Abstract: A method of sealing an annulus formed between a casing string and a surface in a well includes: positioning a seal element in the annulus, a swellable material of the seal element being positioned between the casing string and the surface; and flowing cement through a channel formed between the swellable material and the casing string. A method of sealing in a well includes the steps of: positioning an annular seal element comprising a swellable material in the well; and flowing cement into at least one channel formed longitudinally through the seal element. A method of sealing an annulus between two casing strings includes: providing multiple arcuate segments, each of the segments comprising a swellable material; and installing the segments in the annulus, each of the segments thereby occupying a respective circumferential portion of the annulus.

Abstract: Downhole tools and methods for isolating a wellbore. A downhole tool can include a body having a bore or flowpath formed therethrough, and one or more sealing members disposed therein. The one or more sealing members can include an annular base and a curved surface having an upper face and a lower face, wherein one or more first radii define the upper face, and one or more second radii define the lower face, and wherein, at any point on the curved surface, the first radius is greater than the second radius. The sealing members can be disposed within the bore of the tool using one or more annular sealing devices disposed about the one or more sealing members.

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 snubbing plug is configured to be secured within a component of a mineral extraction system by an internal locking mechanism. In addition, the snubbing plug enables pressure equalization of regions above and below the plug before removal of the plug. Upon insertion of the snubbing plug into a well component, pressure may be equalized via fluid pathways through the snubbing plug. The pathways are sealed closed during snubbing operations and opened again when snubbing operations are complete. Manipulation of the fluid pathways may be accomplished via rotation of a load ring within the snubbing plug.

Abstract: Cement mixtures and methods are disclosed for enhancing fluid loss prevention in oil and gas wells comprising an electrolyte, a polymer and a cross linking agent.

Abstract: A storm plug for temporarily isolating an offshore well in deep water includes a retrievable service packer connected to a valve housing containing a movable isolation sleeve and a standing valve. The standing valve precludes the fluid flow through a portion of the isolation sleeve. The isolation sleeve being hydraulically actuated from an open position to a closed position. In the open position, fluid may flow through flow ports in the standing valve to an annular bypass area between the valve housing and the isolation sleeve. In the closed position, the isolation sleeve prevents fluid flow through the valve housing. The valve may be hydraulically actuated as compared to conventional storm valve that are set by workstring rotation. The running tool used to run the storm plug into the well may be hydraulically disconnected from the valve housing.

Abstract: A system including a plurality of differential pressure actuated tools; a seat receptive to a plug; a first conduit fluidly communicating tubing pressure upstream of the seat to one end of each of the plurality of tools; and a second conduit fluidly communicating tubing pressure downstream of the seat to an opposite end of each of the plurality of tools and method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a horizontal Christmas tree comprising a central bore (72) and a horizontal outlet (70) extending laterally from the central bore. A tubing hanger (74) is locked into the central bore and connected to a production tubing (76) extending into the well. The tubing hanger comprises a first passage (78) axially aligned with the production tubing and a second passage (80) extending laterally from the first passage and aligned with the outlet. The first passage comprises means for releasable fastening of at least one plugging device (1a, 1b) for plugging the first passage above the second passage.

Abstract: A selective plug including a body; and an incrementing configuration in operable communication with the body capable of causing the plug to selectively pass a number of borehole restrictions to reach and engage a target restriction and method.

Abstract: A selective plug including a body; and a rotator configuration in operable communication with the body capable of causing the plug to selectively pass a number of borehole restrictions to reach and engage a target restriction and method.

Abstract: In one or more embodiments, a downhole plug is disclosed. The downhole plug can include a housing having an aperture disposed generally through the center of the housing, a stopper having a composition of at least two different materials, one or more covers at least partially disposed on the stopper, wherein the stopper is at least partially encapsulated by the one or more covers, and wherein the stopper is disposed in the aperture and adapted to block fluid flow therethrough, and a flow control device disposed adjacent the stopper to selectively introduce fluid to at least a portion of the stopper. In one or more embodiments, a method is disclosed for operating a wellbore using a downhole plug.

Abstract: A downhole tool for isolating zones in a well includes a mandrel, a sealing element disposed around the mandrel, an upper cone disposed around the mandrel proximate an upper end of the sealing element, an upper slip assembly disposed around the mandrel adjacent a sloped surface of the upper cone, a lower cone disposed around the mandrel proximate a lower end of the sealing element, a lower slip assembly disposed around the mandrel adjacent a sloped surface of the lower cone, and two element end rings. The two element end rings include a first element end ring disposed adjacent the upper end of the sealing element and a second element end ring disposed adjacent the lower end of the sealing element. The downhole tool includes two element barrier assemblies; each assembly disposed adjacent one of the two element end rings.

Abstract: A swellable apparatus for filling a space in oil or gas tool such as a wellbore packer is described. The swellable apparatus comprise a hydrocarbon swellable body which swells on exposure to a hydrocarbon fluid, and at least one water swellable body which swells on exposure to a second fluid comprising water. The hydrocarbon swellable body is interposed between the aqueous fluid and the water swellable body and comprises at least one access pathway configured to permit the passage of water to the water swellable body. The pathway may be formed by perforation, or by incorporating an additive into the hydrocarbon material, such as a foaming agent or polyoctenamer. Embodiments of the invention comprise variations in cross-linking in the hydrocarbon swellable body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an activating mechanism (200) for guiding and controlling a downhole tool (100) and/or subsea equipment employed in connection with recovery of hydrocarbons. The activating mechanism (200) comprises an annular sleeve (21) provided with non-through-going recesses (22, 24) in the material of the annular sleeve (21), where separate replaceable elements are provided in the recesses (22, 24) to act as a pump (P), piston (S1), reservoirs (R1, R2), movable slide (S2) and pistons (25a, 25b), where these elements create a closed fluid circuit which on being subjected to a number of cyclical loads will open up a connection between the pistons (25a, 25b). A method for controlling the activating mechanism (200) is also presented.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for sealing a plug within tubing that the plug is designed to be landed and set in are disclosed. The plug includes a seal assembly having a seal on the plug that is acted on by a piston. Wellbore fluid pressure acts on the piston when the valve is closed, thereby moving the piston to force the seal into sealing contact with an inside surface of the tubing.

Abstract: A convertible downhole device comprises at least one sacrificial material to provide two or more configurations so that two or more different operations or functions are performable by the downhole device, one in which the sacrificial material is fully intact and another in which the sacrificial material is at least partially removed or disappeared. The sacrificial material may be removable through any suitable method or device, such as by contacting with a fluid, by temperature, by pressure, or by combustion, ignition, or activation of a fusible or energetic material, or crushing or breaking up of a frangible material. Upon removal of the sacrificial material, the downhole device has at least one additional configuration so that at least a second operation can be performed by the downhole device.

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

Abstract: A baffle apparatus and method for use in a well to mitigate convective in-well flow. The baffle apparatus includes a baffle member attached to a rod. The baffle member prevents vertical flow of water in the well after the baffle apparatus is deployed in the well. At least one centralizer is attached to the rod to maintain correct orientation of the baffle member within the well. The baffle member and the at least one centralizer allow well water to pass during deployment and recovery of the baffle apparatus.

Abstract: A plug (10) for sealing a conduit is described. The plug comprises a housing (42), a setting member (14), at least one anchor (16) and at least one seal element (18). Rotation of the setting member with respect to the housing in a setting direction sets the at least one anchor and the at least one seal element.

Abstract: Sealing devices such as packers comprise a metal foam material disposed on a surface. The metal foam material comprises an initial position comprising a plurality of pockets each having an initial volume and a compressed position in which at least one of the initial volumes of at least one of the plurality of pockets is reduced by compression of the metal foam material, thereby forming a seal. The seal may be formed directly between the metal foam material and a sealing surface such as an inner wall surface of a wellbore to divide an annulus of the wellbore. Alternatively, the seal may be at least partially formed between a sealing material disposed within one or more of the plurality of pockets that is extruded from at least one of the plurality of pockets during compression of the metal foam material.

Abstract: A plug (20) is described for carrying out tests of a well (30), a pipe or the like, comprising an explosive charge (55) with an activation mechanism (50, 51, 53) and which is detonated to remove the plug when the test is completed, and the plug is characterised in that the explosive charge elements are arranged internally in the plug. The plug preferably comprises a boring (54) that holds said explosive charge (55) with the activation mechanism, and it can alternatively comprise two or more borings (54) for the placing of a corresponding number of explosive charges (55) with activation mechanisms. The explosive charge (55) with ignitor (56) and ignition pin (57) is preferably arranged in the plug boring (54) while the other parts (50, 51, 53) of the activation mechanism are integrated in the wall of the pipe bundle (10) that holds the plug.

Abstract: Method for forming a downhole plug within an abandoned well casing for preventing the flow of gas through the plug and reaching the surface, particularly for CO2 sequestration projects. A milling tool mills out a longitudinal section of the perimeter of the well casing and surrounding cement and detritus to expose the well bore. A heater containing solid metallic alloy is lowered into the casing and the alloy is melted so that it fills the milled out area and flows into the face of the well bore. The heater is removed to allow the alloy to solidify. The upper casing acts to restrain any movement of the plug following solidification of the alloy.

Abstract: A flow back plug, a bridge plug, a ball drop plug and plug with a disintegratable check therein are made from a common subassembly including, in some embodiments, a mandrel, a slips/seal section, a setting assembly and a mule shoe. In other embodiments, the common components are a mandrel, a slips/seal section and a mule shoe. To make the flow back plug, a ball check is placed in the mule shoe. To make the bridge plug, an obstruction is inserted in the mule shoe. To make the ball drop plug, the mule shoe is left unobstructed so any ball dropped in a well seats in a tapered inlet to the mandrel. To make a plug with a disintegratable check, a ball dropped in the well is of a type that disintegrated in frac liquids. The setting assembly includes a setting rod connected to a setting device in the mandrel passage. When the plug is expanded into sealing engagement with a production string, the setting rod pulls out of the setting device leaving a passage through the mandrel and through the setting device.

Abstract: A tool that is easily convertible from a frac plug to a bridge plug is disclosed. The tool comprises a mandrel with a mule shoe connected to the lower end thereof. A closing ball is disposed in a cavity defined by the mule shoe. The mandrel is threaded to receive a plug at or near the upper end thereof to convert the frac plug to a bridge plug.

Abstract: A system for sealingly engaging multiple downhole tubulars that includes a first downhole tubular comprising an end for receiving a second downhole tubular; a guide assembly disposed on an end of the second tubular; and a swellable seal disposed on an outer surface of the guide assembly, wherein after the first tubular receives the second tubular, the swellable seal is activated to form an expanded circumferential seal between the first tubular and the second tubular is disclosed.

Abstract: A plug device for closing of a pipe bore where the plug comprises an exterior sleeve formed in a flexible material, and a setting mechanism, and where the setting mechanism comprises wedges which between their passive position and their active position are displaced along a curved path.

Abstract: A wellbore system comprises a borehole formed in an earth formation, the borehole having a borehole section containing a volume of gravel pack particles and at least one body of a swellable material. Each body of swellable material is adapted to expand from an unexpanded state to an expanded state upon contact of the swellable material with a selected fluid, wherein a flow passage is present in said borehole section allowing fluid to bypass the volume of gravel pack particles when the body of swellable material is in the unexpanded state. The body of swellable material is arranged to substantially close the flow passage upon expansion of the body of swellable material to the expanded state.

Abstract: A pressure barrier apparatus 2 for providing a removable pressure barrier in a borehole is described. The apparatus comprises a housing 6, 8 defining a central bore 10 having a first part 20 and a second part 22 separated by an erodeable pressure barrier member 18. The housing also defines a second fluid flow passage 12 for connecting the first part to the second part, and a plurality of conduits 24 for directing fluid onto the barrier member. A sleeve 30 has a first condition in which fluid communication between the first part 20 and the second fluid flow passage 12 is prevented, and a second condition in which fluid is permitted to flow from the first part to the second fluid flow passage to cause erosion of the barrier member.

Abstract: A float collar 10 includes a housing 12 and a generally sleeve-shaped elastomer 20. The lower plate 30 and an upper plate 32 are each supported on an elongate rod 22, and at least one of the plates is axially fixed relative to the tubular housing. The plate intended for exposure to fluid pressure includes a plurality of arcuate flow ports 34 for communication with the annulus between the tubular housing and the elastomer prior to swelling of the elastomer.

Abstract: In one embodiment a method and apparatus for an improved loading sub method and apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment the method and apparatus can be used to pump various pump down means into the well bore from the rig.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in stage-cementing an oil well in the region of a loss-circulation zone that is proximate an annular space defined by the lower end of an outer casing surrounding an inner casing include a load-bearing annular steel plate of substantial thickness that is positioned on, and maintained stationary relative to the inner casing by supporting and retaining means secured to the inner casing, the outer diameter of the plate being less than the inside diameter of the outer casing so that the plate can be lowered with the inner casing string to the desired location inside of the outer casing and, with a layer of gravel, to provide a seal and support the cement poured into the annulus between the inner and outer casings.

Abstract: A downhole waterflood regulator installs in a side pocket mandrel to regulate fluid flow in a waterflood completion. The regulator has an internal piston and can have a check dart. The piston and check dart regulate fluid flow within the regulator's housing. Packings on the regulator's housing packoff the mandrel's ports that communicate with a surrounding annulus. When initially installed in the mandrel, a blanking plug on the regulator's latch prevents fluid flow through the regulator so that the regulator acts as a dummy valve and allows operators to set and test packers or perform other operations. To begin the waterflood operation, operators use a slickline to remove the blanking plug disposed in the latch. With the plug removed, fluid communicated from the tubing string can pass through the ported latch and into the regulator where the piston and check dart regulate the fluid flow out to the annulus.

Abstract: Methods of isolating portions of a subterranean formation adjacent to a highly deviated well bore having a downstream end and an upstream end and substantially filling a first zone with a sand plug comprising lightweight particulates having a specific gravity of below about 1.25 so as to substantially isolate the first zone from the second zone wherein the first zone is located closer to the downstream end of the wellbore than the second zone.

Abstract: A downhole apparatus adapted to be run on a workstring in a well bore. The apparatus has a body including ports and a valve which is rotatable to open and close the ports to selectively allow fluid flow through the body between regions of a well bore above and below the apparatus. The valve is rotated via a gearbox and motor in the apparatus. A sealing arrangement between the valve and body is also described. A method of running the apparatus in a well bore and monitoring pressure above the apparatus in order to control opening and closing of the valve under predetermined conditions is presented.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of elongating a setting time of a bridge plug or packer. The method includes, positioning the bridge plug or packer in a desired position within a wellbore, partially setting the bridge plug or packer with a first hydraulic pressure, controlling remotely a rate of application of a second hydraulic pressure, and completing the setting of the bridge plug or packer with the second hydraulic pressure, the second hydraulic pressure being greater than the first hydraulic pressure.

Abstract: A low drag flotation system for placing screens in horizontal wells is provided which includes a screen exterior to the washpipe to be placed for sand control, and hydraulically actuated valves for trapping air within the washpipe. The air in the washpipe creates a buoyancy force that decreases the drag force of the pipe string in the horizontal well, allowing it to move further down the well under its own weight. As a result, screens can be placed in longer lengths of horizontal wells to maximize oil and gas production.

Abstract: A seal comprising a polymeric material having a first swelling phase having a first swelling characteristic and a second swelling phase having a second swelling characteristic, the first swelling characteristic is greater than the second swelling characteristic is utilized to seal an upper portion from a lower portion of a wellbore. A wellbore seal tool is further described comprising a swellable layer, a supporting assembly disposed adjacent the swellable layer, and an inflatable bladder.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a seal or barrier comprising strands that are woven or wrapped in an overlapping manner such as, for example, helical or circumferential patterns.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for use as a downhole tool or a component thereof for insertion into a wellbore. According to one aspect, the apparatus has a body having a chamber, wherein at least a portion of the body is radially expandable; and a water-swellable material in the chamber, wherein the water-swellable material is dissolvable in water. According to another aspect, the apparatus has a body having a chamber, wherein at least a portion of the body is radially expandable, and wherein at least a portion of the body is made with a material that is deteriorable by hydrolysis; and a water-swellable material in the chamber. According to a further aspect, the water-swellable material is dissolvable in water.

Abstract: A closure device that is useful as a safety valve within a tubular member, such as production tubing and pipelines. The closure device includes an inflatable bladder that is disposed within a cavity in the wall of the tubular member. A fluid conduit interconnects a fluid source with the inflatable bladder, and a pump is associated with the fluid conduit to flow fluid between the fluid source and the bladder.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for establishing a plug inside a main pipe, in particular a vertically or slantingly arranged pipe, where said pipe has firs and second ends, and where the plug is arranged inside the pipe at a distance from said first and second ends, where a liquid surface is provided at least inside the pipe, below the level at which it is desirable to establish the plug, where a buoyant layer is established on top of said liquid surface, and where a plug material is placed on top of ‘said buoyant layer as well as a plug established according to the method. The buoyant layer can be granular, liquid or solid material. The plug is made of foam material, expandable material or cement-based material such as concrete.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for forming a solid sealing plug of bismuth-tin alloy material within a well casing for sealing oil or gas wells. Solid alloy material is positioned within a heating tool and lowered to a position within the well casing where the seal is to be formed. The heating tool is heated to liquefy the alloy material and the alloy material then runs out of the heating tool and solidifies on top of a cement plug previously formed within the well casing. A cement slurry or other fluid material may subsequently be deposited on top of the liquefied alloy material to enhance the sealing of the alloy plug, to form a barrier to subsequent creep of the alloy plug when the alloy solidifies and to counteract any pressure acting vertically on the bottom of the plug.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shape memory sleeve to create an annular tightness. More precisely, the invention relates to a ring to provide tightness, made from shape memory alloy material and including an interior annular portion and an exterior annular portion, comprising at least one annular groove or one annular rib on its interior annular portion.

Abstract: An absorbent charge for plugging a well includes a plurality of bentonite particles intermixed with a water-soluble binding agent. The mixture of bentonite particles and binding agent are compressed to define the charge. Alternatively, an absorbent charge may include a plurality of bentonite particles encapsulated by a water-soluble shell. Methods of manufacturing and delivering the charges are also discussed.

Abstract: An arrangement is described of a plug with a sealing system for pressure testing of bore holes and the like in a formation or the like, comprising a pipe in which the plug is fitted in a plug-carrying chamber, and the plug closes the passage through the pipe in cooperation with sealing bodies, as the plug is arranged (rests) in a seat in the chamber. The arrangement is characterised in that the sealing bodies (23,25) are arranged in connection with the inner wall of the pipe (10) above (upstream) and/or below (downstream) of the chamber (30), and are arranged to form a seal against the respective cylindrical extensions (44,46) of the plug body (45) above and/or below the chamber.

Abstract: A method of coupling a first control line to a second control line is provided comprising the steps of prepping the first and second control lines to respectively produce a first end and a second end. Prepping may comprise inserting a plug assembly into at least one of the first or second ends prior to facing the end containing the plug assembly. The method may further include butt-welding the first end to the second end to form a splice and providing a protective assembly to cover the splice. The plug assembly may comprise a plug member, a seal, and an end piece to couple the seal to the plug member, in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the plug assembly may comprise a plug member and a seal coupled to the plug member.

Abstract: A well tool is operable to receive a flow of fluid. The well tool includes a first hydraulic area on which the fluid acts tending to move a first body to substantially seal against passage of fluid through an aperture. A second, larger hydraulic area is provided on which the fluid acts tending to move a second body. The second body is movable by the fluid acting on the second hydraulic to displace the first body from substantially sealing against passage of fluid through the aperture. An energy storing device is provided that is configured to store energy from movement of the second body until at least a specified amount of energy is stored and release the energy when the second body is moved to displace the first body from substantially sealing against passage of fluid through the aperture.

Abstract: A cementing plug having a universal construction and improved wiping and extended wear characteristics. The cementing plug has a plug subassembly with a body member and an elastomeric jacket on the body member. The body member defines a central opening therethrough with a shoulder therein. To configure the plug as a bottom cementing plug, a shearable insert is positioned on the shoulder, and to configure the plug as a top cementing plug, a non-shearable insert is positioned on the shoulder. The shearable insert is one of a plurality of such inserts designed to shear at correspondingly different shear pressures. In a first embodiment, the shearable insert is a substantially flat disk having a uniform thickness, and in a second embodiment, the shearable insert has an outer ring portion and a relatively thin inner domed portion.

Abstract: A cementing plug having a universal construction and improved wiping and extended wear characteristics. The cementing plug has a plug subassembly with a body member and an elastomeric jacket on the body member. The body member defines a central opening therethrough with a shoulder therein. To configure the plug as a bottom cementing plug, a shearable insert is positioned on the shoulder, and to configure the plug as a top cementing plug, a non-shearable insert is positioned on the shoulder. The shearable insert is one of a plurality of such inserts designed to shear at correspondingly different shear pressures. In a first embodiment, the shearable insert is a substantially flat disk having a uniform thickness, and in a second embodiment, the shearable insert has an outer ring portion and a relatively thin inner domed portion.

Abstract: A cementing plug having a universal construction and improved wiping and extended wear characteristics. The cementing plug has a plug subassembly with a body member and an elastomeric jacket on the body member. The body member defines a central opening therethrough with a shoulder therein. To configure the plug as a bottom cementing plug, a shearable insert is positioned on the shoulder, and to configure the plug as a top cementing plug, a non-shearable insert is positioned on the shoulder. The shearable insert is one of a plurality of such inserts designed to shear at correspondingly different shear pressures. In a first embodiment, the shearable insert is a substantially flat disk having a uniform thickness, and in a second embodiment, the shearable insert has an outer ring portion and a relatively thin inner domed portion.