Abstract: A method of locating bore-lining tubing, such as a liner (120), in a drilled bore (106) comprises selecting a buoyant material, such as air (138), having a density lower than the density of an ambient fluid, such as well fluid (180, 182). The buoyant material (138) and an inner tubing (140) are located within the bore-lining tubing (120) with the inner tubing (140) extending from a distal end of the bore-lining tubing to a proximal end of the bore-lining tubing. The inner tubing (140) is sealed to the distal end of the bore-lining tubing (120) and to a portion of the bore-lining tubing (120) spaced from the distal end to define an inner annulus (152) between the inner tubing (140) and the bore-lining tubing (120). A volume of the buoyant material (138) is retained within the inner annulus (152). An assembly (168) comprising the inner tubing (140) and the bore-lining tubing (120) and containing the volume of buoyant material (138) is run into a drilled bore (106).

Abstract: A method of closing a stage tool in a wellbore includes releasing a closing tube into the wellbore; attaching the closing tube to the stage tool; and expanding the closing tube, thereby closing a port of the stage tool.

Abstract: A well barrier can include an inner mandrel, a flow passage, and a releasably secured plug. The plug blocks fluid flow through the flow passage, and includes a shoulder that prevents the plug from displacing completely through the inner mandrel. A method of treating a subterranean well can include treating a deeper zone, setting a well barrier in the well between the deeper zone and a shallower zone, then treating the shallower zone, and then applying a pressure differential from the deeper to the shallower zone, thereby displacing a plug out of the well barrier. A well treatment system can include a well barrier with a plug releasably secured to an inner mandrel. The plug is released by application of a pressure differential in a longitudinal direction, and fluid communication is unblocked by application of a pressure differential in an opposite longitudinal direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of natural gas production, and discloses a well structure for natural gas hydrate production, which comprises: a natural gas production well (12); an injection well (4) capable of extending into a geothermal reservoir and injecting a heat-carrying fluid; a curved connecting well (7), the inlet end of the curved connecting well (7) is connected to the outlet end of the injection well (4); a hydrate production horizontal well (10), which may be arranged in a shallow hydrate reservoir (9), the curved connecting well (7) and the hydrate production horizontal well (10) are connected by an ascending well section (8). With the above technical scheme, the high curvature connected well connecting the horizontal well and the vertical well can be located in the bottom layer below the hydrate reservoir, enhancing the stability and production efficiency of the gas hydrate production well.

Abstract: A setting tool for opening and dosing a sleeve inside a casing includes a body extending along a central longitudinal axis (X); a set of holding dogs located around the body; and a set of sleeve dogs located around the body. The set of sleeve dogs are configured to move along the central longitudinal axis (X) relative to the set of holding dogs.

Abstract: A swellable packer comprises an elastomeric element and a mandrel extending through the elastomeric element. The elastomeric element is formed of an elastomer which undergoes swelling following contact with certain types of well fluids. The elastomeric element is sealed with respect to the mandrel and may be located along an undercut region of the mandrel. Additionally, the mandrel has an interior passage extending longitudinally through the mandrel and offset with respect to an external geometry of the mandrel. Accordingly, the mandrel is effectively constructed with relatively thicker and thinner wall sections. The thicker wall section or sections accommodates at least one bypass conduit which extends longitudinally through the mandrel.

Abstract: A method including, without removing a BHA from a wellbore of a well extending into a formation, extending, into an interior flow bore of the BHA, a first component of a wet latch assembly to provide an extended first component of the wet latch assembly, conveying downhole via a wireline cable, from a surface through an interior flow bore provided by a drill string, a second component of the wet latch assembly, and coupling the second component of the wet latch assembly with the extended first component of the wet latch assembly such that an electrical connection is established between the first component and the second component and between the BHA and the surface via the wireline cable, and testing the formation with a formation tester of the BHA, while providing power and/or data telemetry for the formation tester via the wet latch assembly and the wireline cable.

Abstract: A screen assembly, such as a downhole/sand screen assembly, comprising first and second screen portions or screens longitudinally coupled together, wherein there is provided a fluid flow path between the first and second screen portions or screen. Optionally, the first and second sleeves are coupled or connected by a centralizer or further sleeve or screen, and/or optionally by or via first and second support ring.

Abstract: A water sampling assembly for sampling water within a groundwater production well includes a primary pump and a water sampler. The primary pump is positioned within the groundwater production well. Additionally, the primary pump defines at least a portion of an annulus between the primary pump and one of the support casing and the well screen. The water sampler is configured to obtain a plurality of water samples from the groundwater production well without removal of the water sampler from the groundwater production well. Additionally, the water sampling assembly can further include a flow detection assembly that is conjoined with the water sampler within a single jacket to form a conjoined system. The flow detection assembly is configured to detect a flow, i.e. a dynamic flow and/or an ambient flow, of the water within the groundwater production well.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an annular barrier for being mounted as part of a well tubular metal structure for providing zonal isolation in a small diameter borehole downhole for isolating a first zone from a second zone, comprising an expandable metal sleeve having a first end and a second end and an outer face facing the borehole, a first end part having a first end connected to the first end of the expandable metal sleeve and a second end for being mounted as part of the well tubular structure, a second end part having a first end connected to the second end of the expandable metal sleeve and a second end for being mounted as part of the well tubular structure, wherein the first end of the first end part is connected end to end to the first end of the expandable metal sleeve, and the first end of the second end part is connected end to end to the second end of the expandable metal sleeve, and wherein the second ends of the end parts are provided with male or female thread connections for being mounted

Abstract: A method of testing mechanical properties of an earth formation can include disposing a probe in a wellbore, impacting the probe against a wall of the wellbore, and measuring a parameter related to at least one of a displacement, displacement rate, strain, and strain rate, of at least one of the probe and the formation. Another method can include disposing a probe and a known material in a wellbore, and after the disposing, penetrating the known material with the probe. Another method can include disposing a probe in a wellbore, measuring a displacement of the probe into a wall of the wellbore while measuring a load applied to the probe, and applying fluid pressure to the formation via the probe.

Abstract: A method of testing a barrier in a wellbore that includes isolating a volume in the wellbore between an isolation device connected with an apparatus and the barrier, and pressure testing the barrier using the apparatus to adjust the pressure in the volume.

Abstract: A subsea boosting module for use with an alternating current (AC) power system includes a housing defining at least one interior chamber. A fluid pump is disposed within the interior chamber. An electric motor is disposed within the interior chamber and drivingly coupled to the fluid pump. A plurality of power components is disposed within the interior chamber to deliver power to the electric motor.

Abstract: A method of centralizing a tubing in a wellbore includes providing one or more expandable elements between the tubing and a surrounding casing located in a wellbore and expanding the expandable elements against the casing so as to cause the tubing to become centered within the casing. Alternatively, one or more portions of a tubing are expanded against a surrounding casing located in a wellbore so as to cause the tubing to become centered within the casing.

Abstract: Seal sleeve and assembly including such a seal sleeve. A seal sleeve (10) having a seal sleeve wall (14) comprising a swellable polymer material having elastomeric properties so that the seal sleeve has non-swollen state and an expanded state, wherein the seal sleeve wall has a closed circumference that extends around a central longitudinal axis (A), the seal sleeve wall having a non-swollen thickness that is defined by the distance between an inner surface and an outer surface of the seal sleeve wall in the non-swollen state, the non-swollen thickness being less than the radial width of a circumferential space between an inner and an outer element that has to be closed off by the seal sleeve, wherein at least one of the end surfaces (14a, 14b, 252) extends in a plane that includes a sharp angle (a) with the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A technique facilitates use of a flexible conveyance, e.g. coil tubing or slick line, for placing a tool in a tubing string. The tool is coupled to an orienting and locating mechanism which is used to deploy the tool through a tubing string via a flexible conveyance. The tool is oriented by reciprocating the orienting and locating mechanism between orienting profiles. Once the tool is oriented, the orienting and locating mechanism is latched at a desired longitudinal location by a releasable key.

Abstract: A stage tool for wellbore annular cementing may be opened for cementing by hydraulic actuation of a sliding sleeve valve from over a fluid port. After sufficient cement has been introduced, the stage tool fluid port can be closed by compressing two telescopically arranged parts of its tubular body to further overlap each other and overlie the fluid port. This permits the stage tool to be closed without employing a plug.

Abstract: Methods and systems for completing a well including injecting a stimulation fluid to stimulate a first interval in the reservoir. The stimulation fluid is at a pressure sufficient to open a number of check valves in the first interval, allowing stimulation fluid to flow into the first interval. A number of ball sealers configured to block flow through the check valves are dropped into the well to stop the flow of the stimulation fluid into the first interval and begin treatment of a second interval. The stimulation fluid is injected to stimulate a subsequent interval with pressure sufficient to open a number of check valves in the subsequent interval, allowing stimulation fluid to flow into the subsequent interval. The dropping of ball sealers is repeated until all intervals are treated.

Abstract: A completion tool for gravel packing screens incorporates an added position to allow redirection of flow to a signal transmission tool at the needed flow rates to optimize signal to noise ratios by creation of a discrete flow path that channels the desired flow directly to the device and using the production tubing and upper annulus as the balance of the flow circuit. The Smart Collet® has a landing location for this position which is preferably between the circulation and reverse positions of the crossover tool. The wash pipe assembly can have a shifting tool that closes the sleeve over the gravel exit ports for the information transmittal such ports can thereafter remain closed because the gravel packing is complete but for the reversing out of excess gravel which happens above the gravel exit ports.

Abstract: A technique facilitates deflecting a tubing string into a desired branch of a surrounding tubular structure. A deflector assembly is provided with a deflector tube, an orienting member, and a latching feature, such as latch dogs which are circumferentially disposed on the deflector tube in an asymmetrical pattern. The deflector assembly may be moved within the outer tubular structure, e.g. wellbore tubing, to a desired junction. The deflector tube and the latching feature are then oriented in an alignment sleeve of the surrounding tubular structure by moving the orienting member along a profile within the outer tubular structure. The latching feature is able to securely latch at the selected junction. The latching feature may use a pattern of latch dogs which matches a corresponding asymmetrical pattern of latch openings in the alignment sleeve.

Abstract: A swellable packer with enhanced sealing capability. A packer assembly includes multiple seal elements, each seal element being swellable downhole, each seal element having at least one face inclined relative to a longitudinal axis of the assembly, and the inclined faces of adjacent seal elements contacting each other. A method of constructing a packer assembly having a desired differential pressure sealing capability includes: providing a base pipe and multiple seal elements, each seal element being swellable in a downhole environment, and each seal element having a predetermined differential pressure sealing capability less than the desired sealing capability; and after the desired sealing capability is determined, installing a selected number of the seal elements on the base pipe, so that the combined predetermined differential pressure sealing capabilities of the installed seal elements is at least as great as the desired sealing capability.

Abstract: A port control system including a group of port control assemblies at least one of which delaying passage of a plug and at least one of which preventing passage of a plug, each assembly of the group configured to shift a sleeve to open one or more ports responsive to contact with a same sized plug upon fluid pressure differential across the plug; and at least one second group of port control assemblies at least one of which delaying passage of a plug and at least one of which preventing passage of a plug, each assembly of the group configured to shift a sleeve to open one or more ports responsive to contact with a same sized plug upon fluid pressure differential across the plug. A method is included.

Abstract: Re-treatment of a formation having a wellbore, which can be an open hole or a cased hole lined with casing, involves deploying a tubing string in the casing having tools disposed at intervals thereon. The tools position on the tubing string, and the tubing string with the tools thereon is inserted into the casing. Biasing rings of the tools passively engage with the casing. The annulus is accessed between the tubing string and the casing at the intervals between the tools. For example, sliding sleeves on the tubing string can be opened (selectively), or new plug and perforation operations can be used to create perforations in the tubing string at desired intervals between the tools. With access achieved, retreatment is pumped down the tubing string, out the access to the annulus, and at least partially sealed by the engaged rings in the intervals between the tools.

Abstract: A sealing arrangement and method for dynamic sealing around a drill stem (50) in water-carrying, drilling fluid-carrying or hydrocarbon-carrying wells, comprising at least one dynamic sealing (35a) which is arranged to envelop the drill stem (50), and a receiver unit (30) arranged to receive the at least one sealing (35a), with the dynamic sealing being arranged to be driven into the receiver unit (30) with the help of the drill stem, and to be securely locked in the receiver unit, and also that internal pressure support in the sealing arrangement is provided corresponding to at least the surrounding pressure.

Abstract: A bottom hole assembly to enable reperforation and refracturing a cased hole has a bottom end anchor seal to allow a larger drift dimension in the zones to be perforated and fractured between spaced external seals that preferably set by swelling. A separable section has a seal bore to protect lower pressure rated casing in the upper annulus from overpressure during the refracturing operations. Either existing perforations can be refractured or new perforations made and fractured. With a multiple shot perforating gun all the zones can be perforated and fractured in a single trip with a service string that supports a releasable plug, a gun and frac ports. The BHA can be remove with a line cut above the anchor seal at the bottom and a pull on the tubular sting that takes all the swelling packers out. Location devices can be employed for proper gun placement before firing.

Abstract: A well system can include a generally tubular production string extending to a surface location. A production packer seals off an annulus external to the production string. A swellable packer is interconnected in the production string between the production packer and the surface location. A method of mitigating a leak in a generally tubular production string can include interconnecting a swellable packer in the production string, and the swellable packer swelling, and thereby increasingly restricting flow through an annulus surrounding the production string, in response to fluid leakage through a sidewall of the production string. Another method can include interconnecting a swellable packer in the production string, and the swellable packer swelling, and thereby increasingly restricting flow through an annulus surrounding the production string, in response to a flow of hydrocarbons into the annulus from an interior of the production string.

Abstract: A well completion system having (i) a completion assembly; (ii) a service tool positioned within the completion assembly, wherein the service tool includes a substantially straight bore central passage from an upper end of the service tool to a lower end of the service tool; and (iii) a one-way valve positioned in an assembly annulus formed between the service tool and an inner surface of the completion assembly.

Abstract: A swellable packer which includes a generally tubular mandrel having a central axis and an exterior cylindrical surface. The swellable packer further includes a swellable elastomeric body fixed to the exterior cylindrical surface of the mandrel, wherein the swellable elastomeric body includes a plurality of grooves and wherein the generally tubular elastomeric sleeve has a circumference and a thickness.

Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus for controlling fluid flow between a formation and a tubular is provided, wherein the apparatus includes a retrievable communication device configured to be conveyed to a selected location in the tubular downhole. The apparatus also includes a control node configured to communicate with the retrievable communication device at the selected location, a flow control device coupled to and controlled by the control node and a sensor coupled to the control node, wherein the sensor and flow control device are downhole of the control node.

Abstract: An apparatus having a body including a plurality of packers and a plurality of ports between the packers. The packers and ports are spaced along a longitudinal axis of the body. The apparatus also includes a control module to obtain a density of a formation fluid and, based on the density, determine a direction to pump fluid from an interval defined by the packers.

Abstract: An assembly employing multiple eccentric devices about a mandrel. The assembly is configured such that at least one of the eccentric devices is adjustably orientable relative another. Thus, for example, where the devices are packers disposed about completions tubing, the adjustable orientation may be utilized to ensure enough clearance is available for downhole advancement of the assembly. As such, the assembly may remain eccentric in nature without concern over damage during positioning, particularly to a communication line running to actuatable implements of equipment coupled to the completions assembly.

Abstract: Downhole tool packing element systems comprise a sealing element having a support system. The support system can include one or more of a first spacer ring, a second spacer ring, a third spacer ring, a mesh ring, and one or more petal rings. One or more of these components can be disposed at one or both of the upper end and/or lower end of the sealing element. When compressed, the sealing element is moved radially outward to engage an inner wall surface of a wellbore due to compressive forces of the one or more spacer ring(s), mesh ring, and/or petal ring(s). The lower end of one or more of the mesh ring(s) and/or petal ring(s) rotate outwardly toward the casing and engage the casing to facilitate creation of the seal.

Abstract: A shunt tube assembly comprises a plurality of shunt tubes, a jumper tube, and a coupling member configured to provide fluid communication between the jumper tube and the plurality of shunt tubes. The coupling member can comprise a first end and a second end. The coupling member may be configured to provide a sealing engagement between the coupling member and the jumper tube at the first end, and the coupling member may be configured to provide a sealing engagement between the coupling member and the plurality of jumper tubes at the second end.

Abstract: A downhole sealing assembly (10) comprises a sleeve (12) adapted to be mounted on a body, the sleeve (12) including a swellable material and defining a sealing arrangement comprising inner and outer seals (18, 20). Swelling of the material radially extends the seals (18, 20).

Abstract: A device and method to control the rate of radial expansion of a compressible sealing element on a packer over the longitudinal length of the sealing element. By varying the rate of compression of the element, the rate of radial expansion of the corresponding portions of the element may also be controlled. Additionally, the rate of radial expansion may also be controlled by controlling the direction and amount of radial expansion along the length of the sealing by reinforcing certain portions of the sealing element while decreasing the rigidity of the reinforcement for other portions.

Abstract: Zonal isolation apparatus includes at least one packer assembly and can be used in completing an open-hole portion of a wellbore, which open-hole portion extends through at least two subsurface intervals. The zonal isolation apparatus includes base pipe and filter medium, which together form a sand screen. Each packer assembly comprises at least two mechanically set packer elements. Intermediate the at least two mechanically set packer elements is at least one swellable packer element. The swellable packer element is actuated over time in the presence of a fluid such as water, oil, or a chemical. Swelling may occur should one of the mechanically set packer elements fail. The zonal isolation apparatus also includes alternate flow channel(s) that serve to divert gravel pack slurry from an upper interval to lower intervals during gravel packing operations. A method for completing a wellbore using the zonal isolation apparatus is also provided herein.

Abstract: A downhole apparatus, for example a centralizer, comprises a swellable material which expands upon contact with at least one predetermined fluid. In a first aspect of the invention, a centralizer comprises a body and a plurality of formations upstanding from the body. In another aspect, a downhole apparatus comprises a throughbore configured to receive a tubular, a swellable member, and a rigid assembly integrally formed with the swellable member. The rigid assembly provides stand off to the apparatus in use. In a further aspect, the downhole apparatus has a first condition before expansion of the swellable member in which a rigid assembly defines a maximum outer diameter of the apparatus. In a second condition after expansion of the swellable member, the swellable member defines a maximum outer diameter of the apparatus. In a preferred embodiment, the rigid assembly is designed to flex or deform under an axial or radial load.

Abstract: A method of cementing a wellbore, comprising delivering a diversion and movable isolation tool into the wellbore and thereby at least partially isolating a first wellbore volume from a second wellbore volume, the second wellbore volume being uphole relative to the first wellbore volume, passing fluid through the diversion and movable isolation tool into the first wellbore volume, substantially discontinuing the passing of fluid through the diversion and movable isolation tool into the first wellbore volume, passing fluid through the diversion and movable isolation tool into the second wellbore volume. A diversion and movable isolation tool for a wellbore, comprising a body comprising selectively actuated radial flow ports, and a fluid isolation assembly, comprising one or more segments, each segment comprising a central ring and at least one tab extending from the central ring.

Abstract: A downhole tool assembly for use in a wellbore includes a tubular body carrying an explosive which is selectively detonated to create a dynamic underbalance or overbalance effect in the wellbore. The tubular body has opposite ends provided with plug assemblies including plug elements movable between a normally collapsed state and an actuable expanded state. The plug elements are adapted to be actuated to the expanded state between the tubular body and an outer extent of the wellbore before the creation of the dynamic underbalance or overbalance effect to isolate a discrete segment of the wellbore to which the dynamic underbalance or overbalance effect is confined.

Abstract: A sealing system between a relatively rotating element and a stationary element has at least three sealing elements arranged between the rotating element and the stationary element and arranged in series between a process fluid and an environment, and a barrier fluid arrangement to provide a barrier fluid to spaces formed between the sealing elements. The barrier fluid arrangement has at least two compensator devices where under use the pressure in the process fluid is acting on one side of a piston in the compensator device and the pressure in the barrier fluid is acting on the opposite side of the piston. There is a difference between cross sectional areas of the two sides of the piston and the difference varies between the at least two compensator devices.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for stripping solids and fluids from a string used in the drilling or servicing of a well when the string is removed from the well. The apparatus can comprise two or more pivotally connected arcuate body portions that can be enclosed around the string in a clamshell fashion. The apparatus can further comprise a seal disposed therein to provide a toroidal sealing member around the string when the apparatus encloses the string. A quick release latch mechanism is provided on the apparatus for easy and quick installation on, and removal from, the string. Handles on the apparatus allow personnel to hold the apparatus in a stationary position as the string passes through the apparatus when being raised from the well. In so doing, the sealing member strips solids and fluids from the string.

Abstract: A tubing string assembly for fluid treatment of a wellbore includes substantially pressure holding closures spaced along the tubing string, which each close at least one port through the tubing string wall. The closures are openable by a sleeve drivable through the tubing string inner bore.

Abstract: Further disclosed herein is a method for controlling fluid flow. The method includes, selectively deforming at least one selectively deformable member disposed between two tubular members that are radially aligned with one another, at least one of the at least one deformable member being positioned between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The method further includes regulating flow of fluid by deforming the at least one deformable member positioned between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet sufficiently to achieve a desired flow rate.

Abstract: A completion assembly for subterranean use from a surface in multiple zones that are gravel packed together has a plurality of screens spaced apart with tubulars that define an annulus around them in the subterranean location for receipt of gravel in the annulus. The annulus spans multiple zones and the annulus is isolated from the surface by at least one packer. At least one barrier forming chemical is delivered from the tubulars into the annulus that has been gravel packed. The barrier chemical forms a barrier with the gravel in the annulus between at least two zones. The tubulars comprise at least one opening located between zones. A straddle tool is insertable from the surface into said tubulars to isolate the opening for chemical delivery into the annulus.

Abstract: A first tubular member disposed within a second tubular member, and an annulus formed therebetween. The second tubular member can have a first and second packer disposed about an outer diameter thereof. The first packer can have a slip. The packers can be in fluid communication with the inner diameter of the first tubular member via one or more flow ports formed through the first tubular member. One or more inflow control devices can be disposed between the packers.

Abstract: An actuator for a subterranean tool is releasably retained by a collet. The actuation system features opposing actuation pistons with ports communicating to the tubing. The spaced ports are sequentially straddled for initial setting and a subsequent release using a predetermined applied pressure. The applied pressure overcomes the retaining force of the collet and actuates a one of two opposed pistons to set the tool, which is preferably a liner hanger. Upon shifting the actuation tool to communication to another port leading to an actuating piston pushing in another direction with applied pressure releases the tool and re-latches a retaining collet. The tool can be set, released and repositioned for another cycle in the same trip in the hole.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a completion assembly for running into a borehole in a formation through a well head or blowout preventer, comprising a casing string having a first end and a second end, and a drill pipe having a first end and a second end and extending through the well head or the blowout preventer and being releasably connected at the first end with the casing string. Furthermore, the invention relates to a completion method for completing a casing string. Moreover, the invention relates to a completion kit for making a completion assembly according to the present invention.

Abstract: A casing device for a borehole in the ground, in which an annulus is formed between the casing and the wall of the borehole, and in which the casing is provided with at least two packer groups, each including activatable packers, the packers being formed, in their active state, to seal the annulus, and at least one packer group of the activatable packers being connected to sliding sleeves, so that at least one group of packers is movable relative to the casing.

Abstract: Downhole tool packing element systems comprise a sealing element having a support system. The support system can include one or more of a first spacer ring, a second spacer ring, a third spacer ring, a mesh ring, and one or more petal rings. One or more of these components can be disposed at one or both of the upper end and/or lower end of the sealing element. When compressed, the sealing element is moved radially outward to engage an inner wall surface of a wellbore due to compressive forces of the one or more spacer ring(s), mesh ring, and/or petal ring(s). In certain embodiments, the lower end of one or more of the mesh ring(s) and/or petal ring(s) rotate outwardly toward the casing and, in certain embodiments, engage the casing to facilitate creation of the seal.

Abstract: A straddle packer tool for setting against a constraining wall includes: a drag assembly with a locking mechanism for locking a position of the drag assembly relative to the constraining wall; a mandrel installed in and axially moveable through an inner bore of the drag assembly; and a packing element housing including a first annular packing element and a second annular packing element spaced from the first annular packing element, the packing element housing positioned between a stop shoulder on the mandrel and the drag assembly, the packing element being settable to expand the first annular packing element and the second annular packing element by compression between the drag assembly and the stop shoulder. A valve sub including a pressure actuated piston is also described and may be operated to open using the straddle packer tool.