Abstract: Systems and methods of the present disclosure relate to wellbore scraping operations. A method comprises running a scraper tool into a wellbore with blades retracted; dropping a ball into an expandable seat of the scraper tool to build pressure; pumping fluid into the scraper tool to deploy a mandrel to compress a spring to rotate a j-slot to a second position from a first position to extend the blades; building pressure until the ball is released from the expandable seat; and moving the mandrel to a third position on the j-slot to lock the extended blades in place.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a downhole cleaning apparatus and a method of cleaning a wellbore. The downhole cleaning apparatus has a body and a cleaning element coupled to the body. The cleaning element is selectively moveable in relation to the body from a retracted position to an extended position. When the cleaning element is in the retracted position it is retained by retention formations internal to the tool that are coupled together. The retention formations can be slideably released from one another to enable the cleaning element is able to move to the extended position. The force required to slideable release the retention formations exceeds any forces encountered when the apparatus is run in, preventing premature extension of the cleaning element.

Abstract: A packer installation system includes a pipe, a packer that is secured to the pipe at a first axial position along the pipe, and a brush assembly that is secured to the pipe at a second axial position. The brush assembly includes brushes that are adjustable between a first configuration in which the brushes extend radially from the pipe by a first distance and a second configuration in which the brushes extend radially from the pipe by a second distance that is greater than the first distance.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method according to which debris is cleaned from a casing that extends within a wellbore. The method generally includes running a downhole tool into the casing, the downhole tool comprising an isolation tool, a setting tool, and a casing scraper. Debris is then cleaned from an inner surface of the casing at a depth interval using the casing scraper. After cleaning the debris from the inner surface of the casing, the isolation tool is set against the inner surface of the casing at the depth interval using the setting tool to isolate a zone of the wellbore. After setting the isolation tool against the inner surface of the casing, a wellbore operation is performed in which isolation of the zone of the wellbore is required. The downhole tool is then drilled out of the casing using a drill bit.

Abstract: A casing scraper can include extendable scraper elements, and an actuator that extends the scraper elements after the actuator retracts the scraper elements. The actuator extends the scraper elements and retracts the scraper elements after application of respective pressure differentials in a well. A method of operating a casing scraper can include extending scraper elements into contact with an interior surface of a casing after a predetermined pressure differential is applied without obstructing an interior flow passage, and then retracting the scraper elements after another predetermined pressure differential is applied. A well system can include a casing scraper with one or more extendable scraper elements, and an actuator that operates in response to manipulation of pressure differentials. The actuator operates the casing scraper only after at least a predetermined pressure differential has been applied for at least a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A method of connecting an end part of a pipe attachment device to a part of a function element, includes: aligning longitudinal axes of a substantially tubular end part of a pipe attachment device and a substantially tubular part of a function element; applying a force that moves the end part of the pipe attachment device relatively towards the part of the function element along the longitudinal axis. Contact between the end part of the pipe attachment device and the part of the function element causes each of a plurality of fingers on the end part to elastically deflect. Applying the force so that each of the plurality of fingers on the end part returns from their deflected position and is retained in one or more holes in the part of the function element.

Abstract: A downhole activation assembly for activating a downhole component of a downhole tool positionable in a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation. The activation assembly includes a housing operatively connectable to the downhole tool, a spring-loaded sleeve, and a ball catcher. The sleeve slidably positionable in the housing, and having a flow channel therethrough and an outer surface defining a chamber between the sleeve and the housing. The sleeve having inlets therethrough about a sleeve end thereof to permit fluid from the flow channel to pass therethrough. The ball catcher slidably positionable in the housing, and having a catcher end engageable with the sleeve end to selectively divert the fluid thereabout and a ball seat therein to receivingly engage a ball passing through the sleeve whereby the ball catcher selectively moves the downhole component between activation positions.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a well face during formation testing at a drill site is disclosed. A collection chamber disposed in a formation tester tool may be at least partially filled with cleansing fluid. The formation tester tool may be introduced into a wellbore and the cleansing fluid may be ejected through a probe coupled to the formation tester tool. The collection chamber may then be at least partially filled with a formation fluid sample. A face of the probe may be contacted by a retractable cleaning mechanism coupled to the formation tester tool.

Abstract: A space filler material is used to prevent accumulation of debris that could later foul the operation of adjacent moving parts. In one application a void space that is subsequently closed by actuated parts is initially filled with a material that is highly compressible and has voids that allow it to compress without undue resistance to part movement when the void volume is reduced. Ideally, the pores or voids in the material itself are small enough to keep most if not all the debris from entering and making the space filling material too rigid to collapse under part movement. In an alternative application, the material can be in an annular space such as a seal bore and it can keep debris from getting past the seal bore while allowing hydrostatic pressure across itself thereby helping it to maintain its position until moved such as by shifting of an inner string to which it is attached.

Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatus useful for cleaning at least part of the interior surface of a generally cylindrically-shaped member disposed in a subterranean well includes a housing and a plurality of retractable mill blades supported on the housing and movable from an initial retracted position to an extended position and thereafter to a final retracted position.

Abstract: A tool is run into a liner that holds an electrical or hydraulic connection for a downhole tool which preferably is an electric submersible pump (ESP). It is capable of cleaning the electrical contacts, replacing them, isolating them from well fluid if no ESP or other downhole tool is to be present for a long time or switching from a main to a backup supply cable or hydraulic line among other downhole functions. The liner with the exterior cable or hydraulic line attached remains in position. Applications to other tools that obtain power or hydraulic pressure in a downhole wet connection are contemplated.

Abstract: This invention relates to well cleaning methods and apparatus. In particular, this invention relates to a method of drilling and cleaning a wellbore. In one embodiment of the invention, a method of drilling and cleaning a wellbore (12) is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing a drill string (10) having a drill bit (28) and a cleaning tool (24) with selectively activatable cleaning members (34); drilling a wellbore using the drill bit while maintaining the cleaning members in a deactivated position; and pulling the drill string from the wellbore with the cleaning members in an activated position, to thereby clean the wellbore. A corresponding cleaning tool is also disclosed.

Abstract: In a formation pressure tester tool, an elongated filter piston possibly having a tapered or sharp edge configured to penetrate mud cake while the probe is being set. At the end of the setting sequence, the filter piston is retracted, thus opening a flowpath from the formation, through the mudcake, to the probe.

Abstract: A space filler material is used to prevent accumulation of debris that could later foul the operation of adjacent moving parts. In one application a void space that is subsequently closed by actuated parts is initially filled with a material that is highly compressible and has voids that allow it to compress without undue resistance to part movement when the void volume is reduced. Ideally, the pores or voids in the material itself are small enough to keep most if not all the debris from entering and making the space filling material too rigid to collapse under part movement. In an alternative application, the material can be in an annular space such as a seal bore and it can keep debris from getting past the seal bore while allowing hydrostatic pressure across itself thereby helping it to maintain its position until moved such as by shifting of an inner string to which it is attached.

Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatus useful for cleaning at least part of the interior surface of a cylindrically-shaped member disposed in a subterranean well includes a housing and a plurality of retractable mill blades supported on the housing. The mill blades of such embodiments are capable of cleaning the entire circumference of the interior surface of at least a portion of the cylindrically-shaped member upon reciprocation of the housing.

Abstract: A downhole tubular scraper is run in on slickline with an on board power supply. It features counter-rotating scrapers without an anchor in one embodiment or an anchor with single rotating scrapers. The scraper is selectively operated to conserve power in the power supply. A drive system uses a single driver to obtain counter-rotating motion in the scrapers.

Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatus useful for cleaning at least part of the interior surface of a generally cylindrically-shaped member disposed in a subterranean well includes a housing and a plurality of retractable mill blades supported on the housing and movable from an initial retracted position to an extended position and thereafter to a final retracted position.

Abstract: A downhole cleaning tool comprising: a substantially cylindrical body; at least one cleaning member extending from the cylindrical body and being movable between a retracted position and an active position in which the cleaning member is positioned to clean an internal surface of the well bore; and switching means adapted to receive a force applied in a first direction and responsively move the at least one cleaning member from the retracted position to the active position.

Abstract: A method for cleaning and/or altering an inside surface and shape of a tubular is disclosed. The method includes placing a surface finishing tool in the tubular, energizing the surface finishing tool, and causing extendable assemblies therein to extend radially to contact an inside diameter of the tubular. Moving the surface finishing tool axially and/or rotationally while the extended members are in contact with the inside diameter of the tubular cleans debris from the inside surface of the tubular. In another aspect of the invention, the tool burnishes the inside diameter of the tubular, thereby altering the surface characteristics and rounding the tubular.

Abstract: A cleaning tool for cleaning a liner top in a well bore. The tool includes cleaning elements, typically scrapers, which are arranged eccentrically to an axial bore through the tool. The elements are biased outwardly to contact an inner surface of a polished bore receptacle (PBR) at a position with a curvature to match the PBR and to present leading edges of each element when positioned at a surface of a neighbouring casing. The tool may further provide a top dress mill and act as a packer actuator sub. This provides a tool which performs a number of functions on a single trip in a well bore.

Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatus useful for cleaning at least part of the interior surface of a cylindrically-shaped member disposed in a subterranean well includes a housing and a plurality of retractable mill blades supported on the housing. The mill blades of such embodiments are capable of cleaning the entire circumference of the interior surface of at least a portion of the cylindrically-shaped member upon reciprocation of the housing.

Abstract: A cement diffuser and method for allowing a ported tubular to be cemented in place, while keeping an annulus about a port of the ported tubular generally free of set cement. The cement diffuser includes a collection of fibers secured over the port and extending out from an outer surface of the tubular.

Abstract: A wellhead seal unit for sealing a subsea oil and/or gas well at the wellhead. The unit comprises a sleeve, sealingly engaged to the workstring and to which, blow out preventer rams can engage. The unit allows the workstring to be rotated and reciprocated within the wellbore without releasing the seal. Methods of cleaning the sealed well and performing an inflow test are described.

Abstract: An assembly for cleanout of scale buildup from a wall of a hydrocarbon well. The assembly is configured to be deployed and operated under pressure without the requirement of coiled tubing to deliver cleanout fluid. The assembly may include a plug for sealing against the wall of the well immediately above the location of scale buildup. A cleanout tool, such as a jetting nozzle may be coupled to the downhole side of the plug. Thus, fluid and pressure may be provided to the well uphole of the plug. In this manner, the plug may direct the fluid to the jetting nozzle to achieve cleanout of the scale buildup.

Abstract: A downhole cleaning tool comprising: a substantially cylindrical body; at least one cleaning member extending from the cylindrical body and being movable between a retracted position and an active position in which the cleaning member is positioned to clean an internal surface of the well bore; and switching means adapted to receive a force applied in a first direction and responsively move the at least one cleaning member from the retracted position to the active position.

Abstract: A cleaning tool and method of cleaning a liner top in a well bore. The tool includes cleaning elements, typically scrapers, which are arranged eccentrically to an axial bore through the tool. The elements are biased outwardly to contact an inner surface of a polished bore receptacle (PBR) at a position with a curvature to match the PBR and to present leading edges of each element when positioned at a surface of a neighboring casing. The tool may further provide a top dress mill and act as a packer actuator sub. This provides a tool which performs a number of functions on a single trip in a well bore.

Abstract: This invention relates to well cleaning methods and apparatus. In particular, this invention relates to a method of drilling and cleaning a wellbore. In one embodiment of the invention, a method of drilling and cleaning a wellbore (12) is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of providing a drill string (10) having a drill bit (28) and a cleaning tool (24) with selectively activatable cleaning members (34); drilling a wellbore using the drill bit while maintaining the cleaning members in a deactivated position; and pulling the drill string from the wellbore with the cleaning members in an activated position, to thereby clean the wellbore. A corresponding cleaning tool is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method is provided for removing a body of selected material from the interior of a casing extending into a borehole formed in an earth formation. The method comprises lowering a drill bit for further drilling of the borehole, into the casing, the drill bit having a longitudinal axis of rotation during operation, the drill bit comprising rock cutting means, at least one protection member for protecting the inner surface of the casing from contact with the rock cutting means, each protection member being adapted to remove said selected material from the interior of the casing and being radially movable towards the inner surface of the casing, and control means for applying a radially outward force of controlled magnitude to the protection member. The drill bit is rotated in the casing, and the control means is operated so as to apply said radially outward force of controlled magnitude to the protection member.

Abstract: A downhole cleaning tool (10) for oil and gas wells. Brushes, scraper, wipers (32) and the like are mounted on a sleeve (14) over a tubular body (12), and the members successively moved towards and away from an inner surface of a tubular to be cleaned. Movement is created by a jarring action on the tool with the sleeve traveling over undulating profiles (26) on the body to actuate the cleaning members. The tool may be deployed on a slickline or wireline.

Abstract: A method for cleaning and/or altering an inside surface and shape of a tubular in a wellbore. The method includes placing a surface finishing tool in the tubular, energizing the surface finishing tool, and causing extendable assemblies therein to extend radially to contact an inside diameter of the tubular. Moving the surface finishing tool axially and/or rotationally while the extended members are in contact with the inside diameter of the tubular cleans debris from the inside surface of the tubular. In another aspect of the invention, the tool burnishes the inside diameter of the tubular, thereby altering the surface characteristics and rounding the tubular.

Abstract: A centralizer apparatus for centralizing tubular casing in a borehole having two stop collars for securing to the casing in a spaced apart relationship and two moving collars, one slidably and rotatably coupled to each stop collar, a plurality of bow springs, each bow spring having a first end spaced apart from a second end, each bow spring biased outwardly from the center axis, the first ends connected to the first moving collar, the second ends connected to the second moving collar.

Abstract: A transducer provides (a) increased magnitudes of vibrations without cracking and (b) increased power to the transducer, in response to alternating voltages, for producing transducer vibrations with increased magnitudes. A polycrystalline ceramic (e.g. polycrystalline lead titanate or polycrystalline lead zirconate) has a looped configuration with a gap and has properties of vibrating upon an introduction of an alternating voltage, preferably rich in harmonies, to the ceramic. The ceramic is cryogenically treated as by initially reducing its temperature to approximately −100° C., then disposing the ceramic in liquid nitrogen and thereafter gradually increasing its temperature to approximately room temperature. This increases the dielectric strength of the ceramic by prestressing the ceramic, thereby providing for the ceramic to receive increased voltages without cracking. An alternating voltage rich in harmonics (e.g. square wave voltage) may be applied to the ceramic.

Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning the inside walls of a pipeline, well casing or other tubing, comprises a supporting structure upon which are supported one or more cleaning members, and retraction means for controllably retracting the cleaning members so as to avoid their contact with the aforesaid tubing when desired. The apparatus is also provided with a sleeve to effect contact between the retractable cleaning members and the pipeline, well casing or other tubing. Typically, the apparatus is provided in the form of a well cleanup tool.

Abstract: An apparatus for enhancing production from a wellbore hole may include a body member having at least one cutting assembly. Each cutting assembly may have an upper, middle, and lower cutting arm. The cutting arms are hingedly connected to one another. An upper end of each upper cutting arm is hingedly connected to the body member. A lower end of each lower cutting arm is hingedly connected to a corresponding beveled attachment that is slidably received within a corresponding beveled groove in the body member. The body member includes an interior longitudinal bore in fluid communication with a jet nozzle that is located beneath each cutting assembly. The apparatus is connected to a drill string. As the drill string is rotated, each cutting assembly is moved to a fully-deployed position under centrifugal force, thereby enlarging the wellbore hole. Drilling fluid may be pumped into the apparatus to generate hydraulic power to carry loose cuttings to the surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reaming foreign deposits from the flow passage of well production tubing and cleaning deposits from the completion profiles within the tubing as well as for drifting the production tubing while located within a well bore. A reaming tool is extended through the tubing string and is rotated for reaming operations. A plurality of reaming dogs of the tool are selectively and radially expanded to tubing and tubing completion profile reaming positions by cams of a hydraulically operated linearly removable actuator mandrel. The actuator mandrel is spring-urged toward a position permitting spring-urged retraction of the reaming dogs so that the reaming tool may be introduced into or withdrawn from the tubing string by linear movement.

Abstract: A combination clean-out and fishing tool for use under rotary power in a well bore. The tool is adapted for connection to the drill string by means of an elongated connector sub. The connector sub then carries a cylindrical sleeve thereon which houses a cylindrical hub secured within the sleeve by means of shear pins. A cylindrical extension then secures below the cylindrical sleeve to support a clean-out tool of selected type therebelow while the hub and extension sub carrying a selected fishing tool are inside the cylindrical extension. After rotary operation of the clean-out tool to expose the fish, sufficient weight jarring the drill stem shears the shear pins to lower the connector sub, hub, extension sub and fishing tool into rotary engagement with the fish.

Abstract: An oil well tool and method for its use for removing accumulated deposits along an oil well tubing in a downhole pump operated oil well is disclosed. The tool when in use is untethered and adapted to be lowered through an oil well tubing under its own weight and the forces of gravity. The tool includes: a heating and scraping portion that removes the deposits as the tool is lowered through the tubing, a set of seals for preventing pumped fluids from passing through or around the tool, and a mechanism for setting the seals at a desired location along the tubing. With the seals set and the pump operating, the tool is raised up through the well tubing with the pumped fluids to a wellhead storage position.

Abstract: A clean-out tool system for use with a oil well production tubing extending downward through a casing terminating in a production zone in the well bore, which zone is isolated by a packer and includes flow restricting debris to be cleaned out. A generally vertical, elongated, cylindrical tool body, having a relatively small diameter and a bore therein, is located down through the inner production tubing into the zone located at the end of a tubing string extending downward through the production tubing for communicating fluid pressure to the bore in the body. Four, peripherally spaced, elongated slots extend radially inward into the body with their longitudinal axes aligned with the longitudinal axis of the body and communicate with the bore is the body. An elongated blade is pivotally attached in each slot to the body, movable from a first configuration wherein the blade is positioned vertically within the slot, and a second, expanded configuration positioned radially outward in the zone.

Abstract: A casing scraper is provided for scraping foreign materials from the inside of pipe casing and other tubular members. The casing scraper is comprised of a central mandrel supporting a plurality of longitudinally and circumferentially extending scraper blades, the collective configuration of the scraper blades comprising a tube structure with the mandrel located at the longitudinal axis of the tube structure. Connecting links attach the mandrel to the plurality of scraper blades. Said connecting links are each pivotally attached to the mandrel and to the scraper blades. An adjustable spring is provided at the base of the mandrel and biased against the underside of the connecting links normally biasing said connecting links at a right angle to the axis of the mandrel, thereby normally positioning the scraper blades at the maximum distance from the mandrel allowed by the length of the connecting links.

Abstract: A well casing cleaning assembly includes a cylindrical mandrel in which a spiral arrangement of transverse drillings is formed each of the drillings receiving a coiled spring intermediate the bases of exteriorly projecting knife blades. A set of arcuate plate segments, provided with vertical slots at each of the drillings, is then secured to the exterior of the mandrel compressing the springs and exposing the blade ends. An upper and lower packing on the mandrel then confines pressurized cleaning fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in energy exploration is disclosed which is used where a radially expanding device is required, for example in a stabilizer, retriever or an underreamer. The apparatus comprises a support tubular member for connection to a drilling string, the member supporting a movable member which is axially movable along the member. A further member which may either be fixedly secured or also axially movable along the member is axially spaced from the movable member. The movable member and, optionally, the further member have tapered outer surfaces which cooperate with a taper on a radially movable member. The arrangement is such that movement of the movable member in the axial direction is such that the cooperating tapers cause the radially movable member to expand or contact in the radial direction. Various means for securing and performing radial movement are disclosed.

Abstract: A clean-out tool system for use with a oil well production tubing extending downward through a casing terminating in a production zone in the well bore, which zone is isolated by a packer and includes flow restricting debris to be cleaned out. A generally vertical, elongated, cylindrical tool body, having a relatively small diameter and a bore therein, is located down through the inner production tubing into the zone located at the end of a tubing string extending downward through the production tubing for communicating fluid pressure to the bore in the body. Four, peripherally spaced, elongated slots extend radially inward into the body with their longitudinal axes aligned with the longitudinal axis of the body and communicate with the bore in the body. An elongated blade is pivotally attached in each slot to the body, movable from a first configuration wherein the blade is positioned vertically within the slot, and a second, expanded configuration positioned radially outward in the zone.

Abstract: An arrangement for cleaning the internal surface of casing strings, comprises a hollow cylindrical body with slots provided around the periphery thereof. The slots accommodate extendable cutting blades. The cutting blades are moved with the aid of walls of an elastic vessel. The elastic vessel is disposed inside the body and adapted to be communicated with a source of compressed fluid medium. The elastic vessel is disposed in a bushing installed coaxially with the body and provided with longitudinal ports. The ports are arranged opposite to the slots of the body and are equipped with flat spring elements. The flat spring elements substantially completely cover the ports of the bushing and cooperate by one side with the cutting blades and by the other side, with the elastic vessel.

Abstract: A device for scraping the inside of pipes clogged with foreign materials is comprised of (1) a mandrel having a conical cam whose top is attached to a mechanical power source and around which is mounted (2) a plurality of annularly expandable scraper elements whose combined outside configuration approximates a tube which can be inserted into the pipe, and whose combined inside configuration approximates an expandable, conical dome into which the mandrel's conical cam is pulled in order to annularly expand the elements of the conical dome and hence expand the plurality of scraper elements as the entire device is pulled through the pipe and (3) means for limiting the annular expansion of the scraper elements.

Abstract: A wash tool for stimulating oil wells having brushes and/or blades mounted to retractable tool blocks, whereby the brushes or blades can be introduced in the well out of contact with the well liner, and thereafter extended into contact with the liner.

Abstract: A reamer for removing paraffin, scale, ice and other accumulations from the inside surfaces of oil well pump tubing and casing and loosening tubing in a well, which includes a hollow shell or housing having a tapered base, which in a preferred embodiment is fitted with external blades for cutting, the reamer further provided with an enlarged upper internal bore area to accommodate a threaded lock nut, and a threaded shaft projecting into the housing cavity in threadable cooperation with the lock nut and provided with stops to permit limited rotation of the housing and base on the shaft and to prevent the shaft from exiting the housing when fully extended from the housing on the lock nut. When the reamer is lowered by means of a wire line and swivel joint into a length of tubing or casing to a constricted area and the shaft is extended from the housing, a repetitive impact load on the projecting end of the shaft effects rotation of the housing and base, and the blades cut into and remove the deposits.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in removing paraffin from a well tubing string above a wireline operated subsurface safety valve assembly installed in the tubing string and its method of operation. The safety valve assembly controls the flow of production oil and/or gas fluids through the tubing string. During normal production operations a wireline connects the paraffin cutting apparatus to surface facilities which include apparatus for maintaining sufficient tension on the wireline to hold the safety valve assembly in open position and for releasing tension on the wireline to permit the safety valve assembly to close. The paraffin cutter apparatus contains means for releasably connecting it to the safety valve assembly. Manipulation of the wireline actuates means on the paraffin cutting apparatus to open an equalizer port in the tubing string. Paraffin cut from the tubing string wall is removed by flow of production fluids through the open equalizer port.