Abstract: A downhole tool such as a bridge or frac plug includes a combination anvil and coupler that forms both the anvil or bottom stop on a mandrel, and a coupler to attach a burn device. One or more members, including a packer ring, can be disposed on the mandrel and movable with respect to the central mandrel along a longitudinal axis of the central mandrel. The combination anvil and coupler includes an upper attachment section attached to the mandrel, an upper surface against which the members are compressed, and a lower attachment section attached to a burn device.

Abstract: Downhole tools for use in oil and gas production which degrade into non-toxic materials, a method of making them and methods of using them. A frac ball and a bridge plug comprised of polyglycolic acid which can be used in fracking a well and then left in the well bore to predictably, quickly, and safely disintegrate into environmentally friendly products without needing to be milled out or retrieved.

Abstract: Plug element systems comprise a tubular member having at least two seats. An eccentrically-shaped plug member comprises an upper end portion and a lower end portion. The upper end portion comprises an upper end diameter can be less than, greater than, or equal to a lower end portion diameter of the lower end portion. The eccentric shape of the plug member permits it to pass through a first seat and land on a second seat comprising a second seat length where both the first seat and the second seat comprise substantially equal inner seat diameters.

Abstract: An annular seat structure, for use in subterranean well stimulation operations, is operative in conjunction with associated expansion control structure to permit a predetermined number of fracture plug members to axially pass therethrough. In an illustrated embodiment thereof, the annular seat structure is movable between a retracted position having a first interior diameter, and a resiliently expanded position having a second, larger interior diameter. The seat structure has an annular array of rigid ring segments interdigitated with annular gaps that receive radially outwardly projecting portions of an annular resilient liner secured to radially inner surfaces of the rigid ring segments, the outwardly projecting liner portions being secured to circumferentially facing surfaces of the rigid ring segments. An annular spring member coaxially circumscribes the rigid ring segment array, is received in notches formed in the rigid segments, and resiliently biases the seat structure toward its retracted position.

Abstract: The removable plug features a solid material that is housed in a porous container that has its shape changed to transition from the run in shape to the set shape. A running string and setting tool that creates relative movement deliver the plug and pull on its lower end while holding the top stationary against a backing plate. The container is pulled into itself as the radial dimension grows for the set. There can be a mandrel that remains in position and can lock to the backing plate or alternatively there can be no mandrel or a removable mandrel. The porous container can be removed in a variety of ways to let the solid material escape to be removed with fluid circulating in the wellbore. Alternatively the mandrel can be undermined to let the solid material escape for recovery.

Abstract: A downhole tool includes a tubular including a port. A first ball mechanism including a first shuttle axially movable within the tubular from a first position covering the port to a second position exposing the port. A first ball seat movable with the first shuttle and a second ball mechanism including a second shuttle axially movable within the tubular from a first position exposing the port to a second position covering the port. A second ball seat movable with the second shuttle, wherein an opening of the first ball seat is smaller than an opening of the second ball seat. Also includes a method of opening and closing a port in a downhole tubular and a method of completing downhole operations in a non-sequential order using a sleeve system having a plurality of downhole tools.

Abstract: To address concerns of kobe plug cap portions being inadvertently removed, for example, by abutment with strings or tools passing thereby, a shielding structure may be employed to protect the cap against inadvertent removal. The port opening tool useful with the kobe plug is selected to overcome the shielding structure to open the kobe plug. To address concerns of a portion of the kobe plug becoming loose in the tubing string inner bore, a capturing mechanism may be provided that captures the cap portion after it is removed to open the kobe plug and prevented the cap portion from becoming loose in the inner bore of the tubing string.

Abstract: To address concerns of kobe plug cap portions being inadvertently removed, for example, by abutment with strings or tools passing thereby, a shielding structure may be employed to protect the cap against inadvertent removal. The port opening tool useful with the kobe plug is selected to overcome the shielding structure to open the kobe plug. To address concerns of a portion of the kobe plug becoming loose in the tubing string inner bore, a capturing mechanism may be provided that captures the cap portion after it is removed to open the kobe plug and prevented the cap portion from becoming loose in the inner bore of the tubing string.

Abstract: A caged ball fractionation plug for use in a wellbore with a crown engagement having a tapered nose cone and various load ring, slips, slip backups, lubricating spacers and seals can all be slidably engaged to the mandrel. Upon applying pressure, the slidably engaged components can be compressed against each other and the plug can expand and bite into the casing of the wellbore. The caged ball portion of the plug seats the ball internal to the plug to create two separate fractionation zones in the wellbore.

Abstract: A downhole plug for plugging and method of controlling fluids within a borehole in an oil and/or gas well. The downhole plug has a body having a throughbore for the passage of fluids. The plug also has a mechanical anchoring device that can radially expand an anchoring member on an outer surface of the body to lock the body in a fixed axial position within the borehole and an annular sealing device that can radially expand a sealing member on the outer surface of the body to seal an annulus formed between the outer surface of the body and an inner surface of the borehole. The plug also has a throughbore plugging device that can change configuration between a first open configuration in which the throughbore of the body permits the passage of fluid, and a second closed configuration in which the throughbore resists the passage of fluid.

Abstract: A flow control device comprises a fluid pathway configured to provide fluid communication between an exterior of a wellbore tubular and an interior of the wellbore tubular, a flow restriction disposed in the fluid pathway, wherein the flow restriction is disposed in a radial alignment with respect to the wellbore tubular, and a flow blockage disposed in the fluid pathway, wherein the flow blockage substantially prevents a fluid flow through the fluid pathway.

Abstract: A plug for isolating a wellbore. The plug can include a body having a first end and a second end, at least one malleable element disposed about the body, at least one slip disposed about the body, at least one conical member disposed about the body, and an insert secured to an inner surface of the body proximate the second end of the body. The insert can be adapted to receive a setting tool that enters the body through the first end thereof. The insert can include a passageway extending therethrough. The insert can be adapted to release the setting tool when exposed to a predetermined axial force, thereby providing a flow passage through the insert and the body. At least one of the body and the insert can be adapted to receive an impediment that restricts fluid flow in at least one direction through the body, wherein the impediment comprises one or more decomposable materials.

Abstract: A cement retainer comprises a plug that may be run into casing on a wire line and set in a conventional manner. A passage through the plug allows cement to be pumped therethrough. A wiper plug follows the cement, wipes the inside of the casing and latches onto the retainer to prevent back flow of cement. In some embodiments, the cement retainer and wiper plug are made of drillable materials allowing a series of squeeze operations to be conducted, one after another without undue delay, and then be drilled up in a single bit run. In some embodiments, the cement retainer and wiper plug are made of metals, drillable or non-drillable, or other long lived materials in order to plug wells in the process of abandoning them.

Abstract: A configurable insert for a downhole tool. The configurable insert can include a body having a bore that is blocked by an impediment such that fluid flow is prevented through the body in both axial directions. The impediment can include a decomposable material. The configurable insert can also include at least one shear element disposed on the body for connecting to a setting tool. The shear element can be adapted to shear when exposed to a predetermined force, thereby releasing the setting tool from the body. The configurable insert can also include one or more threads disposed on an outer surface of the body below the at least one shear element for connecting the body to the downhole tool.

Abstract: A one-way flowable anchoring system includes a plurality of same anchors that are sealedly fixedly engagable within a structure and each of the plurality of same anchors has a flow bore longitudinally therethrough with a first seat and a second seat on opposing ends thereof The system also has a plug positionable within the structure between two of the plurality of same anchors positioned longitudinally adjacent one another.

Abstract: The subject disclosure relates to expandable structures that seal and block cross-sections of a wellbore. In an embodiment, the apparatus comprises a plurality of structure plates and at least one expandable structure, the apparatus operable to change a perimeter diameter and block a cross-section when deployed.

Abstract: A bridge plug can be deployed downhole and retrieved using a retrieval tool disposed on jointed or coiled tubing or on another bridge plug. Internally, the bridge plug has a sleeve that is movable on a stem of the plug's tailpiece. When in a first position, the sleeve prevents fluid communication through ports in the stem so that circulated fluid from the retrieval tool can be used to clear debris from the plug during retrieval. When the retrieval tool engages the sleeve in the plug, pulling up on the tool moves the sleeve to an intermediate position in which fluid pressure is equalized across the plug. Further pulling up on the tool locks the sleeve in a further position on the stem so that circulated fluid from the retrieval tool will pass directly to the stem's ports. Movement of the sleeve by the retrieval tool also releases the engaged slips and packing element on the bridge plug's mandrel.

Abstract: A dual barrier plug system includes a frac spool, having a dual barrier plug disposed within the interior of the frac spool; a valve selector member disposed within the interior of the dual barrier plug; and the plurality of seals are used to seal fluid flow from below the frac spool, and the seals provide two barriers to each fluid flow.

Abstract: A treatment plug setting tool includes, a shank, a collet attached to the shank, and a sleeve attached to the shank that is positioned and configured to provide longitudinally compressive support to fingers of the collet while allowing the fingers to radially deflect.

Abstract: A bridge style fractionation plug for use in a wellbore to separate a lower fractionation zone from an upper fractionation zone with no communication between the zones.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a downhole plug with an expandable elastomeric packer (1) having two ends, surrounding a main section (25). The intended application of the downhole plug is for sealing wellbores and tubulars (4). At least one expansion ring (13) adjoins at least one of said two ends of the elastomeric packer (1), and at least one support ring (15) applies an axial force (16) in a longitudinal direction of the downhole plug. At least one of said two ends of the elastomeric packer (1) is made with a tapered surface. The at least one expansion ring (13) is made with a tapered surface configured in such a manner that the application of the axial force (16) in a longitudinal direction of the downhole plug leads to the simultaneous expansion of the elastomeric packer (1) and the at least one expansion ring (13).

Abstract: A wellbore fluid treatment apparatus includes a tubing string including a first port with a first closure disposed thereover to close the first port to fluid flow and a second port spaced axially uphole from the first port and having a second closure disposed thereover to close the second port to fluid flow; and an actuator tool configured to move through the tubing string and (i) to set a seal in the tubing string downhole of the first port; (ii) to actuate the first closure to open the first port; and (iii) to actuate the second closure to open the second port. A method for treating a well may employ the tool.

Abstract: An expandable fracture ball seat assembly for use in wellbore zone fracturing operations functions to permit passage therethrough and exit therefrom of fracture ball plugs of only diameters less than a predetermined magnitude. In a representative form, the seat assembly includes a ring stack disposed within a tubular member and formed from a first expandable ring coaxially sandwiched between a setting ring and a second expandable ring. When an oversized fracture ball plug is forced into the seat assembly it axially compresses the ring stack and reduces the diameter of the first expandable ring and telescopes it into the second expandable ring, with the first expandable ring and the setting ring blocking passage through and exit from the seat. A reverse passage of a suitably large diameter fracture ball plug through the seat assembly axially returns the setting ring and first expandable ring to their original positions.

Abstract: A treatment plug includes, a metal tubular expandable into sealing and anchoring engagement with a surrounding structure, the metal tubular having a shoulder at an inner radial surface thereof, and a composite plug sealable with the metal tubular and anchorable to the shoulder

Abstract: A plug for isolating a wellbore. The plug can include a body having a first end and a second end, wherein the body is formed from one or more composite materials and adapted to receive a setting tool through the first end thereof, at least one malleable element disposed about the body, at least one slip disposed about the body, at least one conical member disposed about the body, and one or more shearable threads disposed on an inner surface of the body, adjacent the second end thereof, wherein the one or more shearable threads are adapted to receive at least a portion of a setting tool that enters the body through the first end thereof, and wherein the one or more shearable threads are adapted to engage the setting tool when disposed through the body and adapted to release the setting tool when exposed to a predetermined axial force.

Abstract: A subsurface release plug release apparatus comprising a mandrel comprising a bottom plug portion, a top plug portion, a work string attachment portion, a first release portion between the bottom plug portion and the top plug portion, wherein the first release portion comprises a controlled strength segment configured to fail structurally and thereby release the bottom plug portion at a first fluid pressure, and a second release portion between the top plug portion and the work string attachment portion, wherein the second release portion is configured to release the bottom plug portion at a second fluid pressure, wherein the first fluid pressure is less than the second fluid pressure, a bottom plug body disposed about the bottom plug portion of the mandrel, and a top plug body disposed about the top plug portion of the mandrel.

Abstract: A method of sealing a well comprising introducing a plug axially into the well, with a mouth of the plug turned up and a bottom wall part turned down, the plug being positioned in the well at a desired depth, after which the plug is inflated by injecting a high-pressure liquid into it via its mouth so that a tubular wall part of the plug expands radially beyond its elastic limit and presses firmly and tightly against the wall of the well by a crimping effect, while its bottom wall part serves as a sealing partition, forming a tight barrier between lower and upper parts of the well that it separates, the plug having an internal axial mandrel that connects its mouth to its bottom wall, the mandrel being pierced with channels that allow injection of high-pressure liquid inside the plug via the mouth and channels.

Abstract: A well plug having a flexible expandable sealing (330) and a metallic anchor (350) which can be moved radially out or in by rotating a leadscrew (170) in opposite directions. The well plug has a ball valve in a central longitudinal passage, which is kept open whenever the leadscrew (160) rotates. This increases the accuracy when setting the plug, and reduces the risk for the plug moving uncontrolled in the well bore during setting or retrieval. The ball valve can be opened or closed by rotating a transmitting shaft (120, 140) within an angle of free motion, before the leadscrew is pulled along in the rotation. A ball valve for high pressure applications is also shown.

Abstract: Disclosed is a wellbore plug having a design that allows the mandrel of the plug to be made of concrete or other easy-to-drill materials. Disclosed is a wellbore plug assembly with slip and packing assemblies configured to hold the plug in place during setting and use without tensioning the mandrel, thereby allowing the mandrel to be made from easily drillable material, such as concrete.

Abstract: At least one frac plug for use in a wellbore are disclosed herein. The frac plug can include a mandrel having a first end and a second end, a nose connected to the second end of the mandrel, and a crown disposed on the first end of the mandrel.

Abstract: A design for a bridge plug wherein the slip elements include an outer contact portion to engage a surrounding tubular member and an inner body portion designed to easily disintegrate during removal of the bridge plug by subsequent milling. The inner body portion is formed of a softer material than the outer contact portion. Also, the inner body portion is made up of a plurality of segments that are readily separated and dispsersed during milling out.

Abstract: A packer or bridge plug has slips that bind to the surrounding tubular with an adhesive bond. The tubular wall is not penetrated but a roughening of the target location in the tubular can help the bond material to adhere to support the packer or bridge plug. A removable cover can overlay the surface to be bonded to the tubular and the cover can come off in a variety of techniques before the members to be bonded are radially extended. An acrylic adhesive can be the bonding agent. The packer or bridge plug can be made of mostly or entirely non-metallic materials to facilitate mill out.

Abstract: Slip elements for a bridge plug include an inner body portion that is substantially formed of a material that is degradable by dissolution in response to a dissolving fluid and a hardened, resilient, radially outer contact portion. The outer contact portion includes a plurality of openings that function as stress risers. The inner body portion may be formed of magnesium powder.

Abstract: A configurable insert for a downhole tool. The configurable insert can have a body having a bore formed therethrough, at least one shear groove disposed on the body, wherein the body separates at the shear groove when exposed to a predetermined force, applied by a threadably engaged component therewith, at least one shoulder disposed within the bore, the shoulder formed by a transition between a larger inner diameter and a smaller inner diameter of the bore, wherein the shoulder is adapted to receive one or more impediments at least partially within the bore, and one or more threads disposed on an outer surface of the body for connecting the body to a downhole tool.

Abstract: A bridge plug assembly having a nickel titanium alloy flexible member that can be selectively radially expanded so its outer surface sealingly engages a surrounding tubular. The flexible member can comprise an annular membrane like member having coaxial rings on the opposing ends of the flexible member. The percentage of weight of nickel can range up to about 40 to about 58%, 55% or to about 60%.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for select-firing of perorating guns or activating other equipment in a well, such as a bridge plug. Double-pole double-throw electronic relays, used along with diodes that block voltage below a selected level, are used to control access of positive or negative voltages to blasting caps. Firing of a blasting cap causes an open circuit across the blasting cap and shifting of a relay. Alternate application of negative and positive voltages allows activation of multiple devices in a well.

Abstract: A support assembly for a deformable sealing element of a downhole tool, such as a packer or a bridge plug. The assembly comprises a first and a second support device. The first and the second support devices each comprise at least one support member which support member includes a plurality of segments located on an outer surface thereof, the segments being arranged such that when moved radially outwardly they maintain a continuous surface abutting the respective end of the sealing element. A downhole tool having a deformable sealing element and including a support assembly for a deformable sealing element is described.

Abstract: A process for plugging a wellbore comprises installing a choke device (1) into the wellbore to increase the back pressure allowing better control when introducing cement to plug the wellbore. The device (1) has a cylindrical shape with a central through bore (6). On the external profile is a shoulder (4) which, when the device is installed in a wellbore, comes to rest against a nipple in the wellbore. The device (1) may free fall for all or part of the way down but would normally be pumped down at least for the last part of its delivery. In the bore (6) is a pump out ball (10) which blocks the through bore until the device reaches the nipple and stops, at which point pressure increases and the ball is ejected. Cement and other liquid may then be pumped through the choke device to the distal region of the well.

Abstract: An embodiment provides a device that includes a shape memory member having a sealed outer surface and a permeable inner mass and a selected fluid placed and sealed within the inner mass at a first temperature. The selected fluid is released from the inner mass when the shape memory member is heated to a second temperature.

Abstract: A method for fluid treatment of a borehole including a main wellbore, a first wellbore leg extending from the main wellbore and a second wellbore leg extending from the main wellbore, the method includes: running a wellbore tubing string apparatus into the first wellbore leg; conveying a plug into the wellbore tubing string apparatus to actuate a plug-actuated sleeve in the wellbore tubing string apparatus to open a port through the wall of the wellbore tubing string apparatus covered by the sleeve; employing a plug retainer to retain the plug in the tubing string against passing outwardly from the tubing string apparatus; allowing fluids to flow toward surface outwardly from the tubing string apparatus; and performing operations in the second wellbore leg.

Abstract: The subject disclosure discloses apparatus and methods that are particularly suited for creating a seal in a borehole annulus. More particularly, the subject disclosure discloses a seal with enhanced sealing capability. In one embodiment the subject disclosure discloses a reinforced and permanent swellable packer device.

Abstract: A configurable insert for a downhole tool. The configurable insert can have a body having a bore formed therethrough, at least one shear groove disposed on the body, wherein the body separates at the shear groove when exposed to a predetermined force, applied by a threadably engaged component therewith, at least one shoulder disposed within the bore, the shoulder formed by a transition between a larger inner diameter and a smaller inner diameter of the bore, wherein the shoulder is adapted to receive one or more impediments at least partially within the bore, and one or more threads disposed on an outer surface of the body for connecting the body to a downhole tool.

Abstract: In one aspect, a device is provided that in one configuration includes a member including a metallic foam and a sealing material coupled to the metallic foam. The sealing material may be in, on or coated on the metallic foam member.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a wellbore is provided. The apparatus comprises a mandrel, a sealing element carried on the mandrel, the sealing element being radially expandable from a first run-in diameter to a second set diameter in response to application of axial force on the sealing element, and an extrusion limiting assembly carried on the mandrel and proximate the sealing element. The extrusion limiting assembly comprises a plurality of separate segments and a first circumferential band that retains the plurality of segments in a ring shape and substantially covers an outer circumferential surface of the plurality of segments while in a run-in condition of the apparatus.

Abstract: The usual safety feature of oil pipes is the shut-off valve. Whenever there is a need, such a valve can be closed, and oil is prohibited from spilling into the surroundings. However, the shut-off valve may sometimes be inaccessible. It may be buried deep in the mud, or even worse, there may be no shut-off valve. Such an oil spill could prove disastrous. Fortunately, our invention would provide a solution to just such a situation. We would need to send submarine robots to the scene of the accident. These robots, controlled from the ship on the surface, would insert our specially designed hydraulic head into the pipe. This head would then seal the pipe, stopping any further oil spill.

Abstract: The annular space around a tubular string has a shape memory material that is in a low profile configuration for run in. After the desired position is obtained and the annulus has cement delivered to fill the annular space, the shape memory device is triggered to revert to an original shape that spans the annulus to seal the tubular and the wellbore sides of the annular space against gas migration through the cement. The structures can have varying run in shapes and can also have original shapes that when the material is triggered will act to displace cement to enhance its compaction on the tubular or the wellbore wall. Combinations of shape memory alloys and polymers are also contemplated to enhance the seal against gas migration.

Abstract: A configurable insert for a downhole tool. The configurable insert can have a body having a bore formed therethrough, at least one shear groove disposed on the body, wherein the body separates at the shear groove when exposed to a predetermined force, applied by a threadably engaged component therewith, at least one shoulder disposed within the bore, the shoulder formed by a transition between a larger inner diameter and a smaller inner diameter of the bore, wherein the shoulder is adapted to receive one or more impediments at least partially within the bore, and one or more threads disposed on an outer surface of the body for connecting the body to a downhole tool.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a cutting dart. The cutting dart comprises a dart body including a first pathway. The first pathway is configured to redirect cutting fluid flowing through a coiled tubing so that the cutting fluid flows radially to impinge against an inner surface of the coiled tubing. A seal is positioned around an outer circumference of the dart body. The present disclosure is also directed to an anchor dart. The anchor dart comprises a dart body and a swellable elastomer positioned around an outer circumference of the dart body. Methods of employing the cutting dart and anchor dart are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to geophysical research techniques, more particularly, to geophysical well logging methods, and may be used to seal near-wellbore formation during logging activities.

Abstract: An apparatus for setting an anchor in a borehole and milling a window in a side surface of the borehole in a single trip, comprising: a drill string; a mechanically-settable anchor (15) initially forming part of the drill string; a plug member position (16) below the anchor; and a milling assembly (8); wherein: when the drill string reaches a desired depth in the wellbore, the plug member may be activated from the surface, thus setting the plug member in position with respect to the wellbore; the anchor has an activation element which, when contacted in a predetermined manner, sets the anchor; and the plug member has an operation element adapted so that, when the anchor and plug member come into contact with one another in a predetermined orientation, the activation element is operated by the operation element, thus setting the anchor.