Abstract: One embodiment includes a method and apparatus for an improved ball dropper. In one embodiment the method and apparatus can be used to drop various objects into the well bore from the rig. In one embodiment, when the well is pressurized the tool can be loaded with one or more items to be dropped.

Abstract: A ball release mechanism is mounted near the intended seat. The ball or balls are kept out of the circulating stream. High circulation rates followed by curtailment of circulation places an outlet port in position to allow the ball or balls to be pushed out by a spring. The spring or one of the balls prevents the return of an ejected ball back into the protected pocket. The ball is delivered to the seat without circulation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for dropping a ball into a wellbore. The apparatus is particularly useful for dropping a ball that has a diameter that is larger than the diameter of a bore within a wellbore tool above the apparatus. The ball-releasing apparatus first comprises a tubular body. The tubular body has a bore therethrough that is in fluid communication with the bore of the wellbore tool. A piston is placed within the tubular body. The piston has a top end disposed within the tubular body, and a bottom end disposed below the bore of the wellbore tool. The ball-releasing apparatus further comprises a connector for releasably connecting the piston to the ball. In one arrangement, the ball-releasing apparatus is connected to the bottom of a wiper plug for dropping a ball during a wellbore cementing operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plug-dropping container for releasing plugs or other objects into a wellbore during fluid circulation procedures. In one aspect, the plug-dropping container is used as part of a cementing head. The plug-dropping container comprises an elongated housing, and a canister disposed coaxially within the housing. The canister is configured to receive the plug, such as a drill pipe dart. A valve is disposed below the canister. The valve is movable from a plug-retained position where the plug is blocked, to a plug-released position where the plug may be released into the wellbore there below. In the plug-retained position, fluid is permitted to flow through the canister-housing annulus and around the valve.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for dropping a ball into a wellbore. The apparatus is particularly useful for dropping a ball that has a diameter that is larger than the diameter of a bore within a wellbore tool above the apparatus. The ball-releasing apparatus first comprises a tubular body. The tubular body has a bore therethrough that is in fluid communication with the bore of the wellbore tool. A piston is placed within the tubular body. The piston has a top end disposed within the tubular body, and a bottom end disposed below the bore of the wellbore tool. The ball-releasing apparatus further comprises a connector for releasably connecting the piston to the ball. In one arrangement, the ball-releasing apparatus is connected to the bottom of a wiper plug for dropping a ball during a wellbore cementing operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wiper plug and internal drop ball mechanism that may be used in conjunction with a downhole surge reduction tool to run, hang, and cement casing liners in a wellbore. The apparatus of the present invention comprises a wiper plug assembly removably attached to the drill string within the casing liner, a drop ball sub attached below the wiper plug assembly which releases a float valve actuator ball having a diameter larger than the drill string, and float equipment having a plurality of flapper valves. The apparatus of the present invention may further comprise a diverter tool connected between the drill string and the casing liner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plug-dropping container for releasing plugs or other objects into a wellbore during fluid circulation procedures. In one aspect, the plug-dropping container is used as part of a cementing head. The plug-dropping container comprises an elongated housing, and a canister disposed co-axially within the housing. The canister is movable from a lower position to an upper position. In its lower position, a fluid bypass area is defined above the canister. When a dart is retained within the canister, fluid is diverted through the bypass and around the canister within an annular area defined between the canister and the housing. In one aspect, the canister is moved by rotation of a plug-retaining device below the canister. In its plug-retained position, the plug-retaining device is oriented so that the wall of the plug-retaining device is blocking the downward path of the dart.

Abstract: A downhole apparatus is described as having an upper mandrel shearably connected to a lower mandrel by a first set of shear pins. Each of the mandrels has an elastomeric cement plug formed around the mandrels. A sleeve is shearably connected within the lower mandrel. The operation of the apparatus, which includes a method for controlling the flow of fluid out of the end of a tubular string, involves dropping a first small diameter ball from the earth3 s surface. The ball is sized such that it travels through the upper mandrel and settles into the sleeve which is connected within the lower mandrel. By increasing pump pressure at the earth's surface, the lower mandrel is separated from the upper mandrel by shearing the first set of shear pins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wiper plug and internal drop ball mechanism that may be used in conjunction with a downhole surge reduction tool to run, hang, and cement casing liners in a wellbore. The apparatus of the present invention comprises a wiper plug assembly removably attached to the drill string within the casing liner, a drop ball sub attached below the wiper plug assembly which releases a float valve actuator ball having a diameter larger than the drill string, and float equipment having a plurality of flapper valves. The apparatus of the present invention may further comprise a diverter tool connected between the drill string and the casing liner.

Abstract: A downhole tool for sealing a wellbore. The downhole tool includes a packer with a ball seat defined therein. A sealing ball is carried with the packer into the well. The movement of the sealing ball away from the ball seat is limited by a ball cage which is attached to the upper end of the packer. The ball cage has a plurality of ports therethrough for allowing flow into the ball cage and through the packer at certain flow rates. A spring is disposed in a longitudinal opening of the packer and engages the sealing ball to prevent the sealing ball from engaging the ball seat until a predetermined flow rate is reached. When the packer is set in the hole, flow through the frac plug below a predetermined flow rate is permitted. Once a predetermined flow rate in the well is reached, a spring force of the spring will be overcome and the sealing ball will engage the ball seat so that no flow through the frac plug is permitted.

Abstract: A downhole tool for sealing a wellbore. The downhole tool includes a packer with a ball seat defined therein. A sealing ball is carried with the packer into the well. The movement of the sealing ball away from the ball seat is limited by a ball cage which is attached to the upper end of the packer. The ball cage has a plurality of ports therethrough for allowing flow into the ball cage and through the packer at certain flow rates. A spring is disposed in a longitudinal opening of the packer and engages the sealing ball to prevent the sealing ball from engaging the ball seat until a predetermined flow rate is reached. When the packer is set in the hole, flow through the frac plug below a predetermined flow rate is permitted. Once a predetermined flow rate in the well is reached, a spring force of the spring will be overcome and the sealing ball will engage the ball seat so that no flow through the frac plug is permitted.

Abstract: An apparatus for launching at least two plugs, said apparatus comprising a mandrel (2), a lower plug (22) and an upper plug (21) releasably disposed with respect to said mandrel (2), wherein said upper plug (21) comprises a body (23) having a flow path (24) therethrough and a cap (25) for blocking fluid flow through said flow path (24) characterized in that said cap (25) is detachable from said body (23) in use if the upper plug (21) is prematurely ejected.

Abstract: A ball drop tool, for dropping a ball to a ball seat located in a tool, or tool string therebelow. The ball drop tool has an upper end adapted to be connected to the lower end of the coiled tubing string. The ball drop tool includes a housing with a ball drop cage positioned therein. The ball drop cage has a rocker arm pivotally attached thereto. The rocker arm can be pivoted so that a lower end thereof extends radially inwardly into an opening and will hold a ball in the cage. The cage will move downwardly in the housing until the lower end of the rocker arm is retracted from the opening, which will allow the ball to pass downwardly through the ball drop housing so that it can be received in a ball seat in a tool therebelow.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a long interval within a wellbore wherein a treatment fluid is delivered to selected levels within the interval by blocking flow to certain zones while allowing flow to others. A treatment tube extends substantially through the interval and is comprised of a perforated conduit which is open at its upper end and which has a plurality of openings spaced along its length. Each of the openings have a valve seat within the conduit at its entrance which is adapted to receive a valve to seal and block flow through that opening. In operation, a treatment fluid is flowed through the treatment tube and out the openings into different levels within wellbore. At desired intervals, the valve are introduced into the treatment fluid and are carried into the treatment tube to seat at a respective opening to thereby block flow through that opening while allowing continued flow through others.

Abstract: A subsea lifting top drive cement head in which cement flows from the top. The cement head includes lower and upper assemblies with a bore for fluid flow, and a body in sure lock connection with the lower and upper assemblies and having a dart cage to prevent a dart inside the dart cage from being washed away by the cement flow. In addition, the cement head includes a ball dropper that does not need to be retracted prior to releasing the dart.

Abstract: The invention is a rigid, hollow core, low-density ball sealer designed to perform effectively in hostile well environments. It temporarily seals perforations inside cased wells at temperatures up to 400.degree. F. (204.degree. C.), at hydrostatic pressures up to 20,000 psi (137 Mpa), and at differential pressures across the perforations up to 1,500 psi. Ball densities may range from 0.80 to 1.3 gm/cc (or higher). It can withstand the degradation effects of solvents common to oil and gas wells during a workover. Nominal changes in ball density occur during a 24-hour period when exposed to a hostile well environment. The ball sealer is comprised of two pieces made of a high strength material that snap together to form a hollow-core sphere. If necessary, adjustments to ball density can occur subsequent to manufacturing of the ball pieces.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for installation of oil field tubulars, such as liners, is disclosed. The invention allows positioning of a liner with assurances that rotational forces or pressure applied within or outside the work string will not actuate the packer or the release assembly above the packer. Specific deliberate steps must be taken in order that rotational forces or applied pressure actuate the packer setting assembly and the disconnect assembly. The preliminary deliberate steps which must be taken also incorporate a feature of converting a gravel pack crossover assembly from the flow through mode to the crossover mode to facilitate the gravel placement. Circulation or reverse circulation to promote removal of debris upon insertion of the assembly without fear of actuation of the packer and disconnect assembly are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for installation of oil field tubulars, such as liners, is disclosed. The invention allows positioning of a liner with assurances that rotational forces or pressure applied within or outside the work string will actuate the packer or the release assembly above the packer. Specific deliberate steps must be taken in order that rotational forces or applied pressure actuate the packer setting assembly and the disconnect assembly. The preliminary deliberate steps which must be taken also incorporate a feature of converting a gravel pack crossover assembly from the flow through mode to the crossover mode to facilitate the gravel placement. Circulation or reverse circulation to promote removal debris upon insertion of the assembly without fear of actuation of the packer and disconnect assembly are also provided.

Abstract: Ball sealers for flowing into casing perforation holes in a wellbore to selectively seal off those perforations receiving a disproportionately large amount of well treatment fluid being injected through the perforations. The ball sealers (22) are comprised of a spherical outer deformable shell (42) defining a central core portion filled with nondeformable particulate matter (46) which is sized small enough to flow with the shape of the deformable outer shell (42) and large enough so that as it consolidates under the force of fluid flow pressure, it will cause the outer shell to bridge over the perforation opening (18) when the force of fluid flowing into the casing (12) pushes the ball sealer (22) against and into the perforation opening (18).

Abstract: An indicating ball catcher for use in a downhole drill pipe or tool string. The ball catcher comprises an upper body portion having an inlet opening smaller than any ball pumped thereto and a lower body portion. An elongated case interconnects the upper and lower body portions. A bypass is provided for allowing fluid flow around any ball caught in the apparatus and preventing the ball from being pumped therefrom. A reverse bypass may be provided so that fluid back flow is allowed without pumping the balls therefrom. In one embodiment, the apparatus can accommodate balls which have a larger cross-sectional area than an inner cross-sectional area of the case. The apparatus provides pressure indications at the surface when a ball reaches the upper body portion and when the ball enters the case.

Abstract: The invention concerns a mechanical system which permits the use of ball sealers as diversion agents in the acidizing of productive hydrocarbon formations, by associating the advantages of mechanical diversion to the advantages of the use of ball sealers, whatever their density.The mechanical system comprises a packer (7), a swivel (18), a centralized tail (9), a ball ejection port (10) and two cups (11).The mechanical system operation involves the adequate positioning of each of its components in such a manner as to permit the ball sealers to attain sufficient velocities to be driven mechanically to their targets.

Abstract: A cementing tool assembly comprises a float collar, a cementing plug, and a wiper plug having interconnecting locking ends. The cementing tool assembly is non rotatable in the casing and includes internal frangible cutters which are breakable in compression to aid the shredding of the cementing tool assembly upon completion of the cementing operation.

Abstract: A pump out sub for use in a well tubing for receiving a plug for sealing the tubing and applying pressure to the tubing for actuating a well device and thereafter applying a higher pressure to pump out the plug and open the bore. A circular ring is connected in a recess in the bore of the body by shear pins. An expandable seat is positioned in a second recess above the first recess and extends into the bore for receiving a plug and is positioned above and supported from the circular ring. When a plug is seated on the seat pressure may be applied to the tubing for actuating well tools. Thereafter additional pressure is applied to the plug and the ring and the seat moves downwardly and the seat expands into the first recess and out of the bore.

Abstract: A ball sealer for use in flow equalization during fluid injection into oil wells is described which has a layer of thermosetting filament wrapped around its core. After curing, the wrapping layer provides the major part of the ball's strength.

Abstract: A ball dropping assembly is shown of the type which is connected in a string of pipe for dropping a ball in the pipe string. A main body is mounted on the pipe. The main body has an interior bore which communicates with the interior of the pipe. A cam housing is received within the main body bore and has a ball receiving recess formed in the interior thereof. A ball dropping can is rotatably received within the cam housing. The can has partially cut-away sidewalls which form a camming surface for the ball. A retaining nut engages and seals the cam housing and can within the body whereby rotation of the can with respect to the cam housing houses the camming surface to contact the ball to thereby eject the ball from the ball receiving recess into the interior of the pipe without opening the assembly to the atmosphere.

Abstract: Ball sealers comprising a solid core coated with a polyurethane elastomer are introduced into a well to seal well perforations and divert fluid therein. In the preferred embodiment the ball sealers are used in a hydrocarbon liquid treating fluid and have a density less than the treating fluid.

Abstract: A ball sealer for use as a diverting agent when treating a well having a perforated casing. The ball sealer is sized to plug a perforation and has a density less than the treating fluid. The ball sealer comprises a material, such as syntactic foam or polymethylpentene. The ball sealer is also preferably provided with a protective covering material. After some of the treating fluid has been injected into the well, the ball sealers are injected and carried by the fluid flow down to the perforations where they seat and divert the further injection of treating fluid through the remaining open perforations.

Abstract: A method of acidizing and/or fracturing a subterranean reservoir with a minimum of damage to the reservoir by the displacement fluid used to displace the acidizing or fracturing fluid into the reservoir and by the fluid used to kill the well wherein a restriction means having a seat for a closure means is located in a well conduit above a point of fluid entry into the reservoir, a slug of acidizing and/or fracturing fluid is injected into the reservoir, a slug of displacement fluid containing the closure means is injected down the well conduit, and a slug of weighted kill fluid is injected down the well conduit, said injection continuing until the closure means seats in the seat.

Abstract: A cementing/plug drilling apparatus consists of a flat plate slightly less in maximum diameter than the pipe in which it will pass having at least one protrusion or tooth on both faces, the tooth being strong enough and sharp enough to engage, dent and penetrate a cement surface and a pump down wipe plug and, the plate having an opening on each face in fluid communication with each other through a fluid passage. An improved process of cementing and drilling through a pump down wipe plug comprises placing a plate having teeth on both faces between a pump down wipe plug and the surface that the bottom of the plug contacts during the cementing process, so that when the drill bit contacts the plug the teeth on the top of the plate engage and hold the plug and the teeth on the bottom of the plate engage and hold the surface on which they are in contact, thereby retarding the tendency of the plug to slide over the surface below it and enhancing the drilling action of the drill bit.

Abstract: An improved pump down wipe plug has at least one tooth protruding from its bottom surface capable of engaging, denting and penetrating the surface on which the plug comes in contact within the well. An improved process of cementing and drilling through a plug comprises inserting a pump down wipe plug having at least one tooth protruding from its bottom surface at the interface of wet cement and another fluid within the well, pumping the wet cement and the plug into position so that the tooth engages, dents and penetrates the surface below it, then when the cement has set, lowering a drill bit onto the plug and drilling the plug, the tooth or teeth retarding the tendency of the plug to rotate over the surface with which it is in contact thereby enhancing the drilling action of the drilling bit.

Abstract: An improved well shoe or collar has at least one tooth protruding from the top of the cement shoulder of the shoe or collar capable of engaging, denting and penetrating a pump down wipe plug and retarding the tendency of the plug to rotate when engaged by a drilling bit, thereby enhancing the drilling action of a drill bit on a pump down wipe plug. An improved process of cementing within a well and drilling through a plug comprises inserting a pump down wipe plug at the interface of a fluid and wet cement, pumping the plug down the well until it comes into contact with a shoulder of a shoe or collar having at least one protrusion extending from the surface of the shoulder capable of engaging, denting and penetrating the plug, subsequently after the cement has set, lowering a drill bit onto the top of the plug, the protrusion retarding the tendency of the plug to rotate with the rotating action of the drill bit and enhancing the drilling action of the bit.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for selective mechanically activated latching and fluid activated locking and unlocking of a tubular string within an anchor assembly in a subterranean bore, wherein the anchor assembly has defined thereon co-engaging elements for selectively latching and locking of a tubular string with the anchor assembly. The apparatus comprises a housing which contains second co-engaging means which are complimentarily operational with the first co-engaging means. A longitudinally shiftable sleeve is initially secured to at least one of the housing and the second co-engaging means and is initially positioned with respect to the second co-engaging means whereby the second co-engaging means is selectively and repeatably latchable with respect to the first co-engaging means.

Abstract: A vibrating apparatus connected with a member insertable into a well bore including an insertable and retrievable member enabling the vibrating apparatus to be selectively actuated. The vibrating apparatus includes a rotatable, eccentric weight forming a rotor having selectively closable through passage means and bypass means oriented to impart rotation of the eccentric weight when the through passage is closed and pressurized fluid is required to pass through the bypass for discharge in offset relation to the axis of rotation for rotating the eccentric weight thereby vibrating the apparatus and the well bore member to which it is attached. In one embodiment of the invention, the through passage is closed by a ball valve which can be inserted into the flow passage at ground surface for movement into engagement with a valve seat by gravity together with a magnet insertable into the flow passage for retrieving the ball valve which is subject to magnetic attraction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for multiple stage cementing of well casing in subsea wells. Also, a subsea stage cementer, plug stack assembly. The combination with a subsea stage cementer, plug stack assembly of a packing and shipping crate therefor. A trip-plug for operating a stage cementing collar to open the ports thereof. A dart adapted to enter the bore of a hollow plug to block the flow of liquid through the bore.

Abstract: A cementing tool assembly comprises a float collar, a cementing plug, and a wiper plug having interconnecting locking ends. The cementing tool assembly is non rotatable in the casing and includes internal frangible cutters which are breakable in compression to aid the shredding of the cementing tool assembly upon completion of the cementing operation.