Abstract: A packer is provided which reduces the number of components required in a retrievable packer. The packer is compact in size, and convenient and economical in use. In a described embodiment, the packer includes seal carrying and gripping assemblies mounted on a mandrel. Axial compression of the assemblies causes a seal and grip structures carried on the assemblies to radially outwardly deflect. Each of the assemblies may be integrally formed, thereby further reducing the number of components needed to construct the packer. Each of the assemblies is usable separately on the mandrel to produce apparatus which only grippingly engage or only sealingly engage a tubular member in a well. The packer or similar apparatus is retrieved by releasing the force axially compressing the assemblies.

Abstract: A slip element installable about a downhole tool apparatus for use in anchoring a downhole tool in a wellbore. The slip element has at least one slip button made of a metallic-ceramic composite material comprising an effective percentage by weight of a preselected titanium compound. The composite makes the slip button resistant to chipping upon setting but has favorable drillability characteristics upon drilling the downhole tool from a wellbore. The slip element may include at least one slip element made of a non-metallic material such as a laminated nonmetallic composite material. Preferably at least one slip button is made of a metallic-ceramic composite material comprising less than about 75 percent by weight of titanium carbide having a density ranging between about 5 to 7 grams per cubic centimeter. Preferably, the slip button is cylindrically shaped and is installed in at least one slip element at a preselected angle and extends outwardly at a preselected distance from a face of the slip element.

Abstract: In a parent wellbore casing, full bore access to the portion of the casing beneath a lateral bore liner portion therein is provided using a specially designed tubular retrievable anchor assembly hydraulically set within the casing above the liner portion and having a depending mill guide portion. A milling pipe with a first rotary mill is extended through the anchor assembly, with the mill being laterally deflected by the guide to mill a partial opening through the bottom side wall of the liner portion. The milling pipe is then withdrawn from the casing, the first mill replaced with a second rotary mill, and a specially designed tubular retrieval collet coaxially secured to the milling pipe. The milling pipe is then extended downwardly through the anchor assembly, the second mill used to enlarge the initial liner opening, and the collet snapped into the anchor assembly. The anchor assembly is then retrieved by pulling up on the milling pipe to release the anchor assembly which is removed from the casing.

Abstract: Method and apparatus particularly suitable for tools having a center mandrel, a plurality of slip segments disposed in an initial position around the mandrel and requiring a retaining means for holding the slip segments in an initial position prior to setting the tool downhole. The subject retaining system is characterized by at least one frangible retaining band extending at least partially around the slips and at least one elastic O-ring extending at least partially around the slips. Preferably the retaining band is non-metallic and both the retaining band and the elastic O-ring reside in a common groove formed in the outer face of each slip. The groove further preferably has an L-shape due to an under cut in the groove to form a lip extending over the retaining band. Hardened inserts may be molded into the slips. The inserts may be metallic, such as hardened steel, or non-metallic, such as a ceramic material.

Abstract: In a parent wellbore casing, full bore access to the portion of the casing beneath a lateral bore liner portion therein is provided using a specially designed tubular retrievable anchor assembly hydraulically set within the casing above the liner portion and having a depending mill guide portion. A milling pipe with a first rotary mill is extended through the anchor assembly, with the mill being laterally deflected by the guide to mill a partial opening through the bottom side wall of the liner portion. The milling pipe is then withdrawn from the casing, the first mill replaced with a second rotary mill, and a specially designed tubular retrieval collet coaxially secured to the milling pipe. The milling pipe is then extended downwardly through the anchor assembly, the second mill used to enlarge the initial liner opening, and the collet snapped into the anchor assembly. The anchor assembly is then retrieved by pulling up on the milling pipe to release the anchor assembly which is removed from the casing.

Abstract: An improved downhole tool apparatus and method for limiting the extrusion of packer element seals of packers and bridge plugs which utilize segmented packer retaining shoes when such tools are of larger diameters, or when used at elevated differential pressures or elevated temperatures. Preferably the segmented packer shoes incorporate a plurality of gap-bridging disks to limit if not eliminate unwanted extrusion of the packer elements upon setting of the tool. By making the packer element shoes and disks of non-metallic material, the subject invention increases the ability to drill or mill downhole tools out of a well bore in less time than it would take with using conventional or non-conventional drilling or milling techniques or equipment while providing enhanced high temperature and high pressure performance, especially in larger nominal outside diameter downhole tools.

Abstract: A seal useful for high temperature and high-differential pressures, particularly in sour gas wells, is disclosed. The preferred embodiment of the seal is an elongated member having features akin to a chevron-type seal at at least one end, coupled with at least one interference seal. A pocket is created in between these two elements which can trap atmospheric pressure, thereby enhancing the ability of downhole well fluids to compress the seal against a mandrel for facilitating its installation in a liner bore. The additional structural rigidity provided by the variety of alternative designs presented overcomes the tendency of the chevron portion of the seal to fail to seat due to downhole fluid pressures, displacing the chevron portion out of shape prior to its insertion into a liner bore.

Abstract: A bulge control compression packer having an elastomeric tubular body and a bulge control member to reinforce the tubular body. The bulge control member including interwoven support elements which generally avoid cutting and gouging the tubular body when the tubular body is in a compressed state and further, generally avoid the accumulation of slack about the bulge control member.

Abstract: An improved downhole tool apparatus including, but not limited to, packers and bridge plugs which more fully utilize highly stressed non-metallic components, including slips, slip wedges, and packer element retaining shoes than prior tools. The non-metallic packer element retaining shoes of the present invention are preferably made of separate shoe segments initially held in place by at least one retaining band. Such non-metallic packer element shoes do away with troublesome prior art metallic shoes and backups which tended to spin upon each other or about the mandrel while milling or drilling the tool out of a wellbore. Therefore, the subject invention increases the ability to drill or mill downhole tools out of a well bore in less time than it would take with using conventional or non-conventional drilling or milling techniques or equipment.

Abstract: A downhole tool apparatus and methods of drilling the apparatus. The apparatus may include, but is not limited to, packers and bridge plugs utilizing non-metallic components. The material may include engineering grade plastics. The nonmetallic components may include but are not limited to the center mandrel, slips, slip wedges, slip supports and housings, spacer rings, valve housings and valve components. Methods of drilling out the apparatus without significant variations in the drilling speed and weight applied to the drill bit may be employed. Alternative drill bit types, such as polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) bits may also be used.

Abstract: A downhole tool apparatus and methods of drilling the apparatus. The apparatus may include, but is not limited to, packers and bridge plugs utilizing non-metallic slip components. The non-metallic material may include engineering grade plastics. In one embodiment, the slips are separate and held in place in an initial position around the slip wedge by a retainer ring. In another embodiment, the slips are integrally formed with a ring portion which holds the slips in the initial position around the wedge; in this embodiment, the ring portion is made of a fracturable non-metallic material which fractures during a setting operation to separate the slips. Methods of drilling out the apparatus without significant variations in the drilling speed and weight applied to the drill bit may be employed. Alternative drill bit types, such as polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) bits may also be used.

Abstract: A straight bore metal-to-metal seal for connecting a tubing string to the mandrel of a well packer has a radially deflectable sealing member compressed between the internal bore surface of a tubular seal receptacle and the tubular body portion of a seal mandrel. The seal receptacle has a radially stepped sealing surface which is engaged by the deflectable sealing member in the operative sealing position. The inside bore of the deflectable sealing member is positively sealed against the outside surface of the seal mandrel by a pair of metal V-rings. A positive seal is also produced by engagement of the deflectable sealing member against the radially stepped bore of the seal receptacle. The deflectable sealing member is loaded by radial compression forces produced as a result of interference engagement of the deflectable sealing member against the radially stepped bore.

Abstract: A device comprising a flow string of two parts separated by an assembly for pumping effluents and a side-entry sub lowered into an equipped well provided with a pipe perforated in the part thereof going through a producing zone. At least one assembly of measuring instruments and possibly a device for homogenizing effluents before their treatment are arranged at a bottom end of the lower part of the string. The measuring assembly is connected with the surface installation by a multiconductor cable passing from an inside of the string to the outside at the level of the side-entry sub. The pumping assembly is positioned in a well zone accessible to the produced effluents but far enough from the most deflected and/or the narrowest well portions, in order to facilitate the setting of the pumping assembly and to avoid any risk of jamming or crushing of the cable connected with the assembly of the measuring instruments.

Abstract: A method of selectively and variably positioning tubing within the generally horizontal section of a horizontally drilled well. A tubing string having a guide shoe secured to the end thereof is inserted into a portion of the horizontal section of a horizontal well. Smaller diameter tubing is then inserted through the tubing string and past guide shoe into the generally horizontal section. The smaller diameter tubing can be inserted to a point proximate the end of the horizontal section of the well or intermediate between the end and the guide shoe. The subterranean formation surrounding the generally horizontal section may be stimulated or treated by injecting a fluid via the smaller diameter tubing.

Abstract: A geothermal wellhead repair unit including a mechanically set packer to isolate the wellhead for removal and repair thereof. The packer is run into the well string using a running tool. The packer is set by placing tension on the mandrel to set the packing elements and the slip assembly. Once the packer is set, the running tool can be disengaged without fear of collapsing the packer and the wellhead removed for repair or replacement. Upon replacement of the wellhead, the running tool is used to unset and retrieve the packer.

Abstract: A packer assembly is provided for use in a subterranean well and settable only by longitudinal manipulation of a tubular workstring. The assembly has an outer housing and a seal assembly with anchoring slips carried by the housing in retracted position and movable to expanded position along the wall of a casing or the like. A longitudinally extending central mandrel telescopes within the housing. Orienting and setting pins are provided for initial receipt within orienting and setting slots with the setting pins being moved to the orienting slot to permit setting of the packer. The seal assembly and anchoring slips are maintained in retracted position and are responsive to a variation in internal diameter between a first and second tubular conduit to thereafter permit the manipulating device to move the seal assembly and the anchoring slips to expanded position within only the second tubular conduit which has a diameter less than that of the first tubular conduit.

Abstract: A dual string well packer which is anchored at a downhole location within the bore of a well casing string by relative longitudinal movement between the primary tubing string and the secondary tubing string. The well packer is set by applying tension via the secondary string. The well packer is released from its downhole location by applying tension via the primary string. The invention is particularly adapted for use in well completions that are subject to thermocycling such as steam injection wells. However, the anchoring and releasing mechanism of the present invention can be readily adapted for use with any dual string well packer. The present invention includes an improved method for well completion, minimizing tubing handling requirements during the installation and removal of the production tubing strings and associated dual string well packer.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for anchoring of equipment within the interior bore of a section of a subterranean well conduit, and particularly for insertion of such equipment. The apparatus comprises a cylindrical housing and a conically tapered surface around the exterior of the housing which is radially larger at its upper end and tapered to a radially smaller lower end. A seal body is provided which is carried exteriorly around the housing and has its interior tapered end reverse to that of the conically tapered surface around the housing and which is selectively longitudinally movable relative to the housing from a first, unset position on the conduit section to a second, set position on the conduit section and radially expandable during the movement relative to the housing. Anchoring means are carried exteriorly around the body for securing the apparatus to the conduit section against upward and downward movement of the apparatus.

Abstract: A retractable slip assembly for downhole oil tools such as packers and anchors which permits retrieval of the tool with a minimum of force and without damaging the casing or tool. The slip assembly includes a plurality of slip elements adapted to engage a setting cone which moves the slips outwardly into engagement with the casing wall. The individual slip elements travel within slip windows formed in an outer sleeve. In addition to guiding the slips, the slip windows facilitate retraction of the slip elements. In order to reduce the force necessary to release the slip assemblies, the engaging edges of the slip elements and the slip windows are provided with a cooperating angle corresponding to the slope of the setting cone and slip underside. The reduced force necessary to retract the slips allows the use of upper and lower slip assemblies in conjunction with a packer assembly.

Abstract: A pressure packer assembly adapted for positioning in a bore of a gas or oil well, and having a compressible sealing element which when actuated prevents fluid flow from below the compressed sealing element, with the packer assembly including the sealing element, having a lateral opening therethrough so that fracturing fluid passes through such lateral opening in the packer assembly into fracturing contact with the well bore. A notch gun coacting with the packer is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention in its preferred embodiment comprises a combination anchor including a first tubular member having a circular shoulder formed around the perimeter of its bore. Adapted to be releasably inserted inside the tubular member is a bullplug comprising a cylindrical shaped plug member with a rounded bottom section and a seat ring adapted to be threadedly connected to the top section of the plug member. Adapted to be connected to the seat ring and plug member by means of cooperating threads is a mandrel. A conical member having a plurality of compressible legs depending therefrom is insertable over the mandrel and secured thereon by a cap member which fits over the conical member and may be attached thereto by means of cooperating threads. Threadedly connected to the top of the cap and extending upwardly into the bore of the tubing string is a rod, which is more commonly known in the trade as a rod sub. At the end of this rod sub is the male counterpart of a locking device known as a J-latch pin.

Abstract: A tubular well tool receiving conduit for receiving a well tool having anchoring teeth in which a plurality of circular extending grooves on the inside on the conduit are provided for coacting with the anchoring teeth for supporting the well tool. Preferably the grooves match the tooth profile of the anchoring teeth and the grooves are concentric. For receiving a well packer, a second plurality of circularly extending grooves on the inside of the conduit coact with the expandible seal for providing multiple seal points with the packer seal. A no-go shoulder on the conduit positions the well tool in the conduit. In another embodiment, the circular grooves extend longitudinally a greater distance to engage the well tool anchoring means and seal and extend continuously along the inside diameter.

Abstract: A tubular member is provided with expandable seals which are expanded into sealing engagement with a surrounding surface by a sleeve actuating member on the tubular member. A releasable retaining member is secured to the tubular member and has shoulder means adjacent one end interlocked with shoulder means adjacent an end of the sleeve actuating member to retain the sleeve actuating member in nonexpanding seal position as the tubular member is lowered into position in the well bore. The shoulder means on the releasable retaining member is on a longitudinally extending, radially flexible portion of the retaining member. An annular shoulder intermediate the ends of the flexible portion engages the upper end of a liner in the well bore, and moves the flexible portion radially inwardly to disengage the interlocked shoulder means, thus releasing the sleeve actuating means to expand the expandable seals.

Abstract: A wireline supported mechanically operable packer device (10) for use in a drill string (DS) casing (C) and attached core drill bit (B) raised off the bottom of a borehole and testing the formation below has a housing (12) adapted to engage an arresting internal shoulder (S) of the core drill bit (B). A hollow inner mandrel (40) slideable in the housing has attached thereto a packer seal cup (P) an O-ring seal (P) expander (50) weight means (60) and wireline means (70) (80) moveable between stops (16) (18) determining the extended and contracted positions thereof relative to the housing.

Abstract: Improved packer assembly for sealing a well screen to a casing avoids contamination problems of expandable lead packers and the abrasion of self-sealing packers which can be rendered ineffective before they reach their intended depth. A pair of annular end members, adapted to be threaded to the well screen and to the drill stem, are joined by a compressible, tubular metal portion. When the well screen is at its intended depth, a swedge dropped against the upper end member of the packer assembly will compress the ends of the tubular metal portion toward each other while the intermediate portion expands into sealing relation with the casing. The seal can be enhanced by applying rings or layers of elastomeric material to the tubular metal portion.

Abstract: A valve having a lead seal for controlling flow through a port in the housing of the valve in which the seal is moved from an out of the way position into a position preventing flow through the port. The seal is metallic and by using a piston-type seal expander in combination with a ball catcher pressure exerted within the valve on a ball may be exerted over the entire area defined by the piston to set the seal under very high pressures, after which the ball and its catching tube may be released from the piston and removed from the valve.

Abstract: A packer adapted for thermal applications to provide sealing integrity between the tubing and casing in a subterranean well is disclosed in combination with a tubing anchor seal assembly for providing secured sealing integrity between the tubing and the seal bore of the packer. The tubing anchor seal assembly comprises an inner mandrel attached to the tubing string. Annular seals are disposed on the exterior of the mandrel. A latch prevents upward movement of the tubing anchor seal assembly relative to the packer, while downward movement is prevented by abutting shoulders. A concentric sleeve engages the seals and radial protrusions on the mandrel transmit longitudinal force to the seals trapped against the sleeve to energize the seals which need not be elastomeric.

Abstract: A weight-set pack-off unit for sealing the annulus between inner and outer pipes, such as a mandrel casing hanger and a wellhead body in a well. The pack-off unit includes an expandable split ring receivable in a groove in the outer pipe to prevent upward movement of the pack-off unit relative to the outer pipe. The split ring is supported by a second ring which is shear-pinned to the pack-off unit and which moves the split ring into the locking position. The pack-off unit has a downwardly facing load-bearing shoulder in engagement with an upwardly facing load-bearing shoulder on the inner pipe, thereby increasing the unit's capacity to carry downward loads.

Abstract: A packer assembly and its method of use are provided, the packer assembly being carried on a first conduit for use in wells exposed to corrosive injection fluids, the well being encased by a second conduit having a locking recess defined therein, such as by having first and second conduit members, the conduit members being interengaged by coupling whereby the locking recess is defined by the coupling element and between the conduit members. The assembly comprises a body member communicating to the first conduit and having a slotted configuration thereon. An inwardly flexible, outwadly urged collet assembly is exterior of the body, with control means on the collet assembly being carryable within the slotted configuration. Means on said body define a pocket for selective receipt of the collet assembly for locking the collet assembly relative to the locking recess.

Abstract: An anchoring mechanism for a well packer includes plural bidirectional one piece slip members which are radially extendable into gripping engagement with a well conduit. The slip members are engaged by wedge surfaces on cooperating upper and lower slip cones. Only the lower slip cone is fitted with grooves which are adapted to receive laterally projecting tongues on the slip members for retaining the slip members in assembly with the remainder of the anchoring mechanism. The anchoring mechanism includes a plurality of longitudinally extending brackets having laterally projecting ears which are engageable with inclined slots cut in opposite longitudinal sides of the slip members. The bracket members are connected to the upper slip cone for movement therewith by shear screws.

Abstract: A well sealing system for blocking fluid flow through an annulus partially defined by a tubing string disposed within a casing string. A metal seal ring is compressed and radially expanded to form a primary metal to metal seal between the exterior of the tubing string and the interior of the casing string. A production well packer and packing rings are carried by the tubing string to form secondary elastomeric to metal seals between the tubing string and casing string. Backup rings are provided to control the extrusion of the metal seal ring while it is compressed and radially expanded. A protective cylinder is also provided to prevent damage to the packing rings and the metal seal ring while the tubing string is lowered through the bore of the casing string. The protective cylinder assists in setting the production packer while the metal seal ring is being compressed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning and bonding a liner in a casing in a well bore wherein a pack off bushing is provided between the liner and the well string on which the liner is lowered into the well bore for discharge of a bonding agent through the well string and around the liner in the well bore.The seal or pack off bushing is constructed and arranged so that it may be retrieved after the positioning and bonding operations are completed along with the well string upon which the liner is initially lowered into the well bore.

Abstract: A well tool such as a multiple packer which is held in the well against downward movement by engagement of the tool with the well casing such as through a no-go shoulder and held against upward movement by a latch system which after the tool is in place in the well is moved axially along the tool upwardly into engagement with a no-go shoulder in the casing and secured at this point. The tool is removed by releasing the latch assembly.

Abstract: A tubular member is provided with seals thereon for sealing in a liner receptacle supported in a well string in a well bore. Expandable seal means are provided on the tubular member with actuating means for expanding the expandable members into engagement with the well string above the receptacle, and releasable retaining means engage the actuating means with the tubular member to retain the actuating means in a non activated position until the releasable retaining means are actuated. Additional means secure the actuating means on the tubular member to inhibit premature release of the releasable retaining means as the seal nipple packer is lowered through the well string to be positioned in the receptacle. Slip segments are releasably connected to an expander cone, with both being mounted on the tubular member in longitudinal spaced relation to the actuating means at the other end of the expandable seal means.

Abstract: A versatile multistring mechanically actuated well packer featuring compression or tension set utilizes unitary tubular anchor means and compressible elastomeric packer elements, with a tension-shearable emergency release.