Abstract: Embodiments presented provide for an apparatus that provides a dislodgable plug seat that is used to capture a cement wiper plug for wellbore cementing operations. The apparatus further includes a collar having a ball seat and a closing sleeve configured to be shifted from an open position to a closed position. In the open position, a fluid pathway between an interior volume and a wellbore annulus is unblocked, and in the closed position the fluid pathway is blocked. A split ring is shiftable with the closing sleeve between a retained configuration when the closing sleeve is in the open position and an expanded configuration when the closing sleeve is in the closed position. The split ring holds the dislodgable plug seat in place within the body in the retained configuration and releases the dislodgable plug seat in the expanded configuration.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rupture disc assembly for use in making a temporary seal in a vessel such as a casing string. The rupture disc assembly may include a rupture disc having a side surface that has a shallow angle taper inward towards a bottom surface of the rupture disc, and a mounting apparatus to support the rupture disc so that the rupture disc forms the temporary seal. When a disc working pressure is applied to a top surface of the rupture disc, engagement/force transmission between the rupture disc and the mounting apparatus produces enough radial compression in the rupture disc due to the shallow angle taper to significantly mitigate or cancel tensile stresses thereby avoiding the rupture disc from breaking. The rupture disc may be configured to break when the rupture disc is subjected to a disc working pressure that is greater than the disc rupture pressure, thereby removing the temporary seal.

Abstract: A plug system including: a plug tubular including a tubular body, an upstream tubular connection, and a downstream tubular connection; wherein: the upstream tubular connection and the downstream tubular connection are openings at opposite ends of the tubular body; and a plug assembly arranged in a housing including: a plug; a breaker object; and a seat; wherein: the plug is supported by the seat; the plug assembly has a first position and a second position; wherein in the first position, the plug intact; and in the second position the plug has been broken by the breaker object; wherein: the plug is stationary with respect to the housing in both the first and second position; there is a fluid connection between the upstream tubular connection and the downstream tubular connection: and the tubular body is a single continuous piece; and wherein the plug assembly is entirely arranged within the plug tubular.

Abstract: A downhole autonomous jet cutting tool includes a main body with a generally cylindrical configuration. The main body includes a locking unit actuable to engage the tool to an inner surface of the pipe, a hydraulic motor with a rotor and a stator, and a rotatable jet cutting nozzle assembly operable to emit a stream of fluid to cut the pipe. The tool also includes a sensor module to detect interactions between the pipe and walls of the wellbore and a control unit in electronic communication with the sensor module and the locking unit. The control unit can identify, based on output of the sensor module, a location where interaction between the pipe and the walls of the wellbore limits downhole movement of the pipe, actuate the locking unit to engage the tool in the inner surface of the pipe, and initiate the stream of fluid from the nozzle assembly.

Abstract: A downhole apparatus includes a casing string with a fluid barrier connected therein defining a lower end of a buoyancy chamber. A rupture disk is spaced from the fluid barrier and defines an upper end of the buoyancy chamber. A degradable plug is connected in the casing string above the rupture disk. The degradable plug defines a flow path to permit flow therethrough to the rupture disk, and is movable from a first to a second position in the casing string.

Abstract: A plug assembly arranged in a housing including: a plug, a breaker object, a seat, a shear ring and an assembly retainer. The plug is supported by the seat and the shear ring prevents the seat from moving in an axial direction. The shear ring is arranged such that when a threshold pressure differential is applied to a surface of the plug, the shear ring shears and allows for axial movement of the seat. The assembly retainer provides axial support to the breaker object, seat, or shear ring. A plug assembly arranged in a plug tubular. The plug tubular made of a single continuous piece.

Abstract: A plug assembly for use in oil and gas wells includes a sleeve having a debris barrier. The plug assembly may have a top sub, a bottom sub, and a middle sub arranged between the top sub and the bottom sub. The middle sub has an interior bore, a valve and a fluid flow channel such that the valve, when opened, allows fluid to flow from an interior bore of the middle sub into the fluid flow channel. The sleeve having the debris barrier is disposed on the middle sub. Fluid flowing in the fluid flow channel moves the sleeve, which moves the debris barrier so that the debris barrier is withdrawn from the fluid flow path through the interior bores of the top sub and the middle sub.

Abstract: A plug assembly arranged in a housing including: a plug, a breaker object, a seat, a shear ring and a snap ring. The plug is supported by the seat and the shear ring prevents the seat from moving in an axial direction. The shear ring is arranged such that when a threshold pressure differential is applied to a surface of the plug, the shear ring hears and allows for axial movement of the seat. The plug assembly has a first position, a second position, and a third position. In the first position, the plug is not in contact with the breaker object, in the second position, the shear ring has sheared and the plug is in contact with the breaker object causing the plug to break, and in the third position, occurring during or after the plug makes contact with the breaker object, the snap ring is arranged to lock the seat into place to prevent the seat from moving axially.

Abstract: Downhole tools comprising a body, wherein at least a portion of the body is degradable when exposed to a wellbore environment; and at least one oil-degradable sealing element composed of an oil-degradable elastomer, wherein the oil-degradable sealing element degrades in the wellbore environment. The oil-degradable elastomer is selected from the group consisting of an oil-degradable natural rubber, an oil-degradable synthetic rubber, and any combination thereof.

Abstract: A cooling system for an outboard motor of a marine vessel is provided. The cooling system includes an oil sump housing having an inner housing wall and an outer housing wall. The inner housing wall defines a transmission mounting cavity, and the inner housing wall and the outer housing wall defines an oil containment cavity that at least partially surrounds the transmission mounting cavity. The cooling system further includes a first sprayer nozzle and a second sprayer nozzle. Both the first sprayer nozzle and the second sprayer nozzle are coupled to the oil sump housing and configured to spray cooling fluid within the transmission mounting cavity onto an inner surface of the inner housing wall.

Abstract: A downhole apparatus comprises a casing string with a removable plug therein to block flow therethrough. A flow barrier is positioned in the casing below the removable plug and the removable plug and the flow barrier define a buoyancy chamber therebetween. A debris barrier positioned above the removable plug has a plurality of fragments interspersed in a stretchable material and includes a frangible disc.

Abstract: A completion pipe comprising a plug arrangement and a method for arranging a completion pipe in a well. The arrangement includes a disintegratable plug element arranged in a plug housing in a pipe string, a seal element arranged to seal between the plug element and the pipe string. The plug element is movable in the axial direction of the pipe string between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: A downhole apparatus for use in a tubular can include: a mandrel having a first end shoulder; a first slip disposed on the mandrel adjacent the first end shoulder and abutting against a mule shoe; a cone disposed on the mandrel adjacent the first slip and movable relative to the first end shoulder to engage the first slip toward the tubular; a seal element disposed on the mandrel adjacent the cone and being expandable outward from the mandrel; and wherein at least one component selected from the group consisting of the mandrel, the first slip, the cone, the seal element, and the mule shoe is a filler-doped degradable component that comprise a degradable material and a filler.

Abstract: An apparatus and related method of assembling a degradable plug adapted to selectively permit fluid communication through a flow path of a downhole tubular. In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes providing a housing defining an internal flow passage and one or more internal annular grooves adjoining the internal flow passage; positioning a generally cylindrical core within the internal flow passage; applying a first axially compressive force against the core so that respective exterior portions of the core expand or flow into the one or more internal annular grooves of the housing and the housing elastically deforms in a radially outward direction; and removing the first axially compressive force from the core so that the housing recoils in a radially inward direction, which is opposite the radially outward direction, thus placing a first stress on the core.

Abstract: A flow conveyed plugging device for use in a well, the device can include a body, and one or more lines extending outwardly from the body, each of the lines having a lateral dimension that is substantially smaller than a size of the body. A method of plugging an opening in a well can include deploying at least one flow conveyed plugging device into the well, the flow conveyed plugging device including a body and, extending outwardly from the body, at least one of the group consisting of: a) one or more fibers and b) one or more lines, the flow conveyed plugging device being conveyed by flow in the well into sealing engagement with the opening. Another flow conveyed plugging device can include a body, and fibers extending outwardly from the body. The flow conveyed plugging device degrades and thereby permits flow through an opening in the well.

Abstract: In a wellbore (1) provided with a non-cemented perforated liner (6) forming a continuous annular space (7) between the liner and the formation (2), the liner having an original perforation pattern being optimized for acid stimulation of the wellbore, the following steps are performed: injecting a hydrocarbon displacement fluid and measuring parameters relevant for inflow profiling, on the basis thereof, determining an actual inflow profile (P a) over the length of the wellbore, comparing the determined actual inflow profile (Pa) with a preferred inflow profile (Pp) over the length of the wellbore, estimating, on the basis of the difference between the actual inflow profile (Pa) and the preferred inflow profile (Pp), a modified perforation pattern for the liner, determining how the original perforation pattern of the liner may be adapted to form said modified perforation pattern for the liner, and adapting the perforation pattern of the liner accordingly.

Abstract: A plug (1) for plugging wells, and in particular oil and gas wells, is provided. The plug (1) has a plug body formed from an outer metal tube (2) of a reduced thickness. The plug also has reinforcement means (4), attached to an inner surface of the outer tube (2), that give the plug a cross-sectional structural strength that is at least equivalent to that of a thicker metal tube. The plug has a central heater receiving void located along the axis of the plug to enable a plug deployment heater to be received therein. Also provided is a plug assembly (10) with a variable cross-sectional area in a plane perpendicular to the plane in which the assembly is deployed during the plugging of underground conduits.

Abstract: In one aspect, a downhole device for use in a downhole environment is disclosed, including: a first material with a first degradation rate in the downhole environment and at least one cavity, wherein the at least one cavity contains a second material to degrade the first material at a second degradation rate when the second material is exposed to the downhole environment and the first material, the second degradation rate being higher than the first degradation rate. In certain embodiments, the second material is a solid second material. In certain embodiments, the second material is a gel second material. In certain embodiments the downhole device further includes a protective material to control exposure of the second material to the downhole environment.

Abstract: A wellbore isolation device includes a substance; and a pH maintainer, wherein the pH maintainer maintains the pH of a wellbore fluid surrounding the isolation device at a desired pH or range of pH values for a desired period of time, and wherein the substance is capable of decomposing at the desired pH or range of pH values. A method of removing the wellbore isolation device includes placing the isolation device into the wellbore; and causing or allowing at least a portion of the substance to decompose.

Abstract: In a fracking context the object that will ultimately block a passage in an isolation device is introduced into the zone with the bottom hole assembly. The object is not released until the guns fire to create a pressure spike in the borehole that triggers the object retaining device to release the object. The retaining device is placed in close proximity to the isolation device and its setting tool to allow a larger object and passage in the isolation device to be used. If the guns misfire, the object is not released and comes out with the guns. The replacement guns can be pumped in because the passage in the isolation device has stayed open during the misfire. Direct and indirect object release in response to pressure created from the firing of the guns is contemplated.

Abstract: An embodiment of an isolation member cooperates with an isolation member seat to isolate a well first portion of an earthen well drilled into the earth's crust from a well second portion and comprises an interior chamber to receive an explosive charge. The explosive charge may be surrounded by a filler material that is resistant to deformation. A pressure sensor, a circuit, and a battery are also received into the chamber. The isolation member material may comprise one of zirconium oxide, aluminum oxide, bulk metallic glass, silicon nitride or tungsten carbide, and the isolation member is resistant to deformation within the isolation member seat under the application of a substantial pressure differential across the isolation member and isolation member seat. Detonation of the explosive charge fragments the isolation member to prevent the isolation member from presenting an obstruction to subsequent well operations. A safety fuse may be included to enable safe handling and transport.

Abstract: Expandable apparatus include a triggering element comprising an at least partially corrodible composite material. Methods are used to trigger expandable apparatus using such a triggering element and to form such triggering elements for use with expandable apparatus.

Abstract: A process for isolating one or more segments of a gravel packed well from other segments to treat the isolated segments and easily re-establish flow from the other segments after the treatment is described. The treatment includes techniques for enhancing or permanently blocking production from the isolated segment. The process includes the installation of a removable sealing element and a permeability poison that forms a fluid seal to prevent longitudinal fluid flow along the annular production space outside the tubular production pipe. With wireline or other low-cost wellbore workover systems, access is re-engaged with the secluded formation including removal of plugs and fluid seals within the tubular production pipe.

Abstract: Device, system, and method to adhesively bond a sleeve to a mandrel are disclosed. The sleeve and the mandrel may be used as part of frac plug or a bridge plug in oil and gas applications. The bonded adhesive connection with grooves is strengthened to reliably achieve higher levels of lap shear strengths than attainable by conventional means.

Abstract: A method of making a composite downhole article is disclosed. The method include forming at least one removable core member comprising a first metallic material that is removable in a wellbore fluid at a first removal rate; and disposing at least one outer member on the core member, the outer member comprising a second material that is removable in the wellbore fluid at a second removal rate, wherein the removable core member has a composition gradient or a density gradient, or a combination thereof, and wherein the first removal rate is substantially greater than the second removal rate. A method of using a composite downhole article is also disclosed. The method includes forming a composite downhole article as described above; using the article to perform a first wellbore operation; exposing the article to the wellbore fluid; and selectively removing the second removable member.

Abstract: A frac plug is configured to seal a bore of a pipe of a downhole well. The frac plug comprises a generally cylindrical plug member comprising a glass body. The glass body may be tempered or high-compression glass. The plug member has axial opposite ends and a length extending between the axial ends. The plug member has an outer diameter surface extending along the length. The outer diameter surface is tapered. The frac plug further comprises a seal of compressible material extending substantially around the plug member outer diameter. The seal has opposite axial ends generally corresponding to the axial ends of the plug member. The seal is movable axially relative to the plug member outer diameter surface. The seal is compressible against the plug member outer diameter surface and expandable radially outward to engage the bore of the pipe.

Abstract: A system for maneuvering a plug in and out of a tubing hanger mounts to a subsea wellhead assembly. The system includes a tractor and an end effector that are sheltered in a housing. A control cable spools from a reel mounted on the housing and attaches to the tractor. The control cable provides communication from a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to the tractor and end effector so that commands from the ROV via the control cable control the tractor and end effector. After the housing connects to the wellhead assembly, control signals from the ROV activate the tractor to drive the end effector into the wellhead assembly and command the end effector to set the plug in the tubing hanger, or to remove the plug from the tubing hanger.

Abstract: A fluid diverting apparatus for use with a blowout preventer or a wellhead has a lower marine riser package having an interior passageway through which fluids can pass, an elongate member affixed to the lower marine riser package at an end opposite the blowout preventer stack or the wellhead, and a tubular member extending through a portion of the interior of the elongate member. The tubular member extends through a portion of the interior passageway of the lower marine riser passage. A seal is formed in one of the lower marine riser package of the elongate member so as to extend around an exterior of the tubular member so as to allow fluids to flow through a passage in the tubular member.

Abstract: A method for underdisplacing fracture proppant in a well bore. The method can include providing a set retainer having a passage configured to receive a wiper plug. The method may also include installing the set retainer in the well bore and injecting a proppant-laden fluid into the well bore, through the passage of the set retainer and through a perforation to create the fracture. The method may include providing a wiper plug configured to be received in the passage of the set retainer. The method may also include inserting the wiper plug into the well bore and allowing the wiper plug to wipe a portion of the proppant-laden fluid past the set retainer and into the fracture. Additionally, the method may include allowing the set retainer to receive the wiper plug.

Abstract: The present invention is an intelligent flow control valve which may be inserted into the flow coming out of a pipe and activated to provide a method to stop, measure, and meter flow coming from the open or possibly broken pipe. The intelligent flow control valve may be used to stop the flow while repairs are made. Once repairs have been made, the valve may be removed or used as a control valve to meter the amount of flow from inside the pipe. With the addition of instrumentation, the valve may also be used as a variable area flow meter and flow controller programmed based upon flowing conditions. With robotic additions, the valve may be configured to crawl into a desired pipe location, anchor itself, and activate flow control or metering remotely.

Abstract: A buoyancy fluid is sealed in an interior central bore of a completion liner with a plug assembly in the interior central bore. The buoyancy fluid has a lower density than the fluid contained in the wellbore. The buoyancy fluid reduces the force, and thus friction, at the interface between the liner and the bottom of the wellbore while the completion liner is being run to final depth. When the buoyancy fluid is no longer needed, the plug assembly can be withdrawn uphole from the completion liner and to the surface.

Abstract: A downhole tool for opening a travelling valve assembly of a downhole pump is disposed with the travelling valve assembly within a pump barrel, and includes a substantially cylindrical housing and a piston. The housing defines an axial bore extending from a bottom opening for fluid communication with the pump barrel, a radial port for fluid communication between the axial bore and the pump barrel, and a channel formed in the outer surface of the housing for fluid communication between the radial port and the travelling valve assembly. The piston occludes the axial bore above the radial port, and in response to an upward pressure exerted by a production fluid below the piston, slides upwardly within the axial bore to engage and open a valve member of the travelling valve assembly.

Abstract: A downhole tool useable for isolating sections of a wellbore, the downhole tool including a setting sleeve; and a mandrel further comprising a first end and a second end. The second end includes a first outer surface area and a second outer surface area. The second outer surface area is in contact with the setting sleeve prior to setting of the tool, and at least part of the first outer surface area is not in contact with the setting sleeve prior to setting of the tool.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure pertain to a downhole system useable for isolating sections of a wellbore that includes a work string comprising a downhole end; a setting sleeve coupled with the downhole end; and a downhole tool engaged with the setting sleeve during run-in, the downhole tool further comprising a mandrel, a composite member, and at least one slip, wherein the setting sleeve comprises at least one channel.

Abstract: A coating having a gradient composite structure, applied to a substrate, which may be a disposable tool. The gradient composite comprises a bonding component and an erosion and/or corrosion resistant component. When applied to a disposable tool, such as a ball and seat assembly in a downhole environment, the coating enhances the performance of disintegrable materials used in such tools. The coating may be configured to expire at the end of a selected duration, allowing the underlying material to disintegrate.

Abstract: Degradable polylactic or polyhydroxyalkanoate polymers may be used to viscosify aqueous fluids for use in wells. Sand control screen or liner can be coated with a solid degradable polymer during placement in a well. Mechanical changes or flow changes in a well can be caused by solid degradable polymer that changes physical properties after it is placed in a well. Parts of devices or entire devices can be made of solid degradable polymer that converts to a fluid after selected times in an aqueous environment in a well.

Abstract: Systems and methods for secondary sealing of a perforation present within a wellbore casing associated with a primary sealing agent. The wellbore casing defines a casing conduit present within a wellbore that extends between a surface region and a subterranean formation. The systems and methods include a sealing apparatus that retains a charge of sealing material with a secondary sealing agent and is conveyed within the casing conduit to within a threshold distance of the perforation. The systems and methods further include selectively releasing the charge of sealing material from the sealing apparatus, such as by a release mechanism, to deliver the charge of sealing material to the perforation, to supplement the primary sealing agent (and/or a seal formed thereby), and/or to decrease a flow rate of a fluid from the casing conduit through the perforation.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve assembly may be coupled to one or more casings and/or tubular members to control fluid communication therebetween. In one embodiment, the valve assembly includes a tubular body having a port for fluid communication between an exterior of the tubular body and an interior of the tubular body; a chamber formed in a wall of the tubular body, the chamber in fluid communication with the port; a closure member disposed in the chamber and configured to control fluid communication through the port in response to a pressure differential; and a retaining member coupled to the closure member for retaining the closure member in an open position.

Abstract: A dampered drop plug drops down a bore of a drill string. The dampered drop plug includes a retainer configured to land on an upward facing shoulder of a tubular sleeve, and a plug releasably coupled to the retainer. The plug couples to the retainer while at a first pressure in the bore and decouples from the retainer at a second pressure in the bore. The dampered drop plug lands on the upward facing shoulder of a tubular sleeve and actuates a first function. The plug then releases from the retainer, and passes fluid through the retainer at a controlled flowrate. The plug then lands on a ball seat and actuates a second function.

Abstract: A treatment plug includes, an anchor runnable and settable within a structure having, at least two slips movably engaged with one another to cause the at least two slips to move radially into engagement with the structure in response to longitudinal movement between the at least two slips. The treatment plug also has at least one seal having a deformable metal member configured to radially deform into sealing engagement with the structure in response to longitudinal compression of the deformable metal member, and a seat that is sealingly receptive to a plug.

Abstract: A frac plug is configured to seal a bore of a pipe of a downhole well. The frac plug comprises a generally cylindrical plug member comprising a glass body. The glass body may be tempered or high-compression glass. The plug member has axial opposite ends and a length extending between the axial ends. The plug member has an outer diameter surface extending along the length. The outer diameter surface is tapered. The frac plug further comprises a seal of compressible material extending substantially around the plug member outer diameter. The seal has opposite axial ends generally corresponding to the axial ends of the plug member. The seal is movable axially relative to the plug member outer diameter surface. The seal is compressible against the plug member outer diameter surface and expandable radially outward to engage the bore of the pipe.

Abstract: A method of reducing restriction in a borehole that is configured for a multizone fracturing operation wherein the borehole has a plurality of plug reception assemblies and each of the plurality of plug reception assemblies includes at least one component configured to disintegrate upon exposure to a selected condition. The method includes exposing the at least one component to a disintegrating environment and facilitating restriction reduction.

Abstract: A wellhead is provided. In one embodiment, the wellhead includes a plug for sealing a side passage of the wellhead. The plug may include an outer member, an inner member extending through the outer member and coupled to the outer member with at least one degree of freedom of movement relative to the outer member, and a moveable seal disposed around the outer member. In some embodiments, the moveable seal is configured to seal against the side passage in response to being moved on the outer member by the inner member.

Abstract: A method of wellbore strengthening may include providing a wellbore strengthening fluid comprising a drilling fluid, a particulate, and a fiber; introducing the wellbore strengthening fluid into a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation; and forming a plug comprising the particulate and the fiber in a void near the wellbore, the plug being capable of maintaining integrity at about 1000 psi or greater overbalance pressure.

Abstract: A drillable plug includes a mandrel having an upper end and a lower axial section, the lower axial section having a geometry transition point separating an upper circular mandrel profile from a lower non-circular mandrel profile, a seal element disposed around the upper circular mandrel profile, and a lower cone having an inner surface forming a passage, the lower cone disposed around the lower non-circular mandrel profile whereby the lower cone is rotationally locked with the mandrel and a lower slip assembly moveably disposed on a sloped outer surface of the lower cone.

Abstract: A down hole tool assembly can be installed at a desired location within a subterranean wellbore that is capable of isolating one portion of the wellbore from another, while sealing fluid pressure within the wellbore from at least one direction. The plug assembly can include components constructed of non-metallic material that can be drilled, milled or mechanically broken up more quickly and efficiently than conventional wellbore plugs.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for improving the reliability of pinpoint stimulation operations is disclosed. A pinpoint stimulation improvement apparatus is disclosed which includes a hold down device, at least one flow reducer coupled to the hold down device, and a jetting tool coupled to the flow reducer. The flow reducer is positioned downstream from the jetting tool. A fluid flowing through the jetting tool passes through the flow reducer and forms a sand plug downstream from the pinpoint stimulation improvement apparatus.

Abstract: A modular changeable fractionation plug for use in a wellbore with a crown engagement and a plug receiving end formed on a mandrel which is adapted to be a caged ball configuration, a drop ball configuration and a bridge plug configuration.

Abstract: A system including a combined plug and valve device that may be precisely delivered to and inserted into an uncontrolled undersea oil well. Once positioned in the well, the device is operated in graduated fashion to anchor the plug to the well and gradually stanch the flow of oil from the well.

Abstract: Biomass (e.g., plant biomass, animal biomass, and municipal waste biomass) is processed to produce useful products, such as fuels. For example, systems are described that can use feedstock materials, such as cellulosic and/or lignocellulosic materials, to produce ethanol and/or butanol, e.g., by fermentation.