Abstract: A safety sleeve used with a wireline connection where the safety sleeve comprises an elongated body with an axial aperture formed along its axis. The wireline connection connects a severed wireline and can be comprised of a fishing spear and a fishing overshot. The safety sleeve axially encompasses the wireline connection assembly with its elongated body. The bending moment required to yield said safety sleeve is greater than the maximum bending moment experienced by the combination of the safety sleeve and the wireline connection during operation. The safety sleeve can also include a collar threadedly connectable to one side of the elongated body, a window formed along the elongated body, and a raised portion formed on the inner radius of the elongated body. The invention further includes a method of using the safety sleeve in conjunction with a wireline connection assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for conveying downhole tools within a borehole using a continuous rod. The apparatus may include a continuous rod, a downhole tool attached to one end of the continuous rod, and a delivery rig for lowering the continuous rod and downhole tool into the wellbore.

Abstract: A tubing connection arrangement that includes two expandable tubing sections is disclosed. In one embodiment, each of the tubing sections includes a filter screen sandwiched between inner expandable tubing and outer expandable tubing. On expansion of the tubing sections, the outer tubing provides resistance to radial expansion of the inner tubing in order to ensure that the integrity between the tubing sections is maintained. The filter screen of one of the tubing sections overlaps the filter screen of the other tubing section, and the outer expandable tubing of at least one of the tubing sections extends over the overlapping filter screens.

Abstract: The present invention discloses redundant sealing systems for composite risers having metal liner assemblies and methods of preventing interior fluid leakage to the outside of composite risers. An elastomeric seal is formed between an elastomeric tip provided on the end of a metal to composite interface (MCI) of the liner assembly and an elastomeric shear ply provided over the liner assembly. The elastomeric seal and a mechanical seal between the MCI and a transition ring which secures the liner to the MCI, provides a dual sealing system for the composite riser to prevent leakage of interior fluids. In the event that the integrity of the mechanical seal or the integrity of the liner is compromised, the elastomeric seal would prevent leakage of the fluid to the outside of the composite riser.

Abstract: A drilling system includes a work string supporting a bottom hole assembly. The work string including lengths of pipe having a non-metallic portion. The work string preferably includes a composite umbilical having a fluid impermeable liner, multiple load carrying layers, and a wear layer. Multiple electrical conductors and data transmission conductors are embedded in the load carrying layers for carrying current or transmitting data between the bottom hole assembly and the surface. The bottom hole assembly includes a bit, a gamma ray and inclinometer instrument package, a propulsion system with resistivity antenna and steerable assembly, an electronics section, a transmission, and a power section for rotating the bit. The electrical conductors in the composite umbilical provide power to the electronics section and may provide power to the power section. The data transmission conduits in the composite umbilical transmit the data from the downhole sensors to the surface where the data is processed.

Abstract: A hose and wire combination adapted to provide water and electrical connections to a water well pump includes a hose adapted to bear water, a resilient-material conduit affixed to and extending longitudinally along the exterior of the hose and having a longitudinally extending slot and a set of wires extending longitudinally within the conduit and being electrically insulated from one another. A method of installing a pump comprises the steps of providing a hose and wire combination, removing a terminal portion of the wires from the conduit portion by way of the slot and severing the corresponding terminal portion of the conduit portion. Next, electrically connecting the set of at least four wires to the electrical terminals of the pump. Additionally, operatively connecting the hose to the water discharge spout of the pump.

Abstract: A method of providing a liner which can be rolled up on a reel for convenient transport and which can be unrolled into the bore of an oil or gas well and expanded to the approximate bore size of the casing size which the liner was run through and is collapsed in a way which allows sealing and stripping with a blowout preventer for well control protection during running and providing smooth surface support wedging without the need for marking the pipe with slip teeth.

Abstract: A seal assembly (60) for controlling the flow of fluids in an annulus (68) between a continuous tubular (62) and a cased wellbore (64) is disclosed. The seal assembly (60) includes anchor slips (72) and a seal element (78). The seal assembly (60) is actuated by communicating hydraulic fluid to a setting assembly (82) via an operating fluid conduit integral with the tubular (62). Upon actuation, the setting assembly (82) axially shifts a pair of slip ramps (74, 76) which radially expands the anchor slips (72) into gripping engagement with the wellbore (64) and radially expands the seal element (78) into sealing engagement with the wellbore (64).

Abstract: A liner for an annular downhole component is comprised of an expandable metal tube having indentations along its surface. The indentations are formed in the wall of the tube either by drawing the tube through a die, by hydroforming, by stamping, or roll forming and may extend axially, radially, or spirally along its wall. The indentations accommodate radial and axial expansion of the tube within the downhole component. The tube is inserted into the annular component and deformed to match an inside surface of the component. The tube may be expanded using a hydroforming process or by drawing a mandrel through the tube. The tube may be expanded in such a manner so as to place it in compression against the inside wall of the component. The tube is useful for improving component hydraulics, shielding components from contamination, inhibiting corrosion, and preventing wear to the downhole component during use. It may also be useful for positioning conduit and insulated conductors within the component.

Abstract: A relatively light weight radial wire-line conveyance mechanism capable of sustained high pressure incorporated into a wire-line riser set-up and configured to allow multiple radial bends without sheaves. The conveyance mechanism includes a tubular body structure capable of being pressurized defining a radial arc of between 0 and 180 degree having a threaded coupling at each end for connection to riser tubular joints. The tubular body contains a series of connected tubular blocks, each of which includes a longitudinal bore and a roller or ball assembly therein defining a wire-line pathway for receiving a wire-line that passes through each of said tubular blocks, fully contained therein.

Abstract: An apparatus suitable for use in a wellbore comprises an expandable bistable device. An exemplary device has a plurality of bistable cells formed into a tubular shape. Each bistable cell comprises at least two elongated members that are connected to each other at their ends. The device is stable in a first configuration and a second configuration.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an electrical cable provides an electrical cable suitable for use in heating wells. An elastomeric jacket is extruded over insulated conductors. A stainless steel plate is rolled around the jacket to form a cylindrical coiled tubing having a seam. The seam is welded, then the tubing is swaged down to a lesser diameter to cause the tubing to frictionally grip the jacket. A recess maybe formed in the jacket adjacent the seam to avoid heat damage from the welding process.

Abstract: A casing liner and method for lining a casing affixed in a well bore. The casing liner having a plurality of grooves and ridges arranged longitudinally and in an alternating relationship about the exterior surface of the casing liner to increase stress storage upon the casing liner being radially reduced in size and thereby decrease the expansion rate of the casing liner and facilitate installation of the casing liner into the casing.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided which permit well testing operations to be performed downhole in a subterranean well. In various described methods, fluids flowed from a formation during a test may be disposed of downhole by injecting the fluids into the formation from which they were produced, or by injecting the fluids into another formation. In several of the embodiments of the invention, apparatus utilized in the methods permit convenient retrieval of samples of the formation fluids and provide enhanced data acquisition for monitoring of the test and for evaluation of the formation fluids.

Abstract: A wellbore casing is formed simultaneously with the drilling out of the wellbore.

Abstract: The present invention discloses multiple sealing systems for composite risers and methods of preventing interior fluid leakage to the outside of composite risers. Single or multiple elastomeric seals are formed between an elastomer applied in single or multiple grooves provided circumferentially along the outer surface of a metal to composite interface (MCI) of a liner assembly of the composite riser and an elastomeric shear ply provided on the outside of the liner assembly. The elastomeric seals and a seal between the MCI and the liner of the liner assembly provide a multiple sealing system for the composite riser to prevent leakage of interior fluids. In the event that the integrity of the seal between the MCI and liner fails or the integrity of the liner is compromised, the elastomeric seals would prevent leakage of the fluid to the outside of the composite riser.

Abstract: A screen that conforms to the borehole shape after expansion is disclosed. The screen comprises a compliant outer layer that takes the borehole shape on expansion. The outer layer is formed having holes to permit production flow. The material that is selected preferably swells with prolonged contact to well fluids to further close off annular gaps after expansion. In an alternative embodiment, the screen is not expanded and the swelling of the material alone closes off annular gaps. The outer sleeve is placed over the screen and the screen is placed on a base pipe and initially expanded from within the base pipe to secure the components of the screen assembly for running downhole, while minimizing or eliminating any welding among the layers. A variety of expansion tools can be used to expand the screen or screens downhole.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of creating a seal between two coaxial tubulars so as to create a hanger and a packer. A first tubular is disposed coaxially within a portion of a second, larger tubular. A portion of the first tubular is expanded into frictional contact with the second tubular, thereby creating a liner and a hanger. In one embodiment, a pattern of grooves and profile cuts are formed in the surface of a portion of the first tubular body. The grooves in one aspect define a continuous pattern about the circumference of the tubular body which intersect to form a plurality of substantially identical shapes, such as diamonds. The grooves and profile cuts serve to improve the tensile strength of the tubular body. At the same time, the grooves and profile cuts allow for expansion of the tubular body by use of less radial force.

Abstract: In a well an instrumentation line can be introduced down the well bore by a control line having at least a portion outside of intermediate casing and set in cement slurry between the intermediate casing and the surrounding rock and reaching to a zone of interest. A primary member accepts the distal end of the control line at the end of the intermediate casing. A secondary member has a terminal control line (sealed at its far end) attached on its outer surface. When in place, the secondary member extends into and through the zone of interest. When the secondary member is lowered through the primary member, its top end is lowered onto the bottom end of the primary member. Couplings engage and angularly orientate so that the top of the terminal control line couples to and seals with the distal end of the control line to form a conduit through which a fibre optic instrumentation line can be threaded.

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

Abstract: A method of anchoring tubing in a bore comprising: providing tubing having a section with outer surface portions defining a tubing profile, and configured to describe an outer diameter less than a first diameter. The tubing is located within a bore having an internal diameter equal to the first diameter and defining a bore profile. The tubing is then reconfigured such that the tubing profile engages with the bore profile, anchoring the tubing within the bore.

Abstract: The present invention provides a field weldable connection. In one embodiment, the field weldable connection is a downhole connector assembly for sealingly attaching a first and a second segment of a control line. The control line has an outer housing that encapsulates a polymeric secondary housing. A communication line runs therethrough the secondary housing. The connector further comprises a weld coupling welded to the outer housing of the first and second segments of the control line. To protect the communication line from the thermal radiation and heat generated during the welding process, at least one reflective sleeve replaces a portion of the secondary housing at a location intermediate the communication line and the welds of the coupling.

Abstract: Coiled tubing or a portion thereof having a first part spaced-apart from a second part, the coiled tubing having a first outer diamter at the first part and a second outer diameter at the second part, the first outer diameter different from the second outer diameter, and outer diameter of the coiled tubing continuously diminishing or increasing from the first part to the second part, in one particular aspect thus varying over its entire length; and methods for using and methods and apparatuses for making such coiled tubing.

Abstract: A device for moving a tool lengthwise in a passageway such as a pipe or oil well hole, with a power or signal conduit connected between the tool and outside of the passageway, consists of a solid rod with a groove along the rod's length, the groove extending inwards from the rod outer surface. The conduit is installed in the groove. The device can also be used to rotate the tool in the passageway.

Abstract: A disconnect assembly connecting two portions of a downhole assembly having a downhole apparatus attached to a coiled tubing string. The disconnect assembly includes a first housing connected to one portion of the downhole assembly and a second housing connected to another portion of the downhole assembly. The housings are releasably connected by a release assembly. The release assembly is coupled to a drive train on a motor by a connection transferring rotational motion into translational motion. The release assembly includes locking members having a connected position engaging both housings and a released position wherein the housings can be separated. The motor is connected to the surface by conductors extending through the coiled tubing whereby the motor may be actuated from the surface to move the release assembly between the connected and disconnected positions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a recess within an expandable downhole tubular, such as an expandable sand screen. The recess resides within the wall, such as the outer shroud of an expandable sand screen. The recess serves as a housing for instrumentation lines, fiber optics, control lines, or downhole instrumentation. By placing the lines and instrumentation within a wall of the expandable downhole tool, the tool can be expanded into the wall of the wellbore without leaving a channel outside of the tool through which formation fluids might vertically migrate. The recess is useful in both cased hole and open hole completions. In one embodiment, the recess serves as a housing for an encapsulation which itself may house instrumentation lines, control lines, and downhole instrumentation.

Abstract: A means and method for improving the injection of coiled tubing into and from a well by providing a secondary injection device for supplementing the thrust forces of the primary injector means. Use of the secondary injection device coacting in tandem with the coiled tubing injector permits developing significantly higher axial forces in the tubing than can be provided by the primary injector alone. The selectably operable thrust enhancement device of this invention provides a short, repeatable stroke in either direction. The thrust enhancement device operates by selectably gripping the tubing with a reciprocably moveable means in a first position, shifting the moveable means to a second position thereby moving the tubing, gripping the tubing with a static means at its new position, releasing the tubing from the moveable means, and returning the moveable means to its first position. When the thrust enhancement device is not needed for the injection operation, its gripping means are disengaged from the tubing.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided which permit well testing operations to be performed downhole in a subterranean well. In various described methods, fluids flowed from a formation during a test may be disposed of downhole by injecting the fluids into the formation from which they were produced, or by injecting the fluids into another formation. In several of the embodiments of the invention, apparatus utilized in the methods permit convenient retrieval of samples of the formation fluids and provide enhanced data acquisition for monitoring of the test and for evaluation of the formation fluids.

Abstract: A pump-through electrical conductor line includes an electrically conductive wire, an insulative coating disposed over the electrically conductive wire, and a tubing having the electrically conductive wire with the insulative coating disposed thereover loosely positioned therein so as to form a non-obstructed annulus between the insulative coating and an inner surface of the tubing. An arrangement for downhole casing collar location includes a length of the pump-through electrical conductor line, a slickline running unit configured to deliver the pump-through electrical conductor line to a downhole environment, a plugging device disposed on a downhole end of the pump-through electrical conductor line, and a casing collar locator disposed on the pump-through electrical conductor line adjacent the plugging device.

Abstract: Expandable tubing (20) has a tubing wall (22) comprising a plurality of deformable tubular structures (24). The structures (24) have permeable walls and containing a filter medium (28) such that fluid may flow through the structures (24) and the filter medium (28) and thus through the tubing wall (22).

Abstract: A string of pipe formed by the connection together of multiple joints of shorter pipe segments is stored in the water space adjacent an offshore drilling rig. The pipe string bends from the drilling rig floor in a semicircular arc and enters the water adjacent the drilling rig. A curving guide is used to direct the pipe string movement. A platform extension from the corner of the drilling rig is provided to position a work area above the point at which the pipe enters the water. Multiple guides may be employed for simultaneously running two strings of pipe. The string may be stored in one or more long sections or in a single continuous string. The major portions of the string or long pipe sections may be stored below the surface of the water. Provision is made for pumping fluids through the pipe string, and/or the pipe sections, to the well. The string may be stored in a sleeve.

Abstract: A system that is useable in a subterranean well includes conveying an elongated strip from a surface of the well downhole into the well; and spirally wrapping the strip to form a tubular structure in the well.

Abstract: Coiled tubing or a portion thereof having a first part spaced-apart from a second part, the coiled tubing having a first outer diamter at the first part and a second outer diameter at the second part, the first outer diameter different from the second outer diameter, and outer diameter of the coiled tubing continuously diminishing or increasing from the first part to the second part, in one particular aspect thus varying over its entire length; and methods for using and methods and apparatuses for making such coiled tubing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the formation of a plug (1) in a petroleum well (2) extending from the earth's surface or the sea floor to a petroleum reservoir, which well is lined with casing (3, 3′). At least one opening (4) is formed in the casing (3) at a distance from the earth's surface, and a liquid curable resin is provided in at least a portion of the opening (4) and an adjacent area of the well (2), whereby the resin after curing forms a plug (1) in the well. The invention also relates to a tool (9) for milling an opening (4) in a casing (3) of a petroleum well (2), and a plug (1) for plugging casing (3) of a petroleum well (2).

Abstract: A universal joint between adjacent, electrically connected instrument housings for downhole well operations allow the connected housings to bend longitudinally as required to traverse an arced section of a well bore but does not permit relative elongation or twisting about the longitudinal axis of the housings. I one embodiment, a fluid impermeable open passage space at atmospheric pressure surrounds electrical signal carriers linking the instrument circuitry within the two housings. The passage is constructed as a high-pressure flexible bellows or as a braided or spiral wound high-pressure fluid hose. In another embodiment, a fluid impermeable sheath surrounds the signal carriers and encapsulates the signal carriers by a resilient solid. The articulation structure comprises a Cardan-type of universal joint wherein two fingers project longitudinally from the end of each of the housings.

Abstract: A connector for coiled tubing has been invented which has a hollow body member having a top, a bottom, and a fluid flow channel therethrough from top to bottom, coiled tubing gripping apparatus connected to the hollow body, and a movable member movably connected to the bottom of the hollow body, the movable member having a top, a bottom, a top portion within the hollow body and a bottom portion projecting down beyond the bottom of the movable body, the movable member movable with respect to the hollow body and having a fluid flow bore therethrough from top to bottom. In one aspect the movable member is movable longitudinally with respect to the hollow body and/or laterally with respect to a longitudinal axis of the hollow body. In certain aspects the connector has selectively locking apparatus for selectively drivingly locking the hollow body to the movable member.

Abstract: A well tool assembly interconnection method is provided. In a described embodiment, a continuous tubing string has connectors positioned corresponding to desired locations for tool assemblies in a well. The tubing string is wrapped on a reel and transported to a well. As the tubing string is deployed from the reel into the well, the tool assemblies are interconnected between the connectors.

Abstract: An impervious metallic liner for the isolation of the well bore from the formations of an oil or gas well below a casing string; the liner being flattened to run through the casing string, but is inflated to occupy the space directly below the casing string rather than occupying the conventional area radially inward from the position occupied by the casing string.

Abstract: A technique to facilitate deployment of power cable and at least one capillary tube through a wellbore tool, such as a packer. The technique allows both the power cable and the at least one capillary tube to extend through a single pass-through opening in the wellbore tool.

Abstract: A wellbore casing is formed simultaneously with the drilling out of the wellbore.

Abstract: A means and method for supporting and applying transverse loads to coiled tubing during its injection into and withdrawal from a well by using novel rollers having coaxial segmented arcuate faces. The arcuate faces have arcs with the same radius as that of the tubing to be supported and are mutually concentric, but are independently rotatable. The novel rollers may be both driven and undriven.

Abstract: An apparatus suitable for use in a wellbore comprises an expandable bistable device. An exemplary device has a plurality of bistable cells formed into a tubular shape. Each bistable cell comprises at least two elongated members that are connected to each other at their ends. The device is stable in a first configuration and a second configuration.

Abstract: A subterranean filter to remove particles from production fluid in a well includes a perforated inner member, at least one filter membrane made of a non-woven polymer material and a metal braided layer installed around the membrane and inner member to provide a filter having improved permeability and resistance to chemical and physical forces.

Abstract: The present invention provides spoolable continuous composite coiled tubings made from substantially nonmetallic materials for use in wellbores. The composite coiled tubing has a selected thickness and a through passage. The composite coiled tubing preferably includes a plurality of layers of composite materials. A fiber optic string is disposed in the composite coiled tubing, preferably during the manufacture of the composite tubing. A plurality of spaced apart sensor elements on the fiber optic string provide measurements of one or more downhole parameters of interest during the wellbore operations. The fiber optic string may be embedded or placed along the composite coiled tubing. A liner may be disposed inside the composite coiled tubing to isolate the inner surface of the coiled tubing and the fiber optic string from the drilling or the wellbore fluid passing through the coiled tubing.

Abstract: A flexible hose assembly for horizontal well drilling is provided. The flexible hose assembly has a number of spaced thruster couplings along its length to impart drilling force to a nozzle blaster at an end of the flexible hose. The thruster couplings have rearwardly oriented holes which impart a forward drilling force upon the exit of high pressure water through the holes. A method of horizontal well drilling using the above-described flexible hose is also provided. The method is particularly useful for shallow wells, such as 50-2000 feet.

Abstract: An adjustable depth air sparging well comprising a flow through packer which is slidably mounted within a well casing allowing for vertical movement of the flow through packer within the well casing. Flow through packer includes an inflatable packer fabricated from inflatable vitron tubing, a lower end portion of an air supply tube which has a plurality of openings for providing pressurized air to inflate the packer, and a pair of vitron rubber packer end caps. An air compressor is coupled to the air supply tube supplying pressurized air to the inflatable packer which inflates the packer holding the packer at a fixed depth within the well casing. Deflating the inflatable packer allows for vertical movement of the inflatable packer within the well casing. Positioned at the lower end of the air supply tube is a one way valve through which air under pressure passes to a well screen. The well screen, which comprises the lower portion of the well casing, is mounted in the soil's saturated zone.

Abstract: A deep well flexible hose for use in extracting fluids and gases from deep wells includes a relatively flexible hose portion being of a length sufficient to extend to an operable position within the well, wherein the hose portion is of a predetermined temperature and pressure limit, corrosion resistance and weight load capacity and elasticity factor such that when the hose portion is so disposed in the well to the operable position, the hose portion's elasticity factor is exceeded due to the weight load normally exerted and means fixably connect to the hose portion for preventing the hose portion's elasticity factor from being exceeded at the operable position due to the weight load. A method is also provided.

Abstract: A coiled tubing system deploys an electric submergible pump system within a wellbore. The coiled tubing system includes an internal power cable for providing power to a submergible motor. Additionally, a control line, such as a hydraulic line, is disposed within the hollow interior of the coiled tubing to provide an input to the submergible pumping system. The control line is preferably routed through an interior space of a connector unit disposed between the coiled tubing and the submergible motor.

Abstract: A drilling system includes a work string supporting a bottom hole assembly. The work string including lengths of pipe having a non-metallic portion. The work string preferably includes a composite umbilical having a fluid impermeable liner, multiple load carrying layers, and a wear layer. Multiple electrical conductors and data transmission conductors are embedded in the load carrying layers for carrying current or transmitting data between the bottom hole assembly and the surface. The bottom hole assembly includes a bit, a gamma ray and inclinometer instrument package, a propulsion system with resistivity antenna and steerable assembly, an electronics section, a transmission, and a power section for rotating the bit. The electrical conductors in the composite umbilical provide power to the electronics section and may provide power to the power section. The data transmission conduits in the composite umbilical transmit the data from the downhole sensors to the surface where the data is processed.

Abstract: An apparatus for insertion into a well to displace well fluid. A flexible hose is lowered into an annulus between strings of casing. A nozzle is affixed to the lower end of the hose. During insertion, the hose is pressurized and rigid to keep the hose from winding about the well. To keep the hose rigid, internal pressure is maintained in the hose. The nozzle is provided with a check valve that holds the internal pressure up to a selected amount. Once the hose is lowered to a desired depth, the operator increases the pressure sufficiently in the hose to open the check valve, thereby allowing heavy liquid to flow out. The heavy liquid displaces the lighter well production, which flows out of the outlet. After the heavy fluid has been dispensed, the internal pressure is reduced, causing the check valve to close. The check valve can also be opened during insertion, if desired.