Abstract: A thru-tubing gravel packing operation utilizing inflatable packing elements and a flow cross-over assembly which selectively opens flow ports for effecting steps in the gravel packing operation and which further provides concentric flow paths through the cross-over assembly for transmitting fluid pressure to valving means and the interior of the packing element or elements to move them to set and sealed condition, whereby the outer diameter of the inflatable element in the sealed condition may preferably expand to at least twice the outer diameter of such element in the initial or run-in condition, for the sequential setting thereof while also transmitting a variation in the pressured fluid to actuate a valve for circulation of the gravel packing fluid exterior of the assembly and for permitting return of fluids through the assembly without the gravel.

Abstract: A packer for sealing a space downhole in a well. The packer includes a deformable sheath having a body and first and second ends for defining an interior volume proximate to a tool surface. A material located within the interior volume is deformable, when the sheath second end is moved toward the sheath first end, to move the deformable sheath into the downhole space. The sheath can function as a sealing element or a backup element, and can be applied to different structures and tool configurations downhole in a wellbore. One or more deformation surfaces can selectively contact the sheath body to shape the deformation of the sheath body during the setting process.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a soil testing device and other attachments necessary for soil testing near the bottom of a borehole uses a pair of clamps with gripping teeth that interlock with similar gripping teeth in the internal wall of the auger. The lateral movements of the clamps toward the auger are controlled so that the soil testing device is maintained in a proper orientation with respect to the soil sample and to avoid uncontrolled engagements of the clamps with the auger.

Abstract: A new fill valve for use in cementing operations in a wellbore extending down into the earth has been invented, the fill valve having a tubular housing having a valve seat, a valve member slidably mounted in said tubular housing, a spring for biasing said valve member towards a closed position, the valve member having a head engageable with the valve seat of the tubular housing to close the valve, selectively releasable apparatus for releasably maintaining the fill valve in an open position, the selectively releasable apparatus including a shear ring breakable in response to pressure thereon, a slider movably disposed in a slider housing mounted in the tubular housing, a lower end of the slider initially projecting down and out from the slider housing and abutting a top end of the valve member and preventing the valve member from moving, a top end of the slider abutting the shear ring, the slider prevented initially from moving by the shear ring, the slider movable in response to pressure of fluid in the well

Abstract: A running tool particularly useful for running liners on coiled tubing is disclosed. A torque-transmitting outer sleeve is employed which initially traps the collets. The collets are engaged to the liner by relative mechanical movement and thereafter lock in a secured position to the liner, regardless of whether the liner is placed in tension or compression by the running tool. Release is accomplished by letting down weight on the running tool, coupled with hydraulic pressure to shear a pin securing the collet mechanism. Upon such a hydraulic release with the pin sheared, the outer torque sleeve shifts downwardly to prevent relatching. Torque is transmitted through the outer torque sleeved and not through the latching collets. A snap ring can optionally be inserted to further ensure that the tool will not relatch after release. If, for any reason, the tool does not release in the normal manner, a twist off release feature is provided.

Abstract: An elastic force generated by a volume of compressed gas in a chamber (7b) of a cavity (7) interior to the body of a well tool (1), acting on a piston (8), is used to open arms (4) intended to anchor the tool to the wall of a well (2). In order to close them, an opposed hydraulic force generated by a pump (13) driven by an electric motor (14) is applied intermittently, which brings piston (8) back to a recoil position. Piston (8) is coupled hydraulically with the cylinders of jacks (5, 6) acting on arms (4). A sufficient elastic force can thus be generated under a very low volume and the characteristics thereof can be readily changed by acting on the gas injection pressure and/or the extent of the dead volume when piston (8) is in a recoil position. Such device can be used for coupling sondes in wellbores for seismic prospecting for example.

Abstract: A multipurpose tool is disclosed which has as one of its purposes anchoring coiled tubing during certain downhole operations such as milling. In the anchor format the tool is run in in the retracted position and then expanded to get a grip on the casing or tubing in the wellbore prior to actuation of a downhole tool such as a mill, which is generally driven by a downhole motor. A flushing mechanism keeps the anchoring assembly free of debris so that it functions properly. The anchoring assembly employs a linkage of two or more links depending on the size of the tubing against which the coil tubing is to be anchored and the amount of anchoring force required. The same tool through a switchout of linkage components can serve a multitude of other functions on separate runs in the well or on the same run with one tool body. The tool can serve as a sleeve shifting tool, a centralizer, or a tubing end locator. The tool can expand to a ratio of greater than 1.

Abstract: A longitudinally compact mechanism for anchoring a well tool to a casing includes a plurality of first slip members and a plurality of second slip members. The first slip members and the second slip members are carried on the well tool at the approximate same longitudinal position, and the first slip members are alternately circumferentially positioned with the second slip members. Each slip member is expanded by relative movement of an independent piston operatively connected thereto.

Abstract: A downhole chemical cutting tool for cutting downhole tubular goods and supporting the tubular goods within the well through a load bearing hub section in the tool. The tool comprises an elongated tool body having a upper head section which is adapted to be connected to a running string such as a string of coiled tubing capable of supporting large loads. The tool body comprises a propellent section and a cutting section. A chemical section is interposed between the propellant section and the cutting section and contains at least one chamber adapted to contain a chemical cutting agent. The cutting section is adapted to receive the chemical cutting agent and has an outer wall section which contains a plurality of transverse cutting ports arranged circumferentially of the cutting section.

Abstract: A setting tool allows setting a hydraulic liner hanger in a deviated wellbore. Subsequent to setting the liner hanger through pressure developed within the setting tool, the setting tool is reconfigured to allow full-bore passage therethrough. In the preferred embodiment, the flow communication to the liner hanger is interrupted after it is set so that the setting tool can have a full-bore clearance for passage of cement wipers or other devices and that pressure can then be applied in the setting tool to complete the cementing operations for the liner, as well as to actuate any casing or isolation packers.

Abstract: A running tool particularly useful for running liners on coiled tubing is disclosed. A torque-transmitting outer sleeve is employed which initially traps the collets. The collets are engaged to the liner by relative mechanical movement and thereafter lock in a secured position to the liner, regardless of whether the liner is placed in tension or compression by the running tool. Release is accomplished by letting down weight on the running tool, coupled with hydraulic pressure to shear a pin securing the collet mechanism. Upon such a hydraulic release with the pin sheared, the outer torque sleeve shifts downwardly to prevent relatching. Torque is transmitted through the outer torque sleeved and not through the latching collets.

Abstract: A hanger head assembly for coiled tubing that consists of a body member having an axial passage that includes plural, hydraulically actuated slips for holding the tubing at a selected position, and further includes a concentration double packer assembly that is hydraulically actuated to seal off the tubing annulus.

Abstract: An annular safety system for an oil well. The annular safety system is in the form of a hanger mechanism. The hanger mechanism is particularly effective in an oil well equipped for gas lift operation where gas is injected into an annular space between the well casing and the production tubing in order to aerate produced oil migrating up the wellbore through the production tubing. The hanger mechanism includes a casing nipple which is run into the well with the casing and a stationary threaded tubing holder which is run into the well with tubing. The hanger mechanism includes a device which, upon running the stationary threaded tubing holder into the well through the casing nipple, secures the stationary threaded tubing holder in a particular position relative to the casing nipple and prevents upward and downward movement of the stationary threaded tubing holder relative to the casing nipple.

Abstract: A hanger assembly used to support tubing, such as a siphon string, and other tools beneath the surface of a wellbore within casing or production tubing. The assembly includes a setting mechanism having first and second sleeves responsive to increased pressure for moving relative to one another for activating a slip assembly and sealing element. The setting mechanism is connected to reeled tubing by a quick disconnect device defining a passage for permitting fluid flow from the surface of the wellbore to the setting mechanism to provide hydraulic activation. The disconnect device is responsive to increased pressure within the passage for disconnecting the reeled tubing from the setting mechanism.

Abstract: A liner hanger assembly structurally interconnects a casing within a bore hole and a tubular liner suspended from the casing. The hanger body includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced piston bores. A plurality of slips are provided circumferentially about, the hanger body for gripping engagement with an internal surface of the casing. A plurality of pistons are each housed within a respective piston bore and are movably responsive to internal pressure within the hanger body. A sleeve is axially movable with respect to the hanger body in response to axial movement of the plurality of pistons. The sleeve is interconnected with each of the plurality of slips to cause radially outward movement of the slips in response to movement of the pistons. The liner hanger assembly has a high fluid pressure rating for ensuring reliable gripping engagement with the casing, yet creates a comparatively low fluid restriction in the annulus between the casing and the liner.

Abstract: Well apparatus is disclosed in which a tool is lowered on a pipe string into a well conduit for shifting a sleeve slidably mounted within a tubular housing connected as part of the well conduit. The sleeve has vertically spaced grooves about its inner diameter, and the tool has latches which are selectively moved into and out of engagement with a selected groove in the sleeve in response to the control of the pressure of fluid within the tool. When engaged in a groove, the tool may be raised or lowered with the pipe string to raise or lower the sleeve.

Abstract: A well tool system and a method utilizing said system e.g. pressuring a well conduit to determine whether the conduit has leaks. The system allows a plurality of no go type landing nipples to be used in a conduit without prohibitively restricting the flow therethrough. With the tool of the present system, the landing surface in each nipple is substantially smaller than in prior no go nipples since the landing surface does not support the tool during the well operation. Pressure-actuated, load-bearing keys are expanded into contact with the nipple once the tool is landed which, in turn, bear substantially all of the downward force on the tool during the well operation. The tool can easily be removed by reducing the upstream pressure and lifting the tool upward in the conduit.

Abstract: Hydraulic tool for carrying out relative axial movements in an oil or gas well by means of hydraulic pressure through a hollow tubing string, comprising a cylindrical tool housing and axially movable cylinder-piston members in the housing. There are provided concentric, hollow cylinders (20,30) each being separately movable axially in said housing (10), and an inner piston (40) being axially movable within an adjacent cylinder (30). Breakable retaining elements (31,32) keep said inner piston (40) and said adjacent cylinder (30) in an initial position until said retaining elements are overcome by the hydraulic pressure. Thrust dogs (21,22) cooperate with recesses (88) in a surrounding tubing component (80) where axial movement of said outer cylinder (20) causes radial expansion of said thrust dogs (21,22), by means of conical surfaces (23) on said outer cylinder (20).

Abstract: A coiled tubing operated full opening completion tool system for use in a well bore. The tool system comprises a completion tool, such as a casing valve, disposed in a well casing. The tool system further comprises a positioner tool for opening and closing a sliding sleeve in the casing valve. A hydraulically actuated operating cylinder section, including opening and closing cylinder sections, is used to actuate the positioner tool to open and close the casing valve sleeve. Hydraulic slips lock the tool in position in the well bore during actuation. The tool further comprises a jetting tool which is hydraulically actuated between an open position thereof in which fluid in the tool is communicated through a jetting nozzle aligned with a port in the casing tool and a closed position. A J-slot and lug are provided in the positioner tool for controlling the longitudinal position thereof during opening and closing of the casing valve sleeve.

Abstract: A system for centralizing casing pipe in a wellbore includes lateral pistons in the side wall of the casing string which are movable by force applied to their inner end, from a retracted position within the maximum exterior profile of the casing pipe string to a predetermined extended position which will move the casing pipe string toward a central position in the borehole. Various well operations can be performed using the pistons in addition to the centralizing function. When a predetermined deploying force is applied to the pistons, they are released from their retracted position for movement to a fixed extended position. The deploying force is accurately determined by a simple retaining mechanism involving a snap ring and groove on the pistons.

Abstract: An anchoring system for a perforating gun is disclosed which supports the gun from above. The anchor can be run in with conventional tools and is settable in the wellbore by pressurizing the wellbore. Upon increasing pressure in the wellbore, the anchor sets the position of the gun by extending slips into the casing or wellbore. A running tool is disclosed which, upon further increase in pressure, disengages the running tool from the anchor. In the preferred embodiment, a detonating mechanism is lowered into the anchor by a slick line and the slick line is removed. Thereafter, further increase in the wellbore pressure sets off the detonator which shoots the gun. The pressure developed from setting off the detonator is the force that releases the slips from the casing or wellbore allowing the entire assembly to drop to the bottom of the wellbore after the gun is fired.

Abstract: A well anchor having a body with a mandrel movably extending therethrough with first and second slips connected to the mandrel. Each of the slips includes a wedge surface and the wedge surfaces engage each other whereby movement of the first and second slips toward each other will expand the slips outwardly. The wedge surfaces are at an angle to and extend across the longitudinal axis of the body for maximizing expansion.

Abstract: An outer chain plate for a bicycle drive chain includes an elongated plate body with upper and lower edges, two end portions formed with a respective hole, and a waist portion interconnecting the end portions. The plate body has an outer face which is formed with a generally S-shaped longitudinal recess that includes a straight connecting portion formed in the waist portion, and insert portions which are disposed on two ends of the straight connecting portion and which surround a respective one of the holes. The longitudinal recess has two open ends which extend respectively from the insert portions and which open in opposite directions toward a respective one of the upper and lower edges of the plate body. The plate body further has an inner face which is formed with a generally S-shaped longitudinal projection.

Abstract: A system for centralizing casing pipe in a wellbore includes lateral pistons in the side wall of the casing string which are movable by forces applied to their inner end, from a retracted position within the maximum exterior profile of the casing pipe string to a predetermined extended position which will move the casing pipe string toward a central position in the borehole. Various well operations can be performed using the pistons in addition to the centralizing function.

Abstract: Chemical cutting tool for use within a well bore for cutting very small diameter tubular goods. The tool has an elongated tool body having anchoring means for anchoring the tool within a conduit and a pressure generating section. A cutting section of the tool body has a longitudinal bore having at least one cutting port for expelling cutting agent. A chemical section in the tool body is between the pressure generating section and the cutting section. The chemical section includes a casing having a chamber containing a source of fluid cutting agent. The tool further comprises closure means at at least one end of the casing. The closure means comprises a diaphragm body which is inserted into one end of the casing by an interference fit and which has spaced transverse rupture diaphragms. One of the rupture diaphragms fits into the diaphragm body in an interference fit. The other rupture diaphragm may fit into the tool body in an interference fit, or may be formed integrally.

Abstract: A downhole chemical cutting tool for use in a well bore to cut large diameter conduits including an elongated tool body having a chemical section adapted to contain a chemical cutting agent and a cutting section adapted to receive the cutting agent from the chemical section. The cutting section has a plurality of externally upset cutting heads extending circumferentially outwardly from the cutting section and terminating in outer cutting surfaces. Each of the cutting heads has a plurality of cutting ports extending radially inwardly from the outer cutting surface and in fluid communication with an internal chamber within the cutting section. The tool further comprises expansible slip and bow spring means in the elongated tool body for centering and anchoring the tool during cutting. The cutting heads are of a configuration having an inner spoke section which has a central bore opening into the interior chamber of the cutting section and a disk section secured to the outer portion of the spoke section.

Abstract: An inflatable packer is shown which includes a tubular mandrel and an inflatable, elastomeric sleeve secured to the mandrel at opposing ends thereof. A friction enhancing media is applied to the exterior surface of the mandrel by wrapping a grit laden tape about the mandrel exterior surface. The particulate material contained within the outer surface of the tape increases the coefficient of friction between the mandrel and the sleeve to retain the sleeve in its original position while the device is being run into position within the well bore.

Abstract: This invention relates to a downhole activated centralizer for centralizing pipes in a wellbore for the exploration and production of hydrocarbons. The downhole activated centralizers are carried within either the pipe casing or the collars or both and remain generally within the maximum outward profile of the pipe string so as not to interfere with the movement and placement of the pipe string in the wellbore. The pipe string may be rotated, reciprocated and circulated which enhances the ability of the installer to place the pipe string in a deviated or long reach wellbore. Once the pipe string is in place, the centralizers may be deployed by one of several methods such that pistons mounted in openings in the peripheral wall of the pipe string move outwardly with sufficient force to move the pipe string way from the walls of the wellbore sufficient to form a complete annulus for cementing.

Abstract: A gripping inflatable packer having an elastomeric bladder expandable to sealingly engage the outer surface thereof against the wall surface of the well bore to effectively inhibit the passage of well fluid through the well bore. The gripping inflatable packer has an elastomeric bladder with an outer surface sized and shaped to provide a portion that is engageable with the wall bore wall surface, upon expansion thereof. The engageable surface portion has a middle band portion extending cylindrically around the outer surface, and first and second shoulder portions disposed on either side of the middle band portion. Each shoulder portion extends cylindrically around the outer surface. The gripping inflatable packer also has a mechanism for gripping the wall surface of the well bore upon expansion of its bladder. This gripping mechanism includes at least one gripper device attached to the outer surface of the elastomeric bladder.

Abstract: An extended reach penetrating tool which includes a tubing string lowered into a casing, anchored in position and including a cutting tool for forming a lateral hole in the casing. A formation penetrating tool is then substituted for the cutting tool on the tubing string and extended laterally through the hole in the casing and outwardly into the formation to a desired extent for enhancing production from the formation. The cutting tool for cutting a hole in the casing includes a laterally extendable cutting element urged radially from the tubing string by a piston and cylinder assembly with the cutting element in the preferred form being a rotatably driven cutting element which is extended radially from the tubing string into cutting engagement with the interior of the casing for forming a lateral opening.

Abstract: A multiple acting lock is provided which prevents premature setting of the packer of a gravel pack tool by the setting piston of a setting tool. The lock comprises a locking cylinder which when in the locked position rotationally locks the setting tool with the gravel pack tool thereby allowing rotation of the tool during tripping to facilitate working the tool past tight spots. The lock also longitudinally locks the setting sleeve of the gravel pack tool to prevent premature setting of the packer of the gravel pack tool. The locking mechanism of the setting sleeve comprises keys located in keyholes and a sleeve inside the setting sleeve which protrude and engage with the setting sleeve. The locking cylinder when in a locked position covers the inside of the keyholes retaining the keys in engagement with the setting sleeve. When the locking cylinder is hydraulically moved to the unlocked position the keys slide inward out of the keyholes and out of engagement with the setting sleeve.

Abstract: A mudline tubing hanger is disclosed in which the tubing hanger is provided as an integral part of the tubing string and is set within the casing by an hydraulic setting mechanism driven through an external control line and actuated by a wireline shifted sleeve. Further manipulation of the sleeve isolates the setting mechanism from the tubing and external control line, establishing a chemical injection conduit with access to the tubing bore through the external control line.

Abstract: A hydrostatic setting tool, adapted for setting an anchored device in a wellbore, includes a housing having a pair of ports exposed to well fluid at hydrostatic pressure. The ports lead to a shoulder of a setting mandrel. A barrier is disposed diametrically across the setting tool and an oil chamber is disposed between the setting mandrel and the barrier. The barrier includes an oil metering orifice disposed through a center thereof. A selectively operable apparatus, initially disposed in a closed position and blocking the oil metering orifice, is adapted to change from the closed position to an open position in response to a current delivered thereto from the well surface. An air chamber is disposed on the other side of the barrier. The well fluid places hydrostatic pressure on the shoulder of the setting mandrel thereby placing the same pressure on the oil in the oil chamber.

Abstract: A system for sealing and anchoring reeled tubing in a landing nipple in well tubing. An hydraulically actuated lock mandrel having a locator is connected on the reeled tubing and lowered inside the tubing and into the landing nipple. The lock mandrel sealingly engages the landing nipple and the locator stops downward movement of the lock mandrel in the landing nipple. Pressure applied in the reeled tubing actuates the lock mandrel to lock and anchor the reeled tubing in the landing nipple. On sufficient reduction of pressure in the reeled tubing, the lock mandrel automatically unlocks from the landing nipple. Two embodiments of the lock mandrel are disclosed, each utilizing a different type of locator.

Abstract: A compact, retrievable packer has a unitary mandrel body which is intersected by one or more longitudinal bores. The effective running length of the packer is reduced by an improved arrangement of packer components which serve multiple functions. The hydraulic actuator includes a cylinder housing which also serves as an internal slip housing, a lower element retainer, a piston extension, and a part of the release apparatus. A release sleeve serves as a part of the release apparatus, as a mandrel for engaging a locking slip, and forms a fixed boundary of the hydraulic pressure chamber. The effective running length of the packer is further reduced by making the upper wedge for reacting the setting forces as an integral part of the packer mandrel body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coiled, endless, tubing hanger, for positive control of well bore pressure. A hanger tool is provided for use with coiled tubing strings when the strings are being installed in new or existing cased well bores. Means are provided hydraulically to seal off well bore pressure between the outside diameter of the coiled tubing string and the annuulus of the hanger tool during installation or removal of the coiled tubing strings. Means are also provided to retain and suspend coiled tubing strings in cased well bores over extended periods of time, or, indefinitely. Mechanical means are provided to seal off well bore pressure between the outside surface of the coiled tubing string and the annulus of the hanger tool during extended or permanent installations of coiled tubing strings in case well bores through transfer of the coiled tubing string plate means by which both the hydraulic and mechanical seals use the same sealing pack-off elements.

Abstract: A liner hanger assembly is disclosed for setting within a casing conduit and carrying a liner string therebelow. The assembly has slip elements for gripping the casing with each of the slip elements having symmetrically angled teeth such that only one set of slips may be used to anchor the hanger and liner in position against relative longitudinal movement in either direction subsequent to setting. The apparatus is hydraulically settable and provides for application of workstring load to the apparatus to direct additional load in excess of that required to set the slips in anchoring engagement. The housing of the apparatus and the liner therebelow also may be rotated by the tubular workstring subsequent to setting without effecting rotational movement of the slip elements.

Abstract: A hydraulic setting and release tool has a shear out setting assembly attached to a string coupling member. Upon reaching a predetermined hydraulic pressure, a piston of the tool shears restraining shear pins and moves in a body of the tool to release dogs that engage the coupling member. When the dogs release, springs retract the dogs from engagement in sockets of the coupling member and the shear out setting assembly separates from the coupling member. When used in running in a liner, the coupling member is a running head that rotates the liner during running in and cementing. When used as a drill string release tool, the coupling member is a release sub, the tool being placed serially with other string components. If the drill string gets stuck, it is separated by merely increasing the hydraulic pressure sufficiently to shear the pins and allow the piston to move and the dogs to retract to separate the release sub from the shear out assembly.

Abstract: A hydraulic well tool for running into a flow conduit of a well on a handling string, such as reeled tubing or jointed pipe, for generating and applying an axial force to an object in the well, the well tool including an anchoring mechanism actuatable by fluid pressure in the handling string for anchoring the well tool in the flow conduit, this well tool further including a piston/cylinder arrangement also actuatable by fluid pressure in the flow conduit for moving the aforementioned object. The object may be a well tool, a sliding sleeve, a fish, or other well tool. The hydraulic well tool may be provided with a suitable device to permit increasing the pressure in the handling string for actuation of the anchoring mechanism and the piston/cylinder arrangement. Devices suitable for such purpose include a flow restrictor, ball and seat, velocity check valves, plugs, or the like devices.

Abstract: An improved seal for sealing across an annulus between an inner cylindrical sealing surface and an outer cylindrical sealing surface. The seal provides a body and a flange spaced therefrom with an annular flexible arch extending between the body and the flange and having a taper of its thickness so that its thinnest section is at the mid point of the arch and within its sealing area. A suitable sealing is provided to seal against the surface opposite to the surface against which the flexible annular arch seals so that there is a complete sealing across the annulus. This seal is suitable for piston rod sealing, valve stem sealing and for sealing in the annulus between two tubular well members.

Abstract: A hanger for suspending a liner in a cased subterranean well comprises an elongated tubular body having ramp elements formed on its exterior and a plurality of peripherally spaced slip elements secured to a sleeve piston surrounding the lower end of the tubular body. Seals provided intermediate the piston and the tubular body define a first fluid pressure chamber. A clean fluid is supplied to the first pressure chamber through an axially extending passageway of restricted diameter provided in the wall of the tubular body and having an opening at its bottom end communicating with the first pressure chamber and at its top end communicating with a second pressure chamber defined by a tubing carried run-in tool detachably engaged with the liner hanger.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a tubular member such as a casing string within another tubular member such as a wellhead, comprising a generally tubular tool which can be lowered into the annular space between said members, a slip carrier supported from said tool and a slip assembly carried by said slip carrier, said slip assembly including a slip bowl which can be supported against one of said tubular members and one or more slip elements which can be urged into wedging engagement between said slip bowl and the other tubular elements, the slip elements normally being supported by said slip carrier in a non-engaged position and said tool including means operable to urge the slip elements into said wedging engagement. A method of supporting a casing string within a well including the steps of landing the slip bowl on the casinghead shoulder, actuating the tool to force the slip element into engagement between the casing and the slip bowl and retrieving the tool and slip carrier.

Abstract: A downhole chemical cutting tool having an anchoring system employing interchangeable slip arrays of progressively larger outside diameters that can be used economically to adjust the range of the anchoring system. The range can be further adjusted by utilizing interchangeable slip expansion mandrels. This anchoring system both anchors and centralizes the chemical cutting tool. The cutting tool includes a slip shaft that provides fluid communication between the propellant section and chemical section, thence to the slip piston that receives the interchangeable slip arrays. The slip shaft and slip piston are threadably connected to a set coiled tension spring. Interchangeable slip expansion mandrels connected to the slip shaft below the slip arrays are constructed with ball bearings on the surface that receives the slip arrays expanding the slip segments into a gripping engagement an usually large angle as the slip piston is actuated by the application of fluid pressure during the cutting operation.

Abstract: A method is provided for improving the coefficient of transmission to geological formations of the energy generated by the firing of a seismic source lowered inside a well or borehole and a device for implementing same. A zone of the wall containing the seismic source is defined by confinement so as to prevent the propagation along the well, outside the confined zone, of the energy generated therein by the seismic source, when fired. The confinement is achieved by closing off the wall on each side of the seismic source. Two expandable members are used disposed in the wall on each side of the source and each comprising for example an elastomer sheath, an annular piston whose movement causes expansion of the sheath and hydraulic means for moving the piston.

Abstract: A device is provided for anchoring a probe in a well by remote control spreading, from the surface, of at least one anchorage arm kept in a closed position by a retractable bolt engaged in a rod connected to the anchorage arm by links. The external pressure is exerted permanently on the bolt and the bolt is fast with a head movable in a cavity. A pressure is applied to the head which is proportional to the external pressure which holds the bolt locked in the rod or a much lower pressure resulting in release of the bolt.

Abstract: A multiple cone, multiple bearing liner hanger for hanging a well liner for extension of the casing liner. The multiple slip cone and multiple bearing arrangement provides uniform, positive distribution of liner weight thereby facilitating hanging of heavier liner strings. The multiple bearings ensure proper rotation of the liner during cementation. The multiple cone, multiple bearing liner hanger includes an upper slip assembly with an associated bearing and a lower slip assembly with an associated bearing. The hanger is hydraulically set by first setting the upper slips and thereafter setting the lower slips. A series of shear pins ensure proper setting of the hanger to distribute the hang weight evenly over the slip cones and bearings.

Abstract: A hanger for suspending a liner in a cased subterranean well comprises an elongated tubular body having ramp elements formed on its exterior and a plurality of peripherally spaced slip elements secured to a sleeve piston surrounding the lower end of the tubular body. Seals provided intermediate the piston and the tubular body define a first fluid pressure chamber. A clean fluid is supplied to the first pressure chamber through an axially extending passageway of restricted diameter provided in the wall of the tubular body and having an opening at its bottom end communicating with the first pressure chamber and at its top end communicating with a second pressure chamber defined by a tubing carried run-in tool detachably engaged with the liner hanger.

Abstract: A tool for running in a liner hanger and a depending lining string comprises a tubular body having telescopically related inner and outer tubular units which are shearably interconnected for co-rotation. A plurality of downwardly projecting tongues are provided on the periphery of the outer tubular unit and respectively engage upwardly facing grooves provided in the liner hanger to impart rotation in either direction to the liner hanger. A downwardly extending mandrel secured to the inner tubular unit extends through the outer tubular unit and provides a mounting for the ring portion of a collet. The collet has spring biased arms mounting head portions which respectively engage in an annular groove provided in the liner hanger to secure the running tool to the liner hanger for run-in purposes. The collet is normally released from the running tool by a fluid pressure actuated piston mounted on the mandrel.

Abstract: A power actuating tool for connection to a coil tubing having first and second conduits for supplying first and second fluids, respectively, to the power tool. A housing includes first and second lines for connection to the coil tubing. A fluid actuated holding mechanism is connected to the housing and to the first line for receiving the first fluid for holding the housing in the wall. A fluid power actuator is connected to the housing and in fluid communication with the second line for providing fluid power for actuating the fluid power actuator. A control mechanism is connected to the first line and controls the supply of the second fluid to the fluid power actuator.

Abstract: A gas generating type fracturing tool includes a propellant charge and an ignitor for initiating combustion of the propellant. When combustion starts, a pressure buildup inside the tool manipulates a brake or drag acting against the inner casing wall to retard upward movement of the tool. A shear pin fails allowing a spring to move an element into frictional engagement with the casing string.