Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming an elastic memory foam into an expansion element with an outer diameter larger than a borehole, heating the expansion element to its transition temperature and compressing it to a smaller run-in diameter, cooling the compressed expansion element below its transition temperature and running it into the borehole, then raising the expansion element to its transition temperature to cause it to expand and seal against the borehole wall. Expansion can be enhanced by expanding a mandrel on which the expansion element is formed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming an elastic memory foam into an expansion element with an outer diameter larger than a borehole, heating the expansion element to its transition temperature and compressing it to a smaller run-in diameter, cooling the compressed expansion element below its transition temperature and running it into the borehole, then raising the expansion element to its transition temperature to cause it to expand and seal against the borehole wall. Expansion can be enhanced by expanding a mandrel on which the expansion element is formed.

Abstract: A packer that is usable with a subterranean well includes an assembly to circumscribe one out of multiple tubular arrays that are inserted through the packer. The packer also includes a member that is separable from the assembly to configure the assembly for connection to the tubular array. The member includes a first seal between the member and the tubular array and a second seal that is located between the member and the shell. The first seal is separate from the second seal. The assembly includes a slip to engage a casing of the well and a sealing element to seal an annulus of the well.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method useful for discouraging the extrusion of at least one deformable member of a device into a space adjacent to the deformable member when the device is disposed within a borehole and the deformable member extends from the device to the borehole wall involves at least one expandable member disposed upon the device. The expandable member is expandable into the annulus to reduce the width thereof and retractable therefrom to allow movement of the device within and out of the borehole and redeployment of the expandable member. The apparatus, system, and method are particularly suited for limiting the extrusion of packer elements.

Abstract: A seal assembly (60) for controlling the flow of fluids in an annulus (68) between a continuous tubular (62) and a cased wellbore (64) is disclosed. The seal assembly (60) includes anchor slips (72) and a seal element (78). The seal assembly (60) is actuated by communicating hydraulic fluid to a setting assembly (82) via an operating fluid conduit integral with the tubular (62). Upon actuation, the setting assembly (82) axially shifts a pair of slip ramps (74, 76) which radially expands the anchor slips (72) into gripping engagement with the wellbore (64) and radially expands the seal element (78) into sealing engagement with the wellbore (64).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing well bores is disclosed. The apparatus comprises plates which initially have a width smaller than the diameter of the well bore to be sealed or plugged. The plates are fabricated from a mineral substance which has the property of swelling into an expanded state upon contact with and absorption of a liquid. The apparatus further comprises means for placing the plate within the well bore. Among the mineral substances which may be utilized for forming the plate are members of the group of clay minerals known as smectites, including sodium montmorillonite, calcium montmorillonite, sodium bentonite, and calcium bentonite. A method sealing a well bore with the apparatus is disclosed.

Abstract: A seal assembly (60) for controlling the flow of fluids in an annulus (68) between a continuous tubular (62) and a cased wellbore (64) is disclosed. The seal assembly (60) includes anchor slips (72) and a seal element (78). The seal assembly (60) is actuated by communicating hydraulic fluid to a setting assembly (82) via an operating fluid conduit integral with the tubular (62). Upon actuation, the setting assembly (82) axially shifts a pair of slip ramps (74, 76) which radially expands the anchor slips (72) into gripping engagement with the wellbore (64) and radially expands the seal element (78) into sealing engagement with the wellbore (64).

Abstract: The borehole packer is for sealing the annular space around a pipe in a borehole. The packer is pre-manufactured, in-factory. To give the packer the rigidity it needs for handling and transport, the packer is built around an inner sleeve of rigid (metal) mesh. Alternatively, the packer may be built around a cardboard tube, which is discarded as the packer is assembled onto the pipe. When the packing material is bentonite, the bentonite may be compression-moulded into annular-rings, and the packer is built up from the rings.

Abstract: The use of extruded plastic continuous-multi-channel (CMC) tubing for conveying water samples from different depths up out of boreholes is enhanced by the compressed-grommet sealing system as described. The rubber grommet is placed inside one of the many conduits of the tubing, and squeezed lengthwise, whereby the grommet expands laterally and seals and plugs the conduit. When forming a port in the conduit, an aperture is cut in the wall of the conduit, and plug-assemblies having the grommets are placed above and below the port. Ledges on the plug-assemblies engage the ends of the aperture, and operate in ocnjunction with spacer bars in the aperture to prevent the plug-assemblies being moved along the conduit by pressure in the conduit. Some of the conduits in the CMC tubing are left unplugged, for admitting probes, sensors, etc.

Abstract: A multiple item sealing packing insert for use with oil field service products in a wellbore has a first member comprising a composite material having an elastomer and a structural support material and a second member comprising a composite material having an elastomer and a structural support material. The first member and second member are configured to envelop items in the wellbore with the elastomer upon application of radial pressure.

Abstract: An annular seal is made of a collapsible bellows. The bellows can function as an anchor or a seal and is easily set into position using relative component movement. The bellows folds can be slanted and their outer sealing edges can have different profiles to meet expected conditions. The bellows is expanded for insertion to reduce its outer dimension and sets by compaction as a result of relative movement. The bellows can be straight or tapered and is settable with a minimal axial force.

Abstract: A method of plugging holes, in particular the plugging of drill holes in the earth. The method utilizes a tubular capsule filled with coarse ground sodium bentonite. The capsule, when inserted into the hole, sinks through any mud or slurry material within the hole to rest at the bottom of the hole. If the hole is filled with overly dense material, a rod may be used to force the capsules to the bottom of the hole. The capsule is constructed of a water soluble material and includes a plurality of slots cut along its exterior wall to facilitate expansion and to allow liquid to easily permeate the container. A plastic cap on its upper end allows rods to be forced thereagainst to push the capsule downward without puncturing the capsule. Alternatively, layers of sand may be interspersed with layers of bentonite nodules.

Abstract: A method of plugging holes, in particular the plugging of drill holes in the earth. The method utilizes a tubular capsule filled with coarse ground sodium bentonite. The capsule, when inserted into the hole, sinks through any mud or slurry material within the hole to rest at the bottom of the hole. If the hole is filled with overly dense material, a rod may be used to force the capsules to the bottom of the hole. The capsule is constructed of a water soluble material and includes a plurality of slots cut along its exterior wall to facilitate expansion and to allow liquid to easily permeate the container. A plastic cap on its upper end allows rods to be forced thereagainst to push the capsule downward without puncturing the capsule. Alternatively, layers of sand may be interspersed with layers of bentonite nodules.

Abstract: An apparatus for isolating a testing zone in a bore hole screen casing includes a lower plug member sealingly positionable at a desired longitudinal point within the casing and an upper plug that is independent of the lower plug is also sealingly positionable at another desired point along the longitudinal bore of the screen casing. The isolated test zone is defined between the lower and upper plug members and both the longitudinal length of the isolated test zone and the location of the test zone are selectively variable. A fluid carrying conduit is connected to the upper plug member and is in communication through a bore in the upper plug member with the isolated test zone for accessing and sampling fluid therein.

Abstract: A method for sealing boreholes in the earth and particularly around well casings extending into boreholes in the earth comprises the placement of a plurality of discrete, liquid-absorbing annular sealing elements or disks formed of relatively dry, solid, particulate or granular liquid-swellable clay material, such as bentonite, or bentonite clay which swells in size upon contact with and absorption of liquid encountered in the borehole, The elements are characterized by a disk-like planar shape having parallel, flat opposing faces and a central hole slightly larger in diameter than the cross-section of a well casing when present in a borehole. The disks are placed successively on the well casing and move down into the borehole until a stack of disks of the desired height is formed to substantially fill the space or void between the well casing and the borehole wall.

Abstract: An article for sealing boreholes in the earth and particularly around well casings extending into boreholes in the earth comprises the placement of a plurality of discrete, liquid-absorbing annular sealing elements or disks formed of relatively dry, solid, particulate or granular liquid-swellable clay meterial, such as bentonite, or bentonite clay which swells in size upon contact with and absorption of liquid encountered in the borehole. The elements are characterized by a disk-like planar shape having parallel, flat opposing faces and a central hole slightly larger in diameter than the cross-section of a well casing when present in a borehole. The disks are placed successively on the well casing and move down into the borehole until a stack of disks of the desired height is formed to substantially fill the space or void between the well casing and the borehole wall.

Abstract: A well drilled with air or gas as a circulating medium traversing pay zones with greater than normal pressures or pressures such that hydrocarbons would permeate drilling fluids and cement is drilled and completed while permitting a continuous flow of hydrocarbons from the well until it is desired to shut the well in at the surface. The intermediate casing string and the production casing string cooperate with the tubing so that the cement for the production string may be positioned without contact with the hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for recovering hydrocarbons from a subterranean formation in which a well completion, including a well liner, lies in a generally horizontal disposition within the hydrocarbon producing layer. The liner encloses conduit means for delivering a stream of a hot stimulating agent to the well's remote or injection end, and means for regulating the production of bitumen emulsion from the production end. A fluid impervious barrier is carried on and depends from the conductor means and forms a transverse fluid barrier within the liner. The conductor member is fixed within the liner whereby to serve as a means for introducing the thermal stimulating agent or medium to the substrate as well as functioning as a guide for the movable fluid impervious barrier. By adjusting the longitudinal position of said barrier, the hot stimulating agent is more effectively introduced to the substrate to improve the sweeping action thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for borehole drilling which provides a pressure-tight seal between the drill pipe and the borehole or casing. The apparatus uses resilient elements between the borehole and the body portion of the drilling head. The resilient elements may be engaged in sealing engagement in the borehole by hydraulic or air inflation.