first support member. At least a part of at least one of the first and second tipping prevention members is vertically adjustable for enabling attachment and detachment of the platform unit to the scaffolding structure. At least three rollers support the platform unit, with each of the rollers adapted to rest against either the first support member or the second support member, such that the platform unit is rollingly movable in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A ladder stabilizer having a base plate that engages with a lower portion of the ladder and having a tire receiving portion at an end portion of the base plate. The weight of a vehicle tire on the tire receiving portion provides increased stability to the base plate of the ladder stabilizer. The tire receiving portion can be moved to either side of the base plate and can have a base plate-engaging mechanism on its bottom surface to couple with a mating surface of the base plate. The ladder can be retained by a leg retainer, rung retainer, or other retaining member that is coupled to a ladder retainer attachment portion of the base plate. Preferably, the ladder retainer mechanism includes some type of fastener or tensioning mechanism to secure the lower portion of the ladder to the base plate.

Abstract: A drilling apparatus comprised of a multiplicity of subassemblies for drilling an open-hole extension from within an existing cased borehole located in a geological formation for the production of oil and gas. In one embodiment, one subassembly includes a motor located within a cased section of the borehole that rotates a drill pipe segment attached to a rotary drill bit in the open-hole to drill the open-hole extension of the well. In another embodiment, a shroud encloses the motor located within the cased portion of the well that is used to control the mud flow to and from the bit in the open-hole during the drilling process.

Abstract: A hydraulically striking device having a cylinder body, the cylinder body forming a cylinder therein, a piston in the cylinder body, configured to move by means of a hydraulic fluid so as to reciprocate between a first and a second position in the cylinder. According to the invention, a first control channel and a second control channel extend from the valve, a first port and a second port open into the cylinder, wherein the first port is coupled to the first control channel and the second port is coupled to the second control channel, the piston having at least one flow space which is arranged to be selectively coupled to the first port and to the second port and allowing the hydraulic fluid to flow in one of the control channels in one direction so as to provide circulation of the hydraulic fluid controlling the valve.

Abstract: A system and method for underbalanced drilling and completion of a hydrocarbon reservoir is disclosed. The system prevents formation damage by using a solids-free, non-wetting phase drilling fluid while maintaining underbalanced conditions throughout the entire drilling and completion phase of the operation. By preventing formation damage, this system provides an alternative or supplement to hydraulic fracking.

Abstract: A method for steering a well comprises disposing a first orienting assembly and a second orienting assembly spaced apart along a circular inner peripheral surface of a housing. An orienting sleeve is rotatably supported between the first orienting assembly and the second orienting assembly, The orienting sleeve has an angled bore therethrough, wherein a first longitudinal axis of the angled bore is inclined by a predetermined angle to a second longitudinal axis referenced to a cylindrical outer peripheral surface of the orienting sleeve. A rotatable steering shaft is rotatably supported along the angled bore to control rotatable steering shaft bending. The rotation of the first orienting assembly, the second orienting assembly, and the orienting sleeve is controllably adjusted to control the steering direction of the rotatable steering shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the chisel-less formation of boreholes for deep bores by means of high-pressure water jet cutting. A chisel-free drilling method that makes substantially continuous drilling operation possible is characterized, according to the invention, by a combination of the processes of high-pressure water jet cutting and high-frequency rock fragmentation. The invention also relates to a chisel-free drilling system for carrying out the method.

Abstract: A drilling system includes a drill string extendable into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation. The subterranean formation exhibits a resonant frequency and a drill bit is coupled to a distal end of the drill string. A vibration sub is positioned within the drill string adjacent the drill bit for generating vibration stress waves at the drill bit, and the vibration stress waves exhibit a vibration frequency that approximates the resonant frequency.

Abstract: A bottom-hole assembly includes a drill string extendable within a wellbore and a drill bit positioned at a distal end of the drill string. A vibration sub is positioned in the drill string axially adjacent the drill bit and includes one or more vibratory devices that impart vibration to the drill bit.

Abstract: A drill bit includes a bit body and one or more cutters positioned on the bit body at select locations. At least one vibrational device is positioned on the bit body to impart vibration to the bit body and thereby mitigate stick-slip.

Abstract: A downhole tool, for selectively reaming a wellbore or stabilizing drill string components within a wellbore, includes an elongate tool body adapted to receive reamer cartridges or stabilizer cartridges depending on the function desired. The reamer cartridges are radially insertable into corresponding pockets in the tool body, with each reamer cartridge having a reamer insert with an array of cutting elements. The reamer insert is disposed within a bushing and is rotatable relative thereto, about a rotational axis transverse to the longitudinal axis of the tool. However, the rotational axis is offset from the tool body axis, resulting in eccentric contact of the cutting elements with the wall of the wellbore, which in turn imparts rotation to the reamer insert when the tool is being moved axially through a wellbore without rotation.

Abstract: A method of forming a cutting element for an earth-boring tool. The method includes providing diamond particles on a supporting substrate, the volume of diamond particles comprising a plurality of diamond nanoparticles. A catalyst-containing layer is provided on exposed surfaces of the volume of diamond nanoparticles and the supporting substrate. The diamond particles are processed under high temperature and high pressure conditions to form a sintered nanoparticle-enhanced polycrystalline compact. A cutting element and an earth-boring tool including a cutting element are also disclosed.

Abstract: A drill head including: an elongate housing, a first end of the housing being coupled to an end of a drill pipe in use; a base at a second end of the housing, one or more drill cutters being attached to the base; a supply passageway at least partially within the housing, the supply passageway being supplied with a flow of gas in use; a return passageway at least partially within the housing, a first end of the return passageway being connected to an end of an inner tube extending inside the drill pipe in use, and a second end of the return passageway forming an opening in the base proximate to the one or more drill cutters; and one or more ports for directing at least some of the flow of gas from the supply passageway into the return passageway in a flow direction extending away from the base and towards the inner tube, to thereby cause loose material to be drawn into the return passageway through the opening and transported away from the drill head via the inner tube in use.

Abstract: In one aspect, a drill bit is disclosed, including: a bit body; a pad associated with the bit body; a rate control device coupled to the pad that extends from a bit surface at a first rate and retracts from an extended position to a retracted position at a second rate in response to external force applied onto the pad, the rate control device including: a piston for applying a force on the pad; a biasing member that applies a force on the piston to extend the pad at the first rate; a fluid chamber associated with the piston; and a pressure management device for controlling a fluid pressure within the fluid chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed is an extended shaft collar comprising a reinforced concrete collar which extends from the surface to below a groundwater formation, providing an impenetrable barrier between the surrounding groundwater formations and the work area within the shaft. The extended shaft collar of the present invention provides a barrier to the ground and the work area of a shaft, including the prevention of contamination of shallow groundwater of the surrounding formations from the activities of the shaft, and may further be used for emergency shaft purposes. Concrete utilized in the extended collar may be comprised of conventional cements as well as specialty cements. The disclosed extended shaft collar supports a wide variety of scenarios for heavy civil construction projects, oil and gas production and mining, including subterranean oil recovery platforms and related products and services where shallow groundwater reservoirs are located.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a system for drilling includes receiving a drive shaft for transmitting a torque to a downhole tool and forming a hollow central passage in a tubular wall of the drive shaft extending along a longitudinal axis L. The hollow central passage allows a flow of a drilling fluid through a bearing section of the system. The method further includes disposing an elongated flow diverter in the tubular wall of the drive shaft. The elongated flow diverter has a body that includes axially-spaced apertures distributed along the longitudinal axis L of the drive shaft and the hollow central passage. The distribution of the apertures along the longitudinal axis L reduce the impingement of the drilling fluid while diverting the flow of the drilling fluid from an upstream annulus section of the system to the hollow central passage.

Abstract: A fairing device for the reduction of vortex-induced vibrations or motions and the minimization of drag about a substantially cylindrical element immersed in a fluid medium, comprising; a cylindrical element, a fairing rotatably mounted about the cylindrical element, the fairing comprising a shell with a cylindrical cross-sectional shape with an outer diameter (D) following the outer diameter of the cylindrical element from an upward stagnation point of 0 degrees to at least +/?90 degrees, and which at +/?90 degrees continues as two fin-like portions in an aft direction and defining a chord length (C), further comprising that the fin-like portions are convexly curved aft of +/?90 degrees thus tapering towards each other and defining a tail end opening or gap less than the fairing standoff height.

Abstract: A technique provides a cable protector in the form of a modular unit having a protector shell and at least one removable insert. The removable insert is constructed with gaps which are sized to grippingly engage a cable. Accordingly, a properly sized removable insert is selected for use with a given cable and then inserted into the protector shell. The cable protector may then be secured to a tubing, e.g. a well tubing, by an appropriate tubing coupling. In some embodiments, the tubing coupling is coupled about the tubing via a threaded fastener which may be held in place by a back off preventer.

Abstract: An apparatus for releasably connecting a cable with a tool that has an outer cone. The outer cone has a lower portion and an upper portion. A weak point is located between the lower portion and upper portion. The apparatus also includes an inner cone configured to fit within the outer cone.

Abstract: A torsional isolator (200, 300, 400) designed to reduce vibrations and shock experienced by electronics used during directional drilling is disclosed. The torsional isolator allows the drillstring electronics to oscillate at a slower rotational velocity than the data acquisition rate of associated sensors, such that the sensors record an average value of the azimuth heading thereby allowing for a higher accuracy measurement of the azimuth heading. The sample rate of the sensors is such that the sensors maximum error is reduced by the torsional isolator, as the output angular displacements are lower than the input angular displacements.

Abstract: This invention relates to a drilling rig or a drill ship having a first activity centre with a main well, a second activity centre with an auxiliary well and a third activity centre with offline casing and drill pipe stand-building capabilities. The offline casing and drill pipe stand-building facility is a standalone feature and can be located in the forward or aft side of a drilling rig or drill ship depending on the choice of the builder or operator.

Abstract: An anchoring apparatus for engaging a borehole surface includes an anchoring member, an actuator, a fluid chamber, and an intensifier piston within a housing. The intensifier piston includes a first end having a surface area greater than a second, the second end being in communication with the fluid chamber, such that application of pressure to the first end applies a second pressure, greater than the first, to fluid in the chamber, which is in turn applied to the actuator to extend the anchoring member toward the borehole surface with intensified force. A second intensifier piston and fluid chamber can be included and used to apply intensified pressure to the actuator to retract the anchoring member. A movable mandrel within the housing can be used to physically apply a physical force to one or both intensifier pistons in place of or in addition to fluid pressure.

Abstract: A power charge (12) for a downhole setting tool has a sleeve (14) which defines a housing. A propellant (16) is located in the sleeve (14) in solid form and defines a first end face (20). An igniter (32) is embedded into the propellant (16) first end face (20). The igniter (32) has a main body portion (52) with an end located adjacent to the first end face (20), and an annular-shaped protrusion (48) which extends laterally outward from the main body portion (52) and into the propellant (16). The annular-shaped protrusion (48) defines a shoulder (46) which engages the propellant (16) to retain the igniter (32) within the propellant (16) at the first end face (20) of the power charge (12). The sleeve (14) is formed of a combustible material which will burn when the propellant (16) is burned.

Abstract: A power charge (12) for a downhole setting tool has a sleeve (14) which defines a housing. A propellant (16) is located in the sleeve (14) in solid form and defines a first end face (20). An igniter (32) is embedded into the propellant (16) first end face (20). The igniter (32) has a main body portion (52) with an end located adjacent to the first end face (20), and an annular-shaped protrusion (48) which extends laterally outward from the main body portion (52) and into the propellant (16). The annular-shaped protrusion (48) defines a shoulder (46) which engages the propellant (16) to retain the igniter (32) within the propellant (16) at the first end face (20) of the power charge (12). The sleeve (14) is formed of a combustible material which will burn when the propellant (16) is burned.

Abstract: A method for activating a shifting tool comprises introducing a shifting tool in a desired wellbore zone where it is exposed to a pre-determined hydrostatic pressure. The shifting tool comprises at least one key that is configured to be expanded and released from a retracted position when the shifting tool is subjected to the pre-determined hydrostatic pressure.

Abstract: Opposed cones for slips on a packer have an annular undercut in general alignment with the end of the cone that has the slip ramp. The undercut faces the mandrel on which the cones can be driven together to radially extend the slips. A high modulus insert sleeve is interference fitted to the undercut. This results in the cone exterior surface being in hoop stress tension before the slips are set. Once the slips are set and a reaction load comes radially back from the surrounding tubular into which the slips have extended there is a tendency for the reaction force to put the exterior surface of the cones into compressive hoop stress. The initial tensile hoop stress from the sleeve placement acts to at least in part offset the reaction force tending to create compressive hoop stress. The net loading and deflection of the mandrel is minimized.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for determining the retraction rate of a coring bit based on sensed environmental factors associated with coring operations. In certain embodiments, a downhole tool is positioned in a wellbore extending into a subterranean formation, coring operations are commenced by rotating a coring bit of the downhole tool and extending the rotating coring bit into a first location along a sidewall of the wellbore, a first environmental factor associated with the coring operations at the first location is sensed, and a rate of retraction of the coring bit at the first location is determined based on the first sensed environmental factor.

Abstract: This invention involves a method of securing pipe (also referred to as a “string of tools”) when driving off a subsea well or sealing off a well in onshore applications where there is an emergency by grabbing the pipe before it is cut. A pipe ram then is closed on the pipe before a shear ram is actuated to cut the pipe. In subsea applications, the top of the pipe may then be raised clear of the blowout preventer within a marine riser. A blind ram and annular preventer can then be closed above the remnant of the pipe being retained by the pipe catcher. The pipe above the cut is removed through the marine riser and the marine riser itself is then disconnected. The rig is then driven off the well. If the well is reactivated the steps are reversed but the well is safely secured before the blowout preventer components are opened. The pipe supported by the catcher is independently supported before the catcher is released and the pipe lifted through the riser.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for clearing a wellbore using a means for milling and a means for suctioning within a wellbore. Obstructions such as ball frac seats, bridge plugs, or formation material can be milled within a wellbore. As a result, larger, unrestricted, diameters can be obtained within the liner/wellbore. The cleared wellbore can allow for various remedial tools to be run into the liner/wellbore. In addition, the milled particles can be suctioned/vacuumed up and can be pumped/pushed to surface in an underbalanced fashion. In some embodiments, this can be achieved by incorporating a bottom-hole pump or a venturi component into the bottomhole assembly. The system can be deployed using a spoolable single or multi-conduit coiled tubing system and can be configured as a well intervention or work-over technology. In some embodiments, the clearing equipment can be temporary or mobile.

Abstract: This invention relates to an undersca riser bearing designed to operate at higher temperatures over an extended time frame while maintaining performance advantages of high capacity laminate (HCL) elastomeric composite bearings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for controlling and isolating a tool for isolating areas in a well which comprises: a main inlet conduit which communicates with the inside of said casing, and which is obturated by a first element able to form a barrier to a fluid circulating in said casing, while yielding beyond a first pressure, this conduit communicating, with two auxiliary conduits, the ends of which join up in order to form an outlet conduit, one of these auxiliary conduits, forming a first chamber, while, in the other one, a second element is provided forming a barrier, moveable between a first position and a second position wherein said first position, said second element forming a barrier and the wall of said second auxiliary conduit make between them a sealed annular chamber in which prevails a so-called <<isolation>> pressure, this chamber not communicating with the outside, notably with the well.

Abstract: Retrievable packer for operations in wells cased by means of a casing pipe, the packer being applied in operations involving very high pressures, of up to about 15,000 psi, wherein the packer comprises a connecting head for being fixed to a service pipe, an upper mandrel threaded at a lower mandrel, a balancing liner holder concentrically arranged on the upper mandrel so as to form a space of hydraulic pressure between both, within which space one balancing liner is accommodated, designed to apply a downward force on an annular ledge of the upper mandrel, to offset upwards thrust forces that operate on the tool and the service pipe.

Abstract: A packer assembly for use in a subterranean well can include a seal element which swells in the well, a reinforcement in the seal element, and an extrusion barrier which displaces outward in response to swelling of an end portion of the seal element, the reinforcement being longitudinally spaced apart from the end portion of the seal element. A method of constructing a packer assembly can include positioning a reinforcement in a seal element which swells in response to contact with a fluid, the positioning including longitudinally spacing opposite ends of the reinforcement away from opposite end portions of the seal element, and installing extrusion barriers which radially outwardly overlie the seal element end portions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for lining boreholes for deep bores. A lining method, which makes a rapid process sequence possible with a substantially uniform borehole diameter, is characterized, according to the invention, in that the borehole is lined directly after boring with a hybrid material consisting of a fibrous material and a hardenable medium. The invention also relates to a device for carrying out the method.

Abstract: Applying a photocurable coating to a downhole fixed surface surrounding the axis of a wellbore containing a wellbore fluid is carried out by skimming an applicator over the downhole surface while supplying a photocurable liquid composition between the applicator and the downhole surface thereby spreading the composition as a curable layer on the downhole surface, while providing a light output with a light-transmitting barrier facing and adjacent the curable layer on the downhole surface; and directing light of wavelength in a range from 100 nm to 1500 nm through the light-transmitting barrier onto the curable light-transmitting barrier so as to initiate curing of the layer on the downhole surface. The applicator may be an assembly comprising a belt or band of light-transmitting material and the light source may be positioned within the band or the loop of the belt. This portion of the belt can remain stationary in contact with the curable layer and separate from it by a peeling action.

Abstract: A downhole apparatus for use in a wellbore includes a housing having at least one passage or cavity capable of receiving a fluid. The downhole apparatus further includes an orifice in fluid communication with the passage or cavity. A viscosity-altering member is positioned in proximity to the orifice and is capable of being activated to change the viscosity of the fluid and thus a rate at which the fluid is able to pass through the orifice.

Abstract: A control system for a Subsurface Safety Valve (SSSV), includes an actuating piston mounted in a housing with at least one seal and connected to the SSSV. The actuating piston having a first end and a second end, the first end in fluid communication with a control line; a primary pressure reservoir in fluid communication with the second end of the actuating piston, the reservoir configured to contain a fluid under an amount of pressure selected to act against a prospective hydrostatic pressure expected in the control line based upon the selected position of the control system in a downhole environment.

Abstract: Bidirectional flow control device for attachment to a tubular member including a nozzle insert comprising a first sealable surface, the nozzle insert comprising a nozzle passage, and a second sealable surface for mating with the first sealable surface, and a first biasing member seat; a cover plate positioned adjacent the first end of the nozzle insert, the cover plate comprising a production orifice and a plurality of stimulation orifices in fluid communication with a plurality of stimulation passages, the cover plate further comprising a second biasing member seat and a biasing member positioned between the first biasing member seat and the second biasing member seat, the biasing member to exert a biasing force to place first sealable surface and second sealable surface in sealing engagement when internal tubular pressure is below a set-point value.

Abstract: Certain aspects of the present invention are directed to a liquid valve assembly that can be disposed in a wellbore through a fluid-producing formation. The liquid valve assembly can include a housing and a liquid valve. The housing can define an inner chamber and an opening adapted to allow fluid to flow between the inner chamber and a passageway. The liquid valve can be disposed in the inner chamber. The liquid valve can include a yield stress fluid. The yield stress fluid can prevent fluid from flowing between the inner chamber and the passageway.

Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus for use in a wellbore is disclosed, including: an inlet; an outlet; and a variable flow restriction configured to provide a predetermined constant pressure drop between the inlet and the outlet in response to a range of inlet flow rates. In another aspect, a method for providing a fluid flow within a wellbore is disclosed, including: providing the fluid flow to an inlet; restricting the fluid flow to provide a predetermined constant pressure drop between the inlet and an outlet in response to a range of fluid flow rates; and providing the fluid flow to the wellbore from the outlet.

Abstract: A technique facilitates control of fluid flows in a wide variety of applications and environments, including downhole well environments. The technique utilizes a valve system which may include a shear seal valve for controlling fluid flows. The valve system utilizes port arrangements, components for energizing shear seals between mating components, and/or actuating components with improved degrees of freedom. The components facilitate repeatable and consistent actuation and operation of the valve system in the wide variety of applications and environments.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an injection valve with improved pressure regulation and/or improved erosion resistance. One embodiment of the injection valve includes a first stem and a second stem forming a closure mechanism, and a seal member engaging the first stem. The seal between the seal member and the first stem provides a constant sealing surface and enables precise regulation to the opening pressure. The seal member is protected from high pressure differential flow and erosion damage because the seal member is not exposed to the fluid flow when the injection valve switches between an open and a closed positions.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that may include providing a wellhead gas burner to burn wellhead gas produced from a wellhead to heat water and/or other chemicals used in hydrocarbon production and/or well completion processes, including, but not limited to hydraulic fracturing (fracking). The wellhead gas burner may include a pressure regulator and an expansion chamber that permit the wellhead gas burner to continuously operate and accommodate wellhead gas pressure fluctuations. The wellhead gas burner may also be configured as a primary heat source and integrated with a traditional propane/diesel gas burner system configured as a supplemental heat source. The wellhead gas burner may also be mounted to a mobile superheater truck.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that may include producing wellhead gas from a wellbore, removing hydrocarbons and/or other particulates from the wellhead gas produced from the wellbore to maximize and/or provide a consistent BTU level to the wellhead gas, and burning the wellhead gas in a wellhead gas burner to heat water and/or other chemicals used in hydrocarbon production and/or well completion processes, including, but not limited to hydraulic fracturing (fracking). The wellhead gas burner may also be configured as a primary heat source and integrated with a traditional gas burner system configured as a supplemental heat source. The wellhead gas burner and the traditional gas burner may also be operated simultaneously. The wellhead gas burner may also be mounted to a mobile superheater truck.

Abstract: A tool which employs an internal fluid during operation in a subterranean environment at elevated pressures and/or temperatures, the tool including a modular pressure compensator component which can be easily and rapidly replaced as needed. Also described is a related method of maintaining a tool which employs an internal fluid during operation in a subterranean environment at one or more pressures above atmospheric pressure, and a related method of compensating for pressure changes within a tool which employs an internal fluid during operation in a subterranean environment at super-atmospheric pressures.

Abstract: A flexible collet on a subterranean tool has sacrificial soft components to protect seal bores through which the collets have to compress to get through. The sacrificial components can be replaced when the tool is removed to the surface. In one embodiment, threaded fasteners are used alone or with washers for height adjustment such that the heads of the fasteners which are softer than the seal bore material ride on the seal bore and take the wear. The tool can ultimately be used to latch into shifting sleeves to move such sleeves to open or close wall ports. Alternatively axial ridges with beveled profile ends can be used or rolling members such as wheels or balls can be used to keep sharp edges off the seal bore. EDM method can be used to create multiple fingers with an axial ridge profile and rounded end transitions.

Abstract: A flexible collet on a subterranean tool has sacrificial soft components to protect seal bores through which the collets have to compress to get through. The sacrificial components can be replaced when the tool is removed to the surface. In one embodiment, threaded fasteners are used alone or with washers for height adjustment such that the heads of the fasteners which are softer than the seal bore material ride on the seal bore and take the wear. The tool can ultimately be used to latch into shifting sleeves to move such sleeves to open or close wall ports. Alternatively axial ridges with beveled profile ends can be used or rolling members such as wheels or balls can be used to keep sharp edges off the seal bore. EDM method can be used to create multiple fingers with an axial ridge profile and rounded end transitions.

Abstract: A flexible collet on a subterranean tool has sacrificial soft components to protect seal bores through which the collets have to compress to get through. The sacrificial components can be replaced when the tool is removed to the surface. In one embodiment, threaded fasteners are used alone or with washers for height adjustment such that the heads of the fasteners which are softer than the seal bore material ride on the seal bore and take the wear. The tool can ultimately be used to latch into shifting sleeves to move such sleeves to open or close wall ports. Alternatively axial ridges with beveled profile ends can be used or rolling members such as wheels or balls can be used to keep sharp edges off the seal bore. EDM method can be used to create multiple fingers with an axial ridge profile and rounded end transitions.

Abstract: A flexible collet on a subterranean tool has sacrificial soft components to protect seal bores through which the collets have to compress to get through. The sacrificial components can be replaced when the tool is removed to the surface. In one embodiment, threaded fasteners are used alone or with washers for height adjustment such that the heads of the fasteners which are softer than the seal bore material ride on the seal bore and take the wear. The tool can ultimately be used to latch into shifting sleeves to move such sleeves to open or close wall ports. Alternatively axial ridges with beveled profile ends can be used or rolling members such as wheels or balls can be used to keep sharp edges off the seal bore. EDM method can be used to create multiple fingers with an axial ridge profile and rounded end transitions.