Abstract: A connector connects auxiliary flow lines and electrical lines that extend through and terminate at or near opposing ends of two respective components of a downhole tool string. The connector comprises a body assembly for fluidly-connecting the auxiliary flow lines and electrically-connecting the electrical lines of the respective two components, and an assembly for adjusting the length of the body assembly. The two components are discrete modules of a unitary tool, or alternatively, are distinct tools. Additionally, the connector may include a mechanism for closing the auxiliary flow lines of one or both compartments upon disconnection of the fluid connection between the two components.

Abstract: A downhole tool string component comprises a tubular body with a first and second end. The tubular body of the tool string comprises an inner surface and an outer surface. A loading member near the other end of the tubular component is disposed about the outer surface and is adapted for loading the at least one sleeve against a shoulder. The loading member comprises an internal threadform adapted to threadingly engage an external threadform in the outer surface of the tubular body. Either the external threadform or the internal threadform comprises a plurality of threads with a distal thread comprising a first thread height and a proximal thread comprising a second thread height. The first thread height is greater than the second thread height and a plurality of the threads heights between the first and second thread heights accumulatively taper from the first height to the second height.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a downhole power generation assembly has a downhole tool string component comprising a bore. A collar is rotatably supported within the bore and has a centralized fluid passageway and a plurality of turbine blades. The collar is connected to a power generation element such that rotation of the collar moves the power generation element and induces an electrical current.

Abstract: A downhole component of a tool string, having a first and a second end intermediate a tubular body. First and second collars are mounted to the inner surface of the component at the first and second ends respectively. Each collar has an electrical conductor secured to the collar. The first collar has a bearing surface adapted to slide with respect to the inner surface of the component and the second collar is rotationally fixed to the inner surface of the component.

Abstract: A lightweight and durable drill pipe string capable of short radius drilling formed using a composite pipe segment formed to include tapered wall thickness ends that are each defined by opposed frustoconical surfaces conformed for self aligning receipt and intimate bonding contact within an annular space between corresponding surfaces of a coaxially nested set of metal end pieces and a set of nonconductive sleeves. The distal peripheries of the nested end pieces and sleeves are then welded to each other and the sandwiched and bonded portions are radially pinned. The composite segment may include imbedded conductive leads and the axial end portions of the end pieces are shaped to form a threaded joint with the next pipe assembly that includes contact rings in the opposed surfaces of the pipe joint assembly, the contact of which is effected by either piercing with a pointed contact from one end into the other to connect the corresponding leads across the joint or contacting opposed rings in each end.

Abstract: A double pin connector with hydraulic connect and seal assembly having a top portion. The top portion has an upper tubular portion. The upper tubular portion engages an intermediate tubular portion. The intermediate tubular portion has an upper flow path in fluid communication with the first hydraulic connector and a plurality of seals comprising at least one second hydraulic flow path seal.

Abstract: A structure for wired drill pipe includes a pipe joint having a pin end and a box end. The pin end and box end each have threads for engagement with corresponding threads on a respective box and pin of an adjacent pipe joint. A longitudinal end of the threads on the pin and on the box include at least in an internal shoulder for engagement with a corresponding internal shoulder on an adjacent box or pin. The internal shoulder of each of the pin and the box includes a groove around a circumference thereof for retaining a communication device therein. An external flank of the groove on the pin, and a corresponding surface of the box include deflection resistance feature.

Abstract: A technique is provided in which a soft landing system is used for connecting upper and lower assemblies in a wellbore. The soft landing system cushions the engagement of an upper well assembly with a lower well assembly and facilitates the controlled engagement of control line connectors. The controlled engagement limits or avoids damage to the control line connectors in well completion operations performed in two or more stages.

Abstract: An upper-completion single trip system is described which includes a hydraulic internal seal receptacle assemble. The HISR assembly includes an overshot assembly selectively connected to a mandrel assembly. Once fully actuated, relative axial motion therebetween is allowed, which provides a spacer apparatus for the tubing above and below the HISR assembly. A shearable anchor latch as well as an indexing mule shoe are also provided in the HISR system, which allow multiple completion steps to be performed in a single trip. The HISR system is particularly well-suited for installation of permanent downhole gauges or intelligent systems—installations where rotation of pipe is prohibited. The system is also particularly well-suited for submersible pumps. A method of performing multiple completion activities in a single trip is also described.

Abstract: A downhole tool string component, having a tubular body with an outer diameter. A first, second, and third flange are disposed around the outer diameter of the tubular body at different axial locations. A first sleeve is disposed around the tubular body such that opposite ends of the first sleeve fit around at least a portion of the first and second flanges, forming a first sealed pocket around the outer diameter of the tubular body. A second sleeve is disposed around the tubular body such that opposite ends of the second sleeve fit around at least a portion of the second and third flanges, forming a second sealed pocket around the outer diameter of the tubular body.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a connector to connect a first tubing section and a second tubing section together. The connector that includes a body that includes a first opening to receive the first tubing section, a second opening to receive the second tubing section, and a passageway. The apparatus includes a member that is adapted to be moved from a retracted position to an extended position to form a sealed connection between a tubular member that is connected to the first tubing section and the passageway.

Abstract: A connector is provided that enables connection between two parts without rotation of either of the two parts. The connector comprises a first part with N engagement members; a second part with N+1 engagement members; and a sleeve having a first and second end, the first end having N engagement members for engaging the N engagement members of the first part, the second end having N+1 engagement members for engaging the N+1 engagement members of the second end.

Abstract: A wet connect arrangement for communication beyond obstructions in a wellbore such as gravel packs and lateral junctions, among others. The arrangement employs communication line at first and second tubulars and annular or part annular communication pathways between the lines when the first and second tubulars are in operable position.

Abstract: A field joint for connecting a plurality of downhole tool modules is disclosed. The modules include a housing and an electrical line. A bulkhead is coupled to a first module that includes a first conduit aperture for receiving an electrical connector assembly. The first electrical connector assembly is releasably coupled to the exterior portion of the first module and includes a first connector having a first end adapted for electrical coupling to an electrical line. A connector block is coupled to the second module that includes a second conduit aperture positioned to substantially face the first conduit aperture when the first and second modules are joined. A second electrical connector is disposed in the second conduit aperture and is electrically coupled to an electrical line such that an electrical contact is established with a second end of the first connector when the first and second modules are joined.

Abstract: A downhole wet connect uses a bearing relation between materials to take advantage of the piezoelectric effect between them. Voltage is applied from the surface to the uphole pad which induces a voltage to be generated from the downhole pad to a storage device to store power for operating downhole equipment. The generated voltage can also be used as a real time power supply for downhole equipment. Alternatively, the generated voltage can be coded as a signal to downhole equipment to send date acquired downhole to the surface. The transmission of information is two way. Voltage input from the surface is stopped as downhole equipment sends a voltage based signal uphole for conversion by surface processors to capture the data. Alignment or downhole debris issues do not affect the transmission capability of the pads in the wet connect.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for connecting internal shunt tubes to tubular end components of a sand screen assembly by coupling each end of each shunt tube to ports formed in the tubular end components in an annular space between a base pipe and a filter media using a tubular coupler.

Abstract: The engineering problem of the claimed invention consists in the increase of operating reliability of the threaded joint, whose coupling has the coating applied by the diffusion galvanizing method, by way of ensuring a proper standard tightness. The technical result of the increase of the inlet cylindrical counterbore length in the internally threaded element by the value of the thread tightness increment caused by galvanizing and determined from the claimed empirical formula consists in increased reliability of the joint under service conditions as the probability of overtightening the joint for the sake of attaining the nominal tightness, as well as damage to the end thread turns projected from the coupling on service are ruled out. This result is attained without consumption of time and funds for re-training of the personnel, publication and delivery of new normative materials to each drilling site, manufacture of new calibrating tools and repair mountings.

Abstract: A wear resistant casing connection including a wear resistant portion on its exterior surface is taught. A casing connection having a controlled bend angle is also taught.

Abstract: An expandable threaded connection between segments of expandable tubulars. The present invention utilizes two complementary thread segments. The first segment of the threaded connection utilizes standard box and pin threads. In the second segment of the threaded connection, material is removed from the stab flank of the pin threads to reduce the standard width of the pin threads, while the box threads of the second segment are standard thread width. The use of the reduced thread width in the pin threads of the second segment allows for a loose fit between the pin threads of the second segment and the box threads of the second segment. The loose fit between the pin and box threads of the second segment allows radial and axial movement between those threads without causing disengagement of the threaded connection during the expansion process.

Abstract: A method of operating a safety joint that allows disconnection from a downhole section of a drill string without rotating the drill string. In an example class of embodiments, the innovative safety joint includes a sleeve with a j-slot that fits to a lug attached to the mandrel. A piston is attached to the sleeve. The safety joint is disconnected by first pulling up on the string to shear a set of shear pins, the upward movement also lifting the sleeve and piston. As the piston lifts, a passage through a part of the piston allows fluid to move from an upper chamber to a lower chamber. A valve prevents fluid from moving back up into the upper chamber, so that the lower chamber acts as a stop to prevent the piston and sleeve from lowering again. Downward pressure on the drill string forces a lug against the j-slot, causing the sleeve to rotate until the lug is aligned with a vertical slot of the j-slot.

Abstract: An embodiment of a system for disconnecting a first element from a second element at a desired position in a wellbore includes a disconnect tool containing an expandable material, the disconnect tool being actuatable from a locked position, wherein the first and the second elements are interconnected, to an unlocked position, wherein the first and the second element are disconnected, upon a determined expansion of the expandable material in response to a temperature at the desired position.

Abstract: A completion system for a well including an upper production tubing disposed within a wellbore. An upper packer engaging the upper production tubing a top pin connector with seal assembly engaging the upper packer. A first intermediate production tubing disposed between the top pin connector with seal assembly and a top hydraulically operated tool.

Abstract: A continuous sucker rod preferably comprising fiberglass or composite material for use in an well is described herein. The continuous sucker rod may be connected at one end to a pump drive, via a polished rod, and at a second end to a downhole pump, via sinker bars or other weights. The continuous sucker rod preferably has at least two end fittings, one at each end of the continuous sucker rod. The end fittings, each having two ends and each being attached, at one end, to a respective end of the continuous sucker rod. The end fittings are preferably configured to enable connection to the polished rod and sinker bars respectively. The end fittings are connected to the continuous sucker rod so as to form wedges which enhance the connectability of the end fitting to the rod, and further, the wedge or wedges approach the rod asymptotically so as to avoid any abrupt discontinuities in the wedge or wedges thus substantially eliminating stress concentration areas and potential failure areas in the rod.

Abstract: A connection to a stub downhole is accomplished in a variety of ways. A string has a tapered lower end inserted into the stub and expansion occurs from within the tapered lower end into the stub to leave a connection without reduction of the internal diameter. An overshot fitting can be lowered outside the stub and the stub expanded from within against the overshot. Both options in a single tool can be used to get sealing around the inside and the outside of the stub. An adjustable swage can be used with the overshot configuration where the overshot has an internal groove. The adjustable swage expands from within the stub into the surrounding groove in the overshot.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fracturing a formation containing a wellbore comprising the steps of (a) injecting a gel into the wellbore; (b) permitting for the gel to increase viscosity and (c) fracturing the formation in the vicinity of the gel.

Abstract: A locking slot assembly may include a slot, a lug configured to move within the slot, and a lock configured to prevent the lug from moving within the slot until a triggering event occurs. The lock may be further configured to allow the lug to move within the slot after the triggering event has occurred, so long as a predetermined condition is maintained. The triggering event may be the application of a predetermined pressure, and the predetermined condition may be a minimum pressure.

Abstract: A method of sealing an expandable tubular within a bore comprises the steps of providing an expandable tubular describing a first diameter and having a sealing medium on its outer surface, running the tubular into a bore and expanding the tubular within the bore to describe a second larger diameter, and activating the sealing medium to facilitate provision of a seal between the tubular and the bore.

Abstract: A cable release apparatus includes a housing and latch mounted at one end of the housing. The latch has a central opening and a plurality of projecting members extending into the housing. A releasable connector is mounted inside the housing. An actuator has one end disposed in the central opening in the latch and another end in contact with the releasable connector. The actuator is movable between a first position prior to activation of the releaseable connector and a second position wherein the releasable connector is activated. Prior to activation of the releasable connector, the latch is held in place by an interference fit between the projecting members and the housing. When the releasable connector is activated, the projecting members are deflected by applying tension to the latch, thereby releasing the latch from the housing.

Abstract: A perimetrically acting collet includes a body and at least one mating profile opening in the body. A plurality of resilient members located adjacent one side of the at least one mating profile opening and a profiled body is biased perimetrically by the plurality of resilient members.

Abstract: A protective sleeve for expandable tubulars.

Abstract: A spoolable connector which connects two opposing sections of coil tubing so as to transmit load between one section of coil tubing to another section of coil tubing. The spoolable connector has opposing non-circular grooves into which portions of the sections of coil tubing are deformed so as to create the torque transmitting connection between the spoolable connector and sections of coil tubing. The spoolable connector also includes a plurality of parallel radial slots on each opposing end to enhance bending of the connector at the ends as well as a plurality of longitudinal slots at each end to accommodate the weld seam line in the coil tubing. Seals are also provided as well as a sleeve which in use fits over the mid-section of the connector.

Abstract: New locking connector assemblies and telescoping extension/retraction assemblies are disclosed that operate on the natural spring rate constraints of radial protrusions or radially constrained rings as they interact with engaging members to provide the locking force and permit the connector and extension retraction assemblies to be engage and disengaged or extended and retracted.

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: A liner running system for placing a liner in a well bore comprises a latch sleeve connected to the liner and a running tool releasably attached to the latch sleeve. The latch sleeve has a wall thickness substantially the same as the wall thickness of the liner, and the running tool has an outer diameter less than or equal to the inner diameter of the liner. The latch sleeve may be connected into the liner at any location along its length. The running tool is releasable from the latch sleeve via hydraulic actuation or mechanical actuation. Optionally, a swivel may be connected to the liner. The swivel has a wall thickness substantially the same as the wall thickness of the liner. The method for lowering the liner into the well bore via the liner running system comprises rotating the liner, pushing the liner, pulling the liner, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A method of forming a seal between two tubular members comprising providing a first tubular member having an internal surface and an external surface describing a first diameter, with a recess in the external surface at a seal portion of the first tubular member. A deformable circumferentially extending sealing member is located in the recess, the sealing member describes an external diameter no greater than the first diameter. The first tubular member is located within a second tubular member and the seal portion of the first tubular member is expanded such that the sealing member engages an inner surface of the second tubular member.

Abstract: A disconnect apparatus and method for use in a well bore. The apparatus comprises a top sub having a collet, and wherein the top sub has an external seal surface. The apparatus further comprises a bottom sub having a bore, and wherein the external seal surface and the bore cooperate. The apparatus further includes a support piston disposed within the collet, wherein the support piston has a plurality of fins formed on an outer portion of the support piston, and shear device, operatively attached to the top sub and the support piston, for attaching and detaching the top sub from the support piston. In one preferred embodiment, the collet member comprises a plurality of fingers having a gap between each individual finger. Also, the plurality of fingers may have an external thread formed thereon that engage an internal thread formed on the bottom sub.

Abstract: An hydraulic latch for selectively securing and, when necessary, automatically releasing capillary tubing suspended in a well bore in a manner affording clearance of a subsurface safety valve through which the suspended capillary tubing is suspended prior to release.

Abstract: A latch assembly, and methods of using the latch assembly, for use with a bottom hole assembly (BHA) and a tubular, are provided. In one embodiment, the latch assembly is disposable within the tubular, configured to be rotationally and axially coupled to the tubular. In one aspect of the embodiment, latch assembly is configured to be released from the tubular by applying a tensile force to the latch assembly. The latch the latch assembly may comprise: one or more sleds disposed within one or more respective slots formed along at least a portion of a locking mandrel; and one or more retractable axial drag blocks configured to engage a matching axial profile disposed in the tubular, wherein each axial drag block is coupled to the respective sled with one or more biasing members; and the locking mandrel actuatable between a first position and a second position and preventing retraction of the axial drag blocks when actuated to the second position.

Abstract: A release tool adapted to be connected between a perforating gun and a tubing for releasing the perforating gun from the tubing after detonation of the perforating gun, the tool including a housing in connection with the tubing, the housing having an axial bore; an axially shiftable member in connection between the housing and a perforating gun; a seal member positioned in the axial bore of the housing, the axially shiftable member positioned through the seal member; a frangible member maintaining the axially shiftable member in connection between the housing and the perforating gun until the frangible member is shatter disconnecting the shiftable member; and a mechanism for equalizing the pressure across the seal member after the axially shiftable member is disconnected allowing the perforating gun to separate from the housing.

Abstract: A wireline coupler, for use in oil wells and gas wells to connect a perforating gun to the wireline from which the perforating gun is suspended, is designed to eliminate jamming of the wireline between the casing and the perforating gun when the perforating gun is propelled upward by the gases from the explosion of the perforating gun or by the natural gas, oil, or other fluids released through the new perforations.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to an apparatus and a method for conveying and operating tools in a wellbore. In one aspect, a method of performing an operation in a wellbore is provided. The method includes running a selectively separable plug member accommodating a tool into the wellbore on a continuous rod and positioning the separable plug member adjacent a receiver member disposed in the wellbore. The method further includes manipulating the weight of the continuous rod to seat the separable plug member in the receiver member. In another aspect, a plug assembly for use in a wellbore is provided.

Abstract: Box-end rotary sucker rod shear couplings including a substantially cylindrical housing having an interior surface defining a passage from an upper end to a lower end along a longitudinal axis and an exterior surface. The shear coupling also includes a set of threads around an inner circumference of the upper end for receiving a rotary sucker rod coupled directly into the upper end of the passage without an intervening adaptor; a set of threads around an inner circumference of the lower end for receiving a pump pin coupled directly into the lower end of the passage without an intervening adaptor; and one or more circumferential grooves machined into the cylindrical housing between the threads for causing rod shear failure at a predetermined axial load. In some embodiments, the shear couplings are conventional box-end sucker rod couplings. Also disclosed are rotary sucker rod assemblies including such rod shear couplings.

Abstract: A coiled tubing connector for connecting tools together when they are inserted into a well bore. The connector includes a disposable element that may be severed along with the connected portion of the coiled tubing. This provides for quick disconnect and reuse of the remainder of the connector.

Abstract: A run-in and retrieval device for a downhole tool comprises a first set of lugs disposed on a first component of the device connected to a tool string, and a second set of lugs disposed on a second component of the device connected to the downhole tool, wherein the first set of lugs interact with the second set of lugs in a connected position. A method for running at least one downhole tool into a well bore comprises forming a releasable connection between an overshot connected to a tool string and a mandrel connected to the at least one downhole tool, running the at least one downhole tool into the well bore via the tool string, manipulating the at least one downhole tool in the well bore; and, rotating the overshot less than 360 degrees with respect to the mandrel to release the connection therebetween.

Abstract: A coiled tubing connection system is used in a well. A connector having an engagement end is used to couple a wellbore device to the end of a coiled tubing. The connector is spoolable, and the engagement end comprises engagement features that facilitate formation of a connection that is dependable and less susceptible to separation.

Abstract: A connector is made up downhole and can connect electrical signal or power circuits. The male component features one or more circumferential bands on the exterior and the female component features like bands on its interior. The bands are preferably covered with removable sleeves until the connection is made up. In the preferred embodiment, the sleeves push each other out of the way as the connection is made up. The bands are preferably cylindrically shaped on their respective supporting connection half to make easy and reliable contact when the connection halves are advanced together without need for rotation to get the desired contact. Seals surround the connected contacts after makeup to keep out well fluids.

Abstract: A method for assembling a stackable perforating gun system inside a well bore is provided that includes attaching a first gun section of the stackable perforating gun system to a tracking assembly, and transporting the first gun section within the well bore using the tracking assembly. The method also includes disengaging the first gun section from the tracking assembly; retrieving the tracking assembly to the surface; attaching a second gun section of the stackable perforating gun system to the tracking assembly; transporting the second gun section within the well bore using the tracking assembly; and coupling the second gun section with the first gun section using the tracking assembly.

Abstract: The gap sub assembly comprises a pair of electrically conductive subs. Each sub has a threaded pin and box. A pin and box are threaded together to form a connection. An electrically insulating, woven fabric overlies and conforms with the threads of the connection pin. An electrically insulating, annular washer separates the seal faces of the connection. The assembly functions to provide an electrical discontinuity when incorporated into a conductive drill string.

Abstract: A compact, robust, wear resistant, and high performance electrically insulating gap sub for use with borehole EM Telemetry is disclosed. In one embodiment, the gap sub may include an externally threaded mandrel separated from an internally threaded housing by a dielectric material. Additionally, some embodiments may include an external gap ring for separating the upper and lower electrical halves of the sub which offers structural support, acts as the primary external seal, and provides an abrasion resistant non-conductive length on the exterior. Some embodiments may include torsion pins to prevent the possible unscrewing of the dielectric filled threaded sections should the dielectric material become damaged or weakened.

Abstract: A bottom hole assembly for use with fracturing or fracing a wellbore using coiled tubing is described having a first packing element and a second packing element on a mandrel. The bottom hole assembly may be run into the wellbore such that the packing elements straddle the zone to be fraced. Also described is a timing mechanism to prevent the closing of dump ports before the bottom hole assembly may be flushed of the sand. A release tool is described that allows an operator to apply combination of force for a given amount of time to the coiled tubing to dislodge a bottom hole assembly without completely releasing the bottom hole assembly. Also disclosed is a collar locator capable of being utilized in a fracing process. Methods of using the above-described components are also disclosed.