Abstract: The present invention relates to a downhole system comprising a driving unit (7) for driving an operational tool (2). The driving unit is provided in a first part of the system and the operational tool is provided in a second part of the system. The system further comprises a release device (12, 13) for releasing the operational tool and the second part from the first part of the system.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a downhole triggering tool. The tool includes a tool-engaging portion movable from a first position to a second position under the action of an external force, and a release mechanism for selectively permitting movement of the tool-engaging portion from the first position to the second position, the tool-engaging portion is restrained against the external force by the release mechanism through a plurality of force reducing mechanisms.

Abstract: A plug release apparatus for use in a well bore, the apparatus having a canister, a liner plug, and a sub. The liner plug may be releasably attached to the canister via a first release mechanism. The sub may be releasably attached to the canister via a second release mechanism. The first release mechanism may be configured to release the liner plug from the canister at a first pressure and the second release mechanism may be configured to release the canister from the sub at a second pressure.

Abstract: A downhole triggering tool includes a tool-engaging portion movable from a first position to a second position under the action of an external force, and a release mechanism for selectively permitting movement of the tool-engaging portion from the first position to the second position, the tool-engaging portion is restrained against the external force by the release mechanism through a force reducing mechanism.

Abstract: A bridge plug comprises an axially compressible cylinder having plural expansion sleeves. A mandrel extends axially through the cylinder, and has a threaded portion engaged with the cylinder, such that rotation of the mandrel causes compression of the cylinder. A setting tool comprises a housing containing a motor and a drive shaft driven by the motor. The setting tool is configured to be removably coupled to a bridge plug with the drive shaft drivingly coupled to the bridge plug's mandrel, such that operation of the setting tool motor causes compression of the bridge plug. The setting tool is used to lower a bridge plug within a well casing, and to compress the bridge plug causing, outward protrusion of sealing members of the bridge plug to set the bridge plug in place. Cement may be applied above the set bridge plug to form an easily drillable seal.

Abstract: A bridge plug comprises an axially compressible cylinder having plural expansion sleeves. A mandrel extends axially through the cylinder, and has a threaded portion engaged with the cylinder, such that rotation of the mandrel causes compression of the cylinder. A setting tool comprises a housing containing a motor and a drive shaft driven by the motor. The setting tool is configured to be removably coupled to a bridge plug with the drive shaft drivingly coupled to the bridge plug's mandrel, such that operation of the setting tool motor causes compression of the bridge plug. The setting tool is used to lower a bridge plug within a well casing, and to compress the bridge plug causing, outward protrusion of sealing members of the bridge plug to set the bridge plug in place. Cement may be applied above the set bridge plug to form an easily drillable seal.

Abstract: A packer setting device provides a buffered setting mechanism as a substantially incompressible fluid is selectively flowed into a compressible fluid chamber to compress a compressible fluid. This fluid transfer causes movement of a setting sleeve so that an associated packer device is set within a wellbore.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming plugs in a wellbore, according to which a first volume of slurry is introduced into a work string in a wellbore so that it flows through the work string and discharges before hardening to form a plug. A second volume of slurry is also introduced into the work string so that it flows through the work string and discharges before hardening to form an additional plug.

Abstract: A bridge plug comprises an axially compressible cylinder having plural expansion sleeves. A mandrel extends axially through the cylinder, and has a threaded portion engaged with the cylinder, such that rotation of the mandrel causes compression of the cylinder. A setting tool comprises a housing containing a motor and a drive shaft driven by the motor. The setting tool is configured to be removably coupled to a bridge plug with the drive shaft drivingly coupled to the bridge plug's mandrel, such that operation of the setting tool motor causes compression of the bridge plug. The setting tool is used to lower a bridge plug within a well casing, and to compress the bridge plug causing, outward protrusion of sealing members of the bridge plug to set the bridge plug in place. Cement may be applied above the set bridge plug to form an easily drillable seal.

Abstract: This invention refers to a recoverable, reinforced and vibration-damping plug for cased wells, said wells being for oil, water, gas or any other similar fluid; said plug may be used for conventional casing perforation, high penetration casing perforation and casing perforation using the tubing conveyed perforation system, comprising a pressure equalizing valve having an automatic drilling jar mounted over a holding body with sealing rings interleaved on the perimeter. The plug also comprises a safety latch for said valve, packing means and two sets of opposite, single clamps having a wall that anchor said plug to the casing, which provides an almost complete interlocking. Besides, it is furnished with vibration-damping means that may be rubber rings arranged in such a pattern that they may absorb the energy of the shots produced by the casing perforation, and so to avoid ruptures in the plug members.

Abstract: A technique to place a completion assembly in a well while maintaining the well in an underbalanced condition includes running a plug on a deployment tool to a desired depth in the well. The technique includes setting the plug in the well; retrieving the deployment tool; and running the completion assembly on a setting tool into the well to engage the plug. The technique includes releasing the plug; running the completion assembly and plug to a desired depth in the well; and setting the completion assembly in the well. The setting tool is retrieved, which includes retrieving the plug.

Abstract: A fluid actuated packer 10 and collar 36 assembly is provided for positioning on a tubular member 12. The collar 36 is moveable by a running tool 110 positioned within the tubular member and has a closed position and a packer activate position, fluidly connects the collar 36 to the packer element 14 when in the packer activate position, and closes off the flow path 26 when in the closed position. According to a method of the invention, the flow path 26 extends from the collar to the expandable packer element 14 and is open to activate the packer element 14 and closes off the flow path 26 when in the closed position.

Abstract: A disengageable downhole tool (10) for use in the oil and gas industry. The tool can be decoupled from a work string to allow further tools to be operated from the work string on being run deeper into a well. The tool is then picked-up by the work string on retrieval from the well. In one embodiment a milling tool (28, 32) is described having a hex-drive system for operation of the tool from the work string with coupling and decoupling being achieved via shear pins (40) and a mating ledge and shoulder.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to hydraulic tools which may be used to set a liner top packer and/or may be used to resist the lifting forces of cementing pack-offs. One embodiment of a tool string for use in wellbore operations comprises a hydraulic anchor assembly adapted to prevent axial movement of the tool string and a hydraulic packer actuator assembly adapted to set a packer.

Abstract: A system and a method for installing a liner conduit in a borehole. The system includes a packer assembly, a running tool or a packer assembly and a running tool. The method uses a packer assembly and a running tool for installing a liner conduit in a borehole. The system and the method both use pressure to perform functions relating to the system and the method.

Abstract: A system and method measures a pressure or other measurement at a source (e.g. a hydraulic power supply) and in or near a downhole tool and compares the measurements to verify that, for example, the supply is reaching the tool. The system and method also may utilize a gauge positioned within a packer or positioned for communication with the setting chamber of a packer.

Abstract: A method and plug for separating fluids in subterranean wells is provided. The plug enters a passage at an interface of successively introduced fluids. The plug comprises an outer body and a detachable inner mandrel attached to the outer body. An Assembly comprising a plurality of plugs may also be used, in which case the plurality of plugs releasably attach to each other.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an improved downhole disconnect tool are provided, some of which may include a first housing releasably connected to a second housing, a first piston releasably connected to the first housing, and a second piston releasably connected to the second housing. Various fluid communication ports and ball seats may be provided in various combinations in the first and second pistons and in the second housing to enable remote control of the tool by circulating one or more balls into engagement with one or more of the ball seats to disconnect the first housing from the second housing, and thereby disconnect any structures connected to the first and second housings, respectively. Other features and aspects of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for anchoring an expandable tubular within a wellbore prior to expanding the length of the expandable tubular into contact with the wellbore. An expandable system comprises the expandable tubular and a deployment tool, wherein the deployment tool exerts radial force against the expandable tubular to expand at least a portion of the expandable tubular into contact with the wellbore to anchor the expandable tubular prior to the expansion process. A method for anchoring an expandable tubular within a wellbore prior to the expansion process is also provided, wherein radial force expands the expandable tubular into contact with the wellbore to initially anchor the expandable tubular. A method for altering the shape of the anchor is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for isolating a wellbore condition such as formation pressure during a wellbore operation. The invention has particular application in connection with underbalanced drilling. In one arrangement, a formation isolation apparatus is provided that serves as a selectively actuatable plug. The plug in one aspect is selectively set and released by a setting/releasing tool. The setting/releasing tool includes a system for setting the plug in the wellbore, and a system for releasing the plug from the wellbore. The setting/releasing tool is releasably connected to the plug. Thus, after the plug has been set, the setting/releasing tool may be removed from the wellbore. The plug includes a flapper valve that is restrained in its open position by the setting/releasing tool. Removal of the setting/releasing tool from the wellbore allows the flapper valve to close, thereby isolating pressures in the wellbore below the flapper valve. The plug is wireline retrievable.

Abstract: A downhole tool apparatus for insertion into and sealing engagement with a wellbore. The downhole tool includes upper and lower casing engaging members and an intervening sealing member. In one aspect the intervening sealing member may be a deformable material. In another aspect, the intervening sealing member may be a flowable material cured in the well bore.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an improved downhole disconnect tool are provided, some of which may include a first housing releasably connected to a second housing, a first piston releasably connected to the first housing, and a second piston releasably connected to the second housing. Various fluid communication ports and ball seats may be provided in various combinations in the first and second pistons and in the second housing to enable remote control of the tool by circulating one or more balls into engagement with one or more of the ball seats to disconnect the first housing from the second housing, and thereby disconnect any structures connected to the first and second housings, respectively. Other features and aspects of the invention are also provided.

Abstract: A hydraulically operated setting tool for use in setting a plug or other component in a wellbore, and which is responsive to a supply of input actuating pressure to actuate the tool. An elongate tool housing has an inlet to receive the supply of actuating pressure, and an actuator element is axially displaceable relative to housing and also engageable with the plug or other component to set and release the component with respect to the wellbore. A pressure multiplier arrangement includes a hydraulically operated low pressure and high volume output piston which performs initial loading of the tool, and a high pressure, low volume output piston which provides a multiplied hydraulic force applied to the actuator element to set the plug or other component in a required position in the wellbore.

Abstract: A method of providing for a single trip removal of packer tools by providing a flapper valve in the upper packer tools which opens when pressure below the tool exceeds the pressure above the tool to allow the tools to be released and allowing flow up the center of the tubing. Additionally, the retrieval tool seals with the stinger tool during removal to allow flow downwardly around the released packer down to the next lower packer and up through the released packer to work only on the next lower packer. The method also contemplates that increased flow circulation will allow forced flow to clear the next lower stinger from sand and other debris to increase the chance of a successful mating of the retrieval tool to the stinger during removal.

Abstract: The present invention is to a pre-selected set of packer tools having J tools and on/off tools (“stingers” and “washovers”) with varying strokes and varying set and release directions to enable the operator to individually address the various packers. By increasing the amount of travel necessary to set and/or release the subsequent packer tools, it is possible to select which tool is being manipulated or operated upon.

Abstract: A bottom hole assembly for use with fracturing or fracing a wellbore using coiled tubing is described having a first packing element and a second packing on a mandrel. The bottom hole assembly may be run into the wellbore such that the packing elements straddle the zone to be fraced. Also described is a timing mechanism to prevent the closing of dump ports before the bottom hole assembly may be flushed of the sand. A release tool is described that allows an operator to apply force to the coiled tubing to dislodge a bottom hole assembly without completely releasing the bottom hole assembly. Also disclosed is a collar locator capable of being utilized in a fracing process. Methods of using the above described components are also disclosed.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a gravel pack assembly comprising a gravel pack body and a crossover tool. The gravel pack body comprises a pressure set packer, one or more production screens and a plurality of axial position indexing lugs. The crossover tool comprises auxiliary flow chambers, packer by-pass channels, a crossover tool check valve and an axial position indexing collet. The gravel pack body and crossover tool are assembled coaxially as a cooperative unit by a threaded joint and the unit is threadably attached to the bottom end of a tool string for selective placement within the wellbore. Set of the packer secures the gravel pack body to the well casing and seals the casing annulus around the gravel pack assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides an expandable packer, and methods for seating an expandable packer. The apparatus comprises an expandable seating body configure to receive a packer body. The seating body is tubular in configuration, and is run into a cased wellbore. The seating body is then set by expanding it into frictional contact with the inner surface of the casing. Thereafter, a packer body is lowered into the seating body. In this respect, the inner surface of the seating body is configured to receive the outer surface of the packer body. The expandable packer can then seal the annulus between one or more tubulars and the casing within the wellbore.

Abstract: The present invention is to a pre-selected set of packer tools having J tools and on/off tools (“stingers” and “washovers”) with varying strokes and varying set and release directions to enable the operator to individually address the various packers. By increasing the amount of travel necessary to set and/or release the subsequent packer tools, it is possible to select which tool is being manipulated or operated upon.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for severing the mandrel of an anchor device such as a packer to release the packer and remove it from a well. A cutter locator profile above the packer assembly and a cutter locator element on the cutting tool are located so as to precisely position the cutting element at a desired location on the packer mandrel. Once the mandrel is severed, the packer assembly can elongate to release the expansion mechanism. Then, the packer assembly can be pulled upwardly to release the packer, and to remove it from the well. A cutting tool can be lowered through production tubing to sever the mandrel, followed by pulling the packer with the production tubing. Alternatively, a cutting tool can be lowered on a workstring and latched to the upper end of the packer assembly, followed by severing the mandrel and pulling the packer with the workstring.

Abstract: A retrievable bridge plug assembly having an internal “pump through” bypass passage and a wedge assembly, slips and seals disposed thereon. A retrieving tool is provided for running, setting, releasing and retrieving the bridge plug assembly. A tubing sensor is included to prevent setting of the bridge plug assembly in improper size tubing. When the bridge plug is properly located, the wedge assembly can actuated by manipulation of the retrieving tool to force the slips radially outward into gripping engagement with the well tubular and to force the seals into sealing engagement with the well tubular. A ball valve on the bridge plug assembly is movable to selectively open and close the bypass passage. The retrieving tool can maintain the valve and passageway open to facilitate circulation during run in and setting and also open during retrieving for pressure equalization. A service packer can be connected to and run with the bridge plug assembly.

Abstract: A releasing mechanism for releasing a hydraulically actuated setting tool from a downhole tool is provided. Preferably, the downhole tool to be released is a wellbore sealing tool such as a bridge plug, packer or inflatable packer. The releasing mechanism comprises an adapter having a body, a connector above the body connected to the setting tool, and a lower portion. The releasing mechanism further comprises a releasable connection which releasably connects the lower portion of the adapter to a mandrel within the bridge plug or other sealing tool. In one embodiment, the releasable connection defines a frangible body disposed within the plane of the circumferential bore of the bridge plug mandrel. In another arrangement, the releasable connection defines both a frangible body and threaded collet fingers which releasably engage matching threads on the outer surface of the mandrel of the bridge plug or other wellbore sealing tool.

Abstract: A packing tool assembly for sealing oil well bores that basically includes an elongated tubular member, two deformable sealing units, two stopper ring members and a cylinder member. A setting tool transports the packing tool assembly and the former stays in the oil well bore during the preparation and sealing phases without requiring the typical time-consuming withdrawal. When the preparation phase has been completed, the packing tool assembly is disengaged from setting tool and the sealing phase starts immediately. The latch members of the setting tool are received within the internal locking channels of the cylinder member. The setting tool is then rotated to cause the cylinder member to advance towards stopper ring members, deforming outwardly the sealing units. The latter are expanded against the walls of oil well bore. Once expanded the sealing units, the setting tool is removed and a tool for the extraction phase is inserted.

Abstract: Methods for reclaiming a borehole extending from an earth surface into the earth, part of which borehole is in a lost circulation zone. The methods include the steps of closing off the borehole to fluid flow above the lost circulation zone by installing a packer system with an inflatable packer element, inflating the inflatable packer element with cement, allowing the cement to set so that the inflatable packer effectively seals off the borehole to fluid flow, and then drilling out the inflatable packer. Such a method also may include a further operation conducted in the borehole within the lost circulation zone. The packer system comprises in one arrangement a packer body, an inflatable bladder around the packer body, a plurality of ribs mounted around at least a portion of the inflatable bladder, and a valve apparatus, all of which are fabricated from a drillable material.

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: The present invention, therefore, discloses in certain, but not necessarily all, embodiments a method for reclaiming a borehole extending from an earth surface into the earth, part of which borehole is in a lost circulation zone, the method including closing off the borehole to fluid flow above the lost circulation zone by installing a packer system with an inflatable packer element, a plurality of ribs mounted around the inflatable packer element, and a valve apparatus in the borehole above the lost circulation zone, the packer system made of drillable material, inflating the inflatable packer element with cement, and allowing the cement to set so that the inflatable packer and the valve apparatus effectively seal off the borehole to fluid flow.

Abstract: A protective member that is disposed within the longitudinal bore of a well tool, the well tool including an actuating mechanism adapted to be mechanically activated from the longitudinal bore. The actuating mechanism includes an engagement section, preferably a profile. The protective member, preferably a sleeve, substantially covers the actuating mechanism while leaving the engagement section exposed to the longitudinal bore. In a preferred embodiment, the sleeve is slidably disposed within the longitudinal bore between a first position and a second position. A biasing mechanism biases the sleeve into the first position, in which a sleeve first end is proximate the profile. Operation of the apparatus enables a method for preventing the inadvertent mechanical activation of the actuating mechanism of a well tool as peripheral equipment is passed through the longitudinal bore of the well tool.

Abstract: A retrievable bridge plug assembly having an internal “pump through” bypass passage and a wedge assembly, slips and seals disposed thereon. A retrieving tool is provided for running, setting, releasing and retrieving the bridge plug assembly. A tubing sensor is included to prevent setting of the bridge plug assembly in improper size tubing. When the bridge plug is properly located, the wedge assembly can actuated by manipulation of the retrieving tool to force the slips radially outward into gripping engagement with the well tubular and to force the seals into sealing engagement with the well tubular. A ball valve on the bridge plug assembly is movable to selectively open and close the bypass passage. The retrieving tool can maintain the valve and passageway open to facilitate circulation during run in and setting and also open during retrieving for pressure equalization. A service packer can be connected to and run with the bridge plug assembly.

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 bottom hole assembly for use with fracturing or fracing a wellbore using coiled tubing is described having a first packing element and a second packing on a mandrel. The bottom hole assembly may be run into the wellbore such that the packing elements straddle the zone to be fraced. Also described is a timing mechanism to prevent the closing of dump ports before the bottom hole assembly may be flushed of the sand. A release tool is described that allows an operator to apply force to the coiled tubing to dislodge a bottom hole assembly without completely releasing the bottom hole assembly. Also disclosed is a collar locator capable of being utilized in a fracing process. Methods of using the above described components are also disclosed.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a gravel pack assembly comprising a gravel pack body and a crossover tool. The gravel pack body comprises a pressure set packer, one or more production screens and a plurality of axial position indexing lugs. The crossover tool comprises auxiliary flow chambers, packer by-pass channels, a crossover tool check valve and an axial position indexing collet. The gravel pack body and crossover tool are assembled coaxially as a cooperative unit by a threaded joint and the unit is threadably attached to the bottom end of a tool string for selective placement within the wellbore. Set of the packer secures the gravel pack body to the well casing and seals the casing annulus around the gravel pack assembly.

Abstract: A release system for a packer is disclosed. The release ring is minimally exposed in the wellbore and is actuated by a release tool, which comprises a collet and cone with a relative movement feature. In the preferred embodiment, the release ring has alternating cuts and a built in radially outward bias. The ring is held in locked position by bands, which are broken by the action of the releasing tool.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for installing and removing packer assemblies from a subterranean well. A packer assembly has a stop that prevents the seal assembly from relaxing. The stop is cut axially by use of a chemically reactive cutter device lowered into the well and activated by use of conventional wire line equipment. Once cut, the seal assembly on the packer is allowed to relax and can be removed intact from the well.

Abstract: The invention provides a running tool for a wellbore component. In one aspect, the tool includes a body having a longitudinal bore therethrough with connection means at an upper end for connection to a tubular run-in string and a selective attachment assembly for a wellbore component therebelow. A flow directing member is disposed in the bore and is movable between a first and second position. At a predetermined flow rate through the member, the member moves to the second position and directs fluid towards the selective attachment assembly, thereby causing the running tool to become disengaged from the wellbore component after the wellbore component has been actuated and fixed in the wellbore.

Abstract: A wellbore isolation device having an expandable component. The expandable component comprises a layer of bistable cells that can be expanded from a contracted stable state towards an expanded stable state. A seal material may be placed along the expandable cells to facilitate inhibition of fluid flow along a region of a wellbore.

Abstract: An all-metal seal assembly is located between the exterior of a string of casing and the bore of a lower wellhead housing. The seal assembly has abase seal member with inner and outer legs that define a U-shaped cross-section extending upward into the bore. Each leg is provided with a set of seal bands for sealing against the bore and casing, respectively. When an upper wellhead housing is landed on top of the lower wellhead housing, an energizing ring is forced into the U-shaped cross-section and spreads the legs apart from each other, thereby moving the two sets of seal bands into sealing engagement with the bore and the casing.

Abstract: An improved single trip perforating and gravel pack system is provided which includes a tubing conveyed perforating assembly, a gravel pack completion assembly, and a retrievable service assembly. The retrievable service assembly includes a hydraulic setting tool and a crossover tool assembly. The hydraulic setting tool is less sensitive to hydraulic pressures generated by the detonation of the perforating guns. The hydraulic setting tool includes an annulus release mechanism, a preset lock assembly and a rotational lock assembly, all of which are mechanically actuated. The retrievable service assembly also includes a concentric check valve which improves well control and allows for reversing out excess slurry in the service assembly following completion of a gravel packing or frac packing operation.

Abstract: An inflatable packer with a packer body, an inflatable bladder mounted around the packer body, a bladder support mounted around the inflatable bladder, the packer body, the inflatable bladder and the bladder support made of drillable material. A method for reclaiming a borehole extending from an earth surface into the earth, part of which is in a lost circulation zone, the method including closing off the borehole to fluid flow above the lost circulation zone by installing a packer system with an inflatable packer element and a valve apparatus in the borehole above the lost circulation zone, inflating the inflatable packer element with cement, and allowing the cement to set so that the inflatable packer and the valve apparatus effectively seal off the borehole to fluid flow.

Abstract: A dog sub is provided for use in an assembly for running liners with weight-set packers and/or other mechanically or hydraulically actuated devices that need to be located. The dogs are retained by a sleeve so that an applied pickup force to determine that the running string had released from the liner can be applied which even results in removal of the dog sub from the extension tube of the weight-set packer. The dogs are held in a retracted position, even if taken out of the extension tube initially. Thereafter, the dog sub is supported off the extension tube and the locking sleeve on the dogs is liberated, with the dogs inside the extension tube. A subsequent pickup force allows the dogs to move outwardly, whereupon a subsequent setdown force locates the dogs on the setting extension tube. A subsequent setdown force sets the packer and breaks a breakable member, such as a shear pin.

Abstract: In a broad aspect, the invention is directed to a well locking device having a shear ring for retaining a setting wedge within a well lock housing during running, setting, locking, and removing the well locking device within a bore of a well tubing. In a particular embodiment, the well locking device may include a no-go shoulder provided on the running tool used to locate and set the well lock downhole within the tubing.