Abstract: An apparatus is provided for use in a wellbore for reducing the effects of pressure differential forces which act on settable wellbore tools suspended therein. The apparatus operates to provide a bypass fluid flow path through the settable wellbore tool for directing wellbore fluid through the settable wellbore tool in response to pressure differentials developed across the settable wellbore tool during outward radial expansion of the tool. The apparatus further includes mechanisms for maintaining the bypass fluid flow path in an open condition during at least an expansion mode of operation to diminish the effects of pressure differential developed across the settable wellbore tool. The apparatus also includes mechanisms for closing the bypass fluid flow path once a setting mode of operation is obtained.

Abstract: A tubing conveyed straddle packer system includes two inflatable packers interconnected with each other and spaced apart to provide for isolating a wellbore space for communicating pressure fluids between a formation zone of interest and the surface through the tubing string. An electrical cable extends within the tubing string and is operable to provide control signals to electrically controlled valves for inflation and deflation of the packers and for conveying fluids between the formation zone of interest and the tubing string and between the tubing string and the wellbore above and below the straddle packer system. A logging tool is interposed in the tubing string for precisely locating the straddle packer system in the well.

Abstract: The outer, sealing cover of an inflatable packer comprises an alternating series of thick and thin annular portions which act to effect greater sealing stresses and to inhibit the propagation of cracks or tears in the elastomeric cover. Bonding with only portions of the underlying slats as well as a tapered contour and spacing from an end fitting act to help to retain the cover in its proper position during running and retrieval as well as decreasing the likelihood of the development of cracks and/or tears.

Abstract: A casing packer apparatus includes a mandrel having a mandrel exterior, a longitudinal mandrel bore defined therethrough, and a power port defined in the mandrel communicating the mandrel bore with the mandrel exterior. A packer element is concentrically received about the mandrel. An annular piston is concentrically received about the mandrel and has an annular differential pressure area defined thereon and communicated with the mandrel bore through the power port. The annular piston and packer element are operably associated so that the packer element is set by sliding motion of the piston in response to increased fluid pressure in the mandrel bore. Either a compression set packer element or an inflatable packer element may be utilized.

Abstract: Inflatable devices configured for use particularly in large diameter boreholes and in blasting applications such as vertical cratering, the invention finds utility in blast removal of earth formations wherein the inflatable devices act to suspend explosives and/or stemming materials and the like within a borehole prior to detonation of explosives within said borehole. The inflatable devices are of various shapes and comprise an inner, relatively stretchable inflatable bag enclosed by an outer, relatively non-resilient bag, the inner bag having a valve to allow a fluid such as air to be pumped thereinto with the inner bag expanding to contact inner walls of the outer bag and force the outer bag into contact with walls of the borehole to exert forces against the borehole walls and thus "plug" the borehole at a desired location along the length thereof. Explosive materials and/or stemming materials can thus be suspended at desired locations within the borehole.

Abstract: A method for determining a proper inflation pressure for an elongated inflatable packer to effect a positive contact stress seal of an elastomer packer element with a borehole wall in a wellbore traversing earth formations. The temperature differential for each layer in a radial plane is determined. The final contact stress, the finite inflation pressure required to inflate the packer element and the temperature differential are functionally interrelated to one another to obtain a final contact stress or the packer element with a borehole wall.

Abstract: An inflatable stimulation tool designed to be deployed by coil tubing having a shuttle valve which reciprocates within the bore of a tubular mandrel. The shuttle valve, in cooperation with a reciprocally movable outer mandrel which is disposed about an inner mandrel, opens and closes various ports in the device to alternately seal and unseal the inflatable packer element. The shuttle valve also operates to open and close a flow passage through the inner mandrel to permit the passage of various stimulation fluids through the tool and into the well bore.Upon deflation of the inflatable packing means, which leaves the packing means in a somewhat distended state, the element is urged to its original close relationship with the mandrel by a return spring which cooperates with the lower tool structure to which one end of the rubber packing element is clamped to longitudinally stretch the element.

Abstract: A straddle packer is disclosed using two inflatable packing elements mounted on a mandrel. After the packing elements are inflated, the mandrel can be moved relative to the packing elements to various positions to sample, test, treat, etc. the formation. Resilient connecting means between the mandrel and the packer require a substantial force that is detectable at the surface to move the mandrel to another position. A pin and J-slot control the movement of the mandrel relative to the packer and limit the movement so that a substantial increase in force at the surface indicates that the mandrel is properly positioned.

Abstract: A fluid operated overshot with an outer metal mandrel internally supports a resilient internal sleeve. The sleeve telescopes over a fish to grip the fish on expanding radially inwardly. This expansion is fluid powered by applying a force to the inner sleeve to expand inwardly from a piston which compresses the sleeve, or form surrounding the inner sleeve in a concentric fluid receiving cavity.

Abstract: An inflatable packer is shown which includes a tubular mandrel and an inflatable, elastomeric sleeve secured to the mandrel at opposing ends thereof. A friction enhancing media is applied to the exterior surface of the mandrel by wrapping a grit laden tape about the mandrel exterior surface. The particulate material contained within the outer surface of the tape increases the coefficient of friction between the mandrel and the sleeve to retain the sleeve in its original position while the device is being run into position within the well bore.

Abstract: An inflatable packer includes an elastomeric tubular body adapted for radial expansion and having a longitudinal axis. An elastic outer cover surrounds the tubular body, and coupling members are disposed on each end of the tubular body. A plurality of reinforcing elements are sandwiched between the cover and the body and have end portions terminating at the coupling members. The reinforcement elements include spirally wound members extending the length of said body between the coupling members. The reinforcement elements are wrapped about the tubular body in a manner to continuously decrease the lay angle thereof relative to the longitudinal axis of the body from each coupling member toward the center portion of the tubular body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for extending a pressurization time interval. The pressurization-extending device includes a number of components which cooperate together. The pressurization-extending device is coupled between a source of pressurized fluid, such as a pump, and a fluid-actuated wellbore tool, such as an inflatable packer or inflatable bridge plug. The components include an input for receiving pressurized fluid from the source of pressurized fluid, and an output for directing pressurized fluid to the fluid-actuated wellbore tool to supply an actuating force to the fluid-actuated wellbore tool. The pressurization-extending device further includes a timer device, which is responsive to the actuating force of the pressurized fluid, for automatically maintaining the actuating force of the pressurized fluid within the fluid-actuated wellbore tool at a preselected force level for a preselected time interval.

Abstract: A pass-through zone isolation packer and process for isolating zones in a multiple-zone well. The pass-through zone isolation packer has an upper packer sub with an upper sub through hole and a lower packer sub with a lower sub through hole. A packer mandrel having a through bore is positioned through the upper sub through hole and the lower sub through hole. The upper packer sub and the lower packer sub are secured to the packer mandrel. A packer element is positioned between and is secured to the upper packer sub and the lower packer sub. Likewise, a packer bladder is positioned between the upper packer sub and the lower packer sub. The packer bladder is hermetically sealed to both the upper packer sub and the lower packer sub, so as to form a gas-tight annular gas chamber between the packer mandrel and the packer bladder. An inlet tube is used to introduce a pressurized gas through the upper packer sub and into the annular gas chamber.

Abstract: A gripping inflatable packer having an elastomeric bladder expandable to sealingly engage the outer surface thereof against the wall surface of the well bore to effectively inhibit the passage of well fluid through the well bore. The gripping inflatable packer has an elastomeric bladder with an outer surface sized and shaped to provide a portion that is engageable with the wall bore wall surface, upon expansion thereof. The engageable surface portion has a middle band portion extending cylindrically around the outer surface, and first and second shoulder portions disposed on either side of the middle band portion. Each shoulder portion extends cylindrically around the outer surface. The gripping inflatable packer also has a mechanism for gripping the wall surface of the well bore upon expansion of its bladder. This gripping mechanism includes at least one gripper device attached to the outer surface of the elastomeric bladder.

Abstract: A resettable downhole packer is provided. Circulation from the surface creates a backpressure behind the packing element that expands the packing element into contact with the wellbore or casing. The tool may be shifted to trap pressure behind the element to retain it in contact with the wellbore or casing while, at the same time permitting flow through the packing element for procedures such as injection or stimulation. The tool incorporates a release mechanism to facilitate retrieval of the tubing string if, for any reason, the tool becomes stuck. Provisions are incorporated into the design to maintain the packing element in a retracted position for the running in and removal to avoid damage to the packing element.

Abstract: An inflatable packer is disclosed and includes an elastomeric tubular body adapted for radial expansion and having a longitudinal axis. The packer includes an elastic outer cover surrounding said tubular body, and coupling members disposed on each end of the tubular body. A plurality of substantially concentric reinforcing layers are stacked atop each other and sandwiched between the body and the cover. Each layer includes spirally wound reinforcing members extending the length of the body between the coupling members. The reinforcing members and each of layers has a uniform lay angle at any circumferential position along the length of the body, with a lay angle of the members in one of the layers differing from the lay angles of the remaining layers at the same circumferential position along the length of the body.

Abstract: A pipe plugging system useful for plugging oil well pipes for stopping oil flow from an oil well pipe. An inflatable plug is insertable on a tube through the top of the pipe and is inflated by a fluid under pressure released into he plug to expand the plug against the pipe wall. A blocker at the lower end of a carrier conduit expands out to block upward expansion of the flexible plug to force the plug to press against the inside the oil pipe on all sides. A gauge valve is installed on the pipe, to control oil flow, while the well pipe is held shut by the plug. A check valve, installed in the top of the tube, holds pressure in the tube, but is openable by pressure from a remotely controlled valve opening assembly to deflate the plug for tube removal, leaving the pipe closable by the check valve to control flow through the pipe into useful places. A guide removably placed around the tube guides the tube into an oil well casing deep in a pool of oil.

Abstract: The completion tool is formed by two identical inflation valve bodies, two identical casing members screwed to the two valve bodies respectively, two identical packer mandrels with packers coupled to said inflation valve bodies, and a valve sleeve coupled to the other ends of the two casing members and to the two packer mandrels. A piston is slidably located in the sleeve valve for movement between opened and closed positions. One casing, with its valve body and packer mandrel and packer is screwed to one end of the sleeve valve and the other casing with its valve body and packer mandrel and packer is coupled to the other end of the sleeve valve by way of an adapter coupling. The packers are bonded in annular slots formed in the packer mandrels at opposite ends to allow the packers to be expanded outward. Valve structure is provided in the valve bodies for allowing the packers to be inflated. A central passageway and outer by-pass passageway are formed through the completion tool.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a reinflatable external casing packer which is operable in three modes, including a filling mode of operation, a locking mode of operation, and a reinflation mode of operation. A valve system is provided which allows for selective filling and reinflation of the external casing packer in response to suspected or detected loss of pressure within the inflation chamber. The present invention may also be characterized as a method of placing a wellbore.

Abstract: There is disclosed a well packer for use in closing off the annulus between a casing string in which the packer is connected and a well bore into which the casing string is lowered. The packer includes a mandrel connected as part of the casing string, a sleeve of elastomeric material surrounding an intermediate portion of the mandrel and adapted to be inflated into engagement with the well bore, and relatively short, substantially rigid but flexible, overlapping strips disposed about only upper and lower portions of the sleeve for expansion therewith into engagement with the well bore.

Abstract: The packer (4) is for use in isolating long lengths (i.e. heights) of a borehole (2), e.g. between sampling points. The packer includes bentonite (23) which is activated by the natural groundwater in the borehole. The water is admitted into the bentonite through narrow portholes (21), which delays the flow of water into the packer. The water is distributed evenly throughout the bentonite by blotting paper (14,16) which soaks up the incoming water and prevents the water passing to the bentonite until the blotting paper is all saturated. Alternatives to the use of blotting paper, to transmit the water evenly over and through the whole body of bentonite, include perforated corrugated plastic, corrugated cardboard, and perforated plastic pipes.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus are provided for inputting fluid into the uppermost end of a casing string gripped by an elevator supported from a traveling block by a pair of bails. The concepts of the present invention may be used to provide circulation from adjacent the lower end of the casing string and into a well bore to enable the casing string to be more easily lowered into the well bore, and may also be used to fill the casing string as it is lowered into the well bore. The casing circulator is provided for lowering into the uppermost end of the casing string above the rig floor, and for sealing with an interior surface of the uppermost end of the casing string. A support sub includes a hanger for suspending from the traveling block, and the casing circulator is supported from the support sub by a pup joint.

Abstract: An external packer assembly for isolating well bores has an inflatable member initially containing a catalyst or activator solution. An insertion assembly introduces a resin to the inflatable member which then inflates, under the influence of the expanding resin, into sealing engagement with the bore hole walls.

Abstract: A well tool having an anchor device, straddle packers above and below a port and an internal valve which are operated by longitudinal motion in an inflatable packer device. The well tool anchor is armed by a hydraulic operated plug and set upon downward motion in a locating profile groove in a well bore. The tool when attached to a string of tubing can be filled with cement slurry and downward motion used to anchor the well tool in a profile groove in an inflatable packer; to set the straddle packers above and below an access port on an inflatable packer; and then to open a valve to admit cement slurry to the inflatable packer. After filling the inflatable packer with cement slurry, an upward motion is used to close the valve, unset the straddle packers and release the anchor to move to another location where the operation can be repeated. At the conclusion of operations, a circulation valve is opened by pressure to reverse out cement slurry from the tubing string.

Abstract: A pass-through zone isolation packer and process for isolating zones in a multiple-zone well. The pass-through zone isolation packer has an upper packer sub with an upper sub through hole and a lower packer sub with a lower sub through hole. A packer mandrel having a through bore is positioned through the upper sub through hole and the lower sub through hole. The upper packer sub and the lower packer sub are secured to the packer mandrel. A packer element is positioned between and is secured to the upper packer sub and the lower packer sub. Likewise, a packer bladder is positioned between the upper packer sub and the lower packer sub. The packer bladder is hermetically sealed to both the upper packer sub and the lower packer sub, so as to form a gas-tight annular gas chamber between the packer mandrel and the packer bladder. An inlet tube is used to introduce a pressurized gas through the upper packer sub and into the annular gas chamber.

Abstract: An inflatable packer includes an elastomeric tubular body and an outer cover surrounding the body. An end member is also provided having a capped portion threadably engageable with an annular ring member, the ring member being secured to the end portion of the outer cover. A plurality of reinforcing elements are sandwiched between the cover and the body and have end portions terminating beneath the ring member. Finally, there is a mechanism for wedging the end portion of the reinforcing elements against the inner surface of the ring member in response to increased threaded engagement between the capped portion and the ring member to retain the elements in position beneath the ring member.

Abstract: A hydraulic setting and release system for run in and cementing of a work string and tubular within a borehole has a small diameter pipe string extending from a release tool through a packer to within the tubular. The system forms at least one annulus between the pipe string and tubular. The pipe string includes a ported nipple and a seat subassembly downstream of the ported nipple. The pipe string allows the packer to anchor the tubular, by being inflated through the port even when the seat is blocked. The pipe string also forms a flotation annulus which is sealed by, and the pipe string is supported by, a drag/seal subassembly downstream of the seat assembly. The system also includes a safety release tool for reliable uncoupling. Uncoupling is accomplished after run in, displacing a cement slurry slug separated by a plug or dart using a following pump down fluid which can land on the seat and block further flow and displacement of cement slurry, and anchoring.

Abstract: A hydraulic set packer for use in a well bore as part of a testing apparatus. The packer comprises a housing defining a generally annular piston chamber therein. A cylindrical portion of an annular piston is slidably disposed in the piston chamber. The piston also has a shoe portion adjacent to a packer element on the housing. An inner mandrel is disposed in the housing, and the housing and inner mandrel define a passageway therein such that fluid pressure may be applied to the piston for moving it against the packer element such that the packer is set in sealing engagement with the well bore. The passageway extends the full length of the housing so that it may be in communication with another hydraulic packer positioned therebelow. One or more packers may be used in a downhole tool on a testing string for use in testing a well formation. The packer may also be used on a tubing string for testing a blowout preventer.

Abstract: A coiled tubing set inflatable packer, bridge plug and releasing tool therefor. The packer and bridge plug comprise an adapter with a mandrel slidably disposed therein. A pressure actuated piston releases a locking ball between the mandrel and adapter during an inflation cycle and allows movement of the mandrel such that the locking ball again locks the mandrel and adapter when the mandrel is moved to a sealed position wherein the inflatable packer element is sealingly closed. The inflatable packer of the present invention comprises a valve for opening a central passageway through the packer. A J-slot in the packer allows a plurality of inflation cycles to insure proper setting of the packer prior to actuation of the valve. The bridge plug of the present invention comprises a bypass passage therethrough which may be opened by upward movement of a central mandrel. A releasing tool is provided for releasing the packer or bridge plug in the well bore after setting of the packer element.

Abstract: An inflatable packing element for an inflatable packer or bridge plug utilized in subterranean wells comprises a tubular elastomeric sleeve which is surrounded by a plurality of circumferentially overlapping flexible metal ribs. The opposite ends of the ribs are respectively welded to an external surface provided on a force transmitting sleeve. The sleeve is provided with a shoulder having an abutting relationship with an internally projecting shoulder provided on the tubular mounting structure for the inflatable element.

Abstract: A multiple stage inflation packer with secondary opening rupture disc. The inflatable packer comprises a case with a closing sleeve, an opening sleeve and a releasing sleeve therein. An opening plug is dropped into the casing string and is allowed to free fall, or is pumped down, to actuate the opening sleeve to allow inflation of the packer element. A back check valve prevents the packer from deflating. After the packer is inflated, additional pressure is applied which ruptures a rupture disc to open a port to the well annulus above the set packer element. Cementing may be carried out through this port, and after the cementing operation, a closing plug is pumped down the well casing behind the cement to actuate the releasing sleeve and move the closing sleeve to seal off the ports. Another check valve insures that pressure is equalized on both sides of the rupture disc as the packer is run into the well bore.

Abstract: An inflatable packing tool is provided for use in a subterranean wellbore. The inflatable packing tool is coupled to a wellbore conduit with a central bore which directs pressurized fluid into the wellbore. The inflatable packing tool includes a central tubular body for directing fluid in the wellbore. Upper and lower stationary collar members are secured to the central tubular body for coupling the central tubular body to the wellbore conduit. An annular inflatable packing element surrounds the central tubular body, and includes a flexible fluid-tight sleeve covered by a plurality of overlapping an axially extending reinforcing ribs. A slidable sleeve assembly is coupled to one end of the annular inflatable packing element.

Abstract: A fluid squeeze monitor downhole tool and a method of monitoring formation squeeze features a tool body that can be placed downhole at a desired elevational location to produce a controlled, localized reduction of pressure head and measure the resultant inward displacement of the borehole wall. The reduction in head is accomplished by draining the fluid in a bladder (or collapsible container) located on the tool body into a reservoir "sump" that is incorporated into the downhole tool.

Abstract: An inflatable packing device is provided for use in wellbore containing fluid. The inflatable packing device provides a seal between a conduit carrying the inflatable packing device and an interior surface within the wellbore. A cylindrical housing is provided having a central longitudinal axis, and including upper and lower collar members. A means for securing the cylindrical housing to the conduit is provided. An annular inflatable wall with upper and lower ends is secured to the upper and lower collar members respectively, with the annular inflatable wall disposed over at least a portion of the cylindrical housing. The annular inflatable wall includes an inner elastomeric sleeve covered by an array of movable slats. Upper and lower elastomeric annular covers are disposed over a portion of the annular inflatable wall between the upper and lower collar members of the cylindrical housing.

Abstract: A progressive cavity pump for inflating downhole inflatable packers. The pump includes a case defining an inlet port and an outlet passageway therein in which the outlet passageway is in communication with the inflatable packer at a location below the pump in the well bore. An elastomeric stator is disposed in the case between the inlet port and the outlet passageway, and the stator has a convoluted inner surface. A rotor is disposed in the stator and rotatable with respect thereto. The rotor defines a convoluted outer surface thereon engaged with the inner surface of the stator such that a plurality of progressive pumping cavities are defined therebetween. As the rotor is rotated within the stator, fluid is moved from one cavity to the next, thereby pumping fluid from the inlet to the outlet. The rotor has a central opening therethrough which provides communication between the packer and an upper testing string portion. The rotor is supported on bearings and/or bushings.

Abstract: A novel hydraulic set packer is set independently of the setting of two other straddle packers, the straddle packers being set by other than hydraulic means, such as by inflation or compression. If the straddle packers are set by inflation, a novel inflate deflate valve is associated with both straddle packers for providing an additional method to deflate the inflatably set straddle packer. If the straddle packers are compression set, it may be necessary to allow a top staddle packer to set only after the bottom straddle packer is already set, that is, the top straddle packer is not permitted to set when the straddle packer assembly is being pushed into a deviated/horizontal borehole or through a restriction in the borehole. Accordingly, a novel hydraulic ratchet, disposed above a bottom straddle packer on a tubing but below the top straddle packer on the tubing, will enable the top straddle packer to set only after the bottom straddle packer is already set.

Abstract: A method for sealing elongated hollow cavities (2), such as circular-cylindrical pipes, tubes, drill holes or the like, in which a body (1) is placed in the cavity in sealing contact with the inner surface (4) of the cavity. The method has at least one essentially annular, elastic sealing element (3) sealingly mounted in a radially and circumferentially extending gap present in the body (1) and which is caused to be urged radially outwards into sealing abutment with the inner surface (4) of the cavity (2), by means of pressure (p) applied internally of the body. There is also a device for carrying out the mehtod.

Abstract: The packing-seal is shown in use in a borehole as a level-isolating seal for a groundwater sampler. The packing-seal shown includes an expandable annulus of Dowell (TM) water-expandable material. Surrounding that is a pressure-sleeve of rubber. A sheet of woven Kevlar (TM) is wrapped circumferentially around the sleeve and the Dowell annulus, such that the ends of the Kevlar sheet overlap. Outside the Kevlar is an outer rubber sleeve. Upon expansion of the packing seal to fill the borehole, the Kevlar sheet unwraps to allow the Dowell to expand without restraint. Once the packing seal has filled the borehole, the Kevlar sheet is prevented from unwrapping further. If the borehole contains a fissure the Kevlar provides a rigid bridge over the fissure, and prevents the packing-seal from ballooning out into the fissure.

Abstract: An apparatus for effecting chemical treatment of any selected portion of a subterranean well bore comprises a pair of vertically spaced, inflatable packing elements which are run into the well on a fluid conduit, such as continuous tubing. The apparatus permits circulation while being run into the well bore and, when positioned at a desired location, effects the expansion of the two inflatable elements by pressured fluid introduced through the supporting fluid conduit. The applied pressure is trapped within the inflatable elements by axial movement of an inner body assemblage of the apparatus relative to an outer body assemblage, which is opposed by a spring. The relative movement effects the opening of fluid communication between the central fluid conduit and the well bore portion between the inflated packing elements, permitting testing of the sealing effectiveness of the packing elements, and the application of a treatment fluid.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus useful primarily in the presplitting and blast removal of earth formations, the improvements according to the invention involving the use of inflatable devices suspended in boreholes used in shattering earth formations. The inflatable devices of the invention can be of various shapes and are provided with valves to allow a fluid such as air to be pumped into each device on placement of the device at a desired location in a borehole. The inflatable devices are preferably formed of a flexible, polymeric material which allows a desired degree of stretching to cause plugging of a borehole. The "plug" formed by an inflatable device of the invention allows loading of exposives into a borehole in order to produce desired blast results acording to the several methods of the invention.

Abstract: An expandable packer is disclosed for repairing a rupture in an underground conduit. The device includes a first packer section formed proximate a first end and having a first inflatable bladder mounted peripherally thereon. A second packer section is formed proximate a second end and has a second inflatable bladder mounted peripherally thereon. A packer discharge coupling is releasably interconnectable with the first section and includes discharge port means. A packer extension section extends between the discharge coupling and the second packer section. There are means for releasably coupling one end of the packer extension section with the second packer section. The discharge coupling includes means for releasably interconnecting the opposite end of the extension section with the discharge coupling. Compressed air or other gas is selectively introduced into the bladders to inflate the bladders so that they sealably engage the conduit.

Abstract: There is disclosed a through the tubing bridge plug adapted to close off a well bore beneath the lower end of a well tubing and which includes a tubular body connectable to a pipe string for lowering it through the well tubing, an elastomeric packing element surrounding the body, and upper and lower sets of thin, elongate metal strips surrounding the body respectively above and below the packing element. The upper strips are caused to move downwardly and the lower strips to move upwardly to cause their ends to slide over expander surfaces and outwardly against the well bore, on the body above and below the packing element, and the packing element is then inflated into engagement with the well bore intermediate the ends of the strip ends of the metal strips being forced outwardly against the well bore, and the packing element then being inflated to sealably engage the well bore intermediate the ends of the upper and lower metal strips.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for use in placing cement within the annulus between a casing string and a well bore in which the casing string is suspended, such apparatus including a stage collar connectible as part of the casing string and having a packing element mounted thereon and adapted to be inflated into engagement with the well bore, one or more side ports through which cement may be circulated into the annulus above the packer, tubular members or sleeves for opening and closing the ports following inflation of the packing element.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating subterranean wells includes a tool supported on a one-piece support tube which operates to raise and lower the tool in the well to a position where well treatment is required. The tool provides inflatable packers and a selector valve operable in a first position to inflate or deflate the packers, in a second position to circulate fluid to spot treatment fluid at the tool, and a third position for injecting treatment fluid into the strata isolated from the remainder of the well by the packers. The tool provides a J-lock system and a time delay dashpot which cooperate to permit an operator at the well head to selectively operate the valve between the three positions solely by adjusting the weight on the support tube at the well head.

Abstract: An apparatus for effecting chemical treatment of any selected portion of a subterranean well bore comprises a pair of vertically spaced, inflatable packing elements which are run into the well on a fluid conduit, such as continuous tubing. The apparatus permits circulation while being run into the well bore and, when positioned at a desired location, effects the expansion of the two inflatable elements by pressured fluid introduced through the supporting fluid conduit. The applied pressure is trapped within the inflatable elements by axial movement of an inner body assemblage of the apparatus relative to an outer body assemblage, which is opposed by a spring. The relative movement effects the opening of fluid communication between the central fluid conduit and the wall bore portion between the inflated packing elements, permitting testing of the sealing effectiveness of the packing elements, and the application of a treatment fluid.

Abstract: Wellbore fluid flow rates and other fluid properties may be measured by a tool which is insertable in the wellbore on the end of a tubing string and includes an instrument section and an inflatable packer disposed on the tool for inflation by conducting pressure fluid down the tubing string to the packer. A control valve disposed on the tool is hydraulically shiftable between first and second positions for conducting fluid from the tubing string to the packer and from the packer to the exterior of the tool. The valve may be actuated by fluid conducted down the tubing string. The tool includes housing parts having respective cavities for conducting wellbore fluid through a flowmeter and for containing instrument circuit enclosures disposed therein. Pressure fluid bypasses the cavities through elongated passages formed in the tool housing parts along or adjacent to the outer periphery of the housing parts. A frangible coupling is interposed in the tool between the packer and the instrument section.

Abstract: Inflatable devices configured for supporting explosives particularly in vertical boreholes of widely varying diameter. The inflatable devices of the invention can be used in the pre-splitting and blast removal of earth formations by suspending explosives in both pre-splitting and production boreholes. Plugging of such boreholes is accomplished through the use of the present inflatable devices which are formed of flexible polymeric material and which stretch to seal boreholes and to exert forces against borehole walls sufficient to support heavy columns of explosives and/or stemming at desirable borehole locations. The present inflatable devices are restrained into a pre-splitting configuration and inflated to a configuration capable of supporting explosives and/or stemming within a borehole.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus are provided for sealing at the uppermost end of a casing string to provide circulation from adjacent the lower end of the casing string and into a well bore to enable the casing string to be more easily lowered into the well bore. A casing circulator is provided for lowering into the uppermost end of the casing string above the rig floor, and for sealing with an interior surface of the uppermost end of the casing string. An external sealing member of the casing circulator may be moved axially with respect to an inner packer tube, thereby allowing the sealing member to become inflated while also enabling fluid to pass through the casing circulator and into the casing string. The techniques of the present invention may also be used to fill the casing string as it is lowered into the well bore.

Abstract: A high confidence tube plug for sealing the bore of a tube against fluid flow has an elastomeric sleeve for sealing the tube. An axially aligned hydroscopic disk swells when contacted with water to frictionally grip the tube. The sleeve and the disk are fastened together by a bolt and nut arrangement.

Abstract: An apparatus, such as a packer or bridge plug, and method of use, are provided for introduction into a subterranean well on a conduit. The apparatus has a cylindrical housing which may have upper and lower collars. An elastomeric seal is disposed around the exterior of the housing with a series of longitudinally extending ribs radially positioned around the housing. The ribs are outwardly and flexibly movable from retracted to expanded positions to anchor the apparatus in the well thereby resisting at least one of longitudinal and rotational movements. At least one elastically expandable belt is carried around the exterior of the ribs. When the sealing element, which includes a tubular elastic body, is moved for sealing engagement within the well by application of fluid, the belt expands and radially conforms the flexing movement of the ribs.