Abstract: A collet assembly has a housing and the collets disposed on flexible fingers connected to the housing at their opposed ends. A surrounding landing sleeve stops the assembly so that collets are aligned with a recess in a landing collar that is part of a surrounding tubing string. Once set the landing sleeve transmits compressive loads so that compressive stress essentially bypasses the finger structure supporting the collets. The fingers are initially tapered toward a longitudinal axis so that when internally supported they assume an aligned orientation to the housing axis to allow greater tensile loading and to provide a retraction force when the housing is to be removed after the collet support is removed.

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

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an expandable liner hanger capable of being expanded into a surrounding casing. In one aspect, an expandable tubular system is provided. The system includes an expandable tubular. The system further includes an expansion swage for expanding the expandable tubular, wherein the expansion swage is deformable from a compliant configuration to a smaller substantially non-compliant configuration. Additionally, the system includes a restriction member disposed on an exterior surface of the expandable tubular, wherein expansion of the expandable tubular in the location of the restriction member deforms the expansion swage from the compliant configuration to the smaller substantially non-compliant configuration. In another aspect, a method of expanding a liner hanger using a cone is provided.

Abstract: A slip for use in the anchoring of a downhole tool in the well casing wherein the anchors include a plurality of buttons and at least one wicker. The slip is positioned about a mandrel and radially expands upon the application of force. The buttons and wicker first engage the casing in response to a first force, and the wicker deformably engages the casing in response to a second force. The second force causes the wicker to cut into and deform the casing, thereby anchoring the downhole tool for high-pressure operations.

Abstract: The seal has a base ring that expands with the underlying supporting tubular. Extending from the base ring is a pleated structure with segments folded over each other so that the run in shape is small and up against the supporting tubular for run in. The pleated segments can have internal stiffeners that also add a bias radially outwardly when the structure is freed to move in that direction. A retaining band keeps the assembly retracted until tubular expansion defeats the band to allow the unitary structure to move out radially to the wellbore or surrounding tubular. The pleated portion unfolds and spans outwardly from the base ring to retain pressure differential in one direction while allowing fluid flow in the opposite direction. The assembly can be attached to a swage device so that pressure from above can drive one or more swage members to expand a tubular.

Abstract: An apparatus and method can be used to positively retain a lockdown ring to axially secure a wellbore member in a wellhead housing. In embodiments, the wellbore member, such as a tubing hanger, can be secured by a lockdown ring having a cylindrical surface below a tapered surface. An energizing ring having a cylindrical surface above a tapered surface can be used to move the lockdown ring from an unset position to a set position, thus energizing the lockdown ring. After being energized, the two cylindrical surfaces can engage each other so that axial movement of the energizing ring, of up to a predetermined distance, does not cause the lockdown ring to move from a set position to an unset position.

Abstract: A downhole setting tool comprises a tool housing and a hollow mandrel, the mandrel being situated in the housing. The tool further comprises a piston situated between the mandrel and the tool housing and a collar situated between the mandrel and the tool housing, wherein the tool housing, the mandrel, the piston and the collar define an annulus. The tool further comprises a first valve, wherein in a closed position the first valve blocks a path of fluid communication between the interior of the mandrel and the annulus.

Abstract: A system includes a tubing hanger running tool (THRT) configured to position a tubing hanger within a wellhead. The THRT includes an integrated pressure equalization system including a tube having a first end in fluid communication with an annulus of the wellhead, and a second end in fluid communication with a control line. The integrated pressure equalization system also includes a piston disposed within the tube. The piston is configured to move within the tube to balance a pressure differential between a first fluid within the annulus and a second fluid within the control line.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally relate to tools and methods for hanging and/or expanding liner strings. In one embodiment, a method of hanging a liner assembly from a previously installed tubular in a wellbore includes running the liner assembly and a setting tool into the wellbore using a run-in string. The setting tool includes an isolation valve and the liner assembly includes a liner hanger and a liner string. The method further includes sending an instruction signal from the surface to the isolation valve, wherein the isolation valve closes in response to the instruction signal and isolates a setting pressure in the setting tool from the liner string; and increasing fluid pressure in the setting tool, thereby setting the liner hanger.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of sealing a liner top packer to a tubular. The method includes, positioning the liner top packer within a tubular and moving a sleeve of the liner top packer in a first axial direction thereby radially deforming a first deformable metal member and a second deformable metal member. The method further includes sealably engaging the radially deformed first deformable metal member with a tubular and sealably engaging the radially deformed second deformable metal member with the first deformable metal member and a body of the liner top packer.

Abstract: An expansion cone assembly (200) for setting a liner hanger. The expansion cone assembly (200) includes a cone mandrel (202) having an outer frustoconical surface (220), a lead cone (206) slidably disposed around the cone mandrel (200) having a frustoconical surface (228) with a maximum outer diameter (230) and a collapsible cone (204) slidably disposed at least partially around the outer frustoconical surface (220) of the cone mandrel (202). In an expansion configuration, the outer frustoconical surface (220) radially props the collapsible cone (204) such that it has a first maximum outer diameter (232) that is greater than the maximum outer diameter (230) of the lead cone (206). In a retrieval configuration, the collapsible cone (204) axially shifts relative to the outer frustoconical surface (220) such that it has a second maximum outer diameter (234) that is no more than the maximum outer diameter (230) of the lead cone (206).

Abstract: A downhole oilfield tool assembly is provided. The tool assembly comprises a mandrel, a valve oriented to block downwards flow through the mandrel in a closed position, a first piston located above the valve and at least partly around an outside of the mandrel. The first piston is configured to develop motive force from a pressure differential between an interior of the mandrel and an exterior of the downhole oilfield tool assembly.

Abstract: A downhole tool includes a lock for maintaining a slip in a reduced diameter position when running the tool in the well, and selectively releases the slip to move radially outward to a set position to suspend an anchored portion of the tool within a downhole tubular. The tool includes a mandrel having a through passage, with a hydraulic port within the mandrel that is closed to mandrel internal pressure as the tool is run in the wellbore. A ball seat covers hydraulic ports in the mandrel. A ball may be dropped to seat and increase pressure to open the ports. A piston moves in response to mandrel internal pressure applied through the hydraulic port to unlock the locking device, such that further movement of the piston releases the slip from the reduced diameter position to the set position.

Abstract: A method for rotating a casing string in a borehole and a mandrel casing hanger and running tool system, include a selectively engageable connection between a mandrel casing hanger and a running tool; and a rotational force may be applied to the mandrel casing hanger, running tool, and casing string, without substantially tightening a threaded connection between the running tool and the mandrel casing hanger, by transmitting the rotational force through the selectively engageable connection.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying and releasing a liner downhole includes a tubular body; a latching member attached to the tubular body for coupling with the liner; and a release sleeve disposed between the tubular body and the latching member, wherein the release sleeve is axially movable relative to the tubular body to allow the latching member to disengage from the liner.

Abstract: The method of installing a plurality of casing sections in a well, that includes providing a hanger supporting the casing sections to extend longitudinally in the well, landing the hanger on structure in the well, whereby weight of the casing sections longitudinally compresses the hanger, cementing the casing sections in position in the well, below the hanger, adjusting the hanger to provide for controllable longitudinal shortening of hanger length, thereby removing exertion of casing weight on the hanger, and removing at least part of the hanger away from the well head.

Abstract: A downhole setting tool is provided. The tool comprises a tool housing and a hollow mandrel, the mandrel being situated in the housing. The tool further comprises a piston situated between the mandrel and the tool housing and a collar situated between the mandrel and the tool housing, wherein the tool housing, the mandrel, the piston and the collar define an annulus. The tool further comprises a first valve, wherein in a closed position the first valve blocks a path of fluid communication between the interior of the mandrel and the annulus.

Abstract: The invention discloses a system (FIG. 1) and a method for lining a wellbore. The system comprises a drill string (20) for drilling the wellbore; an expandable tubular element (84) enclosing the drill string (20), wherein a lower end portion of a wall of the expandable tubular element (14) is bent radially outward and in axially reverse direction to define an expanded tubular section (10) extending around an unexpanded tubular section (8); a pushing device (42) for pushing the unexpanded tubular section (8) into the expanded tubular section (10); and a releasable drilling annulus sealing device (70) for closing an annular opening between an upper end of the expandable tubular element and the drill string.

Abstract: A slip assembly (60) for securing a tool in a well includes an upper and a lower c-ring slip body (12, 14) each including an outer gripping surface (16, 18) and inner gripping surface (20, 22). An actuator member (68) is axially movable relative to both slip bodies and includes a camming surface (70) for engagement with the upper and lower slip bodies. The slip assembly withstands high axial loads, and forces are equally distributed between the slip bodies.

Abstract: Return flow diverters are provided for which are adapted to allow return flow during cementing of a liner for a well. The return flow diverter comprises a cylindrical body adapted for installation in a well as part of the liner. The cylindrical body has a fluid port therein adapted to allow fluids displaced by a cementing operation to flow from an annulus between the liner and the well into the cylindrical body. The return flow diverter also comprises a cover supported on the cylindrical body for movement from an open position, in which the port is open, to a closed position, in which the port is closed by the cover, a transmission disposed within the cylindrical body and defining a cylindrical passageway adapted to accommodate a tubular conduit.

Abstract: A system for drilling a wellbore into an earth formation comprises an expandable tubular element extending into the wellbore, wherein a lower end portion of the wall of the tubular element extends radially outward and in an axially reverse direction so as to define an expanded tubular section extending around a remaining tubular section of the tubular element. The expanded tubular section is extendable by downward movement of the remaining tubular section relative to the expanded tubular section whereby said lower end portion of the wall bends radially outward and in an axially reverse direction. A drill string extends through the remaining tubular section into the wellbore, such that a space is formed between the drill string and the remaining tubular section, and the system further comprises sealing means arranged to seal said space from an open-hole lower section of the wellbore.

Abstract: A seal seals an annulus in a subsea assembly between a wellhead and a casing hanger landed on a shoulder within a bore of the wellhead. The seal includes a casing hanger seal ring disposed within the annulus. The seal ring engaged with an inner diameter surface of the wellhead, and engaged with an outer diameter surface of the casing hanger so that the seal ring prevents flow through the annulus. A nose ring is secured to a lower end of the seal ring so that, when the seal ring is energized, a conical surface of the nose ring engages a mating conical profile formed in the inner diameter surface portion of the wellhead and the nose ring engages a surface opposite the conical surface with a substantially smooth outer diameter surface portion of the casing hanger to limit upwards axial movement of the casing hanger.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a support device for tubular equipment, such as a liner inside a well, said support device including two elements attached to each other, comprising: a) a cylindrical sleeve, made of ductile metal, the cylindrical sleeve having an external diameter slightly less than an inner diameter of the well or of a casing inserted into the well; b) a set of tabs made of hard metal, which are spaced apart from each other and integral with the cylindrical sleeve, the tabs extending downwards from the cylindrical sleeve, wherein an outer wall of the tabs is fitted with a series of notched formations, such as teeth, whereas an inner wall of the tabs has a conical form, the apex of which is turned down. Methods of using the aforementioned support device are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) for depth referencing tubular strings in a wellbore. The apparatus (100) includes a depth reference coupling (102) having a profile (112) that is positioned in a first tubular string. The first tubular string has a predetermined length between the depth reference coupling (102) and a predetermined reference point. The apparatus (100) also includes an indicator assembly (118) having a mating profile (128) operable to engage the profile (112) of the depth reference coupling (102) that is positioned in a second tubular string. In operation, the second tubular string is run in the first tubular string until the mating profile (128) of the indicator assembly (118) engages the profile (112) of the depth reference coupling (102), thereby enabling reliable depth referencing of the tubular strings.

Abstract: A method of drilling and completing a well can include drilling a section of a wellbore, positioning a perforated shroud in the section of the wellbore, securing the perforated shroud by setting a hanger, and isolating the section of the wellbore from a remainder of the wellbore vertically above the section of the wellbore. The drilling, positioning, securing and isolating steps can be performed while the section of the wellbore is not exposed to a liquid column extending to a surface location. The drilling, positioning, securing and isolating steps can be performed in a single trip of a drill string into the wellbore.

Abstract: Methods for forming a wellbore may include placing an upper section of inside a lower section of a parent liner; positioning an upper sealing member and a lower sealing member in the wellbore to form a pressure chamber, and expanding the second liner using the pressure chamber. The sealing members move axially relative to one another and the second liner has an inner bore that is hydraulically isolated from the pressure chamber. A related apparatus may include upper and lower sealing members that cooperate to form a pressure chamber that is hydraulically isolated from an inner bore of the second liner. A work string may include the sealing members, a connector that extends through the pressure chamber and the second liner; and an expander. The expander expands the second liner in response to the axial separation of the sealing members.

Abstract: A landing ring having at least one scallop groove formed on an interior of the ring. The landing ring interfaces with a fluted mandrel casing hanger such that the scallop groove aligns between flutes of the hanger. This alignment of the scallop groove of the landing ring with the fluted mandrel casing hanger provides sufficient clearance to allow a stabbing in of a cement tube for cement injection during cement topping operations or debris clean out down hole.

Abstract: A liner hanger is locked for run in to prevent accidental setting using a trapped collet assembly. The liner is internally pressurized to push a ring from which the collet extends. The collet heads leave a mandrel groove and compress a return spring while at the same time shouldering against an outer assembly that ramps the slips out on cones for a grip of the surrounding casing. Weight is released and the slips prevent the assembly attached to them from moving to hold the return spring compressed. Picking up weight releases the load on the slips of the hanger and allows the spring to retract the slips and return the collet assembly to the run in position in an exterior mandrel groove. This can be used with a relative rotation feature incorporated into the liner hanger to allow liner rotation during cementing, if desired.

Abstract: A tool for releasably coupling a first tubing to a second tubing in a wellbore has a tubular mandrel configured to couple to and be carried into the wellbore by the first tubing. A collet ring is in an interior of the mandrel and has a plurality of collets to engage the second tubing. A releasing piston is carried in the interior of the mandrel to change between supporting the collet ring such that the collets can release from the profile and allowing the collet ring to lock such that the collets are locked in the profile.

Abstract: An engaging device includes a body selectively slidably engagable about a first tubular runnable within a second tubular. The body is runnable past at least one profile on the second tubular in a first direction during a first running and is prevented from running past the at least one profile on subsequent runs subsequent to running by the at least one profile in a second direction.

Abstract: A system and method for verifying support hanger orientation within a wellhead housing. In an example, a profile is included at a designated location on an inner surface of the wellhead housing. When the support hanger is landed in the wellhead housing, an impression is taken of the inner surface of the wellhead housing from a reference location. Analyzing the impression can indicate the position of the support hanger within the wellhead housing. A running tool that can land the support hanger within the wellhead housing can be equipped with an impression block for taking the impression of the profile in the wellhead housing.

Abstract: A well pipe hanger is run and landed within a subsea wellhead assembly using a latching mechanism with an adjustable preload. The well pipe hanger has a latch ring having upward and downward facing shoulders secured to the outer diameter of the tubing hanger so that the latch ring may expand radially into a groove of the landing sub. The outer and inner diameters of the latch ring are larger at a center of the latch ring than at the upper and lower ends. The latch ring is configured to contract radially from a latched to an unlatched position in response to a predetermined overpull force. The predetermined overpull force is adjustable by adjusting the radial distance between an axial center of the latch ring and the outer diameter of the well pipe hanger.

Abstract: A running tool includes subassemblies which release the running tool from the liner hanger in response to application of alternating tensile and compressive forces after application of left-hand torque. A running tool includes subassemblies which set the liner hanger in response to left-hand torque followed by increased pressure, and in response to increased pressure without prior left-hand torque being applied. A running tool includes threaded connections, without torque transmitted through the running tool being transmitted by the threaded connections. A method of setting a liner hanger includes applying a compressive force to the running tool; then applying left-hand torque to the running tool; and then applying a tensile force to the running tool. A method of releasing a liner hanger includes applying left-hand torque to the running tool; and then releasing the running tool from the liner hanger by applying a tensile force to the running tool.

Abstract: A liner hanger running tool (10) and method are provided for positioning a liner in a well bore. A tool mandrel (24) is supported from a running string, and a housing (44) surrounds the tool mandrel. A flow annulus between the mandrel and the housing allows fluid to pass upward through the running tool to a position above the liner. A hydraulic release mechanism (78, 79) is activated by fluid pressure within the mandrel to axially move a piston (50) positioned radially outward of the mandrel to release the running tool from the liner.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for penetrating cement (300) surrounding a tubular (200) cemented to a formation (400). The apparatus comprises a bore (10) through the tubular wall (200), and an intermediate fluid channel (102) in an insert (100) within the bore. An inner sleeve (120) may be disposed on the interior surface of the tubular wall (200). The inner sleeve (120) is movable between a closed position wherein fluid connection between the interior of the tubular and the bore is prevented, and an open position wherein fluid connection between the interior of the tubular and the bore is allowed. An abrasive and/or etching fluid is supplied through the channel (102) to remove cement and/or the insert (100) or piston assembly.

Abstract: A wellhead assembly including a wellhead housing. The wellhead housing comprises a throughbore having a recessed sealing area and a tubing hanger positioned in the throughbore. A seal is positioned between the wellhead housing and the tubing hanger, the seal being positioned so as to form a gap between the seal and the wellhead housing. The wellhead assembly can further include a seal energizer capable of moving relative to the seal in a manner that forces the seal against the wellhead housing to bridge the gap. A method of installing a tubing hanger into a throughbore of a wellhead housing is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed at a wellhead assembly that includes a casing head and a tubing head that is landed within the casing head when the tubing head is landed. The casing head has top and bottom ends, and its bottom end is coupled to surface casing. The tubing head also has top and bottom ends, and its bottom end is coupled to an additional casing string, such as production casing. The present disclosure also is directed at the tubing head itself, and at a method for landing the tubing head within the casing head. Beneficially, the present disclosure describes a method and apparatus by which the tubing head can be landed on the casing head through a blowout preventer, which can save time and reduce risk relative to conventional methods and apparatuses by which the blowout preventer is nippled-down prior to landing the tubing head.

Abstract: An adjustable mudline suspension system, including a tubing hanger having an exterior profile, a clamp having an inner profile to mate with the exterior profile of the tubing hanger, a biasing element to bias the clamp radially inward into an engaged position where the inner and exterior profiles are mated, and a piston to bias the clamp radially outward into a disengaged position where the inner and exterior profiles are not mated when hydraulically actuated. The weight of the tubing hanger is supported by the adjustable mudline suspension system when the interior profile of the clamp mates with the exterior profile of the hanger.

Abstract: A system comprises a tubular releasably coupled to a launcher. An expansion assembly is sealingly engaged with the tubular so that the expansion assembly is moved longitudinally through the tubular by applying a pressurized fluid to the launcher. The expansion assembly radially expands the tubular as it moves longitudinally therethrough. A valve is coupled to the expansion assembly and opens when fluid pressure within an unexpanded portion of the tubular exceeds fluid pressure within the launcher. An extending member is coupled to the expansion assembly and to the launcher. The extending member restricts longitudinal movement of the expansion assembly relative to the launcher once the tubular is radially expanded.

Abstract: A liner top packer is configured to be secured in a liner string, such as in a liner drilling operation. The packer is actuated from within the liner or packer body. An actuator assembly includes an inner piston, an actuator housing, and an outer piston. A tubular setting tool is moved upwardly through the inner piston, and dogs on the setting tool allow for force to be applied to the inner piston, pressurizing fluid and forcing it to the outer piston to compress a pack off element. The actuator assembly is removed by upward force applied by a foot of the setting tool on the inner piston, the actuator housing, or any other component of the actuator assembly.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a hanger running tool includes an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve. The inner sleeve has a first mating surface configured to engage a second mating surface of a hanger to couple the inner sleeve to the hanger. The outer sleeve is disposed about the inner sleeve. The outer sleeve is configured to rotate about a common longitudinal axis with respect to the inner sleeve.

Abstract: A velocity string installation method comprises the steps of: removing an existing safety valve from a production tubing safety valve nipple; running a velocity string into the production tubing to engage the safety valve nipple; and then running a velocity string safety valve into the velocity string and coupling the safety valve with a port at the safety valve nipple.

Abstract: A system and method for lining a section of a wellbore with an expandable tubular element. The system comprises an elongate drill string having a force multiplier near a lower end thereof, which is housed within the expandable tubular element. An expander for expanding the tubular element is arranged at a lower end of the force multiplier. Anchoring means are provided at the exterior of the tubular element for anchoring the tubular element in the wellbore. Pulling the expander through the expandable tubular using the force multiplier may be combined with pulling the drill string upwards. A sudden drop of the hydraulic pressure in the force multiplier drops will confirm fixation of the anchoring means in the wellbore wall.

Abstract: A vortex-controlled variable flow resistance device ideal for use in a backpressure tool for advancing drill string in extended reach downhole operations. The characteristics of the pressure waves generated by the device are controlled by the growth and decay of vortices in the vortex chamber(s) of a flow path. The flow path includes a switch, such as a bi-stable fluidic switch, for reversing the direction of the flow in the vortex chamber. The flow path may include multiple vortex chambers, and the device may include multiple flow paths. A hardened insert in the outlet of the vortex chamber resists erosion. This device generates backpressures of short duration and slower frequencies approaching the resonant frequency of the drill string, which maximizes axial motion in the drill sting and weight on the bit. Additionally, fluid pulses produced by the tool enhance debris removal ahead of the bit.

Abstract: A vortex-controlled variable flow resistance device ideal for use in a backpressure tool for advancing drill string in extended reach downhole operations. The characteristics of the pressure waves generated by the device are controlled by the growth and decay of vortices in the vortex chamber(s) of a flow path. The flow path includes a switch, such as a bi-stable fluidic switch, for reversing the direction of the flow in the vortex chamber. The flow path may include multiple vortex chambers, and the device may include multiple flow paths. A hardened insert in the outlet of the vortex chamber resists erosion. This device generates backpressures of short duration and slower frequencies approaching the resonant frequency of the drill string, which maximizes axial motion in the drill sting and weight on the bit. Additionally, fluid pulses produced by the tool enhance debris removal ahead of the bit.

Abstract: A vortex-controlled variable flow resistance device ideal for use in a backpressure tool for advancing drill string in extended reach downhole operations. The characteristics of the pressure waves generated by the device are controlled by the growth and decay of vortices in the vortex chamber(s) of a flow path. The flow path includes a switch, such as a bi-stable fluidic switch, for reversing the direction of the flow in the vortex chamber. The flow path may include multiple vortex chambers, and the device may include multiple flow paths. A hardened insert in the outlet of the vortex chamber resists erosion. This device generates backpressures of short duration and slower frequencies approaching the resonant frequency of the drill string, which maximizes axial motion in the drill sting and weight on the bit. Additionally, fluid pulses produced by the tool enhance debris removal ahead of the bit.

Abstract: A vortex-controlled variable flow resistance device ideal for use in a backpressure tool for advancing drill string in extended reach downhole operations. The characteristics of the pressure waves generated by the device are controlled by the growth and decay of vortices in the vortex chamber(s) of a flow path. The flow path includes a switch, such as a bi-stable fluidic switch, for reversing the direction of the flow in the vortex chamber. The flow path may include multiple vortex chambers, and the device may include multiple flow paths. A hardened insert in the outlet of the vortex chamber resists erosion. This device generates backpressures of short duration and slower frequencies approaching the resonant frequency of the drill string, which maximizes axial motion in the drill sting and weight on the bit. Additionally, fluid pulses produced by the tool enhance debris removal ahead of the bit.

Abstract: A wellhead seal assembly that forms a metal-to-metal seal between inner and outer wellhead members. A metal seal ring has inner and outer walls separated by a slot. The exterior surfaces of the outer and inner walls contain a soft metal inlay. A wicker profile with a slick area is located on the outer surface of the inner wellhead member and on the inner surface of the outer wellhead member. An energizing ring is moved into the slot to force the outer and inner walls of the seal into sealing engagement with the inner and outer wellhead members. The soft metal inlays deform onto the slick area on the wellhead members. The wickers on the wellhead members embed into the walls of the seal ring.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve assembly may be coupled to one or more casings and/or tubular members to control fluid communication therebetween. The valve assembly is a one-way valve assembly that relieves pressure within an annulus formed between adjacent casings and/or tubular members to prevent burst or collapse of the casings and/or tubular members. The valve assembly includes a tubular body having a port for fluid communication and a valve ring disposed within the tubular body, the valve ring having a flap for closing the port, wherein the flap is configured to flex from a closed position to an open position in response to a pressure differential. In another embodiment, the valve assembly also includes a retainer sleeve movable from an engaged position for maintaining the flap in a closed position to a disengaged position to allow the flap to open.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for centering and engaging a casing against a wellbore. The apparatus comprises a valve body locatable in-line with the casing the valve body having an outer casing extending between first and second ends and a central passage therethrough, and at least one radially movable body extending therethrough. Each radially movable body has an aperture therethrough so as to permit an exterior of the valve body and the central passage to be in fluidic communication with each other. The apparatus further comprises a cylinder and a piston therein operable connected to the radially movable body in selective fluidic communication with the central passage. The method comprises locating the valve body in line with a wellbore casing, pressurizing the casing with a pressurizing fluid and transmitting the pressurizing fluid the cylinder so as to displace a piston located therein and extend the radially movable body.