Abstract: A tubing hanger and method for reducing loads and stresses on sealing boundaries in a tubing hanger is provided. The tubing hanger has an inner cavity that is sealed with respect to an external well volume present in for example the surrounding tree architecture and wellhead. A control line extends through the inner cavity to communicate with downhole equipment. A pressure compensator is configured to adjust pressure differential between the inner cavity and the external well volume.

Abstract: A system for forming a liner downhole within a well bore has a rig comprising a tool string driving mechanism and an aperture proximate an opening of a well bore. The system also has first and second tool string components and each component has a central bore disposed intermediate first and second tool joints of the component. The first tool joint of the first component is disposed proximate the aperture and the second tool joint of the second component. First and second resilient lining materials are disposed within the central bore of the first and second tool string components respectively. At least one lining material connecting mechanism is disposed proximate the aperture. The system also comprises at least one downhole dispenser that is adapted to direct a resilient continuous lining material against the well bore to form a liner.

Abstract: A method of lining a drilled bore comprises running an expandable first tubular into a bore and locating a portion of the first tubular in an unlined section of the bore and another portion of the first tubular overlapping a portion of an existing second tubular. The first tubular is secured relative to the second tubular while retaining the provision of fluid outlets to permit displacement of fluid from an annulus between the first tubular and the bore wall. An expansion device is then run through the first tubular to expand the first tubular to a larger diameter. Cement is then circulated into the annulus between the expanded first tubular and the bore wall. The fluid outlets are then closed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus create an attachment and a seal between two tubular members in a wellbore. An expandable assembly includes a packer and liner hanger to be expanded into a surrounding tubular. The packer can be a longitudinally corrugated packer and can have a sealing element disposed on an outer surface thereof. The liner hanger can include a plurality of formations extending outward along an outer surface of the liner hanger to form interspaces for longitudinal fluid flow between the formations. In operation, an expansion tool moves axially through an inner diameter of the expandable assembly to expand the liner hanger with a fluted expander and subsequently the packer with a substantially uniform outer diameter cone.

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 includes an annular slip seat that radially surrounds a section of the liner being hung. The slip seat contains a plurality of windows that each accommodates at least one intermediate slip seat. The intermediate slip seats, in turn, each contain windows that accommodate a slip element. There are tongue and groove arrangements between the slip seat and the intermediate slip seat as well as between the intermediate slip seat and the slip element that allow axial movement of the slip element to be translated by camming surfaces into radial outward movement of both the intermediate slip seat and the slip element. The imposition of one or more intermediate slip seats, in an embedded or nested relationship, allows for greater radial expansion of the slip elements with respect to the interior liner.

Abstract: Methods and systems for conducting liner drilling and subsequent completion of the drilled section by cementing and anchoring the liner into place. The methods and systems prevent the liner from being cemented in in a bent or corkscrewed configuration. Additionally, there are no exterior components associated with the liner during drilling so as to allow relatively unrestricted return of drilling mud and cuttings.

Abstract: A liner hanger has a housing with a pocket disposed on an inner wall surface and a slip slidingly engaged within the pocket. The liner hanger housing is secured in the string of casing. A setting mechanism connected to the slips is also located in the pocket. An actuator is mounted on the liner. As the liner is moved through the casing coupler, the actuator actuates the setting mechanism, causing the slips to move axially downward. As the setting mechanism moves downward, the slips move radially inward and grip the liner.

Abstract: Expandable casing has an expandable slip used for completion of a mono-diameter wellbore. The expandable casing is run through the upper casing and has an upper end that overlaps a lower end of the upper casing to form a fluid flow path between the expandable casing and the upper casing. The operator expands the overlapping portion of the expandable casing to an intermediate position, causing the expandable slip to anchor the expandable casing to the upper causing without blocking the flow path. Cement is then pumped up around the outside of the expandable casing and wellbore fluid displaced by the cement and excess cement are permitted to flow through the fluid flow path and up the upper casing. After sufficient cement is in place, the expandable casing is further expanded, compressing the expandable slip into to the inner wall of the upper casing and sealing off the fluid flow path.

Abstract: A tubular gripping device includes a mandrel including an upper end, a lower end and a long axis extending between through the upper end and the lower end; a threaded interval on an outer surface of the mandrel; and an annular force generating assembly carried on the mandrel and positioned between the upper end and the threaded interval adjacent the threaded interval and driveable to apply a load along the long axis toward the threaded interval.

Abstract: An apparatus and method according to which a tubular member is radially expanded and plastically deformed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a shoe for wellbore lining tubing and to a method of locating wellbore lining tubing in a wellbore. In one embodiment, a shoe (30) is disclosed which includes a tubular outer body (32) that is coupled to a wellbore lining tubing (28), and a tubular inner body (36) located within the outer body and coupled to fluid supply tubing (38). A generally annular flow area (44) is defined between the bodies which is in selective fluid communication with the well-bore (10), for the return flow of fluid from the wellbore through a flow port (62) in the outer body, along the shoe and into an annulus (46) defined between the wellbore lining tubing and the fluid supply tubing. A valve assembly (40) of the shoe has an actuating member (92) located within the inner body, and a flow controller (96) for selectively closing the flow port. A ball (98) is used to prevent further fluid flow through the inner body into the wellbore.

Abstract: A wellhead isolation tool including a cup mandrel and a centralizing device. The centralizing device will align the tool so that the cup seal at the lower end of the cup mandrel sealingly engages the production casing. The cup mandrel has an open bore for allowing service tools to pass therethrough unimpeded.

Abstract: An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member.

Abstract: An improved liner hanger comprises a mandrel having a piston housing and a plurality of spring slots disposed on the outer wall surface of the mandrel. Each spring slot having at least one spring disposed therein. The liner hanger also has a slip housing having a plurality of slips operatively associated therewith, a spring adjustment sleeve, and an adjustment sleeve ring. The location of the spring slots on the outer wall surface of the mandrel permits an increase in the number of springs utilized for setting the liner hanger. The spring adjustment sleeve and adjustment sleeve ring permit easy and safe assembly and disassembly of the liner hanger. Additionally, when actuated to move from its run-in position to its set position, springs, slip housing, and slips all move upward.

Abstract: A subsea wellhead assembly includes a housing with a bore containing at least one conical generally upward facing load shoulder that inclines relative to an axis of the bore. A hanger is lowered into the housing, the hanger having at least one conical downward facing load shoulder that inclines at a lesser inclination relative to an axis of the bore than the upward facing load shoulder. A split load ring has an inner profile that slidingly engages the downward facing load shoulder and an outer profile that slidingly engages the upward facing load shoulder. The load ring is carried by the hanger for movement between a retracted position, wherein the outer profile is spaced radially inward from the upward facing load shoulder, and an expanded position wherein the outer profile is in engagement with the upward facing load shoulder.

Abstract: A liner running system for placing a liner in a well bore comprises a latch sleeve connected to the liner and a running tool releasably attached to the latch sleeve. The latch sleeve has a wall thickness substantially the same as the wall thickness of the liner, and the running tool has an outer diameter less than or equal to the inner diameter of the liner. The latch sleeve may be connected into the liner at any location along its length. The running tool is releasable from the latch sleeve via hydraulic actuation or mechanical actuation. Optionally, a swivel may be connected to the liner. The swivel has a wall thickness substantially the same as the wall thickness of the liner. The method for lowering the liner into the well bore via the liner running system comprises rotating the liner, pushing the liner, pulling the liner, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus, such as a liner, adapted to be hung in a downhole tubular such as casing is described. The apparatus includes one or more circumferentially distributed abrasive portions, arranged to be movable radially outwards by a dimple former or an expander. In an embodiment, the abrasive portions are provided on disks moveable in recesses in the outer diameter of the apparatus being hung. In an embodiment, the apparatus is hung by operating a dimple former provided on the running tool.

Abstract: Expandable casing has an expandable slip used for completion of a mono-diameter wellbore. The expandable casing is run through the upper casing and has an upper end that overlaps a lower end of the upper casing to form a fluid flow path between the expandable casing and the upper casing. The operator expands the overlapping portion of the expandable casing to an intermediate position, causing the expandable slip to anchor the expandable casing to the upper causing without blocking the flow path. Cement is then pumped up around the outside of the expandable casing and wellbore fluid displaced by the cement and excess cement are permitted to flow through the fluid flow path and up the upper casing. After sufficient cement is in place, the expandable casing is further expanded, compressing the expandable slip into to the inner wall of the upper casing and sealing off the fluid flow path.

Abstract: A method of supporting a tubular within a bore including the steps of at least partially expanding a sleeve into contact with a bore wall to secure the sleeve within the bore, and engaging a portion of the tubular to be supported with the sleeve to provide hanging support for the tubular. In one embodiment, the sleeve is expanded by engagement with the tubular. In another embodiment, the sleeve is initially expanded using a roller expansion tool, with further expansion being achieved by way of engagement of the tubular with the sleeve. An apparatus for supporting a tubular within a bore in one embodiment comprises an expandable sleeve having a first surface and being adapted to be expanded into contact with a bore wall, and a conical portion adapted to be coupled to a tubular, the conical portion having a second surface adapted to engage the first surface of the sleeve.

Abstract: A hanger flange includes an annular body having a circumferential inner surface defining a central passage and a circumferential outer surface. Ram alignment apertures are provided within the body spaced radially about the passage. Each of the apertures has a first portion with a non-circular first cross-sectional dimension extending radially outwardly from the inner surface and a second portion with a second cross-sectional dimension extending radially inwardly from the outer surface. A ram is positioned in each of the apertures. Each ram has a first portion having a first cross-sectional dimension corresponding with the first cross-sectional dimension of the apertures, and a second portion having a second cross-section dimension corresponding with the second cross-sectional dimension of the apertures.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for running a liner into a well bore, hanging the liner to a casing, perforating the liner, cementing the liner in, setting a liner packer, and establishing sand control, all in one trip.

Abstract: A liner hanger assembly comprises a tool mandrel 104 suspended on a running string, and a slip assembly 120 for engaging a casing to support the liner hanger assembly and liner from the casing. The release assembly 175 releases the set liner hanger from portions of the assembly to be retrieved to the surface. As cementing bushing 130 is releasable and reinsertable into the liner, and includes a circumferential loading ring 226.

Abstract: A liner hanger assembly seals with casing 22 and supports a liner 90 within a well. The tubular liner hanger body 50 and a tubular expander 40 may be positioned downhole at a desired depth on a running tool. An actuator assembly 12, 24 may forcibly move the tubular expander 40 into the liner hanger body 50, expanding the liner hanger body to seal and secure the hanger body to the casing string 22. The running tool may be released from the set liner hanger by an axially movable collet mechanism, such as ratchet ring 92 and a catch mechanism, such as threads 94. The running string thus need not be rotated to release from the set liner hanger.

Abstract: A self orienting selectable locating collet including a collet having at least one deflectable finger; an orientation key positioned at the deflectable finger and being deflectable with the finger; and a collet profile disposed at an outside dimension of the collet. A method is also included.

Abstract: A non-rotational casing hanger and seal assembly running tool for use in oil and gas drilling operations has a mandrel and a tool body that is carried by the mandrel. The tool body supports a plurality of latching segments for releasably connecting the tool body to a seal assembly. A plurality of latching dogs on the tool body releasably connect the tool body to a casing hanger. Axial movement between the tool body and mandrel operates a pressure responsive shuttle piston positioned on the mandrel to urge the seal assembly into sealing position. A ball valve positioned in the mandrel bore is operable between open and closed positions to allow independent operations to be carried out such as cementing the casing hanger in position through the mandrel bore and operating the shuttle piston to then allow overpull to unlatch the tool from the casing hanger for retrieval.

Abstract: The liner hanger assembly seals with casing 8 and supports a liner 98 within a well. The tubular liner hanger 48 and a tubular expander 40 may be position downhole on a running tool at a desired depth along the casing string 8. An actuator assembly 6 may forcably move the tubular expander 40 into the tubular hanger, expanding the liner hanger to seal and secure the hanger against the casing string 8. After the running tool has been removed, a seal nipple may be sealed to the sealing sleeve of the tubular expander. A selectively releasable clutch 73 is provided for allowing rotation of the liner to rotate the liner with the running tool, and thereafter to disengage and release the running tool from the set liner hanger.

Abstract: An inner riser adjustable hanger and seal assembly are provided for applying tension to a casing string secured at a lower end within a well and supported at an upper end by a wellhead housing. The wellhead housing has a locking member on an inner surface thereof. A tensioning mechanism tensions the casing string and secures the upper end to the wellhead housing. A seal body locking member is radially moveable into engagement with the housing locking member to fix the axial position of the seal body relative to the wellhead housing. An upper seal assembly seals between the seal body and the wellhead housing, and a lower assembly seals between the seal body and the casing string. The casing string is tensioned without appreciable rotation of the hanger body or the upper and lower seal assemblies.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inserting a small diameter continuous hydraulic conduit or capillary tube down a well bore is presented. The methods and apparatus allow either the injection of chemicals to enhance production of oil and gas, or to provide a conduit for production up through the small diameter tubing in marginal wells, into a hanger below a well valve to permit its removal from below the valve if the valve should be required to be closed and its reinsertion without pulling the tubing from the well bore.

Abstract: A downhole tool for connection in a work string to prevent premature activation of weight set tools on the work string. The tool has moveable pads which contact the tubing wall and thereby support the weight of the work string. The pads are activated by increasing fluid pressure in the annulus between the tool and tubing wall and deactivated by increasing fluid pressure through the central bore of the tool.

Abstract: A wellhead housing has a bore with a support shoulder, a ramp surface extending upward and outward from the support shoulder, and a recess extending upward from the ramp. A split, resilient load ring is carried in an initial position in the recess. A retractable and axially movable latch ring is carried in the recess above the load ring. A casing hanger has a profile that engages the latch ring as the casing hanger moves downwardly in the bore, causing the latch ring to move downward and pushing the load ring to the set position.

Abstract: A wellhead hanger system that allows the use of either of two casing hangers depending upon whether the casing string to be suspended becomes stuck during installation and cannot be lowered to its expected depth is disclosed. A full bore test plug for use with the system is disclosed also.

Abstract: A liner hanger having a mechanical coupling between a liner hanger body and one or more cones is disclosed. The cones are coupled to the liner hanger body to resist axial and relative rotational movement without welding the cones to the hanger body, and without the need to use integral cones. In general, the mechanical coupling includes a hanger body or casing mandrel, a cone assembly journaled on the casing mandrel, at least one slot or groove in an outer wall of the casing mandrel, and at least one partially or fully annular slot on the inside surface of the cone assembly oriented to correspond with the groove(s) in the outer wall of the hanger body. At least one wire, or one or more bearings, is situated in the corresponding slot and the groove. The wire engages the flanks of the slot and groove sufficiently to resist axial or rotational movement of the cones relative to the hanger body.

Abstract: An apparatus for retaining two strings of tubulars characterized in that the apparatus comprises body parts of a device for retaining a single string of tubulars and a converting member. A device for retaining a string of tubulars, the device comprising at least one body part having a curved tapered surface upon which inserts are located for engagement with the string of tubulars characterised in that the curved tapered surface comprises a recess for the passage of cables.

Abstract: A method includes drilling and lining a wellbore, in one aspect by mounting a drill bit on a drill string including a section of expandable tubing and providing a tubing expander in the string, rotating the drill bit and advancing the drill string through a bore, and passing the expander through the expandable tubing to expand the tubing. The apparatus comprises a drill string including a section of expandable tubing, a drill bit mounted on the string, and a tubing expander mounted on the string.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relates to hydraulically actuated tools, which may be used to actuate a liner hanger assembly. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a hydraulic setting tool for use in wellbore operations. The setting tool includes a first tubular member and a second tubular member disposed around the outer diameter of the first tubular member. A piston is mechanically attached to an upper portion of the second tubular member and adapted to move axially in relation to the first tubular member. The piston acts to transmit a force to the second tubular member. A slip assembly is operatively connected to the second tubular member and the second tubular member transmits the force to the slip assembly thereby actuating the slip assembly.

Abstract: A method of re-manufacturing a composite riser section having a damaged original metal liner comprises inserting an expandable replacement liner into the bore of the composite riser section and positioning the replacement liner to cover the metal liner. An annular recess may be formed circumferentially into the damaged portion of the metal liner to accommodate the replacement liner. The replacement liner is radially expanded within the composite riser section and a seal is created to prevent fluid inside the composite riser from flowing around the replacement liner, through the damaged liner, and to the outside of the composite riser.

Abstract: A method of anchoring tubing in a bore comprises: providing first tubing having a section with a wall configured to provide outer surface portions describing a diameter less than a first diameter. The tubing is located within a bore comprising a first section having an internal diameter greater than the first diameter and a second section having an internal diameter corresponding to the first diameter, with the tubing section in the first section of the bore. The tubing section is then reconfigured such that the outer surface portions describe a tubing diameter greater than the first diameter. The tubing is then axially translated relative to the bore to locate the tubing section in the second section of the bore such that the outer surface portions are restrained to the first diameter by the bore, and the outer surface portions engage with the bore.

Abstract: A packer element has a biasing member incorporated with it. The element is either fabricated with the biasing element in a relaxed condition and then the element is stretched prior to insertion downhole or the element is created around the stressed biasing member and is held in that position until allowed to relax downhole. In either event the release of the element increases its diameter while shortening its length. Preferably, an advancing swage triggers the release to allow the element to expand as much as it can go or to the maximum relaxed diameter, whichever is larger. The swage then, preferably, drives the relaxed element toward the borehole wall or the casing.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an apparatus for sealing a wellbore. The sealing apparatus includes an expandable tubular body having one or more sealing elements disposed thereon. In one aspect, the sealing elements include swelling and non-swelling sealing elements. Preferably, the swelling sealing elements are made of a swelling elastomer capable of swelling upon activation by an activating agent. The swelling elements may be covered with a protective layer during the run-in. When the tubular body is expanded, the protective layer breaks, thereby exposing the swelling elements to the activating agent. In turn, the swelling elements swell and contact the wellbore to form a fluid tight seal.

Abstract: A method of applying an axial force to a first piston positioned within a first piston chamber including applying an axial force to the first piston using a second piston positioned within the first piston chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liner hanger and a method of hanging a liner in a wellbore. In one aspect, a process for setting a liner in a wellbore is provided in which a tubular having a slip formed on an outer diameter of the tubular at a first location and a preformed bypass for circulating a fluid disposed at a second location is set and expanded into substantial contact with an inner diameter of the wellbore, a casing, or another liner. In another aspect, a process for setting a liner in a wellbore is provided in which a tubular having a slip formed on an outer diameter of the tubular at a first location is placed in the wellbore, a bypass for circulating a fluid is formed downhole, the liner is set and expanded into substantial contact with an inner diameter of the wellbore, a casing, or another liner.

Abstract: A device for providing a seal between two tubular member in a downhole environment is presented. The sealing device provides the capability of “boosting” or improving the seal, in the event of hydraulic pressure increases from above or below the seal.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming an expanded connection in a wellbore, whereby the apparatus includes a first tubular radially expandable outward into contact with an inner wall of a second tubular upon the application of an outwardly directed force supplied to an inner surface of the first tubular. The apparatus further includes a plurality of outwardly extending formations formed on an outer surface of the first tubular, the formations constructed and arranged to provide a frictional relationship between the first tubular and the second tubular while leaving a fluid path when the first tubular is expanded to engage the inner wall of the second tubular.

Abstract: A pre-tensioning arrangement for inner and outer elongate concentric members includes a load member which is axially movable in an actuating direction relative to the inner member and has an outer surface which tapers in the actuating direction, a laterally expansible ring which is engaged by the load member in an inclined engagement zone during the actuating movement, and an engagement zone between the laterally expansible ring and the outer member, the engagement zones providing a mechanical advantage between the movement of the load member and movement of the outer member.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a tubular member within a liner or borehole has a seal means connected within the tubular member, and a pressure control device operable to increase the pressure within the tubular member, such that operation of the pressure control means causes the tubular member to move radially outwardly to bear against the inner surface of the liner or borehole wall. Also, a packer for use in a downhole annular space and an isolation plug for plugging a downhole tubular are disclosed.

Abstract: A fluid is transferred between surface facilities and a subsurface reservoir formation through a well, which is equipped with a well lining having a permeability of less than 50 Darcy and preferably a lower permeability than at least part of the reservoir formation in the vicinity of the well lining so that fluid transfer into or from the formation is equalized even if the formation comprises strata having different permeabilities.

Abstract: A method of installing a liner in a drilled bore below a section of bore previously lined with casing comprises the steps of: running a length of liner into the bore such that at least an upper end of the liner is positioned in overlapping relation with at least a lower end of the casing; and plastically deforming a portion of the liner such that an external face of the portion forms an interference fit with an internal face of a portion of the casing. The interference fit preferably provides both hanging support for the liner and a fluid-tight seal between the liner and casing.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a first tubular member; a second tubular member positioned within and coupled to the first tubular member; a first annular piston chamber defined by the space between the first and second tubular members; an annular piston movably coupled to the second tubular member and positioned within the first annular piston chamber; and a third tubular member for receiving the first and second tubular members coupled to the first tubular member. The third tubular member comprises a radially expandable and plastically deformable tubular member.

Abstract: A wear bushing has a lower portion that is landed on a casing hanger in a wellhead housing. The wear bushing is mounted to the running tool, which is joined to a drill string. With running-in keys locked on the tool, the wear bushing is lowered down the well into the wellhead housing. The wear bushing is landed on the casing hanger and anti-rotation pins are pressed upward as they contact a seal assembly. The wear bushing is rotated until the anti-rotation pins align and fall into slots. With the anti-rotation pins in the slots, the running tool is released from the wear bushing by opposite rotation, and the running tool may then be run deeper into the well. The wear bushing is extracted using a retrieval tool. The retrieval tool is axially positioned relative to the wear bushing such that tool retrieval teeth engage a wear bushing retrieval ring so that the wear bushing can be extracted from the casing hanger.