Abstract: A plug is provided for use in well plugging applications. In a described embodiment, the plug has a metal to metal seal on a hollow spherical structure. A change in contact pressure between the seal and a bore due to a change in differential pressure across the plug is regulated by changing characteristics of the plug structure.

Abstract: A composite bridge plug system for containing a well bore with reduced drill up time. The composite bridge plug system includes an elongate mandrel, a head member attached to a lower portion of the mandrel, an upper collar positioned about an upper portion of the mandrel, and a plurality of gripping members positioned about the mandrel. The gripping members are expandable outwardly when the mandrel is pulled upwardly with an engaging tube preventing the upward movement of the upper collar thereby compressing the gripping members. The upper portion of the mandrel includes a shear portion that is breakable by pulling upwardly upon the mandrel. An engaging portion surrounds the shear portion adjacent to the upper collar that is engageable with a lower slot within a head member of a higher bridge plug thereby preventing rotation of the higher bridge plug during drilling thereof.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a method and apparatus for sealing an annulus in a wellbore. In one aspect, the apparatus is an anchoring and sealing system for a downhole tool such as a bridge plug, packer, or frac-plug. The sealing system comprises of a sealing member disposed between a set of energizing rings, a set of expansion rings adjacent each cone, a set of support rings, and a set of slips. The components of the sealing system are arranged such that, when compressed, the sealing member may expand radially into contact with a casing. In another aspect, the apparatus the invention provides for an apparatus that is a downhole sealing tool.

Abstract: A deformable member can be used in a well tool for use in downhole oil/gas wells. In one embodiment, a deformable member (46) is described which is deformable between undeformed and deformed positions, and comprises a generally hollow cylindrical body (48) defining a wall (50). The wall (50) includes three circumferential lines of weakness in the form of grooves, with two grooves (52, 54) provided in an outer surface (56) of the member wall (50), and the other groove (58) provided in an inner surface (60). The member (46) is deformed outwardly by folding about the lines of weakness (52, 54, 56) and is used in particular to obtain sealing contact with a tube in which the member (46) is located.

Abstract: A plug is provided for use in well plugging applications. In a described embodiment, the plug has a metal to metal seal on a hollow spherical structure. A change in contact pressure between the seal and a bore due to a change in differential pressure across the plug is regulated by changing characteristics of the plug structure.

Abstract: A bridge plug for use in a wellbore to isolate an upper portion of the wellbore from a lower portion. The bridge plug is run into the wellbore on wireline or run-in tubular and then set in the wellbore at a predetermined depth. In one aspect of the invention, the bridge plug includes a cylindrical body having a longitudinal bore therethrough which is sealed to the passage of fluid. A first and second lock ring assemblies are installed on the outer surface of the body and are designed to move in a single direction with respect to the body. A bidirectional slip member which provides resistance to axial forces in two directions and a sealing member is located on the exterior of the body. A sealing member is disposed between the first and second lock ring assemblies and is actuated by movement of the first ring towards the second ring.

Abstract: The present invention provides a downhole cementing apparatus run into a borehole on a tubular. The apparatus is constructed on the pipe in such a way that pressure surge during run-in is reduced by allowing fluid to enter the pipe and utilize the fluid pathway of the cement. In one aspect of the invention, an inner member is provided that filters fluid as it enters the fluid pathway. In another aspect of the invention, various methods are provided within the cementing apparatus to loosen and displace sediment in the borehole prior to cementing.

Abstract: A plug is provided for use in conjunction with a subterranean well. In a described embodiment, a wellhead plug includes multiple outwardly extendable lugs for engagement with corresponding multiple oppositely facing shoulders formed internally on a bore extending in a wellhead. The lugs engage the shoulders to thereby resist pressure applied to the plug in the bore from above or below.

Abstract: Sealing elements for well packers and bridgeplugs may be constructed with magnetorheological elastomers or foams disposed about electromagnet windings set in an internal mandrel. The elastomer or foam stiffness properties are formulated for a low setting force compliance in the absence of a magnetic field. After deployment, the tool winding is energized to engage the magnetic field and raise the stiffness properties of the elastomer or foam. When the magnetic field is activated, the packer or bridgeplug has greater structural resistance to unwanted pressure displacement. When the field is de-energized, the sealing element relaxes to permit resetting or removal.

Abstract: The invention discloses methods of, as well as apparatus and systems for, perforating and treating multiple intervals of one or more subterranean formations intersected by a wellbore by deploying a bottom-hole assembly (“BHA”) having a perforating device and a sealing mechanism within said wellbore. In one embodiment, the perforating device has no washing fluid flow passage provided therethrough. In another embodiment, an erosive jet device is used to perforate at least one interval of said one or more subterranean formations. In yet another embodiment, the BHA has at least one pressure equalization means that establishes pressure communication between the portions of the wellbore above and below the sealing mechanism. In another embodiment, the BHA comprises a perforating device and a sealing mechanism, wherein the perforating device is positioned below the sealing mechanism.

Abstract: Downhole wellbore tools are actuated by electrically controllable fluids energized by a magnetic field for example. When energized, the viscosity state of the fluid may be increased by a degree depending on the fluid formulation. Reduction of the controllable fluid viscosity by terminating a magnetic field acting upon the fluid may permit in situ wellbore pressure to displace a tool actuating piston. Displacement of the tool actuating piston is prevented by the controllable fluid in a viscous state. The viscous state of the fluid is energized by a magnetic field environment. When the field is de-energized, the controllable fluid viscosity quickly falls thereby permitting the fluid to flow through an open orifice into a low pressure receiving volume. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, an expandable volume fluid may be used against a slip actuating element in the same manner as a fluid pressure motor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in a subterranean well is described. The apparatus typically includes a subterranean plug including a mandrel having an outer surface and a non-circular cross-section and a packing element arranged about the mandrel, the packing element having a non-circular inner surface matching the mandrel outer surface such that concentric rotation between the mandrel and the packing element is precluded. The apparatus may include slips having cavities to facilitate quick drill-out of the plug. The apparatus may include a valve for controlling fluid flow through a hollow mandrel. The apparatus may include a composite mandrel having radial vents that establish fluid communication from within to without the mandrel. Also, the apparatus may include a wire line adapter kit for running the apparatus in a well bore.

Abstract: A system of downhole communication and control is provided in methods and associated apparatus for data retrieval, monitoring and tool actuation. In a described embodiment, an item of equipment installed in a tubular string has a first communication device associated therewith. A tool conveyed into the tubular string has a second communication device therein. Communication is established between the first and second devices. Such communication may be utilized to control operation of the tool, retrieve status information regarding the item of equipment, supply power to the first device and/or identify the item of equipment to the tool.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for plugging a well. The apparatus includes a well barrier which may be connected to a pipe string and lowered into a well to a selected plug location. The barrier is held in place by the pipe string at the selected plug location. The well barrier will engage the well at the selected plug location. A plugging fluid is displaced through the pipe string and is communicated into the well above the barrier. The well barrier will catch the plugging fluid. After the plugging fluid gels sufficiently to support itself in the well, the pipe string which was utilized to lower the well barrier can be disconnected from the well barrier and removed from the well after the plugging fluid has been allowed to set to a sufficient gel strength. The well barrier consists of a support pipe connected to the pipe string, and a fluid barrier connected thereto.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods are provided for remotely actuating a plug apparatus in a subterranean well. In a described embodiment, a plug apparatus has a plug member blocking fluid flow through one of two flow passages of the plug apparatus. A predetermined fluid pressure applied to one of the flow passages permits the plug member to be expended from the plug apparatus.

Abstract: A downhole tool for sealing a wellbore. The downhole tool includes a packer with a ball seat defined therein. A sealing ball is carried with the packer into the well. The movement of the sealing ball away from the ball seat is limited by a ball cage which is attached to the upper end of the packer. The ball cage has a plurality of ports therethrough for allowing flow into the ball cage and through the packer at certain flow rates. A spring is disposed in a longitudinal opening of the packer and engages the sealing ball to prevent the sealing ball from engaging the ball seat until a predetermined flow rate is reached. When the packer is set in the hole, flow through the frac plug below a predetermined flow rate is permitted. Once a predetermined flow rate in the well is reached, a spring force of the spring will be overcome and the sealing ball will engage the ball seat so that no flow through the frac plug is permitted.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for perforating and treating multiple intervals of one or more subterranean formations intersected by a wellbore by deploying a bottom-hole assembly (“BHA”) having a perforating device and at least one sealing mechanism within said wellbore. The BHA may be deployed in the wellbore using a tubing string or cable; or alternatively, the BHA may be deployed using a tractor system attached directly to the BHA. The perforating device is used to perforate the first interval to be treated. Then the BHA is positioned within the wellbore such that the sealing mechanism, when actuated, establishes a hydraulic seal in the wellbore to positively force fluid to enter the perforations corresponding to the first interval to be treated. A treating fluid is then pumped down the wellbore and into the perforations created in the perforated interval.

Abstract: A conventional thru tubing bridge plug is rendered in a more effective and useful downhole tool by incorporating a sensor module complete with preferably a plurality of downhole sensors to monitor downhole parameters such as but not limited to temperature and pressure both within the inflatable tool and in the annulus of the well created thereby.

Abstract: A junk basket comprises a sleeve sized to fit within a well bore. The sleeve has a bore therethrough, an internal latch at its top end for connection to a complementary retrieval tool having an external latch. A basket floor is movable axially in the bore between a first position intermediate the axial length of the sleeve, and a second position resting on a retaining shoulder at the bottom of the sleeve. In a well bore, the basket floor is supported at the first position, preferably on a retrievable bridge plug, and debris is collected in the defined volume above the floor. When the basket is lifted during retrieval, the basket floor falls to the second position, increasing the collection volume, loosening the debris and loosening the basket in the well bore for ease of retrieval. Further, a novel method of jointly deploying a junk basket and bridge plug results. The basket is connected to the plug and a setting/insertion tool passes through the basket's bore and through a port in the basket floor.

Abstract: A subterranean well tool is run through a well bore tubular and includes a well plug having an expandable elastomer member. An articulating anti-extrusion support system is provided for the well plug to resist extrusion of the elastomer. The system includes upper and lower platforms which are shiftable outwardly by a control mandrel. The platforms support extrusion resistors in the form of a series of crushable plates over which companion flexible cups are disposed and provide blade elements which may be flexibly positioned for inter-alignment around wing portions of the crushable plates for resistance of elastomeric extrusion. An elastomer member may include a series of spirable elastomeric sealing rings which, upon application of compressive load through the mandrel, expand in a helixical configuration through truncation initiation.

Abstract: A system of downhole communication and control is provided in methods and associated apparatus for data retrieval, monitoring and tool actuation. In a described embodiment, an item of equipment installed in a tubular string has a first communication device associated therewith. A tool conveyed into the tubular string has a second communication device therein. Communication is established between the first and second devices. Such communication may be utilized to control operation of the tool, retrieve status information regarding the item of equipment, supply power to the first device and/or identify the item of equipment to the tool.

Abstract: A retrievable bridge plug having an internal bypass passage and external retrieving lugs, and a retrieving tool therefor. When the bypass passage is sealed, both the top and bottom openings of the bypass passage are closed, preventing debris from entering the bypass passage through either opening. A directing shroud is provided adjacent the top opening of the bypass passage, such that when the bypass passage is opened, part of any fluid flowing uphole through the bypass passage is directed over the retrieving lugs, clearing them of any debris and facilitating latching by the retrieving tool. The shroud also prevents debris from packing around the top opening of the bypass passage. A retrieving tool is also provided, which retrieving tool, through cooperation of a sleeve having a “J” shaped slot, and an inner latch sleeve having a straight slot, locks the retrieving tool onto the retrieving lugs.

Abstract: A bridge plug (1) for use in a casing (7), for example in oil and/or gas wells, comprising a packing element (2) of a resilient material is disclosed. The packing element (2) is adapted for at impact from a running tool to expand from a first diameter, to a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter which corresponds to the inner diameter of the casing that is to be sealed. The packing element (2) is divided in zones forming at least one expandable sealing packing element (34, 35) and at least one expandable support packing element (31, 32, 33), where the support packing elements (31, 32, 33) are expandable to a smaller diameter than the sealing packing elements (34, 35). The bridge plug (1) is further comprised of an anchoring means (3) that is provided for holding the bridge plug (1) in its place in the casing by a friction surface (28) that is pressed radially against the casing (7).

Abstract: A downstream plug is disclosed of a simplified structure where a dragging disc is used at a rear end to induce the expansion of locking elements engaging the pipeline. The locking results in an expansion cone being firmly held in place and forming a solid counterpart to the elastomeric seal expanded by the cone.

Abstract: A linear indexing apparatus and associated methods of using same provide convenient operation of tools in a subterranean wellbore. In a preferred embodiment, a linear indexing apparatus has an outer tubular housing and a tubular mandrel axially slidably disposed within the housing. Two sets of slips are utilized to incrementally displace the mandrel relative to the housing. A piston associated with one of the sets of slips permits the mandrel to be incrementally indexed in response to a series of repeated applications of a predetermined differential pressure.

Abstract: A repositionable apparatus for perforating and gravel packing an underground well uses gravity or other means to reposition the apparatus instead of a conventional wireline or work string attached to a rig. Perforating and packing can be accomplished without a rig after the apparatus is initially placed and set in the well. One embodiment of the inventive apparatus uses a perforating gun assembly, a connected ported sub above the gun assembly, a translating annulus packer above the ported sub, a circumferential screen located above the packer, blank pipe connected above the screen, an openable port above the blank tubular pipe, and a second translating annulus packer attached to the blank tubular.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and apparatus for setting a compression seal pack in a well without rotation of the pipe string and setting mandrel. The setting device includes a release device and a moveable member. The release device secures a setting mandrel in a non-engaged position with respect to the seal packer. The moveable member is positionable to a first position, where the setting mandrel is locked in its non-engaged position, and to a second position, where the release device is free and the setting mandrel may move with respect to the seal packer. The method disclosed herein includes coupling the setting device to a compression set packer, positioning a setting mandrel within the seal packer and setting device, positioning the seal packer at the desired location in a well, releasing the setting mandrel from its non-engaged position with respect to the seal packer and lowering the setting mandrel into engagement with said packer to set the packer in the well.

Abstract: A plug is provided which is specially adapted for statically setting a plug portion within an internal profile formed in a wellhead. In an illustrated preferred embodiment, the plug portion is set by application of fluid pressure to a running tool portion. When set in the profile, the plug portion is secured statically relative to the profile, thereby permitting advantageous utilization of a metal-to-metal seal on the plug portion. The plug portion includes features which maintain its set configuration in the profile. The running tool portion includes multiple pistons which enhance operation of the running tool portion. A disclosed verification tool provides an indication that the plug portion has been properly set.

Abstract: A plug is provided which is specially adapted for statically setting a plug portion within an internal profile formed in a wellhead. In an illustrated preferred embodiment, the plug portion is set by application of fluid pressure to a running tool portion. When set in. the profile, the plug portion is secured statically relative to the profile, thereby permitting advantageous utilization of a metal-to-metal seal on the plug portion. The plug portion includes features which maintain its set configuration in the profile. The running tool portion includes multiple pistons which enhance operation of the running tool portion. A disclosed verification tool provides an indication that the plug portion has been properly set.

Abstract: A wellhead union and associated methods provide enhanced safety in operations involving access to, and/or fluid communication with, a wellhead. In a described embodiment, a wellhead union has a housing structure which includes a fluid conduit and a plug. A safety interlock prevents removal of the plug from the fluid conduit when fluid pressure is present within the wellhead. As a warning that such fluid pressure is present within the wellhead, the safety interlock additionally provides an externally visible indication when the fluid pressure is present.

Abstract: A fluid loss device has a housing, a seal assembly, a running tool, and a plug. The housing of the fluid loss device is placed in a production string before a well bore is completed. The plug is attached to the running tool, and the running tool is attached to a wash pipe.The fluid loss device is activated by lifting the wash pipe and the running tool, thereby engaging the plug with the seal assembly, engaging the seal assembly with the housing, and severing the plug from the running tool. Activation of the fluid loss device inhibits fluid communication through the fluid loss device and reduces damage to the well structure behind the fluid loss device while completion operations are performed in other areas of the well bore.The fluid loss device is deactivated by forcing the plug through the fluid loss device with mechanical force or pressure, or by chemically eroding the diameter of the plug until the plug passes through the fluid loss device.

Abstract: A plug for creating a pressure barrier within an oil or gas well comprises a plug body (5) and a metal primary seal element (7) having a frusto-conical seal face (7A) adapted to engage a corresponding seal surface of a profiled well conduit to create a metal-to-metal seal having a relatively large contact area. The primary seal is energised by pressure applied above the plug, prior to the plug been set by a running tool which operates an actuating member (5) to displace locking keys (4) radially outwards so as to engage corresponding formations in the well profile and lock the plug against axial movement within the well conduit. The plug may be retrieved using a pulling tool and re-used, and includes a secondary elastomeric or polymeric seal (6).

Abstract: A plug is provided which is specially adapted for statically setting a plug portion within an internal profile formed in a wellhead. In an illustrated preferred embodiment, the plug portion is set by application of fluid pressure to a running tool portion. When set in the profile, the plug portion is secured statically relative to the profile, thereby permitting advantageous utilization of a metal-to-metal seal on the plug portion. The plug portion includes features which maintain its set configuration in the profile. The running tool portion includes multiple pistons which enhance operation of the running tool portion. A disclosed verification tool provides an indication that the plug portion has been properly set.

Abstract: A linear indexing apparatus and associated methods of using same provide convenient operation of tools in a subterranean wellbore. In a preferred embodiment, a linear indexing apparatus has an outer tubular housing and a tubular mandrel axially slidably disposed within the housing. Two sets of slips are utilized to incrementally displace the mandrel relative to the housing. A piston associated with one of the sets of slips permits the mandrel to be incrementally indexed in response to a series of repeated applications of a predetermined differential pressure.

Abstract: A bridge plug positionable within a well casing and adaptable for sealing the casing comprises a flexible sealing element positionable to be driven into a sealing position by the force of a compressing mechanism which includes a first component held stationarily below the sealing element and a second component positioned movably above the sealing element. Coincidentally with the compressive movement of the sealing element, an upper and a lower member of the compressing mechanism provide means for securing the bridge plug in position, fracture, with the fractured portions of each driven securely against the inner wall of the casing. Cooperative portions of the bridge plug have components which interlock in a manner to guide a slip radially outwardly toward the inner wall of the casing for equal distribution against the casing wall upon fracturing. The even distribution of the slip portions provide for equal distribution of the lateral force upon the sealing element upon being compressed.

Abstract: A retrievable bridge plug apparatus and retrieving tool, the retrievable bridge plug apparatus serving as a temporary bridge plug that can be set in casing in order to isolate the zone and aiding in the stimulation of the zone or test which would be conducted within the zone. The apparatus would include mechanical slips and compression type sealing packer rubbers with a mechanically operated J-slot for locking it in the running position or the set position. Further, the packer rubbers would be of sufficient size for allowing an annulus between the packer body and the wall of the casing for running and bypassing fluid as it travels in and out of the well, yet are sufficiently close tolerance to the casing for preventing extrusion when set and can be exposed to high differential pressure.

Abstract: A test plug for sealing a bore within a tubing hanger comprising an annular plug body having an axial bore extending therethrough, the axial bore forming a tapered annular seat and an enlarged receptacle within the plug body; a plurality of support dogs retractably mounted within corresponding slots formed in the plug body adjacent a lower portion of the receptacle; a mandrel slidably received within the receptacle, the mandrel having a downwardly and outwardly facing cam surface formed on a lower portion thereof; and a stinger having a tapered closure member adapted to be received in the annular seat, a spring for biasing the closure member against the seat and a seal ring for providing a fluid-tight seal between the closure member and the seat; wherein each support dog comprises an inner beveled edge formed on an upper portion thereof which preferably matches the cam surface of the mandrel, such that when the mandrel is set the cam surface will engage the beveled edge and urge the support dogs into an annul

Abstract: A fluid loss device has a housing, a seal assembly, a running tool, and a plug. The housing of the fluid loss device is placed in a production string before a well bore is completed. The plug is attached to the running tool, and the running tool is attached to a wash pipe.The fluid loss device is activated by lifting the wash pipe and the running tool, thereby engaging the plug with the seal assembly, engaging the seal assembly with the housing, and severing the plug from the running tool. Activation of the fluid loss device inhibits fluid communication through the fluid loss device and reduces damage to the well structure behind the fluid loss device while completion operations are performed in other areas of the well bore.The fluid loss device is deactivated by forcing the plug through the fluid loss device with mechanical force or pressure, or by chemically eroding the diameter of the plug until the plug passes through the fluid loss device.

Abstract: An explosive displacing bore hole tube is formed by an elongated tubular member having opposite ends thereof closed, as by caps, to enclose a nonexplosive material within the tube. The nonexplosive material is preferably nonpressurized air; bore hole cuttings or other material may be added for ballast. Alternatively, the tube may be completely filled with such cuttings. The explosive displacing tube is positioned within a bore hole along with a bulk flowable explosive to reduce the volume of explosive at a selected location or locations along the bore hole to thereby reduce the blast intensity at such a location or locations when the explosive is detonated. A tube filling apparatus is provided for simultaneously placing ballast in a plurality of the tubes.

Abstract: A stemming agent is provided comprising: A) a neutralized acrylic acid polymer; B) a neutralized mixture of sodium silicate and a silicon oxide-containing material such as sand, clay, stones, volcanic ash, or the like; or C) a mixture of materials A) and B). The stemming agents produced are low cost, easily made, and preferably are free of nitrate salts. Accordingly, the use of these preferred stemming agents eliminates the contamination of ground water by nitrate salts. The stemming agents of the invention may be used in either bulk-delivered or packaged applications.

Abstract: A hollow body is provided with a seal by which it may be sealed within a nipple profile included in a tubing string. The body allows a wireline to be passed through it while maintaining a substantial seal. During running-in lower collet fingers engage a stop ring mounted on the body. When the plug becomes seated in the nipple profile by the weight of a logging tool also suspended on the wireline, fingers are disengaged by inward movement of external collet fingers and rollers. Consequent downward movement of the fingers allows the rope socket to push them outwardly and allows the logging tool to be lowered. An equalizing sleeve can be pulled up by the socket head from the sealing position to a raised position which allows pressure equalization above and below the plug to facilitate withdrawal thereof. Profiles on the fingers act to trap the socket head should the wireline pull out or break.

Abstract: The method and apparatus includes lowering a blanking plug assembly into the bore of an oilfield tubular member and inserting a sealing assembly on the blanking plug assembly into the seal bore of the tubular member without sealingly engaging the seal bore. A support shoulder on the blanking plug assembly lands on the landing shoulder of the oilfield tubular member. Wireline jars jar down on the lock sleeve of the blanking plug assembly to shift dog members radially outward into latching grooves in the oilfield tubular member. The lock sleeve then locks the dog members into the latching grooves. The wireline jars then jar up on a plug of the blanking plug assembly to move the plug upwardly to an upper position within the blanking plug assembly. The sealing assembly is prevented from moving upward and a tapered surface on the plug is driven through the sealing assembly thereby radially energizing the sealing assembly into sealing engagement with the outer tubular member.

Abstract: A wellhead plug assembly having one or more plugs for plugging segments of a wellhead bore through which access during completion and production procedures is gained. Each plug has a shortened length that is achieved by positioning connections between several of the components of the plug assembly radially beneath the anchoring and sealing means. By placing the connections radially inward to, and in tandem with, the sealing and or anchoring means, the overall length of a given plug may be shortened to less than eleven inches for plugs to be used in conduits having internal diameters greater than one and one-half inch. Furthermore, the tandem orientation allows plug designs in which a majority of the overall longitudinal length of the plug comprises the collective longitudinal lengths of the seal and anchor means.

Abstract: This invention relates to a retrievable bridge plug for use in down-hole casing or tubing conduit. A problem exists in known plugs, namely slippage thereof within the casing resulting in breakage of a seal therebetween. The present invention provides a plug which can be set by urging outermost and innermost cylindrical members relative to one another in their longitudinal directions in so doing anchoring slips 19a, 19b and locating a packing element 11a, 11b on an inner surface of the casing, biasing means 30a, 30b providing a predetermined force to the packing element 11a, 11b greater than that required to provide a seal whereby the plug is retained within the casing.

Abstract: An apparatus for plugging a burning or gushing well comprises a hollow tubular plug body (20) sized for insertion into a well casing (112). Provided on the plug body are a retainer module (54) for retaining the plug within the well casing; a sealing sleeve (46) provided for forming a seal between the plug body and the well casing; and a valve assembly (50) for selectively closing a hollow internal passageway of the tubular plug body. The plug body is loaded on a gantry assembly (21), which in turn is carried by a shielded vehicle (24). At the base of the gantry assembly are provided an alignment assembly (37) for aid in approach to the well casing and a cutter assembly (40) for sawing off inordinately protruding casings. In one embodiment, a protective break-away shell (118) circumferentially surrounds at least a portion of the plug body.

Abstract: A pipeline plug is disclosed wherein the rear portion of the plug is axially movable relative to the body of the plug and is provided with pipeline engaging drag inducing members. While the plug is propelled by the pipeline fluid flow, the dragging effect maintains the rear portion at its rearmost extreme. When the plug reaches its determined position in the pipeline, the reversal of flow in the pipeline is resisted by the drag means with the resulting shift of the rear portion forwardly of the plug, triggering the locking of the plug in place and subsequent expansion of the seals of the plug, all caused solely by the pressure differential generated in the pipeline to be worked upon.

Abstract: A release mechanism is described for releasing a lock member (10) which secures a first body member (5) to a second body member (1). The release mechanism comprises a reciprocal member (6) which is mounted on the first body member (5) for movement relative to the first body member (5). A catch mechanism (8, 11, 12) is also provided which is movable between the first position where the lock member (10) is fixed and the second position where the lock member (10) is released. The reciprocal member (6) moves in a first direction when a force is applied to the reciprocal member (6) and moves in a second direction when the force is removed. Repeated reciprocal movement of the reciprocal member (6) in the first and second directions effects movement of the catch mechanism (8, 11, 12) from the first position to the second position to release the lock member (10) to permit relative movement between the first and second body members (5, 1).

Abstract: In the disclosed pressure operated valve, a sleeve valve controlling flow between outside and inside the valve is releasably connected in a housing when the sleeve valve is in open position. Pressure on a ball sealingly engaging the sleeve valve operates the sleeve valve from open to latched closed to disconnect positions and expends the sleeve valve from the housing.

Abstract: A tubular body containing a sleeve actuated safety valve is attachable to the top end of a hurricane plug. A running tool has a floating nut connection with the tubular body and a tubular extension on the running tool effects the opening of the safety valve while connected to the tubular body. After setting the hurricane plug, the running tool is disconnected from the tubular body by setdown weight, followed by rotation. A retrieving tool has an external threaded section which is threaded through an internal threaded section in the tubular body to engage the actuating sleeve for the safety valve, and effect the opening of the safety valve. Further rotation of the running tool engages the retrieving tool with the tubular body to effect the unsetting of the hurricane plug and permit the removal of the tubular body, hurricane plug and depending tool string from the well by the retrieving tool.

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 gear of collapsing the packer and the wellhead removed for repair or replacement. Upon replacement of the wellhead, the running tool can be used to unset and retrieve the packer.