Abstract: A stroker tool for providing an axial force in an axial direction of a downhole tool. The stroker tool has a pump, a driving unit for driving the pump, and an axial force generator. The generator has an elongated piston housing having a first and a second end, and a piston provided on a shaft, and the shaft penetrates the housing for transmitting the axial force to another tool. The piston is provided in the piston housing so that the shaft penetrates the piston and each end of the piston housing and divides the housing into a first and a second chamber, and the first and the second chamber are each fluidly connected to the pump via at least one duct so that the pump can pump fluid into one chamber by sucking fluid from the other chamber for moving the piston within the housing, and thereby moving the shaft back and forth.

Abstract: There is disclosed a flow control mechanism for a downhole tool and a downhole tool incorporating the flow control mechanism. In one embodiment, a flow control mechanism (202) is disclosed for controlling a centralizer (200). The flow control mechanism (202) comprises a body (212) defining a fluid chamber (234); an inlet flow path (292) for fluid flow into the chamber (234); at least one tool flow path (294) for fluid flow between the chamber (234) and at least part of the downhole tool (200); an exhaust flow path (297) for fluid flow from the chamber (234) to a fluid exhaust (240); and control means including a control member (218) mounted for movement within the chamber (234) for controlling flow into and out of the chamber (234) along the inlet flow path (292), the at least one tool flow path (294), and the exhaust flow path (297). The mechanism (202) controls flow to a piston (214) of the centralizer (200) for centralizing the centralizer (200) within, for example, a tubular (211) in the bore hole.

Abstract: A wellbore system is provided including a wellbore formed in an earth formation, the wellbore extending into a salt layer of the earth formation. The wellbore system comprises a tubular conduit arranged in the wellbore whereby at least a portion of the tubular conduit is surrounded by the salt layer whereby an annular space is formed between said portion of the tubular conduit and the wellbore wall. The wellbore system further comprises an annular body of a- resilient material arranged in said annular space and extending substantially the length of said portion of the tubular conduit surrounded by the salt layer.

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

Abstract: An expandable packer or anchor is disclosed. It features a gripping device integral to or mounted in a sleeve over the mandrel. Upon expansion, a sealing element engages an outer tubular and the gripping device, such as wickers on slips, preferably digs into the outer tubular. The expansion is preferably by pressure and can incorporate pressure intensifiers delivered by slick line or wire line. Release is accomplished by a release tool, which is delivered on slick line or wire line. It stretches the anchor or packer longitudinally, getting it to retract radially, for release. The release tool can be combined with packers or anchors that have a thin walled feature in the mandrel, to release by pulling the mandrel apart.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for expanding tubulars are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus for radially expanding a tubular in a wellbore is disclosed. The apparatus includes an expansion swage. In addition, the apparatus includes at least one anchoring device for selective and releasable anchoring of selected parts of the apparatus to an inner surface of the tubular. The apparatus also includes a thruster providing a force for longitudinal movement of the expansion swage inside the tubular. Moreover, the apparatus includes a hydraulic valve for selective control of a flow of operating fluid to the thruster. The hydraulic valve includes a valve cylinder slidably positioned on a shaft and a position control device for selective and releasable securing a position of the valve cylinder on the shaft. The hydraulic valve also includes an elastic device for shifting the valve cylinder between two end positions.

Abstract: An actuator device for setting a downhole tool is disclosed. The actuator device comprises a thermally expansive fluid within a chamber. Application of heat to the thermally expansive fluid causes the thermally expansive fluid to expand. In so doing, pressure within the chamber increases causing the downhole tool to be actuated such as by the thermally expansive fluid applying pressure directly to the actuating member or indirectly by allowing hydrostatic wellbore pressure to be allowed to act directly with the actuating member.

Abstract: A gripper for use in a downhole tool is provided. The gripper can include an actuator, a toe assembly, and an expandable assembly. The toe assembly can be a leaf-spring like elongate continuous beam. The expandable assembly can be a linkage including a plurality of links. The linkage is coupled to the actuator such that the actuator expands the expandable assembly which in turn expands the toe assembly. In operation, during one stage of expansion radial forces are transmitted to the toe through both interaction of a rolling mechanism on the toe with the expandable assembly and pressure of the linkage assembly directly on an inner surface of the toe.

Abstract: An anchor assembly for use in downhole slickline strings to set wellbore inflatables comprises, in one specific embodiment, an upper mandrel, an upper piston, radially extendable slips, a release piston in sliding engagement with a release mandrel, and a lower housing in sliding engagement with a lower mandrel. Fluid entering a bore of the anchor assembly forces the upper piston downward and extends the anchors. Thereafter, the slickline is reciprocated to pump fluid down the bore of the anchor assembly into the inflatable to prevent premature release of the inflatable. As the inflatable inflates, the lower housing is pulled downward along the lower mandrel until the inflatable is fully inflated. At a predetermined pressure after inflation of the inflatable, the anchors are retracted by actuation of the release piston so that the anchor assembly can be retrieved.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device that relates to an actuator comprising a plurality of individual piston chambers pressurized by a common pressure source. A plurality of pistons are in operable communication with the piston chambers, the pistons each being in operable communication with an actuatable device, such that the plurality of pistons simultaneously act upon the actuatable device upon application of pressure to the plurality of piston chambers.

Abstract: An expandable gripper assembly may be configured for anchoring a tool in a passage. The expandable gripper assembly includes first, second, and third pivotally connected links that are coupled to a tool. The third link is adapted to engage an inner wall in the passage. An actuation mechanism causes the third link to move radially outward from the tool for engagement with the inner wall. The actuation mechanism may comprise a roller mechanism that pushes on an inner surface of the first link for causing the first link to pivot outward away from the body. As the first and second links pivot outward, the third link moves in a radial direction for engagement with an inner wall.

Abstract: A gripper assembly for anchoring a tool within a downhole passage and for possibly assisting movement of the tool within the passage. The gripper assembly includes an elongated mandrel and flexible toes that can be radially displaced to grip onto the surface of the passage. The toes are displaced by the interaction of a driver slidable on the mandrel and a driver interaction element on the toes. In one embodiment, the toes are displaced by the interaction of rollers and ramps that are longitudinally movable with respect to one another. In another embodiment, the toes are displaced by the interaction of toggles that rotate with respect to the toes.

Abstract: Methods relate to tubulars that may be part of a tubular string for isolating one or more zones within a wellbore. In one embodiment, the tubular string includes a first expandable zone isolation unit disposed on a first side of a zone to be isolated, a second expandable zone isolation unit disposed on a second side of the zone to be isolated, and a perforated tubular disposed in fluid communication with a producing zone. The tubular string may be expanded using an expansion assembly having a first expander for expanding the first and second expandable zone isolation units and a second expander for expanding the at least one perforated tubular. Tags or markers along the tubular string may indicate locations where expansion is desired such that connections or connectors between joints are not expanded.

Abstract: A device for performing a downhole operation in a wellbore formed into an earth formation comprising an actuator and a tool. The actuator is movable from a first configuration to a second configuration by the action of a selected increase of fluid pressure acting on the exterior of the actuator. The tool is arranged to be moved by the actuator so as to perform the downhole operation upon movement of the actuator from the first configuration to the second configuration.

Abstract: An adjustable swage features an ability to enhance a radial collapse force when an obstruction in a tubular is encountered to allow radial contraction so that the obstruction can be cleared. The movable segments are configured to elastically bend on high loading so as to create additional radial component force to aid the adjustable swage in reducing its size to clear the obstruction.

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: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a volumetric compensating annular bellows used to compensate two fluid volumes by an annular displacement. This is achieved using a bellows welded on to a tube with a varying shape radius. A bellows is arranged within the annulus and is deformable in an annular direction in response to fluid volume expansion. The bellows can be used in several oilfield applications for fluid compensation.

Abstract: Anchor assemblies for use in downhole slickline strings to set wellbore inflatables are disclosed. In one specific embodiment, an anchor assembly comprises an upper mandrel, an upper piston, radially extendable slips, a release piston in sliding engagement with a release mandrel, and a lower housing in sliding engagement with a lower mandrel. Fluid entering a bore of the anchor assembly forces the upper piston downward and extends the anchors. Thereafter, the slickline is reciprocated to pump fluid down the bore of the anchor assembly into the inflatable to prevent premature release of the inflatable. As the inflatable inflates, the lower housing is pulled downward along the lower mandrel until the inflatable is fully inflated. At a predetermined pressure after inflation of the inflatable, the anchors are retracted by actuation of the release piston so that the anchor assembly can be retrieved.

Abstract: A mono-diameter wellbore casing.

Abstract: A wellbore system is provided including a wellbore formed in an earth formation, the wellbore extending into a salt layer of the earth formation. The wellbore system comprises a tubular conduit arranged in the wellbore whereby at least a portion of the tubular conduit is surrounded by the salt layer whereby an annular space is formed between said portion of the tubular conduit and the wellbore wall. The wellbore system further comprises an annular body of a- resilient material arranged in said annular space and extending substantially the length of said portion of the tubular conduit surrounded by the salt layer.

Abstract: A packer is provided for sealing an annular region in a wellbore. In one embodiment, the, packer includes a boosting assembly adapted to increase a pressure on the packing element in response to an increase in a pressure surrounding the packer, for example, an increase in the annulus pressure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tubular expansion are disclosed. In an embodiment, an apparatus for radially expanding a tubular comprises at least two expansion swages. At least one expansion swage is axially movable relative to other expansion swages. In addition, the apparatus includes sealing means capable of providing fluid tight pressure chambers between the expansion swages and an expanded portion of the tubular.

Abstract: A method and apparatus expand tubulars with a tubular expansion apparatus. In an embodiment, a tubular expansion apparatus includes an expansion swage. In addition, the tubular expansion apparatus includes an actuator. Moreover, the tubular expansion apparatus includes at least two anchors. The tubular expansion apparatus further includes at least one anchor longitudinally moveable relative to the other anchor while both anchors are engaged with the inner diameter of the tubular.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to methods and apparatuses for anchoring progressing cavity (PC) pumps. In one embodiment, a method of anchoring a PC pump to a string of tubulars disposed in a wellbore which includes acts of inserting the PC pump and anchor assembly into the tubular. Running the PC pump and anchor assembly through the tubular to any first longitudinal location along the tubular string. Longitudinally and rotationally coupling the PC pump and the anchor assembly to the tubular and forming a seal between the PC pump and the tubular string at the first location and performing a downhole operation in the tubular.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for performing an expedited shoe test using an expandable casing portion as an annular fluid barrier. Such an expandable annular fluid barrier may be used in conjunction with cement if so desired but cement is not required. Further provided are methods and apparatus for successfully recovering from a failed expansion so that a shoe test can be completed without replacement of the expandable casing portion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for containing fluid in ah area of a wellbore annulus, in which fluid is energized to create a fluid flow which is at least partially obstructed and is directed to form in the annulus a localized area of high pressure to contain fluid in an area of the annulus of lower pressure. In an embodiment, the method creates a pressure plug in the annulus.

Abstract: A device for anchoring a casing into a well bore, the device comprising an anchor body mounted in a tool string and a plurality of radially expanding fingers that are mounted in a fingers assembly in a retracted position and they move to an extending position wherein the fingers extend radially from the tool string for anchor against the well bore wall.

Abstract: A blow out preventer for operating between a spear of a tubular gripping tool and a tubular gripped by the tool includes: an expandable seal carried on the spear and expandable to seal between the spear and the tubular's inner wall, the expandable seal being operable as a back up to a primary seal operable between the spear and the tubular's inner wall. A tubular gripping tool and a method may include the blow out preventer.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for reducing drilling vibration during drilling with casing. In one embodiment, an apparatus for reducing vibration of a rotating casing includes a tubular body disposed concentrically around the casing, wherein tubular body is movable relative to the casing. Preferably, a portion of the tubular body comprises a friction reducing material. In operation, the tubular body comes into contact with the existing casing or the wellbore instead of the rotating casing. Because the tubular body is freely movable relative to the rotating casing, the rotating casing may continuously rotate even though the tubular body is frictionally in contact with the existing casing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for stabilizing a downhole tool during a downhole operation is described herein. The method and apparatus include a stabilizer having a stabilization member adapted to move between a retracted position and an extended position in order to engage a surface in a wellbore. The stabilizer also includes a plurality of actuators adapted to move the stabilization members from the retracted position to the extended position.

Abstract: A method of expanding tubing such as a section of casing includes locating the casing in a bore and expanding a portion of the casing to engage the bore wall using an expansion tool having at least one radially movable expansion member. The expansion member may be in the form of a roller of a rotary expander. The method additionally includes subsequently expanding a further portion of the casing by advancing a cone expander through the casing.

Abstract: An apparatus for expanding a tubular member comprising a support member, an expansion device for radially expanding the tubular member movably coupled to the support member for longitudinal displacement relative to the support member, at least one pressure chamber defined by and positioned between the support member and expansion device, and one or more releasable supports coupled to the support member adapted to support the tubular member, wherein the releasable supports are positioned above the expansion device.

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

Abstract: A tool for radially expanding casing having a tool body that includes a proximal end, a distal end, and an outer surface. The tool includes at least one hydraulic channel disposed axially. The at least one hydraulic channel transmits hydraulic pressure from behind the expansion tool forward in the direction of travel of the expansion tool.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a mono diameter wellbore casing.

Abstract: A downhole tool (10) for use in oil and/or gas well bores. The tool has a tubular body (20) and a sleeve (22) including stabilizer blades (30). The tool is ball (76), activated, weight activated or hydraulically activated to selectively jet fluid from the body through jetting ports (44A, 44B, 44C) on the blades. Thus the tool provides the features of a stabilizer, cleaning tool and circulation tool in-one.

Abstract: A mono-diameter wellbore casing. The mono-diameter wellbore casing is formed by plastically deforming and radially expanding a first tubular member within a wellbore. A second tubular member is then plastically deformed and radially expanded in overlapping relation to the first tubular member. The second tubular member and the overlapping portion of the first tubular member are then radially expanded again.

Abstract: A mono-diameter wellbore casing. The mono-diameter wellbore casing is formed by plastically deforming and radially expanding a first tubular member within a wellbore. A second tubular member is then plastically deformed and radially expanded in overlapping relation to the first tubular member. The second tubular member and the overlapping portion of the first tubular member are then radially expanded again.

Abstract: A borehole reamer which may be deployed to a desired depth in an existing uncased borehole or below existing casing and used to substantially expand the diameter of the borehole. The diameter may be expanded by an amount that ranges from a fraction to a multiple of the original diameter of the borehole. In this fashion, geological formations containing oil, gas or groundwater which were previously uneconomical to produce may be worked into a condition of economical production. In a preferred embodiment, the borehole reamer is formed as an elongated assembly having an outside diameter which is sized to fit within a diameter of a conventional borehole. The assembly is preferably attached to drill pipe and lowered into a borehole to an appropriate depth corresponding to a pay zone of interest. A lower portion of the assembly, which is located at the deeper depth in the borehole, is constructed in the form of a bellows which functions as a pilot/anchor for the assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tubing expansion tool including an expansion member which is movable between a first configuration and a larger expansion configuration for expanding tubing, and to a corresponding method. In one embodiment of the invention, a tubing expansion tool (10) is disclosed for expanding a length of expandable tubing such as expandable sand exclusion tubing (12). The tool (10) comprises an expansion member (16) adapted for movement between a first configuration and a larger expansion configuration, and means (17) for exerting a cyclical expansion force on the expansion member (16).

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 stabilizer is provided for stabilizing a rotary or progressive cavity pump suspended from production tubing in well casing. The stabilizer is connected between the production tubing and the pump. The stabilizer has a tubular body having a cylindrical wall and a longitudinal bore contiguous with the production tubing. A releasable sliding dog is disposed on the exterior of the tubular body and is operatively connected by a link to one or more pistons. Each piston is disposed in a piston housing that is in fluid communication with the bore of the tubular body. Circumferentially spaced-apart feet extend radially outwardly from the tubular body. In operation, actuating fluid pressure advances the pistons uphole, driving the sliding dog up one or more longitudinal outwardly extending ramps to brace against the casing, with the feet contacting the casing and bearing opposing reactive force.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to apparatus and methods for expanding a tubular. In one embodiment, an expander tool includes a body having at least one recess therein. An expansion assembly disposable in the at least one recess includes a piston that outwardly extends from the body in response to a radially outward force. The expansion assembly includes one or more rollers disposed on a shaft such that the rollers rotate at different speeds. In order to improve a rolling ratio, the shaft is arranged on the piston at an outward angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the tool. The expansion assembly is disposed along the tool at a skew to provide tractoring and reduce slippage due to axial movement. A bearing adjacent the roller and rotationally secured to the roller reduces roller heating and wear. In another aspect, methods for expanding a tubular within a wellbore are provided.

Abstract: An adjustable swage features an ability to enhance a radial collapse force when an obstruction in a tubular is encountered to allow radial contraction so that the obstruction can be cleared. The movable segments are configured to elastically bend on high loading so as to create additional radial component force to aid the adjustable swage in reducing its size to clear the obstruction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for expanding tubulars is disclosed. In an embodiment, a tubular expansion apparatus includes an expansion swage. In addition, the tubular expansion apparatus includes an actuator. Moreover, the tubular expansion apparatus includes at least two anchors. The tubular expansion apparatus further includes at least one anchor longitudinally moveable relative to the other anchor while both anchors are engaged with the inner diameter of the tubular.

Abstract: A device for anchoring a casing into a well bore, the device comprising an anchor body mounted in a tool string and a plurality of radially expanding fingers that are mounted in a fingers assembly in a retracted position and they move to an extending position wherein the fingers extend radially from the tool string for anchor against the well bore wall.

Abstract: An apparatus (200) and method for repairing an opening (130) in a wellbore casing (110). The apparatus (200) and method couple a floating tubular (250) member in opposing relation to the opening (130) in the wellbore casing (110).

Abstract: A downhole tool is provided that includes a grip assembly for contacting a well formation. The grip assembly includes a gripper body; and a centralizer that is attached to and radially expandable with respect to the gripper body and that has a geometry which is lockable by a locking device. The grip assembly also includes a force amplifier in force transmitting relation with the centralizer, wherein the force amplifier transfers a force in a first direction to a much larger force in a second direction when the centralizer is locked by the locking device.

Abstract: An apparatus for radially expanding tubular members including a segmented expansion cone.

Abstract: Apparatus (9) for radially expanding an expandable member, the apparatus including a plurality of radially moveable fingers (22). The radially moveable fingers (22) can move between two positions; in a first position, the moveable fingers (22) are radially extended to a form a cone to facilitate radial expansion of the expandable member; in the second position, one or more of the radially movable fingers (22) can move radially inward so that restrictions in the path of the apparatus can be by-passed.