Abstract: A method of isolating a section of a drilled bore containing a problem zone comprises: providing a section of tubing; locating the tubing in the section of the bore; and expanding the tubing and forming at least an outer portion of the tubing to conform to irregularities in the bore wall, to isolate the problem zone. The tubing may feature a formable outer section, and the expansion of the tubing may be achieved using a compliant rotary expander.

Abstract: A method for expanding tubulars including providing an expandable tubing and a larger diameter tubing, wherein the larger diameter tubing has an expandable, tapering end portion; coupling an end portion of the expandable tubing to the expandable tapering end portion of the larger diameter tubing; running the connected tubing into a bore; and expanding the expandable tubing. Prior to the expanding of the expandable tubing, a wall thickness of the end portion of the expandable tubing coupled to the expandable tapering end portion of the larger diameter tubing is less than a wall thickness of another end portion of the expandable tubing.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a joint used with expandable sand screens and other expandable tubulars that permits elongation or contraction of the expandable tubulars during a tubular expansion operation within a wellbore. In one aspect, a connection assembly for use with expandable tubulars is provided. The connection assembly includes a first expandable tubular axially fixable at one end within a wellbore and a second expandable tubular axially fixable at one end within the wellbore. The second expandable tubular has an opposite end adapted to receive an opposite end of the first expandable tubular to provide a joint between the tubulars. The connection assembly further includes a releasable connection between the opposite ends of the tubulars for selectively permitting axial movement of the opposite ends relative to each other. In another aspect, a method for joining a first expandable tubular and a second expandable tubular is provided.

Abstract: A wellbore isolation device having an expandable component. The expandable component comprises a layer of bistable cells that can be expanded from a contracted stable state towards an expanded stable state. A seal material may be placed along the expandable cells to facilitate inhibition of fluid flow along a region of a wellbore.

Abstract: A particulate screen suitable for use in a wellbore. The particulate screen is expandable and may be at least partially formed of a bistable tubular. Also, a filter media may be combined with the bistable tubular to limit influx of particulates.

Abstract: A method of providing a downhole seal, such as a packer, in a drilled bore between inner tubing and outer tubing comprises: providing an intermediate tubing section defining a seal arrangement for engaging with the inner tubing; and radially plastically deforming the intermediate tubing section downhole to form an annular extension. The extension creates a sealing contact with the outer tubing.

Abstract: A deformable member can be used in a well tool for use in downhole oil/gas wells. In one embodiment, a deformable member (46) is described which is deformable between undeformed and deformed positions, and comprises a generally hollow cylindrical body (48) defining a wall (50). The wall (50) includes three circumferential lines of weakness in the form of grooves, with two grooves (52, 54) provided in an outer surface (56) of the member wall (50), and the other groove (58) provided in an inner surface (60). The member (46) is deformed outwardly by folding about the lines of weakness (52, 54, 56) and is used in particular to obtain sealing contact with a tube in which the member (46) is located.

Abstract: A technique for connecting expandable tubulars. The technique comprises an expandable connector system that facilitates the connection of tubular components, such as tubulars used in wellbore environments.

Abstract: A well completion system for creating a seal between a production tubing (30) and a well casing (34) positioned within a wellbore (32) comprises a production packer (46) that includes a section of the production tubing (30) and at least one seal element (60). The production tubing (30) is then positioned within the well casing (34) that lines the wellbore (32). An expander member (56) that is positioned within the production tubing (30) then travels longitudinally through the production packer (46) to expand the section of the production tubing (30) downhole that includes the seal element (60). This expansion creates a sealing and gripping relationship between the production tubing (30) and the well casing (34).

Abstract: A plurality of steel rings are crimped or shrink fitted onto a joint of steel well casing to produce the casing anchor. The rings and joint are sufficiently interlocked so that, when the anchor is cemented in a well, the joint can transfer axial load from the casing string to the cement through the rings to provide resistance to axial displacement of the anchor relative to the surrounding earth material.

Abstract: A two-stage packer and method for sealing an annulus in a wellbore is provided. The packer may be set by a force which will not cause a sealing element to buckle, collapse, or otherwise fail. In one aspect, the packer comprises a body having a sealing element and shoulder disposed there-around, and a slideable member slideably arranged on the body, the slideable member having a first surface disposable beneath the element to increase the inner diameter thereof and a second surface disposable against an end of the element to increase the outer diameter thereof. The method comprises running a body into the wellbore, the body comprising a sealing element and a slideable member slideably disposed there-around, wherein the slideable member comprises a first surface and a second surface; forcing the first surface beneath the element to increase the inner diameter thereof; and forcing the second surface against an end of the element to increase the outer diameter thereof.

Abstract: Extrusion resistant inflatable tool having a biaxially oriented woven material disposed about at least one elastomeric element of the inflatable tool and radially inwardly of a rib structure of the inflatable tool. The woven material prevents extrusion of the elastomeric element between individual ribs of the ribs structure during the inflation of the tool.

Abstract: A device and method for sealing a first cylinder in a fixed position inside a second concentric cylinder. The inner cylinder has an annular depression in its wall at the point of sealant placement, which causes the wall of the inner cylinder to intrude inwardly. The depression is filled with a partially compressible fluid and is covered over by a malleable/ductile sleeve. The inner cylinder is placed within the outer cylinder with the covered annular depression positioned at the desired sealing point. A cylindrical displacement device is directed through the inside of the inner cylinder where it encounters the intrusion of the annular depression. The displacement device is forced past the annular intrusion and pushes the wall outward. The partially compressible fluid is forced to expand outward under the malleable/ductile cover in a manner that intrudes into the annular space between the inner cylinder and the outer cylinder and into contact with the outer cylinder.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in a wellbore comprises (1) a first structure that comprises (a) at least one extendable member that can be reconfigured from a coiled form to an extended form, the member having a flattened transverse cross-section when in the coiled form and a curved transverse cross-section when in the extended form, (b) a downhole well tool attached to the extendable member, and (c) a housing in which the extendable member can be coiled; (2) a well mounting device for supporting the first structure from the wellbore or the surface of a well; and (3) means for reconfiguring the extendable, coilable member in a wellbore from the coiled form to the extended form. Preferably, the extendable member is reversibly configurable between the coiled form and the extended form.

Abstract: A method of providing a downhole seal, such as a packer (12), in a drilled bore between inner tubing (11) and outer tubing (16) comprises: providing an intermediate tubing section (18) defining a seal arrangement for engaging with the inner tubing; and radially plastically deforming the intermediate tubing section downhole to form an annular extension (40a, 40b). The extension creates a sealing contact with the outer tubing (16).

Abstract: A tubular body or mandrel incorporated into a string of tubular pipe, on which first and second swab cups and a casing scraper are mounted, is run into a cased earth borehole to displace a first fluid in the borehole, usually a drilling fluid, with a second fluid, usually either a completion fluid or a workover fluid. In a first embodiment, reverse circulation, in which the second fluid is pumped into the borehole annulus above the swab cups, and in which the first fluid is thereby pumped back towards the earth's surface through the interior of the string of tubular pipe, causes displacement of the first fluid merely by lowering the string of pipe while pumping the second fluid into the borehole annulus. In a second embodiment, using normal circulation, the first fluid is pumped from the earth's surface downwardly through the interior of the string of tubular pipe into the borehole annulus between the pair of swab cups.

Abstract: An all-metal seal assembly is located between the exterior of a string of casing and the bore of a lower wellhead housing. The seal assembly has abase seal member with inner and outer legs that define a U-shaped cross-section extending upward into the bore. Each leg is provided with a set of seal bands for sealing against the bore and casing, respectively. When an upper wellhead housing is landed on top of the lower wellhead housing, an energizing ring is forced into the U-shaped cross-section and spreads the legs apart from each other, thereby moving the two sets of seal bands into sealing engagement with the bore and the casing.

Abstract: A multiple item sealing packing insert for use with oil field service products in a wellbore has a first member comprising a composite material having an elastomer and a structural support material and a second member comprising a composite material having an elastomer and a structural support material. The first member and second member are configured to envelop items in the wellbore with the elastomer upon application of radial pressure.

Abstract: A seal element is provided which comprises inner and outer, concentric, radially spaced apart, tubular helical cages. Each cage is formed by a plurality of helically parallel steel coils joined at their upper and lower ends by integral sleeves. A nitrite bladder is positioned between the cages. The seal element can be expanded by supporting its base and applying compressive load.

Abstract: The present invention provides heat insulation compositions and methods. The compositions are basically comprised of an epoxide containing liquid, an insulating material and an epoxide hardening agent.

Abstract: An inflatable packing device for use in a subterranean well provides a sophisticated bladder, either alone or in combination with a sophisticated cover, which results in a uniform expansion profile and exceptionally low angles of expansion propagation during inflation of the bladder to set the device, whereby well fluids between the wall of the well bore and the exterior of the cover of the device are swept away from the area of subsequent sealing of the cover. The propensity for rib kinking and rib cutting, pinching, folding, cracking and tearing of the bladder during inflation are eliminated. Correspondingly, reduced stresses and strains in cover segments combined with near ideal inflation profiles result in enhanced expansion propagation of the inflation element and improved service performance and reliability of the downhole device.

Abstract: An improved packer (plug/bridge plug) for us in the exploitation of subterranean oil and/or gas reserves comprises a mechanism (50,52) for anchoring the packer (5) within an oil/gas well, a mechanism (55,56,60,65) for setting the anchoring means (50,52), a sealing element (180), and a mechanism for setting the sealing element, wherein the mechanism (60,65,155) for setting the anchoring means (50,52) comprises a biasing mechanism (60,65), and means (155) for releasably retaining the biasing mechanism (60, 65) in an energized state, wherein, in use, when the releasable retaining mechanism (55, 56) are released the biasing mechanism (60,65) act on the anchoring means (50,52) so as to cause the anchoring mechanism (50,52) to move into a deployed position.

Abstract: The tubular structure comprises at least a braid of flexible strands (10) comprising fibers (100) that cross over with a certain amount of play so that the structure is capable of expanding radially while shrinking axially when pressure is applied to the inside of the preform or the matrix.

Abstract: A well packer has a metal seal which seals between the packer mandrel and the casing. The metal seal includes a seal sleeve located on the exterior of the mandrel. The sleeve has an inner wall and an outer wall radially separated by a channel. The inner channel is initially separated from the exterior of the mandrel by a clearance. An energizing ring is sizably mounted to the mandrel for axial movement relative to the mandrel. Initially, the energizing ring will be located at the entrance of the channel. An actuating device moves the energizing ring into the channel, wedging the walls of the seal sleeve apart. The inner wall seals against the mandrel. The outer wall seals against the casing.

Abstract: A slat-type inflatable packer includes a plurality of longitudinal metal slats on the exterior thereof which are partially overlapping to allow expansion of the packer element while providing a barrier against extrusion. In one embodiment each slat has narrow end portions and a wide central portion to provide greatly increased lateral stiffness as well as improved extrusion barrier and slat deployment characteristics, particularly in high expansion ratio packers, and in another embodiment such characteristics are further improved by upper and lower intermediate sections which are wider than such central portion.

Abstract: A bulge control compression packer having an elastomeric tubular body and a bulge control member to reinforce the tubular body. The bulge control member including interwoven support elements which generally avoid cutting and gouging the tubular body when the tubular body is in a compressed state and further, generally avoid the accumulation of slack about the bulge control member.

Abstract: An inflatable packer assembly used in well service work and having a mandrel that carries a normally retracted inflatable packer unit. The unit includes an inner elastomer bladder surrounded by a reinforcement. To control the shape of the unit during inflation and thereby prevent the formation of Z-folds in the bladder, its axial stiffness is preferentially increased relative to its circumferential or hoop stiffness by devices such as carbon fibers or fiberglass tape.

Abstract: An inflatable packer apparatus for use in a well bore has pre-formed metal stress rings surrounding the respective opposite end portions of the packer element. The stress rings are machined to initially have conical outer surfaces, and then are outwardly stressed beyond their yield strengths to obtain plastic deformation such that such outer surfaces are generally cylindrical so that the packer element can be inflated to higher pressures.

Abstract: A tool is disclosed, e.g. but not limited to a wellbore cementing stage tool, which has a hollow body member with one or more lined ports through which fluid can flow from an interior of the body member to space outside the body member, e.g. to the annulus of a wellbore between an exterior surface of the tool and an interior surface of the wellbore or vice versa. The port or ports are lined with a metal tube which has a portion projecting into the body member. The projecting portion may be crushed shut forming, preferably, a metal-to-metal seal to seal off the corresponding port to flow. A hollow member is disclosed with a port through it which has a metal liner with a portion projecting from the port. Methods are disclosed for using the items with one or more lined ports.

Abstract: An inflatable packer apparatus having an inner elastomer sleeve covered by armor such as overlapped, longitudinal slats that extend between upper and lower collars. The end portions of such slats pass through stress rings having outwardly flared nose portions, and thin protector rings mounted inside the nose portions are employed to distribute very localized contact loads form the edge of the slats to the stress rings to prevent the formation of cracks in such rings. The apparatus further includes an elastomeric sleeve member which is expanded into sealing contact with a well bore wall by fluid pressure applied to the inside of the inner elastomeric sleeve member.

Abstract: In subterranean wells, it is common to effect the radial expansion of an annular organic packing element into sealing engagement between a tubular inner body and the inner wall of a well conduit, such as a well casing. Extrusion of the organic material has been encountered between the inner surface of upper and lower cone elements and the exterior of a tubular body portion and also between the inclined surfaces of upper and lower cone elements and the cooperating surfaces of cone rings. The first mentioned extrusion path is eliminated by forming a generally radial surface on the inner end of the upper and lower cones orthogonal to the tubular body and inserting a carbon fiber filled organic material in the resulting annular chamber.

Abstract: A seal is provided for containing fluid (either gaseous or liquid fluids) under variable pressure in a pressurized region to prevent leakage into a less pressurized region. First and second interfacing seal members are provided and adapted to slidably engage one another at an interface region during makeup of the seal apparatus. A seal region is carried by the first seal member at the interface region and composed of a deformable material. A seal bead is carried at the interface region by the second seal member and protrudes therefrom. The seal bead is composed of a material less malleable than the seal region for seating in the seal region. At least a portion of the second seal member adjacent the seal bead forms a containment barrier with the pressurized region on one side and the less-pressurized region on the opposite side.

Abstract: In subterranean wells, it is common to effect the radial expansion of an annular organic sacking element into sealing engagement between a tubular inner body and the inner wall of a well conduit, such as a well casing. Extrusion of the organic material has been encountered between the inner surface of upper and lower cone elements and the exterior of a tubular body portion and also between the inclined surfaces of upper and lower cone elements and the cooperating surfaces of cone rings. The first mentioned extrusion path is eliminated by forming a generally radial surface on the inner end of the upper and lower cones orthogonal to the tubular body, and inserting a carbon fiber filled organic material in the resulting annular chamber.

Abstract: A bridge plug for sealing a well casing comprises a plurality of cups which tightly interfit together when a compressive load is applied to both opposite ends of the plurality of cups. Application of the compressive load to both opposite ends of the cups forces a first cup to fit into a second cup, the second cup to fit into a third cup, and the third cup to fit into a fourth cup, etc., thereby producing a single unitary plug which includes a plurality of tightly interfit cups. Further application of the compressive load to both opposite ends causes transverse expansion of the plurality of interfit cups to occur. When the cups contact the well casing wall, a permanent seal is achieved between the cups and the well casing wall. Anchor elements on both sides of the cups contact the well casing wall and permanently hold the interfitting cups in their compressed condition.

Abstract: Disclosed are packers for use with a gravel pack system in an oil or gas well. The packers are of both the releasable and non-releasable, or sump type. The packers are designed so that after they are set or actuated and they seal against the casing wall or the well bore, fluid pressure in either axial direction on the packer seal will increase the energizing force on the seals. This self-energizing feature is accomplished with selectively disposed and sized annular seals on telescoping members.

Abstract: Dirt tracks and other surfaces formed of particulate material are stabilized, to suppress dust formation, by incorporating an aqueous solution of a water soluble, low molecular weight, anionic polymer.

Abstract: A packer assembly is provided suitable for multiple setting and unsetting operations in a well bore during a single trip to seal the annulus between the interior walls of the well bore and a tubing string. Thge packer is set by dropping a metal ball which plugs the passageway through the tubing string, such that tubing pressure may thereafter be increased to inflate the packer. A sleeve is axially movable within a control sub from a ball stop position to a ball release position, and has a cylindrical-shaped interior surface with a diameter only slightly greater than the ball. Collet fingers carried on the sleeve are radially movable from an inward position to an outward position to stop or release the ball as a function of the axial position of the sleeve.

Abstract: A pack-off assembly for a wellhead system including a tapered pack-off mounted on a pack-off nut (22) which has multi-start threads (40) for engaging similar mating multi-start threads (26) on a casing hanger (C). The casing hanger (C) is provided with a taper (20) which faces the surrounding cylindrical wall (16) of the wellhead (W) thus providing a tapered annulus (14). The pack-off, being tapered, is moved into the tapered annulus (14) by rotation of the pack-off nut (22) where the pack-off engages an abutment (30) and is compressed and expanded into sealing engagement with the internal (16) and external surfaces (20) on the wellhead (W) and casing hanger (C). In one embodiment, the multi-start threads (40, 26) on the running nut (22) and casing hanger (C) are tapered buttress threads and, in a second embodiment, the multi-start threads (40a, 26a) on the running nut 22 and casing hanger (C) are cylindrical square threads.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved liner hanger adapter containing a tapered brass sleeve which is arranged to wedge into a section of reduced diameter casing and is connected above an expansion joint for accommodating the thermal expansion and contraction of a well liner such as a wire wrapped liner.

Abstract: In order to provide a metal-to-metal annular seal for use in a high pressure environment typical of a wellhead assembly that is provided on a high pressure, high temperature gas well, especially circumferentially between the outside surface of a tubular part and the inside surface of a relatively massive part, where these parts are to have a fixed longitudinal position relative to one another in use: the available strength for developing the seal are determined; like tapering surfaces are provided on the two parts such as would provide an allowable interference fit when the two parts are brought to the fixed longitudinal position; portions of the outside surface of the tubular part are machined-away to leave tapered land areas, e.g. in two axially closely spaced bands, so that when the two parts are forced to assume the fixed longitudinal position, the seal bands provide an elastic seal that avoids total plastic deformation yet provide the required unit loading.