Abstract: A layer of permeable material is positioned on an area of lost circulation lithology in a wellbore. An example of the permeable material includes a planar member with perforations that is rolled into and retained in an annular configuration. The permeable material is lowered into the wellbore adjacent the area of lost circulation and allowed to unroll and expand radially outward against walls of the wellbore. The wellbore wall along the area of lost circulation lithology can be reamed out so the layer of permeable material is out of the way of a drill bit. A bridging agent can be applied on the interface where the permeable material contacts the wellbore wall.

Abstract: A shock de-coupler for use with a perforating string can include perforating string connectors at opposite ends of the de-coupler, a longitudinal axis extending between the connectors, and a biasing device which resists displacement of one connector relative to the other connector in both opposite directions along the longitudinal axis, whereby the first connector is biased toward a predetermined position relative to the second connector. A perforating string can include a shock de-coupler interconnected longitudinally between components of the perforating string, with the shock de-coupler variably resisting displacement of one component away from a predetermined position relative to the other component in each longitudinal direction, and in which a compliance of the shock de-coupler substantially decreases in response to displacement of the first component a predetermined distance away from the predetermined position relative to the second component.

Abstract: An expandable tubular sleeve having utility for lining a downhole tubular member includes a tubular body having a portion that is predisposed to initiate expansion thereof under the application of internal fluid pressure. The predisposed portion of the body may be a plastically-deformed portion formed, e.g., by application of mechanical force to a wall of the body. The predisposed portion of the body may be defined by a portion of the body having reduced wall thickness. The reduced wall thickness may be achieved, e.g., by reinforcing the wall thickness everywhere except the predisposed portion. The predisposed portion of the body may be formed by modifying the material properties of the body, e.g., by localized heat treatment. The sleeve and related apparatuses and methods are useful for securing and protecting a cable having one or more insulated conductive wires for transmission of signals between locations downhole and at the surface.

Abstract: For oil production systems, an interior two-part seal ring of resilient material is disposed within a coupling sleeve which receives threaded tubing ends in its opposite ends. The seal is asymmetric, with tapered ends of different lengths and taper angles. A length for mill end engagement is shorter than the length for field end engagement which may be made up and disconnected repeatedly. The seal configuration includes a principal body with a inwardly directed ridge between its tapered ends and a reinforcing ring of different, less permeable material, abutting the ridge and closing off one or more radial ports in the wall of the body. The central body also includes a circumferential gas groove about is periphery, which together with the radial ports, facilitates collection and release of gases permeating the seal body under high down-hole pressures.

Abstract: A string of drill pipe, for example, is assembled with a severing sub in anticipation of a possible need to cut the string at some point in the operation. The severing sub includes a thin wall tube that links opposite end tool joint bosses. The tin wall tube is easily cut by a shaped charge cutter. Rotary drive torque is transmitted between the sub tool join bosses by a concentric external torque tube having a torque transmitting assembly at each boss. The torque tube connection to the upper boss has an inseparable circumferential shoulder engagement with the boss. The lower boss engagement of the torque tube is axially separable. When the thin wall tube is cut, the upper boss and torque tube is withdrawn from the well with the upper pipe string.

Abstract: The present invention provides conduit assemblies of substantial length that have an inner member disposed in an opening of a conduit member and connected to the interior of the conduit member. The inner member can serve to protect sensitive measuring equipment, such as optical sensors or well logging equipment, from damages, including damages incurred during deployment into subsurface environments, including oil and gas wells and oceans, while allowing for improved data collection by the equipment once deployed. The conduit assemblies can be deployed permanently or as intervention logging equipment. The present disclosure also provides for methods of making and using such conduit assemblies.

Abstract: Apparatus associated with the production of hydrocarbons comprising a joint assembly comprising a main body portion having primary and secondary fluid flow paths, wherein the main body portion is attached to a load sleeve assembly at one end and a torque sleeve assembly at the opposite end. The load sleeve may include at least one transport conduit and at least one packing conduit. The main body portion may include a sand control device, a packer, or other well tool for use in a downhole environment. Included is a coupling assembly having a manifold region in fluid flow communication with the second fluid flow path of the main body portion and facilitating the make-up of first and second joint assemblies with a single connection.

Abstract: A continuous communications conduit for use in a well is disclosed. A first (101) and second (102) conduit section are threadably engaged and a weldment is formed (200). A heat shield conduit (220) can be disposed within a bore (111, 112) of a conduit section (101, 102) between a first conduit section shoulder (151) and a second conduit section shoulder (152). A first (301), second (302), and third (303) conduit section can be threadably engaged and a weldment (400) formed. An electrical conductor (300) can be disposed in a bore of the conduit sections (301, 302, 303). A heat shield conduit (320) can be disposed between a first conduit section shoulder (351) and a second conduit section shoulder (352). Optionally, an elastomeric stabilizer (410, 420) may be utilized.

Abstract: A cable includes at least one plastic impregnated fiber layer and at least one conductor in contact with the at least one fiber layer. In some examples, the fiber may be glass fiber, aramid fiber or carbon fiber. In some examples, the plastic may be thermoset plastic, thermoplastic or chemically set resin. In some examples, the conductor may be an electrical conductor or an optical fiber.

Abstract: Foldable pipe-in-pipe composite tubular structure having between pipes after rounding and hardening a filling material associating the layers to enhance the structure mechanical performance mostly in collapse resistance.

Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatus useful for providing fluids or equipment into a subterranean well through a production tubing and associated dead string includes an injection system that is movable into and out of the well without removing the production tubing. The injection system includes a stopper that forms the seal that creates the dead string.

Abstract: A method of supporting a pressure bearing wall against a pressure differential applied across the wall can include positioning a support structure proximate the pressure bearing wall, the support structure having a support surface formed thereon, and the support surface contacting the pressure bearing wall and supporting the wall against the pressure differential. A pressure bearing housing assembly can include a pressure bearing wall and a support structure which supports the pressure bearing wall against a pressure differential applied across the wall. A well system can comprise a well tool including a pressure bearing housing assembly exposed to pressure in a wellbore, whereby a pressure differential is applied across a pressure bearing wall of the housing assembly, the pressure bearing wall being supported against the pressure differential by a support structure.

Abstract: A method is provided of radially expanding a tubular element. The method comprises inducing the wall of the tubular element to bend radially outward and in axially reverse direction so as to form an expanded section of the tubular element extending around an unexpanded section of the tubular element, wherein said bending occurs in a bending zone of the wall, and wherein an annular space is defined between the unexpanded and expanded sections. At least one guide member is located in the annular space, each guide member being arranged to guide the wall during said bending so that the wall bends at an increased bending radius relative to bending of the wall in case the guide member is absent from the annular space.

Abstract: A formation treatment system includes an annulus spanning member having one or more openings therein. A tubular having one or more ports therein in fluid communication with the one or more openings. A sleeve capable of isolating or communicating the one or more ports with an ID of the tubular. A method for effecting precision formation treatment is included.

Abstract: A method of lowering the temperature of a subsurface formation, e.g., comprising oil shale, includes injecting a cooling fluid under pressure into a wellbore. The wellbore is completed at or below a depth of the subsurface formation, and the wellbore includes a bore formed through the subsurface formation defining a diameter. The cooling fluid comprises a slurry having particles of frozen material. The cooling fluid is circulated across the formation in order to lower the temperature of at least a portion of the formation to a point that is at or below the freezing point of water.

Abstract: A downhole tool string component has a tubular body with an inner and outer diameter. A pocket is formed in the outer diameter and is adapted to receive downhole instrumentation. A covering is attached to the outer diameter of the component and is adapted to seal the pocket from outside debris, the pocket having a bottom floor and a plurality of side walls. A stress relief is formed in the pocket.

Abstract: A casing string in a wellbore has conductive tubulars and modified conductivity (MC) or non-conductive tubulars joined to one another. A MC/non-conductive tubular may be disposed between two conductive tubulars. If there are at least two MC/non-conductive tubulars and at least three conductive tubulars, two of the MC/non-conductive tubulars may be alternately disposed between three of the conductive tubulars. The MC/non-conductive tubulars may be formed from materials such as stainless steel, fiber-reinforced thermal sets, and thermal plastics. One such thermal plastic is polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and it may be glass-reinforced. The conductive tubulars, if electrically isolated, may be used as electrodes to transmit or receive electromagnetic signals. The casing string may used for borehole to surface applications, surface to borehole applications, borehole to borehole applications, or single well applications. The casing string may also have downhole sensors, uphole sensors, and surface sensors.

Abstract: A drill bit string has an internal steering module for measurement while drilling. A chassis is inserted into a modified drill collar from the axial end, rather than through the side. The chassis has external pockets machined into it from its outer diameter. The size of the longitudinally milled slots in the chassis is determined by the size of the components. The mud flow path is positioned off-center because of the component slots. The geometric shape of the flow path through the tool is shaped to optimize the flow area and maintain a wall thickness that can withstand the mud pressure. The wall thickness surrounding the flow area is proportional to the maximum hydrostatic pressure and the circulation pressure.

Abstract: System, devices, and methods are described relating to the treatment (e.g., perforating, fracturing, foam stimulation, acid treatment, cement treatment, etc.) of well-bores (e.g., cased oil and/or gas wells). In at least one example, a method is provided for treatment of a region in a well, the method comprising: positioning, in a well-bore, a packer above the region of the well-bore, fixing, below the region, an expansion packer, treating the region, the treatment fixing the packer, moving the expansion packer, and moving the packer after the moving of the expansion packer.

Abstract: A system and method for facilitating the formation of electrical connections between wired drill pipes is provided. Wired drill pipes comprise connection ends that each have a plurality of independent conductors. The independent conductors are arranged to enable a plurality of conductive connections between adjacent wired drill pipes when the wired drill pipes are physically connected.

Abstract: Assemblies that can be disposed in a subterranean bore are described. An assembly can include a recessed portion in an inner wall and another recessed portion in an outer wall. The recessed portions can each be configured to have a cross-sectional thickness that is less than at least another part of the assembly. The assembly can provide a seal between an inner region defined by the assembly and an environment exterior to the assembly prior to a window being created in the recessed portion in the outer wall through which a branch wellbore can be formed. The recessed portion in the inner wall can guide a cutting tool toward the recessed portion in the outer wall.

Abstract: Provided are coated oil and gas well production devices and methods of making and using such coated devices. In one form, the coated device includes one or more cylindrical bodies, hardbanding on at least a portion of the exposed outer surface, exposed inner surface, or a combination of both exposed outer or inner surface of the one or more cylindrical bodies, and a coating on at least a portion of the inner surface, the outer surface, or a combination thereof of the one or more cylindrical bodies. The coating includes one or more ultra-low friction layers, and one or more buttering layers interposed between the hardbanding and the ultra-low friction coating. The coated oil and gas well production devices may provide for reduced friction, wear, erosion, corrosion, and deposits for well construction, completion and production of oil and gas.

Abstract: An expandable device comprising a plurality of expandable cells. The cells may be bistable cells or other types of cells that are expanded from a contracted position towards an expanded position. Additionally, the cells may be combined with locking mechanisms to hold the structure in an expanded position.

Abstract: Provided are coated sleeved oil and gas well production devices and methods of making and using such coated sleeved devices. In one form, the coated sleeved oil and gas well production device includes one or more cylindrical bodies, one or more sleeves proximal to the outer diameter or inner diameter of the one or more cylindrical bodies, hardbanding on at least a portion of the exposed outer surface, exposed inner surface, or a combination of both exposed outer or inner surface of the one or more sleeves, and a coating on at least a portion of the inner sleeve surface, the outer sleeve surface, or a combination thereof of the one or more sleeves. The coating includes one or more ultra-low friction layers, and one or more buttering layers interposed between the hardbanding and the ultra-low friction coating. The coated sleeved oil and gas well production devices may provide for reduced friction, wear, erosion, corrosion, and deposits for well construction, completion and production of oil and gas.

Abstract: Apparatus if provided for use in wells, particularly wells that have high-pressure and high-temperature conditions in the well. The shells of completion equipment that is required to withstand the rigorous conditions in such wells are increased in strength by laminate layers that are formed of materials having higher yield strength than the yield strength of materials that can be used in well fluids.

Abstract: A downhole tool string component has a tubular body with an inner and outer diameter. A pocket is formed in the outer diameter and is adapted to receive downhole instrumentation. A covering is attached to the outer diameter of the component and is adapted to seal the pocket from outside debris, the pocket having a bottom floor and a plurality of side walls. A stress relief is formed in the pocket.

Abstract: A well intake with an anti-coning end portion provides for withdrawal of fluid hydrocarbons, such as oil and gas, from pockets that contain an underlying layer of water. The anti-coning end portion may include a tube having an upwardly turned or upwardly facing end or mouth, a tube having a non-circular cross section, a tube having one or more baffles, or a combination thereof, in order to prevent or block the formation of cyclonic or swirling flow patterns of water in the vicinity of the well intake.

Abstract: A downhole wet-connector and debris exclusion system includes a relatively stationary component; a relatively mobile component operably engageable with the relatively stationary component; at least one connector disposed behind a moveable debris exclusion member in a protected condition within the relatively mobile component; and at least one complementary connector disposed behind another movable debris exclusion member in a protected condition within the relatively stationary component each of the moveable debris exclusion members being openable to expose the at least one connectors therebehind upon axial motion of the relatively stationary component and the relatively mobile component into contact with one another and method.

Abstract: Provided are coated sleeved oil and gas well production devices and methods of making and using such coated sleeved devices. In one form, the coated sleeved oil and gas well production device includes an oil and gas well production device including one or more bodies and one or more sleeves proximal to the outer or inner surface of the one or more bodies, and a coating on at least a portion of the inner sleeve surface, outer sleeve surface, or a combination thereof, wherein the coating is chosen from an amorphous alloy, a heat-treated electroless or electro plated based nickel-phosphorous composite with a phosphorous content greater than 12 wt %, graphite, MoS2, WS2, a fullerene based composite, a boride based cermet, a quasicrystalline material, a diamond based material, diamond-like-carbon (DLC), boron nitride, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a downhole apparatus including a tubular and at least one support extending radially outwardly of an outer surface of a radially outward most member of the tubular. At least one cover is secured to the at least one support defining a protected space between the at least one cover and the outer surface. Further disclosed is a downhole tubular system including at least two tubular apparatus, each tubular apparatus including at least one tubular and at least one support extending radially outwardly of an outer surface of a radially outward most member of the tubular. At least one cover is secured to the at least one support defining a protected space between the at least one cover and the outer surface. The system further includes at least one coupling clamp located at a coupling of the at least two tubular apparatus.

Abstract: The expandable casing packing element systems for cased and open-hole wellbores include an expandable casing member having a sealing device comprising a sealing element disposed between at least two retainer rings. The retainer rings have flat cross-sections and the sealing element is forced radially outward by the expansion of the expandable casing against the two retainer rings such that the sealing element protrudes outwardly beyond the retainer rings and engages the wall of a wellbore in three locations. The retainer rings can also include flares that extend outwardly from the body of the expandable casing to which they are attached. As the expandable casing is expanded, the flares are forced inward to compress the sealing element which is then extruded radially outward through a gap between the two retainer rings to engage and seal off the wellbore.

Abstract: A particulate exculder tool includes a basepipe having one or more retention features; a screen jacket disposed radially outwardly of the basepipe; one or more end housings at the screen jacket; and a deformable element disposed between a portion of the one or more end housings and one or of the one or more retention features and method.

Abstract: The expandable casing packing element systems for cased and open-hole wellbores include an expandable casing member having a sealing device comprising a sealing element disposed between at least two retainer rings. The retainer rings have flat cross-sections and the sealing element is forced radially outward by the expansion of the expandable casing against the two retainer rings such that the sealing element protrudes outwardly beyond the retainer rings and engages the wall of a wellbore in three locations. The retainer rings can also include flares that extend outwardly from the body of the expandable casing to which they are attached. As the expandable casing is expanded, the flares are forced inward to compress the sealing element which is then extruded radially outward through a gap between the two retainer rings to engage and seal off the wellbore.

Abstract: A SAGD system including at least one borehole having a tubular therein; and at least one baffle disposed on the tubular, the baffle extending radially outwardly of the tubular into proximity with a formation.

Abstract: Casing expansion and formation compression for permeability plane orientation. A method of forming at least one increased permeability plane in a subterranean formation includes the steps of: installing a casing section in a wellbore intersecting the formation; expanding the casing section in the wellbore; and then injecting a fluid into the formation, the injecting step being performed after the expanding step is completed. Another method includes the steps of: applying an increased compressive stress to the formation, the compressive stress being radially directed relative to a wellbore intersecting the formation; and then piercing the formation radially outward from the wellbore, thereby initiating the increased permeability plane.

Abstract: A drill bit string has an internal steering module for measurement while drilling. A chassis is inserted into a modified drill collar from the axial end, rather than through the side. The chassis has external pockets machined into it from its outer diameter The size of the longitudinally milled slots in the chassis is determined by the size of the components. The mud flow path is positioned off-center because of the component slots. The geometric shape of the flow path through the tool is shaped to optimize the flow area and maintain a wall thickness that can withstand the mud pressure. The wall thickness surrounding the flow area is proportional to the maximum hydrostatic pressure and the circulation pressure.

Abstract: A method for retrofitting a downhole drill string with a flow through subassembly having a hollow outer body or barrel with a plurality of outwardly extending blades. Fluid flow inlets are provided in the lower section of the body below the blade openings and flow outlets are provided in an upper section above the blades. A fluid flow bypass channel is formed in the outer body and extends between said blades and from said fluid inlet to said fluid outlet. Drilling fluids outside of the subassembly may flow through the inlet, up the fluid flow bypass channel and out the outlet thereby bypassing any plug or pack-off formed between the subassembly and the well bore. Thus, an existing subassembly may be retrofitted to provide a fluid flow bypass channel around the blades.

Abstract: Inflow control devices for sand control screens. A well screen includes a filter portion and at least two flow restrictors configured in series, so that fluid which flows through the filter portion must flow through each of the flow restrictors. At least two tubular flow restrictors may be configured in series, with the flow restrictors being positioned so that fluid which flows through the filter portion must reverse direction twice to flow between the flow restrictors. A method of installing a well screen includes the step of accessing a flow restrictor by removing a portion of an inflow control device of the screen.

Abstract: A cement diffuser and method for allowing a ported tubular to be cemented in place, while keeping an annulus about a port of the ported tubular generally free of set cement. The cement diffuser includes a collection of fibers secured over the port and extending out from an outer surface of the tubular.

Abstract: A technique is provided to facilitate connection of completion assemblies at a downhole location. A completion assembly comprises a control line conduit having a connector designed for coupling with a corresponding connector of a next adjacent completion assembly. A cover is selectively used to block entry of debris and other contaminants into the connector during deployment of the completion assembly downhole prior to engagement with the next adjacent completion of assembly.

Abstract: There is disclosed an umbilical assembly comprising at least one elongated umbilical element, and at least one light weight, high strength reinforcing rod.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and heaters for treating a subsurface formation are described herein. At least one system for electrically insulating an overburden portion of a heater wellbore is described. The system may include a heater wellbore located in a subsurface formation and an electrically insulating casing located in the overburden portion of the heater wellbore. The casing may include at least one non-ferromagnetic material such that ferromagnetic effects are inhibited in the casing.

Abstract: Provided are coated oil and gas well production devices and methods of making and using such coated devices. In one form, the coated oil and gas well production device includes an oil and gas well production device including one or more bodies, and a coating on at least a portion of the one or more bodies, wherein the coating is chosen from an amorphous alloy, a heat-treated electroless or electro plated based nickel-phosphorous composite with a phosphorous content greater than 12 wt %, graphite, MoS2, WS2, a fullerene based composite, a boride based cermet, a quasicrystalline material, a diamond based material, diamond-like-carbon (DLC), boron nitride, and combinations thereof. The coated oil and gas well production devices may provide for reduced friction, wear, corrosion, erosion, and deposits for well construction, completion and production of oil and gas.

Abstract: An apparatus that is usable with a well includes a tool and a shroud. The tool is to be disposed in a wellbore and includes an opening to inject fluid into the well. The shroud at least partially surrounds the tool to eccentrically dispose the tool with respect to a longitudinal axis of the wellbore.

Abstract: A handheld tool for straightening coiled tubing in a continuous manner. The tool is configured to straighten coiled tubing that has undergone plastifying deformation, for example, during winding about a coiled tubing reel. The tool is of enhanced mobility and may be employed to provide a straightened portion of coiled tubing without resorting to intermittent reverse kinking or corrugating of the coiled tubing. Rather, the substantially continuous character of the straightened portion of coiled tubing is well suited for stably and reliably accommodating a downhole tool for use within a well during hydrocarbon recovery applications.

Abstract: A wellbore tubular has openings in its wall. An outer sleeve has ridges on which openings are located so that they communicate with the tubular openings. The tubular can be expanded to plant the ridges against the formation while any space between the ridges and the borehole wall can be used for pumping cement without fouling the aligned openings between the tubular and the sleeve. Optionally the sleeve can swell with or without tubular expansion. The openings can be initially sealed for delivery to the desired location and then opened using well or added fluids or well conditions.

Abstract: A spiral wiring tubing string is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the spiral wiring tubing string includes a tubing core having a tubing interior, an outer tubing layer encircling the tubing core and at least one wiring cable extending through and along the outer tubing layer. A fluid production system is also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods usable to urge a passageway through subterranean strata, place protective lining conduit strings between the subterranean strata and the wall of said passageway without removing the urging apparatus from said passageway, and target deeper subterranean strata formations than is normally the practice for placement of said protective lining conduit strings by providing apparatuses for reducing the particle size of rock debris to generate lost circulation material to inhibit the initiation or propagation of subterranean strata fractures.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a downhole tool string component comprises a tubular body with a first and a second tool joint adapted to connect to adjacent tool string components, and a central bore adapted to pass drilling mud between the joints. A sleeve circumferentially disposed about an outer surface of the tubular body. The sleeve is rigidly attached to the outer surface at first and second sleeve ends and forming at least three stabilizer blades. A nuclear source and at least one nuclear detector are disposed within a gap formed between the inner surface of the sleeve and the outer surface of the tubular body.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for enhancing the recovery of gas in a perforated interval of a gas well. The system features a tubing string having a dead string attached for reducing the flow area of the annulus in the perforated interval, thereby reducing the critical velocity of the gas, i.e., the velocity required to overcome backpressure due to fluids in the well column. The system includes a ported member for receiving gas from the annulus into the tubing string. The ported member and the dead string are isolated from each other by a retrievable plug. The disclosed system provides access from the surface through the dead string for diagnostic or corrective operations. The system also provides delivery of reagents such as foamers to the perforated region to further reduce the critical velocity.