Abstract: A wellbore isolation assembly including a plurality of discrete components each having an inner bore with a center axis, the plurality of discrete components axially abuttable such that each of the inner bores align to form a common bore, the plurality of discrete components including a fixing element; and a sealing element; wherein the plurality of discrete components are integrable by a setting device receivable through the common bore, and wherein application of a compressive force to the plurality of discrete components urges the fixing element and the sealing element to radially extend, relative to the axis of the common bore.

Abstract: A retrievable self-energizing top anchor tool with a central energizing mandrel disposed around a central tool bore and a set of anchor segments distributed around a circumference of the central energizing mandrel, each having one or more wedge surfaces facing toward the central tool bore and corresponding to and engaging inclined surfaces of the central energizing mandrel. The tool is releasable by relative upward movement of a release sub against a release sub stop arranged within the central tool bore. A release mechanism houses one or more pre-loaded release spring members locked with a release locking mechanism. When unlocked the release spring members exert a retracting bias force on the central energizing mandrel in downward direction along the longitudinal axis relative to the set of anchor segments. This downward movement of the central energizing mandrel causes a radially inward movement of the set of anchor segments.

Abstract: A composite frac plug has an elastomeric gripper assembly in place of an up-hole set of slips. The elastomeric gripper assembly permits the composite frac plug to be shorter and lighter and more rapidly drilled out after fracking is completed.

Abstract: A downhole system includes a packer assembly including a backup ring. The backup ring includes a plurality of nested leaves nested sequentially in a circumferential direction with adjacent circumferentially positioned leaves to collectively form a substantially circular shape. Each leaf includes a receiving section and an insertion section, the receiving section receiving an insertion section of an adjacent leaf. Upon radial expansion of the backup ring, the plurality of nested leaves fan out in the circumferential direction.

Abstract: A buckle prevention ring assembly for use within a conduit, such as casing, having at least one buckle prevention ring may be provided. The buckle prevention ring may be bonded and may provide a fluid and gas tight seal to prevent fluid and gas from leaking out of the casing in a downhole environment.

Abstract: A downhole isolation tool for sealing a well, the downhole isolation tool including a sealing element having an internal surface that defines a bore of the downhole isolation tool. The sealing element includes a plastically deformable material that irreversibly deforms when swaged.

Abstract: A self-locking packer carrier includes an integrated locking mechanism that locks the packer carrier directly to the packer cone after the sealing element is fully set. The integrated locking mechanism may include one or more compression splines extending from a packer carrier base in a radially outward direction to engage a casing after the attached sealing element has created a fluid tight seal, and a tooth profile formed along an inner diameter of the packer carrier base to lock the packer carrier to the packer cone in response to a compression force transferred to the base via the splines. The integrated locking mechanism is designed to eliminate backlash on the liner hanger system, increase vibrational resistance, accommodate liner stretch, withstand pump-out loads, and tolerate liner movement while maintaining sealing integrity.

Abstract: A downhole tool for use in a subterranean well having a casing therein. The downhole tool has a mandrel, a wedge, a slip bank and a pre-set mechanism. The wedge is disposed about the mandrel and in sliding relationship with the mandrel such that the wedge can slide between an unset position and a set position. The slip bank is associated with the wedge such that, when the slip wedge is in the unset position, the slip bank is in a radially inward position and does not engage the casing, and when the slip wedge is in the set position, the slip bank is in a radially outward position and engages the casing. The pre-set mechanism has a first detent ring located between the first wedge and the mandrel and positioned at least partially in a groove in the mandrel. The detent ring prevents the wedge from moving from the unset position to the set position until a load on the mandrel exceeds a predetermined force.

Abstract: A downhole tool for use in a wellbore, the tool having a metal slip made of a reactive metallic material. The downhole tool further includes a mandrel made a composite material, a seal element, and a composite slip. The composite slip has a circular composite slip body having one-piece configuration with at least partial connectivity around the entire circular composite slip body, and an at least two slip grooves disposed therein.

Abstract: A downhole slip apparatus that includes a radially extendable slip assembly. The radially extendable slip assembly including a primary slip arrangement and a secondary slip arrangement. The downhole slip apparatus is arranged such that during a first phase of operation the primary and secondary slip arrangements are radially extendable simultaneously from a retracted configuration towards and/or into a first extended configuration. The downhole slip apparatus is also arranged such that during a subsequent second phase of operation the secondary slip arrangement is radially extendable relative to the primary slip arrangement towards and/or into a second extended configuration.

Abstract: A packing element and a sealing element is disclosed. The packing element includes a sealing element positioned on an outer surface of a mandrel deployed in the wellbore, where the sealing element is disposed in an annulus between the mandrel and a portion of the wellbore. The sealing element includes a first cavity on an inner surface of the sealing element, where the first cavity has a first size and is positioned proximate a first end of the sealing element. The sealing element also includes a second cavity on the inner surface of the sealing element, where the second cavity has a second size that is different from the first size, and is positioned proximate a second end of the sealing element. The packing element also includes a first and second gauge rings positioned at first and second ends of the sealing element, respectively.

Abstract: A method includes deploying an assembly in a contracted state on a tool into a well. The assembly includes segments that are adapted to be radially contracted in the contracted state. The method further includes expanding the assembly downhole in the well using the tool to transition the assembly between the contracted state and an expanded state. Expanding the assembly includes using linkages to guide the segments during the expansion.

Abstract: An integrated seal backup system includes a guiding mandrel; opposing taper elements; a deformable element positioned around the mandrel and between the taper elements; opposing sets of rings adjacent the deformable element, each set having an inner solid ring having an outer diameter smaller than an inside diameter of the tubular to be sealed and at least one backup ring having an inner taper matching the taper element and adapted to fracture in a pre-determined location in response to a diameter expanding force.

Abstract: A morphable packer and method of setting the packer to anchor one tubular within another tubular or borehole, and create a seal across an annulus in a well bore. The packer is formed as a single tubular member having a central section between end sections. Undulations are formed on the tubular member to create recesses in which annular slips having oppositely arranged inclined surfaces and an outer gripping surface are located to provide an anchoring arrangement. When morphed the slips move uniformly radially outwards and anchor to an outer tubular. Embodiments include pairs of reversed slips located in the recess, pairs of anchoring arrangements located along the tubular member and a gasket seal arranged around the tubular member.

Abstract: A well tool device includes a mandrel device, a sealing element and upper and lower supporting devices. The well tool device may be configured between a run state, in which the sealing element is radially retracted, and a set state, in which the sealing element is radially expanded. The well tool device further includes a pressure distribution device for distributing the pressure on the sealing element in the set state via the upper and lower supporting devices. The pressure distribution device includes a sleeve device provided radially outside the mandrel device and radially inside the sealing element, where the sleeve device is axially displaceable in a sleeve compartment in relation to the mandrel device and the sealing element. The sleeve device includes an upper protrusion for applying a downwardly directed axial force to the upper supporting device when the sleeve device is in its lower position.

Abstract: A backup ring assembly has a base ring to support the plastically deformed extrusion barrier when the packer sealing element is set. The base ring has a thin walled tapered extending ring out of the base ring and into the direction of the sealing element. The sealing element fills the annular gap volume between an upper taper on the extending ring and the body of the backup ring such that on setting the pressure internally in the seal material helps to apply a force in a direction toward the mandrel and for the full circumference of the mandrel. This force and the flexibility of the extending ring helps push the extending ring toward the mandrel outer surface to close extrusion gaps between the mandrel and the base ring of the backup ring assembly.

Abstract: A seal assembly includes a first tubular having a sealing surface, and a seal element run with the first tubular and displaced from the surface. The seal element initially having a radial dimension that forms a radially innermost or outermost sealing dimension of the first tubular for enabling the first tubular to be sealed with a second tubular radially disposed with the first tubular. A mechanism is triggerable by axial movement for reconfiguring the radial dimension of the seal element. The sealing surface of the first tubular operatively forming the radially innermost or outermost sealing dimension of the first tubular when the radial dimension of the seal element has been reconfigured for enabling the sealing surface of the first tubular to receive a second seal element. The seal element is axially compressed and released to change the radial dimension of the seal element.

Abstract: A mandrel and a packer outer assembly are formed to create spring compartments on opposed sides of a sealing element. The outer assembly is shear pinned to the mandrel to minimize spring travel during setting. Once set in the normal way the presence of the springs transfers load and sustained loads through the connected tubular string in either direction. A load coming from downhole and acting in an uphole direction first compresses the spring located uphole from the sealing assembly so that the loading goes behind the sealing assembly and into the upper spring and ultimately to the upper slips. The reverse happens when the force is coming from uphole of the sealing assembly and acting in a downhole direction. The springs can be a coil, a stack of Belleville washers, fluid pushed through an orifice, a resilient material or a contained compressible fluid, to name some examples.

Abstract: A sealing element is flanked by wedge-shaped extrusion ring assemblies. The rings climb a ramp on an adjacent pedestal ring on the way out to the borehole wall. Depending on the dimension of the gap to be spanned the extrusion rings slide part way up the pedestal ring ramp or to the top of the pedestal ring. An anchor ring is initially forced up an opposite ramp of the pedestal ring. If the sealing gap is short the anchor ring touches the borehole wall to act as an anchor for the plug while remaining spaced apart from the extrusion ring assembly. For larger gaps the anchor ring moves out far enough to the borehole wall and in contact with the extrusion ring located on top of the pedestal so that reaction forces are directed to keep the anchor ring wedged in position for support of the extrusion ring assembly.

Abstract: A wellbore isolation device comprising a tubular body comprising a downhole component having an external surface and a first inner bore formed therein, and an uphole component having a sloped external surface and a second inner bore formed therein, wherein the sloped external surface of the uphole component has at least one first protrusion, a plurality of slips disposed about the external surface of the tubular body between the uphole component and the downhole component, each of the plurality of slips comprising at least one sloped surface having at least one second protrusion, and an outer surface facing away from the external surface of the tubular body, the outer surface having one or more gripping protrusions, wherein the at least one sloped surface of each of the slip abuts the sloped external surface of the uphole component, wherein the three components provide a central inner bore.

Abstract: A completion system includes a lower completion installed in a borehole proximate to a downhole formation. An intermediate completion assembly is included directly engaged with the lower completion. The intermediate completion assembly includes a barrier valve and packer device. The barrier valve is operatively arranged to selectively impede fluid flow through the lower completion and the packer device operatively arranged for isolating the formation. An upper completion string is included that is selectably engagable with the intermediate completion assembly. The barrier valve is operatively arranged to be transitionable to an open position when engaged with the upper completion string and transitions to a closed position via the upper completion string when the upper completion string is pulled out of the borehole. A method of completing a borehole is also included.

Abstract: A setting sleeve useable with a downhole system for isolating sections of a wellbore. The setting sleeve includes a first end; a second end; an outer surface; and an inner surface. There is a wall thickness formed between the inner surface and the outer surface. The setting sleeve can have at least one channel. There can be a plurality of linear channels disposed in the outer surface. In aspects, at least one channel has a rounded cross-sectional shape.

Abstract: An annular packer to create an annulus seal that includes a solid mandrel with a first end, second end, central bore, and exterior. The annular packer includes first and second sealing elements connected to the exterior. The second sealing element is expanded radially by axial movement of at least a portion of the second sealing element. The annular packer includes a first piston movable from a first position to a second position. Pressure applied exterior of the mandrel moves a portion of the first sealing element away from the mandrel to create a first seal causing a pressure differential. The pressure differential moves the first piston to its second position axially moving at least a portion of the second sealing element to create a second seal against the casing. A port may be opened releasing the first seal, but the second seal remains set against the casing.

Abstract: A slip design has segments that move relatively axially before moving in tandem up a ramp for radial extension. Due to the fact of the relative movement the segments interlock due to their geometric configuration or their surface treatment such that at the conclusion of such relative movement the load carrying thickness is effectively increased. The extended position minimizes radial extension of the slips for a smaller tool drift dimension while still allowing the needed radial extension and actually extending the radial reach of the slip assembly. The segment can have triangular or trapezoidal tapered interfaces that provide bearing areas between slip segments and adjacent spacer segment. Alternatively, the slips segments can have opposing wickers so that after riding up an underlying support member can interact with that member for load transfer. The supporting members can also be secured to an underlying mandrel for further load transfer.

Abstract: A method of forming a downhole seal between inner and outer tubulars. The method including bonding a sealing element to an insert with a bond that bonds at temperatures less than a first temperature and increasingly breaks down at temperatures higher than the first temperature. Defeating the bond between the sealing element and the insert at a second temperature higher than the first temperature; and, subsequently forming a seal between the inner and outer tubulars with the sealing element. Also included is a downhole sealing apparatus.

Abstract: A wellbore cementing tool configured for placement in a drill string, and method of using same. The tool is lowered on a hollow, small-diameter stem into the drill string and contacts the bit, such that the downward pressure on the tool causes a shear pin to shear, resulting in upward movement of an outer sleeve relative to the central body of the tool. The outer sleeve normally holds outwardly biased locking members in a retracted position, but when the outer sleeve is upwardly displaced, slots in the outer sleeve align with the locking members and allow the locking members to extend outwardly through the slots to engage the inner wall of the drill string thereby locking the tool in place. When in position, cement can be injected through the tool and the bit, circulating up the wellbore annulus. The tool does not require rotation to engage the drill string.

Abstract: An actuation device comprises a housing comprising one or more ports, a magnetic valve component, and a central flowbore. The central flowbore is configured to receive a disposable member configured to emit a magnetic field, and the magnetic valve component is configured to radially shift from a first position to a second position in response to interacting with the magnetic field.

Abstract: A tubing string assembly is disclosed for fluid treatment of a wellbore. The tubing string can be used for staged wellbore fluid treatment where a selected segment of the wellbore is treated, while other segments are sealed off. The tubing string can also be used where a ported tubing string is required to be run in in a pressure tight condition and later is needed to be in an open-port condition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to downhole tools and methods of removing such tools from wellbores. More particularly, the present invention relates to downhole tools designed to be comprised of dissolvable materials or frangible materials and methods for dissolving or fragmenting such downhole tools in situ.

Abstract: A packer tool having simple and reliable setting and release systems comprising three or more slips evenly distributed around a mandrel. Each slip comprises two members with gripping teeth which, except for one slip, typically have the capacity to grip a well casing in opposite axial directions. The remaining slip has only one member with teeth able to grip the casing, the other slip member has dummy teeth with nil gripping capacity. The latter teeth have blunt or rounded edges and are not slanted in a selective gripping direction as the sharper teeth of the other slip members.

Abstract: Systems and methods for activating a down hole tool in a wellbore. A piston is moveable from a first position to a second position for activating the down hole tool. The piston includes a first side exposed to an activation chamber, and a second side operatively coupled to the down hole tool. A rupture member has a first side exposed to the activation chamber and a second side exposed to the interior of a base pipe. The rupture member is configured to rupture when a pressure differential between the activation chamber and the interior reaches a predetermined threshold value, at which point the rupture member allows fluid communication between the interior and the activation chamber to pressurize the activation chamber and move the piston, thereby activating the down hole tool.

Abstract: A multi-stage setting tool actuated by hydrostatic pressure downhole is provided with a selectable force-time profile during setting. A first port opens a first piston chamber to hydrostatic pressure which drives a first piston. A force-transmitting member, attached to the piston, is driven in response to the fluid pressure increase in the chamber. The process is repeated with sequential ports and piston chambers. A settable tool is set in response to the driving of the force-transmitting member by the pistons. The combined stroke distances and forces of the pistons are selected to set the tool. Opening of the ports can occur in response to electrical signal and can be conditional on occurrence of a selected event or condition. Speed of setting can be regulated.

Abstract: A packer for a well is described. The packer comprises at least one packing element, at least one anchoring element, and a mandrel coupled to the at least one anchoring element. The packer is arranged such that, once set, the mandrel is free to move with respect to the packing and anchoring elements. In one embodiment the at least one anchoring element is integral with the at least one packing element. In an alternative embodiment the at least one anchoring element is separate from the at least one packing element.

Abstract: An improved downhole tool apparatus for limiting the extrusion of a sealing elements in downhole tools that use segmented retaining assemblies, retaining shoes or retaining limiters. The apparatus provides for locating the retaining bands for the retaining assemblies in a groove on the inner surface of the retaining assembly so that the bands are protected from breaking prematurely by inadvertently contacting the wellbore, casing within a wellbore, or other object.

Abstract: An anchoring and sealing device includes at least one slip, a seal and a tubular in operable communication with the at least one slip and the seal. The anchoring and sealing device is configured to cause radial movement of the at least one slip into anchoring engagement with a structure and to cause radial movement of the seal into sealing engagement with the structure in response to longitudinal compression of the anchoring and sealing device. The anchoring and sealing device is also configured to maintain anchoring and sealing engagement with the structure without additional components remaining in contact therewith.

Abstract: A downhole tool that is used to seal a well bore. The downhole tool has at least one of a nose cap coupled to a slip means for converting shear forces into compression forces, a pultrusion rod, and a butterfly ring. The pultrusion rod extends the full length of the center mandrel. The butterfly ring includes a plurality of wedges configured to remove the extrusion gap when the tool is expanded to prevent failure of a sealing member over increased well bore diameters. The downhole tool includes a pressure equalization port to equalize pressure between a first and a second fluid volume during removal of the tool from the well bore.

Abstract: Anchor areas are provided that are engaged by swelling of a swellable element of a downhole tool. When engaged with an open hole or casing, the anchor areas provide additional holding power for the swellable element. The anchor areas may be formed as separate elements disposed about the swellable element or may be formed into the surface of the swellable element.

Abstract: A slip assembly adapted to be used with a downhole tool which comprises metal slip inserts attached to a slip carrier made of a non-metallic material, such as composite material. As such, the non-metallic slip carrier can eliminate 60-70% or more of the metal used in conventional slip assemblies. Through use of the disclosed slip assembly, downhole tools may be set, while also reducing the metallic material used therein and, thus, greatly reducing the drill out time.

Abstract: A single piece composite slip component is disclosed, making it easier and more feasible for milling up a composite plug after use. Moreover, because the composite slip component is one piece during deployment, and not in segments like conventional slip segments, it can better withstand the high speeds and higher fluid velocities and pressures downhole.

Abstract: A downhole tool useable for isolating sections of a wellbore that includes a composite mandrel; and a metal slip disposed about the composite mandrel, the metal slip having a one-piece circular slip body; and a face comprising a set of mating holes; a sleeve comprising a set of pins configured to engage the set of mating holes, wherein the downhole tool is configured for portions of the metal slip to be in gripping engagement with a surrounding tubular after setting.

Abstract: A downhole tool slip mechanism including a cone, cage, and slip disposed on a mandrel. The cone and cage can be move in relation to one another, and the cone may be locked into place during run-in and retrieval downhole. The cage contains slip slots contains a spring retaining finger for a spring that resides between the retention finger and the slip. This spring serves to bias the slip inward during run-in and retrieval. The slip slots have load-bearing shoulders used to engage the slip during retrieval. The slips outer surface is completely covered in wickers so that the slip can sustain greater loads when set in place. Additionally, the slip has load-bearing shoulders with an increased thickness cross-section to sustain greater loads during retrieval while minimizing slip and cage failures.

Abstract: A barrel slip for a packer assembly operable for use in a wellbore. The barrel slip includes a radially expandable barrel slip body having a first end and a second end. A substantially cylindrical directional gripping surface is disposed on an exterior of the barrel slip body proximate the first end. A substantially cylindrical non directional contact surface is disposed on the exterior of the barrel slip body proximate the second end. In a set configuration, radial expansion of the barrel slip body creates a gripping engagement between the directional gripping surface and the wellbore that opposes movement of the barrel slip body in a first direction. Also, in the set configuration, radial expansion of the barrel slip body creates a contact engagement between the non directional contact surface and the wellbore that diverts force acting on the barrel slip body in a second direction to the wellbore.

Abstract: Slip members for use with downhole tools comprise a body formed of a first or body material and one or more hard material elements formed of a second or element material. The element material is harder than the body material. The hard material element is disposed through the body and in communication with a first surface and a second surface of the body, the second surface being disposed opposing the first surface. During manufacturing of the slip members, the hard material element may extend outwardly from one or both of the first and second surfaces. After manufacturing, the hard material element can be shaped to provide a gripping member.

Abstract: A downhole assembly includes a wave seal packer including a wave portion having a wave form shape in an un-expanded condition. The wave portion configured to radially encircle a tubular with alternating and interconnected uphole and downhole portions. The packer having a substantially uniform internal radius in the un-expanded condition.

Abstract: A downhole 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: A linkage device separate from the integrated slips bridge links the pair of spaced-apart members of each slip to prevent sizeable fractured bits from moving away in the event of a fracture in the slip. The linkage device comprises a pair of ductile steel bars the ends of which loosely anchor in holes in each slip member, the holes being located at both sides of the slips at opposite ends of a groove that houses the linkage bar preventing it from falling out of the holes. In this way, a fractured slip may continue to assist in setting the tool and, moreover, potential hazardous interference in further tool operations are avoided. Furthermore, tool damage including slips fracture is reduced by a resilient damper material which buffers the lower cone as it slides down on the slip-holder cage during a tool release operation.

Abstract: An expandable backup ring includes an outer surface, an inner surface having a plurality of protrusions projecting radially inwardly, and a plurality of segments, the segments defined by a plurality of outer surface cuts. The plurality of outer surface cuts extends radially inwardly from the outer surface and partially into each of the plurality of protrusions.

Abstract: A packer for a well. The packer comprises a seal element and seal setting apparatus. The seal setting apparatus is moveable with respect to the seal element in a setting direction to apply a setting force to the seal element to move the seal element from a run-in configuration to a set configuration in which, in use, the seal element forms a contact seal with a conduit wall. In use, the packer is arranged such that, in the set configuration, a pressure differential across the packer, which creates a force in the setting direction, will increase the setting force applied by the seal setting apparatus to the seal element to maintain the seal.

Abstract: A slip and cone assembly for a downhole tool that includes a composite slip having a one-piece configuration and having at least two grooves disposed therein; and a cone having a first end configured for engagement with the composite slip, wherein the composite slip and the cone are configured for application of a load therebetween that results in a fracture in material between the at least two grooves.

Abstract: A well barrier is for sealing off a first portion of a wellbore from a second portion of the wellbore, the first portion having a higher fluid pressure than the second portion. The well barrier is held in place in the wellbore by a holding means. The well barrier is preshaped to disintegrate in at least three barrier elements upon activation of a disintegration means, at least one of the barrier elements having a surface area facing the first portion of the wellbore that is larger than the surface area facing the second portion of the wellbore. A method is for controlling a disintegration of the well barrier.