Abstract: A very low carbon steel alloy is provided for use in manufacturing tubular members such as oil country tubular goods. The tubular members may be radially expanded from at least twenty percent to forty percent. Sections or joints of casing formed from the steel alloy may be installed within a wellbore and radially expanded during completion of the wellbore.

Abstract: Improved casing strings, and methods of using improved casing strings in subterranean cementing operations, are provided. An example of an apparatus is a pipe string comprising at least one pipe section and a delivery system of an activator. Another example of an apparatus is a pipe string comprising at least one pipe section and a delivery system of a set retarder. An example of a method is a method of cementing in a subterranean formation. Other examples of methods are methods of cementing in a subterranean formation comprising a well bore.

Abstract: Radial expansion of a wellbore casing against a formation.

Abstract: There is disclosed an electrically insulating device in the form of a sleeve (12) for a downhole tool, for electrically insulating a first threaded electrically conductive member in the form of an anchor sub (16) from a second threaded electrically conductive member in the form of an insulated sub (18). An assembly (10) including the sleeve (12) has particular use in measurement while drilling (MWD)/logging while drilling (LWD) procedures. In one embodiment, a third member in the form of a threaded electrically conductive sleeve sub (20) is coupled to the insulated sub by a second sleeve (14), to create an insulated gap between the anchor and sleeve subs (16, 20).

Abstract: A downhole tool string component has a tubular body with a first and second end. At least one end is adapted for axial connection to an adjacent downhole tool string component. A covering, secured at its ends to an outside diameter of the tubular body, forms an enclosure with the tubular body. The covering has a geometry such that when a stress is induced in the sleeve by bending the downhole tool string component, that stress is less than or equal to stress induced in the tubular body. The covering may be a sleeve. Further, the geometry may comprise at least one stress relief groove formed in both an inner surface and an outer surface of the covering.

Abstract: A release tool includes a first subassembly and a second subassembly. A connector is operable to selectively coupled the first subassembly to the second subassembly. A release guard is operable to selectively inhibit release of the connector. The release guard operable to inhibit release of the connector in response to a pressure difference between an interior of the release tool and an exterior of the release tool.

Abstract: Multiple pathways are provided by which fluid can enter one or more alternate pathway conduits. Entrance tubes can be arranged such that their spacing prevents all of them from being simultaneously obstructed, covered, or otherwise blocked.

Abstract: Certain embodiments provide a method for treating a subsurface formation. The method includes providing one or more explosives into portions of one or more wellbores selected for the explosion in the formation. The wellbores are formed in one or more zones in the formation. The explosives are controllably exploded in one or more of the wellbores such that at least some of the formation surrounding the selected wellbores has an increased permeability. One or more heaters are provided in the one or more wellbores.

Abstract: A self-expandable cylinder insertable into the bore of a downhole tool includes a resilient material rolled into a substantially cylindrical shape. The outside circumference of the self-expandable cylinder is variable to allow the self-expandable cylinder to be inserted into a narrowed bore of the downhole tool near the box end or pin end. Once past the narrowed bore, the outside circumference of the self-expandable cylinder self-expands within the bore of the downhole tool. The outside circumference of the self-expandable cylinder may expand to contact the inside surface of the bore. In selected embodiments, a transmission line may be routed between the bore and the outside circumference of the resilient material. The self-expandable cylinder may be effective to protect the transmission line from materials traveling through the bore.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tool for use in an oil pipe having a fluoropolymer coating imparting substantially reduced adhesion of asphaltenes, paraffin wax, and inorganic scale, so as to reduce plugging of said tool, and impermeability to salt water so as to protect the tool pipe from corrosion. Such a tool is particularly useful in a pipe coated in a similar manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to subterranean drilling and well completion operations, and more particularly, to improved casing that comprises stress-absorbing materials and associated methods of use. In some embodiments, the present invention discloses methods of casing a well bore that comprise the steps of providing a casing that comprises a stress-absorbing material; and placing the casing into the well bore. In other embodiments, the present invention provides improved casing that comprises stress-absorbing materials and methods of reducing the transmission of stress from a casing to a cement sheath.

Abstract: The present invention involves a method and apparatus for monitoring conditions downhole and/or manipulating downhole tools by placing electrical wire on a casing string while drilling with casing. Wire is inserted into a groove within the casing string while drilling with the casing string into a formation. The wire connects downhole equipment to surface equipment. Multiple casing strings may be drilled into the formation while wire is simultaneously inserted into a groove therein.

Abstract: The invention is comprised of (see FIG. 1) an inner pipe (2), and an outer pipe (3), and two end subs (1). An isolated circular hollowed space is contained in between these components. The isolated space can be used for transport of different medias down into the well, this can be vacuum, air, gas, acids, solids, tracers, or other well stimulating medias. The end subs (1) can be connected to the casing in the well and become an integrated part of the casing. The invention can be cemented on the outside like the casing can. The invention can be perforated after installed in the well.

Abstract: A hanger mounted within a bore of a tubular string component has a split ring, a tapered key and a passageway formed in the hanger. The split ring has interfacial surfaces cooperating with interfacial surfaces of the tapered key. The bore may be located within a tubular string component selected from pipe, drill pipe, doubled shouldered pipe, single shouldered pipe, drill collars, reamers, production pipe, composite pipe, well casing, risers, underground utility lines, rotors, positive displacement rotors, jars, shock absorbers, heavy weight drill pipe, hammers, and turbines. A conduit or electronic equipment may be disposed within the passageway. The passageway may be formed in the tapered key or in the split ring. A transmission element may also be disposed within a groove formed in the hanger.

Abstract: A ground freezing system includes a metal feed pipe for delivering refrigerant to the lower end of a freeze pipe installed in a bore in the ground. The feed pipe is supported on a compression spring which accommodates thermal contraction of the feed pipe while maintaining support of its weight.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating the gaseous phase from a mixture of fluids used during the subsurface intervention in production or injection wells. The device includes a main pipe (T) provided externally with a helix (E) having a longitudinal opening (F) whose edge (B), which is downstream from the helical flow of liquid (1) and inert gas (2), has a spiral shape pointing towards the center of pipe (T).

Abstract: An apparatus for bonding a transmission line to the central bore of a downhole tool includes a pre-formed interface for bonding a transmission line to the inside diameter of a downhole tool. The pre-formed interface includes a first surface that substantially conforms to the outside contour of a transmission line and a second surface that substantially conforms to the inside diameter of a downhole tool. In another aspect of the invention, a method for bonding a transmission line to the inside diameter of a downhole tool includes positioning a transmission line near the inside wall of a downhole tool and placing a mold near the transmission line and the inside wall. The method further includes injecting a bonding material into the mold and curing the bonding material such that the bonding material bonds the transmission line to the inside wall.

Abstract: Improved casing strings, and methods of using improved casing strings in subterranean operations, are provided. An example of a method is a method of cementing a pipe string in a subterranean formation. Another example of a method is a method of cementing a pipe string in a well bore. An example of an apparatus is an improved pipe string comprising at least one pipe section; and a delivery system of an activator; wherein the delivery system of an activator is disposed adjacent an outer surface of the at least one pipe section.

Abstract: A tool string stab guide for axially aligning first tool string components with second tool string components is disclosed. The stab guide has a body with an axial length along a longitudinal axis with a first and a second section. The first section of the body adapted for removable attachment within a diameter of a bore of a tool string component. The second section of the body has a centering element with a flow channel. The ratio of the axial length to the diameter is at least 2:1.

Abstract: A well having a bore hole extending from surface to an underground formation, a casing arranged in the borehole, a tubing hanger supported on the top of the casing, a packer arranged in the casing at a predetermined depth, and a tubing extending from the tubing hanger to the packer, wherein the tubing includes a tubing section that consists of a tubular body of elastomeric material that is reinforced by axially extending reinforcement strands arranged in the tubular body.

Abstract: A lightweight and compact super-insulation system that is also capable of supporting a high level of compressive load. The system utilizes spacers to provide structural support and utilize controlled buckling of a thin protective outer skin supported by spacers to form strong catenary surfaces to protect insulation material underneath. The spacers may comprise an aerogel, or an aerogel may provide insulation separate from the spacer yet contained within the thin outer skin.

Abstract: A multi-layered wellbore junction. In a described embodiment, a method of forming an expanded chamber in a subterranean well includes the steps of: positioning multiple chamber sidewall layers in the well; and expanding the layers in the well to form the expanded chamber.

Abstract: The present invention involves methods and apparatus for permanent downhole deployment of optical sensors. Specifically, optical sensors may be permanently deployed within a wellbore using a casing string. In one aspect, one or more optical sensors are disposed on, in, or within the casing string. The optical sensors may be attached to an outer surface of the casing string or to an inner surface of the casing string, as well as embedded within a wall of the casing string. The optical sensors are capable of measuring wellbore parameters during wellbore operations, including completion, production, and intervention operations.

Abstract: A casing junction member connects in a well between a main casing and a lateral branch casing. The junction member has an upper end section which connects to the main casing extending above the member. It has a lower end section that is coaxial and connects into the main casing below the junction member. The junction member has a lateral section which extends downward for connecting to lateral branch casing. The junction between the main section and the lateral section has enlarged sections that are formed by opposed cones. A removable or drillable closure member blocks the lateral passage while in the collapsed and expanded positions. The casing junction uses internal fluid pressure to move from collapsed position to expanded position.

Abstract: The present invention provides for multiple pathways by which fluid can enter one or more alternate pathway conduits. Entrance tubes can be arranged such that their spacing prevents all of them from being simultaneously obstructed, covered, or otherwise blocked.

Abstract: A device for forming a wellbore casing in a borehole, according to which the device includes a support member including a first fluid passage, and an expansion cone coupled to the support member. The support member includes a second fluid passage, which is fluidicly coupled to the first fluid passage. The device further includes an expandable tubular liner movably coupled to the expansion cone, and an expandable shoe coupled to the expandable tubular liner.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for relieving annular fluid pressure between nested casing strings. The invention includes a pressure relief collar formed of a cylindrical housing and a set of end connections disposed on opposite sides of the cylindrical housing. The end connections join adjacent sections of casing string of the same diameter. A plurality of equally spaced centralizer blades are secured to the outer surface of the cylindrical housing. Each centralizer blade is equipped with a pressure relief mechanism, which opens the passage of fluid from an outer annulus between adjacent casing strings to an inner annulus between different adjacent casing strings and also prevents backflow of fluid. One or more inlet and outlet filters may also be employed to remove solids and other contaminants from the fluid entering the pressure relief mechanism. The invention also has application as a pressure relief collar for eccentric casing strings.

Abstract: A drill-string member includes at least one grooved portion on an outer surface thereof. A pair of axially spaced-apart grooved portions are typically provided, with two such pairs axially spaced along the longitudinal length of the member. A plurality of grooves are milled into the grooved portions, and the grooves intersect with one another to form a criss-cross pattern. As the member is rotated, fluid flows up the grooves, where fluid from one groove meets fluid from another groove at each intersection, causing turbulence to be created.

Abstract: The present invention involves a method and apparatus for communicating from within a wellbore to the surface of the wellbore, as well as communicating from the surface of the wellbore to downhole within the wellbore. More specifically, the present invention involves a method and apparatus for protecting and controlling cables or lines which connect surface equipment to downhole equipment. A spacer sub comprising a tubular body with a helical groove therearound is used to house one or more downhole cables. In one aspect, the spacer sub has a recess within the helical groove for housing one or more cable connectors. In another aspect, multiple helical grooves are disposed around the spacer sub to protect and house cables of different length.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an expandable threaded connection between segments of expandable tubulars. Threaded connections are machined into pre-expanded ends of tubulars. Once the threaded connections are machined into the pre-expanded ends, two joints of tubulars are connected using the threads, thus creating a pre-expanded threaded connection. After a tubular string is made up and lowered into a wellbore, the entire length of the string is expanded using known methods for expanding tubulars. During the downhole expansion operation, the pre-expanded threaded connections experience minimal expansion. The minimal downhole expansion of the pre-expanded threaded connections allows the threaded connections to maintain their sealing ability and coupling strength.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of lining a drilled bore (10) and bore-lining tubing (12). The method comprises providing a first tubular (16); locating the first tubular (16) in the bore (10); providing an expandable, second tubular (22); locating the second tubular (22) in the bore (10) overlapping the first tubular (16); expanding a portion (24) of the second tubular (22) to create a coupling (29) including a flow passage (26) between the first tubular and the second tubular (16,22).

Abstract: A sub apparatus for delivering and protecting a gauge being lowered down a well bore, which includes a sub body having a first and second ends threadably engageable to sections of pipe in the drill or production string; the sub body including a first chamber for housing the gauge; a second bore through the sub body for allowing fluid flowing within the drill or production string to flow through the sub; a plurality of openings formed in the wall of the sub in fluid communication with the first chamber to allow fluids within the pipe to make fluid contact with the gauge; means for protecting the gauge on a first end and means for engaging the gauge to the sub on a second end.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a wellbore expandable connection is disclosed. The connection may include a pin having an outward tapered threaded section and a box having an inward tapered threaded section. The threaded sections form a connection of a predetermined integrity upon make-up. An embodiment of the connection includes at least one interface area of the connection that lacks intimate contact between the pin and the box upon initial make-up. Either the box or the pin, or both, have a friction surface at the interface area. Radial expansion of the connection places the pin in contact with the box at the interface area such that the friction surface between them locks the connection. In one embodiment, the connection includes a receptacle profiled in a portion of the box that provides space within the connection for material that extrudes from the pin during expansion of the connection.

Abstract: A method of expanding tubing downhole comprises the steps of: providing tubing (14;44) of a first diameter; running the tubing into a bore (10;40); expanding a first section of the tubing to a second diameter, and expanding a second section of the tubing to a third diameter.

Abstract: A petroleum well for producing petroleum products that incorporates a system adapted to provide power to a downhole device in the well. The system includes a current impedance device and a downhole power storage device. The current impedance device is positioned such that when a time-varying electrical current is transmitted through the portion of a piping structure and/or a voltage potential forms between one side of the current impedance device and another side of the current impedance device. The device is adapted to be electrically connected to the piping structure and/or across the voltage potential formed by the current impedance device, is adapted to be recharged by the electrical current, and is adapted to be electrically connected to the downhole device to provide power to the downhole device as needed.

Abstract: The present invention provides an encapsulation for housing instrumentation lines, control lines, or instruments downhole. In one use, the encapsulation resides between an expandable downhole tool, such as an expandable sand screen, and the wall of the well bore. The encapsulation is specially profiled to allow the downhole tool to be expanded into the wall of the wellbore without leaving a channel outside of the tool through which formation fluids might vertically migrate. The encapsulation is useful in both cased hole and open hole completions.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods of electrically controlling downhole well interval inflow and/or injection. The downhole controllable well section having a communications and control module, a sensor, an electrically controllable valve and an induction choke. The electrically controllable valve is adapted to regulate flow between an exterior of the tubing and an interior of the tubing. Power and signal transmission between surface and downhole is carried out via the tubing and/or the casing. When there are multiple downhole controllable well sections, flow inhibitors separate the well sections.

Abstract: A shock absorbing tool for use in pipelines and oil wells, particularly in combination with perforation guns comprises a central mass supported on two springs between the end terminal members. The shock wave is absorbed in the free oscillation of the mass. The mass is constituted by a piston assembly. A steel rope permits the shock absorbing tool to be maneuvered within the bore hole without damage to the springs.

Abstract: A drill string member is formed by providing a former and a cylindrical member to be shaped in relationship with the former. Seals are provided between opposing ends of a thick wall cylinder and the cylindrical member, a pressure is applied in the annulus between the cylindrical member and the thick wall cylinder sufficient to deform the cylindrical member against the former. The drill string member thus formed has a constant wall thickness and a non-circular former provides a non-circular drill string member.

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

Abstract: An oil shale formation may be treated using an in situ thermal process. A mixture of hydrocarbons, H2, and/or other formation fluids may be produced from the formation. Heat may be applied to the formation to raise a temperature of a portion of the formation to a pyrolysis temperature. Heat may be supplied to the formation by reacting an oxidant with hydrocarbons adjacent to wellbores to generate heat. Generated heat may be transferred to the portion substantially by conduction to pyrolyze at least a portion of hydrocarbon material within the portion.

Abstract: An expanding wellbore junction system, apparatus and methods are provided for forming a sealed wellbore intersection in a subterranean well. In one described method, an expandable wellbore junction is expanded within an under-reamed cavity in a wellbore. Intersecting tubular legs of the wellbore junction are then drifted using a drifting apparatus. A deflection device may be used to direct a drift of the drifting apparatus into a selected one of the wellbore junction legs.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing or limiting the rotation of cementing plugs in a casing string during drillout. The apparatus includes an outer housing with a sleeve disposed therein. The sleeve has an inner surface configured to engage cementing plugs received therein to cause an interference fit. The sleeve will hold the cementing plugs when rotational forces, such as drilling forces, are applied so that during drillout, rotation of the cementing plug is prevented or is at least limited.

Abstract: A sand control screen assembly (60) comprises a base pipe (62) having at least one opening (64) that allows fluid flow therethrough and a filter medium (66) positioned about the exterior of the base pipe (62) that allows fluid flow therethrough and prevents particulate flow therethrough. An inflatable seal member (72) is disposed within the at least one opening (64) of the base pipe (62) and controls fluid flow through the at least one opening (64). An inflation fluid source (74) is in fluid communication with the inflatable seal member (72) and provides an inflation fluid to the inflatable seal member (72) to selectively urge the inflatable seal member (72) into sealing engagement with the at least one opening (64).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for initiating multiple azimuth controlled vertical hydraulic fractures in unconsolidated and weakly cemented sediments from a single bore hole to control the fracture initiation and propagation of hydraulic fractures at differing azimuths, enabling greater yield and recovery of petroleum fluids from the formation. An injection casing with multiple fracture initiation sections is inserted and grouted into a bore hole. A fracture fluid carrying a proppant is injected into the injection casing and opens fracture initiation sections to dilate the formation in a direction orthogonal to the first fracture azimuth plane. Following completion of the first fracture injection, the fracture fluid is injected into the injection casing and opens a set of second and subsequent fracture initiation sections dilating the formation and initiating and propagating a second and subsequent vertical hydraulic fractures at different azimuths to the first and subsequent earlier installed fractures.

Abstract: A well configuration and method of increasing production from a hydrocarbon well having pre-existing production tube. A composite velocity string having an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the production tube is installed in the production tube so that an annular gap is formed between the outer surface of the velocity string and the inner surface of the production tube. Production from the well is increased because the coefficient of fluid flow friction through the composite velocity string, and the amount of heat loss through the composite velocity string, are reduced compared to a steel velocity string. Installation efficiency is also increased because the composite velocity string is much lighter than a steel velocity string.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for preventing or limiting the rotation of downhole tools, such as cementing plugs, in a casing string during drillout. The apparatus includes an outer case and a radially expandable sleeve disposed therein. The sleeves will engage cementing plugs received therein. The sleeves radially expand when cementing plugs are received therein to grippingly engage the outer case and prevent or limit rotation thereof during drillout.

Abstract: A tool is provided for preventing the rotation of a downhole tool or rotary pump stator, the tool comprising a tubular housing and a jaw which is biased radially outwardly from the tool to engage the casing wall for arresting tool rotation and providing significant stabilization of a rotary pump. In doing so, the tool housing moves oppositely to rest against the casing opposite the jaw. The tool housing and the downhole tool are thereby restrained and stabilized by the casing wall. The tool's jaw is released by opposite tool rotation. Preferably, the jaw is biased outwardly from the tool housing to a casing-engaging position by a torsional member, housed along the axis of the hinge of the jaw. The tool is released from the casing by opposite tool rotation which increasingly compresses the jaw toward the housing, twisting the torsional member into torsion, which then acts to urge the jaw outwardly again. Overextension of the jaw during assembly is prevented using cooperating stops in the jaw and the housing.

Abstract: Single horizontal wells drilled through heterogeneous reservoirs are capable of greater oil productivity than vertical wells, often with lower produced GOR and WOR. Multiple drainholes tied-in to a vertical cased well are even more beneficial. Completion of such drainholes in many sandy reservoirs must use cemented liners. Well configurations comprising multiple drainholes liners, each of them tied-in to a vertical casing by pressure-tight connections require novel technologies making use of some novel downhole equipment, tools and procedures for drilling, tie-in and completion of such wells. These may be for newly-drilled wells or may be obtained by re-entry into an existing vertical cased well. Specific equipment, including novel casing joints, whipstocks, intermediate liners and tubing completion assembly components applicable to new wells are described herein.

Abstract: Single horizontal wells drilled through heterogeneous reservoirs are capable of greater oil productivity than vertical wells, often with lower produced GOR and WOR. Multiple drainholes tied-in to a vertical cased well are even more beneficial. Completion of such drainholes in many sandy reservoirs must use cemented liners. Well configurations comprising multiple drainholes liners, each of them tied-in to a vertical casing by pressure-tight connections require novel technologies making use of some novel downhole equipment, tools and procedures for drilling, tie-in and completion of such wells. These may be for newly-drilled wells or may be obtained by re-entry into an existing vertical cased well. Specific equipment, including novel casing joints, whipstocks, intermediate liners and tubing completion assembly components applicable to new wells are described herein.