Abstract: A downhole cementing system employing a cement choke within the casing to reduce the downward velocity of cement through the casing and thereby inhibit formation fracturing caused by vibration of the casing.

Abstract: A differential float and cementing valve assembly used to position and cement casing in a wellbore. A poppet valve mounted in the flapper gate of a check valve provides a regulated back-flow of drilling fluid through the check valve. A leaf spring biases the poppet valve to its closed position. Drilling fluid pressure in the wellbore overcomes the spring force to open the poppet valve and permit drilling fluid to back-flow into the casing. The regulated admission of drilling fluid into the casing permits the casing to sink into the well at a controlled rate while automatically maintaining a desired level of drilling fluid in the casing. With the casing at the bottom of the well, a cement slurry is pumped through the casing. A setting ball moving in advance of the cement slurry deactivates the poppet valve and its flapper gate and activates a second check valve in the assembly to prevent cement back-flow.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wiper plug and internal drop ball mechanism that may be used in conjunction with a downhole surge reduction tool to run, hang, and cement casing liners in a wellbore. The apparatus of the present invention comprises a wiper plug assembly removably attached to the drill string within the casing liner, a drop ball sub attached below the wiper plug assembly which releases a float valve actuator ball having a diameter larger than the drill string, and float equipment having a plurality of flapper valves. The apparatus of the present invention may further comprise a diverter tool connected between the drill string and the casing liner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wiper plug and internal drop ball mechanism that may be used in conjunction with a downhole surge reduction tool to run, hang, and cement casing liners in a wellbore. The apparatus of the present invention comprises a wiper plug assembly removably attached to the drill string within the casing liner, a drop ball sub attached below the wiper plug assembly which releases a float valve actuator ball having a diameter larger than the drill string, and float equipment having a plurality of flapper valves. The apparatus of the present invention may further comprise a diverter tool connected between the drill string and the casing liner.

Abstract: A casing brush for cleaning the walls of a well casing, the casing brush comprising a body (1) in which are mounted cleaning bristles (2) and an adapter (4) to connect the upper end of the body (1) to the lower end of a bridge plug. The body (1) and the adapter (4) are comprised of a material which is at least drillable by a rock bit.

Abstract: A composite landing collar is disclosed which is preferably adhesive bonded to the liner string using a high temperature epoxy. The spacing during bonding is maintained within dimensional limits using spacers. The body features a bi-directional material, with an appropriate ratio in the warp and fills directions, for about a quarter of the wall thickness. A unidirectional material with the fibers axially aligned aids in reduction of thermal stresses in the thick wall during curing, as well as reducing shear stress concentration along the adhesive bonding interface.

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: A method for securing and sealing one tubular to another downhole facilitates cementing prior to sealing and allows for suspension of one tubular in the other by virtue of pipe expansion techniques.

Abstract: The rotating casing assembly and method, as described herein, allows for rotation of the casing at any depth to decrease the chance of microchannelling along the annulus. The assembly includes a casing section mounted through a bearing device to a casing string. The casing section is driven to rotate as permitted by the bearing by the energy of the fluid being pumped through the casing and across vanes in the casing section.

Abstract: An improved tubular running tool and method is disclosed for use on a rotary or top drive drilling rig of the type for inserting and selectively, internally gripping a tubular which may be utilized to lift, lower, rotate, and torque tubulars, and which may be used to fill and/or circulate fluid in and through tubulars and to cement tubulars within a wellbore. The internal tubular running tool may be used as or in conjunction with fill-up and circulating tools and with cementing head wiper plug assemblies among other tools. The tubular running tool includes an improved moving mechanism having a cylindrical pneumatic chamber annularly positioned with respect to a barrel element that forms an axial fluid pathway therethrough. A cylindrical piston is moveable within the cylindrical chamber to thereby move a cylindrical piston rod connected to gripping slips such that the slips selectively engage an interior portion of a tubular member.

Abstract: An apparatus that is usable with a subterranean well includes a liner and a wiper. The liner is to be cemented inside the well bore, and the wiper, in a first mode, is connected to the liner when the liner is run downhole. In a second mode, the wiper is released to respond to a cement flow.

Abstract: A composite landing collar is disclosed which is preferably adhesive bonded to the liner string using a high temperature epoxy. The spacing during bonding is maintained within dimensional limits using spacers. The body features a bi-directional material, with an appropriate ratio in the warp and fills directions, for about a quarter of the wall thickness. A unidirectional material with the fibers axially aligned aids in reduction of thermal stresses in the thick wall during curing, as well as reducing shear stress concentration along the adhesive bonding interface.

Abstract: A drillable, anti-rotation device for limiting the rotation of a downhole tool, such as a cement plug, when drilling out the down hole tool. The drillable, anti-rotation device comprises a drillable sleeve connected within a non-drillable outer tubular member connected within a pipe string. The sleeve has one or more grooves or other indentations, and/or one or more ribs or other protrusions extending inwardly within the interior of the device for gripping or otherwise retarding the rotation of such downhole tool.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for launching plugs used in the construction of an oil or of gas well. There is provided an apparatus for launching a plug, said apparatus comprising a canister (4) connectable to a running string, a plug (6, 16) retained in said canister, and a tube (9, 13) having a bursting disk (37, 38), the arrangement being such that, in use, an increase in fluid pressure in said tube ruptures said bursting disk allowing an increase in fluid pressure above said plug to launch said plug. The apparatus is particularly suited to launching two, three or more plugs independently. There is also provided a method of launching a plug from a canister, which method comprises the steps of blocking a tube; increasing pressure in said tube above said blockage to a predetermined pressure at which a bursting disk in said tube ruptures allowing fluid pressure to increase above said plug and launches said plug.

Abstract: An apparatus and method includes releasably engaging a cementing tool in a casing assembly at a junction of plural wellbores. Cementing slurry is pumped through the cementing tool to fill an annular region around the casing assembly. The cementing tool is retrievable without first milling components at the junction. The cementing tool has an anchoring mechanism adapted to engage a landing profile of the casing assembly. Further, the cementing tool has an external seal adapted to seal inside the casing assembly.

Abstract: Multiple embodiments of a system for capturing displaced fluid or adding fluid to tubulars being run into or out of the wellbore are described. Several embodiments are supported by a top drive with telescoping features to rapidly seal over a tubular to connect the tubular to a mudline. A flapper valve in one embodiment is described to keep fluid from spilling when the apparatus is removed from the tubular. In the event of a well kick, the valve can be shattered with pressure from the mudline. In another embodiment, the apparatus can be placed in sealing contact with the tubular and can incorporate a valve which can be manually closed in the event of a well kick. In yet another alternative, the incorporated valve can be automatically actuated to open as the apparatus sits on the tubular and closed as the apparatus lifts from the tubular. In yet another embodiment, sealing contact with the tubular can be obtained by simply advancing the apparatus into the tubular.

Abstract: A multi-functional apparatus and method for drilling fluid and cementing operations to set casing in a wellbore for use on either top drive or rotary type rigs. The apparatus and method includes a fill-up and circulating tool, a cementing head assembly, and a wiper plug assembly. The fill-up and circulating tool comprises a mandrel with a sealing element disposed about the outside diameter of the mandrel. The cementing head and wiper plug assemblies are useable on any fill-up and circulating tool capable of being inserted into a casing. To fill the casing, the assembly is lowered from the rig such that a portion of the fill-up tools inserted into the casing, the pumps are then actuated to flow fluid into the casing. To circulate fluid, the tool is lowered further such that the sealing element sealingly engages the inside diameter of the casing to allow fluid to flow through the casing, into the wellbore, and back to the fluid pumps.

Abstract: A tool (100) for removing excess cement from the top of a liner (51) after hanging and cementing thereof by inner string comprises a hollow mandrel (4), a valve sleeve (7) and a port (12) in said hollow mandrel (4) wherein said valve sleeve (7) is movable to open and close said port (122) to allow circulating fluid to be introduced into the liner (51) or casing in the vicinity of the liner hanger (54) supporting the liner. The circulating fluid washes the excess cement away and a non rotating casing scraper can obviate the need for a separate trip to clean the inside of the casing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a drop ball sub that may be used to drop a large ball having an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of a restriction in the wellbore such as the running tool used to run a first casing string through a second casing string. A smaller ball is used to control dropping of the large ball. The smaller ball has an outer diameter smaller than the restriction. The drop ball sub of the present invention may be used to operate any downhole tool that would benefit by receipt of a large ball. By dropping a larger ball, in one use of the invention larger valves can be controlled in the float equipment that provide a larger fluid flow path. A larger fluid flow path reduces surge pressure and enables the system to handle more debris. The present invention provides a system that preferably provides for a diverter tool above the running tool and a diverter tool below the running tool.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of isolating an open hole fitted with a slotted liner, the method consisting in pumping a cement or a resin to the level of the slotted liner by means of injection apparatus provided with lips for scrapping the slotted liner downstream from the injection point so that the cement or resin fills the entire borehole upstream from the injection apparatus and also fills the space behind the slotted liner while the apparatus is being raised towards the surface. The invention also provides injection apparatus particularly adapted to implement the method, which apparatus can advantageously be displaced by means of coiled tubing.

Abstract: Multiple embodiments of a system for capturing displaced fluid or adding fluid to tubulars being run into or out of the wellbore are described. Several embodiments are supported by a top drive with telescoping features to rapidly seal over a tubular to connect the tubular to a mudline. A flapper valve in one embodiment is described to keep fluid from spilling when the apparatus is removed from the tubular. In the event of a well kick, the valve can be shattered with pressure from the mudline. In another embodiment, the apparatus can be placed in sealing contact with the tubular and can incorporate a valve which can be manually closed in the event of a well kick. In yet another alternative, the incorporated valve can be automatically actuated to open as the apparatus sits on the tubular and closed as the apparatus lifts from the tubular. In yet another embodiment, sealing contact with the tubular can be obtained by simply advancing the apparatus into the tubular.

Abstract: A cement diverter system and method for cementing a junction in a wellbore wherein a cementing operation and reverse circulating operation are achievable in a single run in the hole.

Abstract: The grouting apparatus includes a tubular body, an outer end closure removably mounted to the outer end of the tubular body and a nozzle mounted to the inner end of the tubular body to form a container for grouting material. The tubular body has a landing shoulder seatable on a drill string landing shoulder. The closure includes an overshot coupling member and a head having an inlet passage opening to the tubular body. A piston and a sleeve are axially movable in the tubular body to force the grouting material out of the container, the sleeve blocking flow through the piston as the piston moves inwardly, but after abutting against the nozzle, opening a bypass channel from outwardly of the piston, through the piston and to the nozzle tube. Upon the sleeve moving inwardly relative to the piston, the fluid outwardly of the container may be pumped through the container to mix with the grouting material that was dispensed into the container prior to the container being inserted into the drill string.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for facilitating coupling and cementing of downhole tubulars (12, 28) comprises a tubing section (12, 10) for use in lining a bore. The tubing section has upper and lower ends and defines a tubing wall having cement outlets (20) spaced from the lower end of the tubing. The lower end of the tubing is selectively closed, and swab cups (22) are provided externally of the lower end of the tubing below the cement outlets (20) for restricting passage of cement.

Abstract: A multi-functional apparatus and method for drilling fluid and cementing operations to set casing in a wellbore for use on either top drive or rotary type rigs. The apparatus and method includes a fill-up and circulating tool, a cementing head assembly, and a wiper plug assembly. The fill-up and circulating tool comprises a mandrel with a sealing element disposed about the outside diameter of the mandrel. The cementing head and wiper plug assemblies are useable on any fill-up and circulating tool capable of being inserted into a casing. To fill the casing, the assembly is lowered from the rig such that a portion of the fill-up tools inserted into the casing, the pumps are then actuated to flow fluid into the casing. To circulate fluid, the tool is lowered further such that the sealing element sealingly engages the inside diameter of the casing to allow fluid to flow through the casing, into the wellbore, and back to the fluid pumps.

Abstract: A novel apparatus and method for cementing branch wells from a parent well is disclosed herein. A cementing valve that is releasably coupled to a cementing stringer is used during cementing operations. The cementing valve is comprised of a valve body and a moveable member, each of which have openings formed therein. Movement of the moveable member opens or closes the cementing valve. The method involves releasably attaching the cementing valve to a cementing stinger, running the cementing valve downhole, positioning the cementing valve in a previously open branch outlet, and cementing the branch outlet and branching chamber into position within the well.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for use in cementing a tubular member which is run into a borehole using a drill string. A landing collar is attached to the tubular member near the bottom of the tubular member, and the landing collar has an opening at least five inches in diameter. A liner wiper assembly is releasably suspended from the drill string. The liner wiper assembly comprises a lower liner wiper plug comprising float valves and an upper liner wiper plug. With the method and apparatus of the present invention, plugging problems are minimized.

Abstract: A downhole string includes a liner and devices positioned outside the liner. One or more control lines extend from the liner devices along the exterior of the liner to one or more connectors that provide connection points inside the liner. The one or more connectors may include electrical connectors (e.g., direct contact connectors), inductive connectors (e.g., inductive couplers), optical connectors (e.g., fiber optic connectors), and hydraulic connectors. The one or more control lines may be electrical lines, fiber optic lines, or hydraulic lines. The downhole string may also be used with a cement protector during cementing operations to protect both the inside of the liner as well as the one or more connectors attached to the liner. The cement protector includes a sleeve that isolates cement from the inside of the liner during a cementing operation so that a liner wiper plug is not needed. The cement protector is engageable to a pulling tool that is attached to a running tool.

Abstract: A pack-off bushing for placement inside an outer conduit while a fluid is passed through an inner conduit positioned within the outer conduit. The bushing includes a mandrel having a mandrel passage extending axially therethrough, a housing carried on the mandrel and capable of axial movement relative to the mandrel and a balancing system associated with the mandrel and the housing for applying a balancing force to the mandrel to oppose an axial mandrel force applied to the mandrel.

Abstract: A well casing for receiving well fluid from a producing formation includes a first tubular section that has a tortuous outer surface for directing the flow of a bonding agent around the exterior of the first tubular section. The first tubular section has a central passageway. The well casing also has a second tubular section that is coaxial with and is connected to the first tubular section. The second tubular section has at least one opening for directing well fluid into a central passageway of the second tubular section.

Abstract: A method for securing and sealing one tubular to another downhole facilitates cementing prior to sealing and allows for suspension of one tubular in the other by virtue of pipe expansion techniques.

Abstract: A stand-off device for tubulars comprising a sleeve adapted to fit around a tubular, the sleeve comprising an outer surface and a plurality of blades extending along the outer surface of the sleeve, the blades comprising a bearing surface, wherein the bearing surface of each blade is curved longitudinally. The device may be metallic or non-metallic. Non-metallic devices further comprise a protective coating to inhibit abrasion, corrosion, sparking, and electrolysis. The stand-off device is particularly suitable for use with casing in deviated wellbores.

Abstract: An inline component for a liner assembly, usable particularly in deviated wellbores, is disclosed. The component involves a series of offset passages to create sufficient turbulence in the circulating cement during a cementing job so as to eliminate the phenomenon of roping where there is inefficient displacement of mud with the circulating cement. The multi-component inline device has peripheral seals to prevent leakpaths along the inside wall of the casing being cemented. The offset flow passages are presented in individualized components which are rotationally locked to each other and have peripheral sealing devices. The stack of components is retained within the casing to prevent its longitudinal movement during the pumping of cement. The preferred materials are soft metallics which facilitate drilling out if required. The interlocking nature of the components also eliminates relative rotation to facilitate drill-out.

Abstract: A multi-functional apparatus and method for drilling fluid and cementing operations to set casing in a wellbore for use on either top drive or rotary type rigs. The apparatus and method includes a fill-up and circulating tool, a cementing head assembly, and a wiper plug assembly. The fill-up and circulating tool comprises a mandrel with a sealing element disposed about the outside diameter of the mandrel. The cementing head and wiper plug assemblies are useable on any fill-up and circulating tool capable of being inserted into a casing. To fill the casing, the assembly is lowered from the rig such that a portion of the fill-up tools inserted into the casing, the pumps are then actuated to flow fluid into the casing. To circulate fluid, the tool is lowered further such that the sealing element sealingly engages the inside diameter of the casing to allow fluid to flow through the casing, into the wellbore, and back to the fluid pumps.

Abstract: It is common practice to rotate casing in shallow holes (to approx. 1000m). This has been found to noticeably enhance the bond between the casing and cement and wellbore wall and cement and to decrease the chance of microchannelling along the annulus. The rotating casing assembly and method, as described herein, allows for rotation of the casing at any depth. Only the lower portion is rotated. This lower portion is generally that portion crossing the production zone. This method is extremely economical compared to other methods and requires no additional rig time or surface equipment. The casing is driven to rotate by the energy of the fluid being pumped through the casing and across vanes in the casing.

Abstract: A casing or tubular fill and circulator assembly is indicated, wherein a singular valve is used for filling and circulating the casing as well as providing for pressure equalization when the singular valve is in the open position. The valve is constructed so that it is opened upon being inserted into the upper end of the casing. For filling the casing, only the valve is inserted into the upper end of the casing whereupon the valve is fully opened so that fluid can be pumped into the casing without a pressure drop or erosion of any of the valve members. For circulation, the apparatus is advanced further into the casing until a cup seal closes off the top of the casing. Once flow is initiated in that condition, internal pressure in the casing, at very low applied pressures, will begin the circulation through the casing. With the valve in the fully open position, erosive effects from flow are eliminated during filling and circulation.