Abstract: Downhole tools for anchoring and isolating at least one zone in a wellbore comprise a mandrel having an upper end, a lower end, an outer wall surface, and a longitudinal bore disposed therethrough having an axis. One or more anchors are disposed through the outer wall surface of the mandrel. Each of the anchors has a retracted position and an extended position. An isolation element is disposed along the outer wall surface of the mandrel. The isolation element may cover the anchors or be disposed, above, below, or around the anchors. Engagement of the isolation element with the inner wall surface of the wellbore to isolate at least one zone of the wellbore may be accomplished by piercing the isolation element to permit wellbore fluid to contact a swellable material contained within the isolation element, or by pumping fluid into the isolation element.

Abstract: Retrievable bridge plug used in oil and gas wells comprises a setting and anchoring mechanism, a locking and releasing mechanism and a sealing and anti-adhering mechanism. The bridge plug in which a self-lock mechanism is placed can be lowered through an coiled tubing or wireline, and provide reliable bi-directional sealing, and can be taken out by a specific tool after setting, in order to be used repeatedly after simple maintenance. By replacing its mandrel, the bridge plug can be refitted into a squeezing bridge plug, a conventional one and a hook-wall bridge plug to be used in a temporary/permanent and selective blocking operation. Also, the bridge plug can be associated with other downhole tools to perform well test, layer protection and snubbing.

Abstract: A packer device includes an elastomeric packer element which is seated upon an inner sleeve that surrounds a central inner mandrel. The inner sleeve and the inner mandrel are oriented at an angle of departure with respect to the central axis of the tool, thereby providing a ramp assembly which helps to set the packer device. An anchor ring and a retaining ring are located on opposite axial sides of the packer element and contact the surrounding tubular member.

Abstract: A stimulation system configured for use in open-hole wells. The system may alternatively or additionally be configured for multi-zone stimulation applications. The system includes assemblies which employ techniques and configurations for isolating recovery screens downhole even without the presence of well casing. In this manner protection may be provided from dowhnole contaminants such as water which might otherwise leak in from adjacent formation layers.

Abstract: Arrangement for use with a plug (1) for sealing against an inner wall of a pipeline (30), comprising a main body, sealing means and actuation means for moving the sealing means from a retracted to an extended state in contact with the inner wall of the pipeline, which sealing means comprises an annular packer element (7), arranged between two relative movable body elements (5, 6) of the main body actuated by the actuation means, The packer element (7) comprises means (720, 722, 724, 730) in an outer peripheral surface formed by a first side (701) of the packer element (7), which means comprises at least one peripheral rib (724) radially protruding from the first side (701) of the packer element (7).

Abstract: A technique enables control over anti-extrusion layer movement during packer inflation. A packer employs a packer nipple having an exterior which uniquely engages distinct layers of the packer. The exterior comprises a plurality of distinct retention features, and each retention feature is designed to engage a specific layer of the packer. An individual retention feature can be uniquely designed to secure an anti-extrusion layer.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for sealing a communication line within a device positioned in a wellbore. The communication line may be continuous and extends through a pass-through arranged generally longitudinally through the device. Swellable sealing material is positioned about and/or over the communication line which is placed in the pass-through of the device to form and maintain a secure seal once the device is submerged in a fluid that causes the swellable sealing material to expand.

Abstract: A non-metallic element system is provided as part of a downhole tool that can effectively seal or pack-off an annulus under elevated temperatures. The element system can also resist high differential pressures without sacrificing performance or suffering mechanical degradation, and is considerably faster to drill-up than a conventional element system. In one aspect, the composite material comprises an epoxy blend reinforced with glass fibers stacked layer upon layer at about 30 to about 70 degrees. In another aspect, a mandrel is formed of a non-metallic polymeric composite material. A downhole tool, such as a bridge plug, frac-plug, or packer, is also provided. The tool comprises a support ring having one or more wedges, an expansion ring, and a sealing member positioned with the expansion ring.

Abstract: A swellable downhole packer (10) is provided for positioning downhole in a well to seal with the interior surface of a borehole or the interior surface of a downhole tubular. The packer includes a swellable elastomeric sleeve-shaped body (14) positioned over a mandrel (12) for swelling, and a rigid end ring (16,18). An elastomeric anti-extrusion member (20) is spaced axially between the sleeve-shaped body and the rigid end ring, and has a radial thickness adjacent the end ring greater than the radial thickness adjacent the sleeve-shaped body. A swellable elastomeric member (32) is spaced radially between the exterior surface of the mandrel and the elastomeric anti-extrusion member.

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: A series of down hole tools are assembled from a common subassembly to which are added various specialty parts to make a flow back plug, a bridge plug or a plug with a disintegratable check valve. The subassembly may be used, as is, as a ball drop plug. The components may be added through either end of the subassembly without having to take the subassembly apart. The subassembly and specialty parts may be shipped to the customer so the end user may customize the subassembly to provide a plug operable to provide a variety of functions.

Abstract: A downhole plug is provided. In one or more embodiments, the plug includes a body and an element system disposed about the body. The plug further includes a first and second back-up ring member having two or more tapered wedges. The tapered wedges are at least partially separated by two or more converging grooves. First and second cones are disposed adjacent the first and second back-up ring members.

Abstract: Novel hydraulic actuators and hydraulic setting assemblies are provided for use in downhole, oil and gas well tools. The novel hydraulic actuators include a cylindrical mandrel and an annular stationary' sealing member connected to the mandrel. A hydraulic cylinder is slidably supported on the mandrel and stationary sealing member and is releasably fixed in position on the mandrel. The stationary sealing member divides the interior of the cylinder into a bottom hydraulic chamber and a top hydraulic chamber. An inlet port provides fluid communication into the bottom hydraulic chamber, and an outlet port provides fluid communication into the top hydraulic chamber. A balance piston is slidably supported within the top hydraulic chamber of the actuator. The piston includes an axially extending passageway. Fluid communication through the piston and between its upper and lower sides is controlled by a normally shut valve in the passageway.

Abstract: A packer provides multiple seals when deployed downhole. Exposed to an activating agent, a swellable element on the packer's mandrel expands radially outward to form a seal with the borehole wall. One or more deformable elements, such as compressible packers or cup packers, are disposed on the mandrel adjacent the swellable element. These deformable element deform outward to the surrounding borehole wall to at least partially isolate the downhole annulus and the swellable element. Bias units releasably affixed on the tool adjacent the deformable elements can deform the elements. These bias unit can be released either by swelling of the swellable element or by fluid pressure. Once released, the bias units are axially biased toward the deformable elements to deform them. In this way, the packer can form multiple seals with the borehole wall, and the deformable elements can isolate the swellable element from the downhole annulus, which can keep the swellable element from degrading or being overly extruded.

Abstract: A well tool includes a generally tubular mandrel with a flow passage extending longitudinally through the mandrel, and a flow controller which initially prevents a fluid from contacting a swellable material, but which permits the fluid to contact the material in response to manipulation of pressure in the flow passage. Another well tool includes a swellable material, a generally tubular mandrel, and a conduit wrapped circumferentially about the mandrel, the conduit containing a fluid which, upon contact with the swellable material, causes the material to swell. A method of actuating a well tool in a well includes manipulating pressure in a flow passage extending through a tubular string, thereby opening at least one flow control device of the well tool which selectively permits fluid communication between a reservoir of the well tool and a swellable material of the well tool, whereby a fluid in the reservoir contacts the swellable material.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a downhole tubular sealing system. The system includes, a tubular runnable in a downhole wellbore, a swellable seal disposed at the tubular that is sealable with the downhole wellbore when swelled, and at least one releasable member in operable communication with the tubular and the swellable seal. The at least one releasable member configured to longitudinally fix the swellable seal to the tubular when nonreleased and to longitudinally disengage the swellable seal from the tubular when released.

Abstract: A system which may be used to replace workover rigs and metallic pipes for the production of hydrocarbon from wellbores uses a non-metallic, substantially continuous, flexible tube comprising a flexible, non-metallic, e.g. resin-based, substantially continuous production tube that can be wellbore deployed and retrieved without the need of onsite rigs. The system's components can be placed inside existing pipes for work in old wells where removal of the existing tube is not economical. The tubes may also be spoolable, thereby increasing installation rates and flexibility. Connectors for the tube may be dimensioned and configured to allow for providing and/or sealing downhole tools to the production tube. In certain embodiments, an onsite power generator will provide a clean alternative to existing diesel burning generators and will typically use a furnace, boiler, steam engine and electrical power generator.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member. The apparatus includes a support member, an expansion device coupled to the support member and at least one of a cutting device coupled to the support member, an actuator coupled to the support member, a sealing assembly, or a packer assembly coupled to the support member. The apparatus may further include a gripping device for coupling the tubular member to the support member. The expansion device may be used for radially expanding and plastically deforming the tubular member which may be coupled to the support member. The cutting device may be used for cutting the tubular member. The actuator may be used for displacing the expansion device relative to the support member. The sealing assembly may be used for sealing an annulus defined between the support member and the tubular member.

Abstract: A non-metallic element system is provided as part of a downhole tool that can effectively seal or pack-off an annulus under elevated temperatures. The element system can also resist high differential pressures without sacrificing performance or suffering mechanical degradation, and is considerably faster to drill-up than a conventional element system. In one aspect, the composite material comprises an epoxy blend reinforced with glass fibers stacked layer upon layer at about 30 to about 70 degrees. In another aspect, a mandrel is formed of a non-metallic polymeric composite material. A downhole tool, such as a bridge plug, frac-plug, or packer, is also provided. The tool comprises a support ring having one or more wedges, an expansion ring, and a sealing member positioned with the expansion ring.

Abstract: A non-metallic element system is provided as part of a downhole tool that can effectively seal or pack-off an annulus under elevated temperatures. The element system can also resist high differential pressures without sacrificing performance or suffering mechanical degradation, and is considerably faster to drill-up than a conventional element system. In one aspect, the composite material comprises an epoxy blend reinforced with glass fibers stacked layer upon layer at about 30 to about 70 degrees. In another aspect, a mandrel is formed of a non-metallic polymeric composite material. A downhole tool, such as a bridge plug, frac-plug, or packer, is also provided. The tool comprises a support ring having one or more wedges, an expansion ring, and a sealing member positioned with the expansion ring.

Abstract: A non-metallic element system is provided as part of a downhole tool that can effectively seal or pack-off an annulus under elevated temperatures. The element system can also resist high differential pressures without sacrificing performance or suffering mechanical degradation, and is considerably faster to drill-up than a conventional element system. In one aspect, the composite material comprises an epoxy blend reinforced with glass fibers stacked layer upon layer at about 30 to about 70 degrees. In another aspect, a mandrel is formed of a non-metallic polymeric composite material. A downhole tool, such as a bridge plug, frac-plug, or packer, is also provided. The tool comprises a support ring having one or more wedges, an expansion ring, and a sealing member positioned with the expansion ring.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for swellable material activation and monitoring in a subterranean well. A sensor system for use in a subterranean well includes a swellable material, and at least one sensor which is displaced to a wellbore surface in response to swelling of the swellable material. Another sensor system includes a sensor which detects swelling of a swellable material. A swellable well tool system includes a base pipe, a swellable material on an exterior of the base pipe, and eccentric weighting for inducing rotation of the swellable material about a longitudinal axis of the base pipe.

Abstract: A non-metallic element system is provided as part of a downhole tool that can effectively seal or pack-off an annulus under elevated temperatures. The element system can also resist high differential pressures without sacrificing performance or suffering mechanical degradation, and is considerably faster to drill-up than a conventional element system. In one aspect, the composite material comprises an epoxy blend reinforced with glass fibers stacked layer upon layer at about 30 to about 70 degrees. In another aspect, a mandrel is formed of a non-metallic polymeric composite material. A downhole tool, such as a bridge plug, frac-plug, or packer, is also provided. The tool comprises a support ring having one or more wedges, an expansion ring, and a sealing member positioned with the expansion ring.

Abstract: A non-metallic element system is provided as part of a downhole tool that can effectively seal or pack-off an annulus under elevated temperatures. The element system can also resist high differential pressures without sacrificing performance or suffering mechanical degradation, and is considerably faster to drill-up than a conventional element system. In one aspect, the composite material comprises an epoxy blend reinforced with glass fibers stacked layer upon layer at about 30 to about 70 degrees. In another aspect, a mandrel is formed of a non-metallic polymeric composite material. A downhole tool, such as a bridge plug, frac-plug, or packer, is also provided. The tool comprises a support ring having one or more wedges, an expansion ring, and a sealing member positioned with the expansion ring.

Abstract: A downhole tool has a mandrel with slip assemblies positioned thereon above and below a packer element. The slip assemblies are positioned in a manner to anchor the downhole tool in the well. The slip assemblies include a slip ring which has a plurality of slip segments. Each slip segment has inserts disposed in cavities therein. The cavities are oriented such that the longitudinal central axis of each cavity is parallel to the longitudinal central axis of each of the other cavities in the slip segment.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a packer system. The packer system includes, a first packing element settable to create a seal against a downhole structure, and a contingency packing element in operable communication with the first packing element, maintainable in reserve and settable at a time after which the first packing element is set.

Abstract: A swellable packer with variable quantity feed-throughs for lines. A packer assembly for use in a subterranean well includes a generally tubular swellable seal element having an outer generally cylindrical surface, one or more cavities extending longitudinally through the seal element, and one or more longitudinally extending splits in the seal element between the outer surface and each of the cavities. One or more elongated plugs are positioned within at least one of the cavities. A method of sealing a fluid passage in a subterranean well includes the steps of: inserting one or more elongated plugs in one or more cavities which extend longitudinally through a swellable seal element of a packer assembly; and installing the packer assembly in the well. The installing step includes removing a selected number of the plugs from the cavities, and replacing the selected number of the plugs with a corresponding number of lines.

Abstract: An expandable downhole tool is disclosed that employs naturally occurring organic matter as the expandable material. The expandable material is located within an enclosure formed in part by an impermeable element, which may form a hydraulic seal, and a permeable membrane that permits fluids present in the wellbore to pass and interact with the organic matter. The heat and fluids present within the wellbore may cause the expandable matter to swell, and thus causing the enclosure to swell and possibly form a hydraulic seal against a wellbore or inner annulus. The expandable tool may be used as packer, plug, or other downhole tool, among others. Methods of manufacturing and using such tools are also disclosed.

Abstract: A polymer composition includes a base polymer comprising a hydrocarbon rubber, an acrylic copolymer, and a refined oil in which the acrylic polymer is dispersed. The polymer composition is swellable when treated with an aqueous medium, non-aqueous medium, or both. A sealing element for a flow channel includes an expandable section filled with a swellable composition that swells when treated with a swelling material. The swellable composition includes the polymer composition, and the swelling material may be aqueous, non-aqueous, or both.

Abstract: Devices and methods for setting a packer inside a wellbore with little appreciable reduction of the useable area of the wellbore. The outer casing or liner of the wellbore contains one or more integrated casing coupler joints having an increased diameter chamber portion. A large bore packing element is carried within the increased diameter chamber portion. The packing element may be selectively actuated to form a seal against an interior tubular member. Because the packing element is located within the chamber portion of the casing coupler, the packer may be set while saving useable cross-sectional area within the casing.

Abstract: Systems and methods for installing an elastomeric element onto a packer mandrel or other existing oil field tubular equipment. In particular aspects, the packer device has a swellable elastomeric packer element.

Abstract: A swelling packer system uses modules that can be joined together and mounted over a tubular using a vertical split that can be drawn closed with a tapered pin in overlapping loops. The pins are circumferentially spaced apart as between adjacent modules. End rings can protect the modules for run in and act as extrusion barriers during and after the swelling is complete. The module ends can be overlapped in an interlocking fashion which allows multiple elements to be joined together to make a packer assembly as long as desired with any combination of swelling elements in a single packer assembly. Optionally, interior grooves in the swelling material can hold split ring seals or o-ring type seals that are slipped over a tubular end before a module is clamped on. The sealing elements can be triggered with water or hydrocarbons or with other materials already in the wellbore or introduced to it or other surface or locally actuated triggers.

Abstract: A packer that is usable with a well includes an anchor. The anchor includes at least one spirally extending ring, which is adapted to be selectively radially expanded to secure the packer to a casing string.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a swellable packer having a support element. A portion of the support element is substantially adjacent to the base tubular. Another portion of the support element is separated from the base tubular and a portion of the area between the support element and the base tubular is filled with the swellable material. Also disclosed herein is a sealing system including a packer as described above and a method for sealing within a wellbore using a packer as describe above.

Abstract: This mandrel (10) comprises a body (16; 22) and a radially expandable annular sealing element (18) which comprises a centring arrangement (46) and a closure arrangement (44) which can be deployed radially between a contracted configuration and a dilated configuration. It further comprises an anchoring element (20) which is positioned at a longitudinal distance from the sealing element (18) and is radially expandable between a retracted state and a deployed state. The mandrel (10) comprises sequencing means (24) which are capable of radially deploying the closure arrangement (44) after the anchoring element (20) and the centring arrangement (46). In an at least partly deployed configuration, the centring arrangement (46) defines at least one axial passage (64) which extends through the annular sealing element (18). The closure arrangement (44) closes the or each axial passage (64) as it is deployed.

Abstract: An expandable downhole tool is disclosed that employs naturally occurring organic matter as the expandable material. The expandable material is located within an enclosure formed in part by an impermeable element, which may form a hydraulic seal, and a permeable membrane that permits fluids present in the wellbore to pass and interact with the organic matter. The heat and fluids present within the wellbore may cause the expandable matter to swell, and thus causing the enclosure to swell and possibly form a hydraulic seal against a wellbore or inner annulus. The expandable tool may be used as packer, plug, or other downhole tool, among others. Methods of manufacturing and using such tools are also disclosed.

Abstract: A downhole seal and anchor releasing device includes, a seal defeatable via a first pull, an anchor releasable via a second pull, and an energy dissipation device configured to dissipate enough energy from the first pull subsequent defeat of the seal to prevent release of the anchor in response to the first pull

Abstract: A method for plugging a downhole wellbore including, running an anchor and swellable seal disposed at a mandrel within the downhole wellbore, setting the anchor within the downhole wellbore, releasing the anchor and the swellable seal, and swelling the swellable seal into contact with another downhole structure

Abstract: A downhole apparatus, such as a wellbore packer, is provided with a swellable member and a fluid supply assembly. The fluid supply assembly is to receive fluid and expose the swellable member to the fluid to cause expansion of the swellable member, and comprises a support structure for supporting the swellable member on the body. In a preferred embodiment, the support structure defines a chamber and is configured to allow fluid to flow and access the swellable member. A method of use and method of sealing a wellbore is described.

Abstract: The mandrel comprises a body having a longitudinal axis together with a radially-expandable annular assembly. The annular assembly presents a peripheral surface for pressing against a borehole and a peripheral surface for pressing against the body. Around the longitudinal axis, the annular assembly comprises a plurality of radial-expansion blocks. Each block has a first bearing surface, a second bearing surface, and two side surfaces disposed respectively facing a side surface of at least one adjacent block. The block are displaceable relative to one another between a radially-contracted configuration, and a radially-expanded, engagement configuration in which each side surface of a block is in contact with the side surface of the adjacent block.

Abstract: A seal comprising a polymeric material having a first swelling phase having a first swelling characteristic and a second swelling phase having a second swelling characteristic, the first swelling characteristic is greater than the second swelling characteristic is utilized to seal an upper portion from a lower portion of a wellbore. A wellbore seal tool is further described comprising a swellable layer, a supporting assembly disposed adjacent the swellable layer, and an inflatable bladder.

Abstract: An anchoring device to secure a packer assembly within a casing, including a frangible ring having a plurality of grips on an outer circumference, wherein a first end of the frangible ring includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced slots, and an expansion ring having a plurality of castellations configured to engage the slots of the first end of the frangible ring is disclosed. A method to secure a packer assembly in a casing, including engaging a plurality of arcuate segments of a segmented ring with a plurality of slots in a first end of a frangible ring, engaging a plurality of castellations of an expansion ring with the plurality of slots on a second end of the frangible ring, and moving the expansion ring in an axial direction towards the frangible ring and splitting the frangible ring into a plurality of slip segments, thereby radially extending the plurality of slip segments and segmented ring into the casing is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sealing and/or anchoring element for use in pipelines (1). The invention is characterized in that the sealing and/or anchoring element includes at least one helical element (5a, 5b, 14a, 14b) disposed around a string section (10), with the helical element (5a, 5b, 14a, 14b) being configured so as to be able to expand radially towards an inner wall of the pipeline (1) as the circumferential diameter thereof is increased.

Abstract: A packer (80) for establishing sealing engagement with a surface disposed in a wellbore includes a packer mandrel (90) and a seal assembly (100, 102, 104) slidably disposed about the packer mandrel (90). The seal assembly (100, 102, 104) has a running position and a radially expanded sealing position. A piston (122) is slidably disposed about the packer mandrel (90) and operably associated with the seal assembly (100, 102, 104). A collet assembly 145 is disposed about the packer mandrel (90) and is releasably coupled to the piston (122) such that radially inwardly shifting at least portion of the collet assembly (145) decouples the collet assembly (145) from the piston (122) allowing the piston (122) to shift longitudinally relative to the packer mandrel (90) which operates the seal assembly (100, 102, 104) from the running position to the radially expanded sealing position, thereby setting the packer (80).

Abstract: A packer insert for sealing multiple items used in a wellbore includes an elastomeric member having one or more channels configured to seal on the multiple items when compressed by a packing unit, wherein the elastomeric member is made of a material selected from rubber, an elastomer, and a composite material, and wherein the packer insert is not affixed to a pressure control apparatus having the packing unit disposed therein. The packer insert is axially fixed to at least one of the multiple items.

Abstract: A wellbore packer having a setting mechanism adapted to apply an axial force along a force path; a seal member connected with the setting mechanism along the force path, the seal member set in response to the application of the axial force; a slip connected with the setting mechanism downstream of the seal member along the force path, the slip set in response to the application of the axial force; and an assembly adapted to transfer the axial force around the intervening seal member to the slip.

Abstract: A swellable packer with variable quantity feed-throughs for lines. A packer assembly for use in a subterranean well includes a generally tubular swellable seal element having an outer generally cylindrical surface, one or more cavities extending longitudinally through the seal element, and one or more longitudinally extending splits in the seal element between the outer surface and each of the cavities. One or more elongated plugs are positioned within at least one of the cavities. A method of sealing a fluid passage in a subterranean well includes the steps of: inserting one or more elongated plugs in one or more cavities which extend longitudinally through a swellable seal element of a packer assembly; and installing the packer assembly in the well. The installing step includes removing a selected number of the plugs from the cavities, and replacing the selected number of the plugs with a corresponding number of lines.

Abstract: A zonal isolation system for use in a well is provided. The zonal isolation system includes a zonal isolation tool, at least one anchor, and at least one polished bore receptacle. The zonal isolation system may include a setting string for activation of the zonal isolation tool and/or the at least one anchor. The zonal isolation system may also include an isolation string for maintaining separation zones during production or injection of the well.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and assembly for creating a seal in a wellbore around a cable or line. The assembly includes a longitudinal body and a swellable portion which comprises a material selected to increase in volume on exposure to at least one triggering fluid. The swellable portion has a formation open to the longitudinal surface which provides a pathway for a cable or line to extend through the swellable portion, and an insert of swellable material. In an embodiment of the invention, the insert partly or fully encloses or encapsulates the cable or line. An aspect of the invention is characterised by the provision of a formation which is open to an outer longitudinal surface of the body.

Abstract: A downhole apparatus having a radially expanding portion and a support structure are described. The support structure comprises an attachment means for coupling to the apparatus and a support portion configured to be deployed from a first unexpanded condition to a second expanded condition by expansion of the apparatus. In one aspect of the invention, the downhole apparatus is expanded by exposing the swellable material to at least one predetermined fluid, and the support structure abuts the swellable material in its expanded form. A method of use and its application to a well packer, a hanging member, an anchor and a centralising apparatus are described.