Abstract: A separable tool including a mill section, a mill face disposed on the mill section and having a bore therethrough that is offset from a longitudinal axis of the mill section, a tool adapter section, and a release configuration releasably securing the mill section to the tool adapter section with the mill face disposed between the mill section and the tool adapter section. A method for operating a wellbore system including in a single run, setting a plug in the wellbore system, releasing the plug, pumping cement, dressing the cement, and testing the cement.

Abstract: Eyewear having a light array and vibration sensors for indicating to a user when to turn left and right, such as when the eyewear is operating a navigation map application, that improves the user experience of eyewear devices for user's having partial blindness or complete blindness. To compensate for partial blindness, the front portion of the eyewear frame, such as the bridge, may include the light array, where the left portion of the light array is illuminated to indicate to the user to turn left. The right portion of the light array is illuminated to indicate to the user to turn right. To compensate for complete user's having complete blindness, the eyewear has a vibration device on each side of the eyewear, such as in the temples, which selectively vibrate to indicate when the user should turn left and right.

Abstract: A system includes a flexi-string having a first lateral end, a second lateral end, and an outer diameter. The outer diameter defines an outer circumferential surface, and the outer diameter is smaller than an inner diameter of a casing shoe. The system further includes an anchor disposed on the outer circumferential surface of the first lateral end, where the anchor interacts with the casing shoe, or a last joint of casing, to hold the first lateral end of the flexi-string within the casing shoe. The system also has centralizers located between the first lateral end and the second lateral end of the flexi-string. The centralizers are configured to center the flexi-string within the casing shoe and the washout section. Finally, the system includes a roller guide for lowering the flexi-string inside the casing shoe and to a depth below the washout section of the well.

Abstract: A wellbore isolation assembly has an outer housing having an inner bore having a treatment port formed therein, and a floating inner mandrel disposed within the inner bore. The floating inner mandrel can have an inner bore formed therethrough with a fluid port formed therein. One or more fluid chambers, disposed in an annulus formed between the outer housing and the floating inner mandrel, having a working fluid operably disposed therein and one or more inflatable elements operable to receive the working fluid therein. A plunger disposed in the annulus and coupled with the floating inner mandrel and operable to urge the working fluid from the one or more fluid chambers to the one or more inflatable elements. The floating inner mandrel operable to transition between a first position and a second position and the treatment port and the fluid port substantially aligned in the second position.

Abstract: Bottom hole assemblies for deploying sheets of material in a wellbore include: a body configured for attachment to a drill pipe; a spool ring attached to the body; a spring ring; and rolls of fabric.

Abstract: Methods for separating fluids with a barrier pill within a downhole environment are provided. The method includes introducing a barrier pill fluid into the wellbore containing a first fluid to form the barrier pill on top of the first fluid in the wellbore and introducing a second fluid into the wellbore. The barrier pill separates the first fluid and the second fluid. The barrier pill includes a viscoelastic surfactant and an aqueous fluid, such as a brine containing water and about 5 wt % to about 50 wt % of a salt.

Abstract: A method and sealant to seal microcracks as small as 30 ?m by causing methyl methacrylate combined with one or more nanoparticles to flow into the microcrack to be sealed.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a well-drilling apparatus and a method of use.

Abstract: A technique enables stimulation of a subterranean formation. A reactive fluid is delivered downhole into a wellbore. The reactive fluid is under sufficient pressure downhole to create a jet of the reactive fluid that is directed at a specific treatment section. The jet is maintained until a localized region of enhanced permeability is created. One or more jets can be created or moved to treat a plurality of low permeability zones.

Abstract: An apparatus for pulling irrigation poly provides a transportable poly reel rig with a reel spool pivotally mounted to the reel rig. A manual primary brake is in hydraulic braking communication with the reel spool to manually control free spooling. A secondary brake, hydraulically integrated in a planetary gear drive connected to the spool, is activated automatically when hydraulic pressure falls below a safe level. A top alignment reel positioned under the reel spool, and a bottom alignment reel positioned under the top alignment reel, facilitate alignment of the reel spool with a well bore. A wire roller operating in concert with the reel spool facilitates attachment to and take-up of wire attached to the poly. Two or more hydraulic stabilizers stabilize the rig, as does a boom assembly mounted to the reel rig. Methods of using the apparatus utilize a smaller crew of operators than with prior apparatus.

Abstract: Return flow diverters are provided for which are adapted to allow return flow during cementing of a liner for a well. The return flow diverter comprises a cylindrical body adapted for installation in a well as part of the liner. The cylindrical body has a fluid port therein adapted to allow fluids displaced by a cementing operation to flow from an annulus between the liner and the well into the cylindrical body. The return flow diverter also comprises a cover supported on the cylindrical body for movement from an open position, in which the port is open, to a closed position, in which the port is closed by the cover, a transmission disposed within the cylindrical body and defining a cylindrical passageway adapted to accommodate a tubular conduit.

Abstract: A method of abandoning a borehole includes, running a tool into the borehole, cutting a casing with a first portion of the tool, reaming the borehole in an area where the casing has been cut with a second portion of the tool, disconnecting a drillstring from the tool, and cementing the borehole through the drillstring.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of treating a subterranean formation including introducing a coiled tubing string into a wellbore to a wellbore zone, wherein the string comprises a packer on a bottom hole assembly; introducing an acid fracture treatment through the string; introducing bridging fluid comprising particulates through the string; circulating a portion of fluid in the wellbore; introducing a final portion of fluid with a higher concentration of particulates to further form and consolidate bridge-packer, wherein the concentration of particulates in the final portion of fluid is higher than the introducing the bridging fluid comprising the particulates; squeezing the bridging fluid to isolate a perforation into the zone; moving the string to next zone; and repeating introducing and moving.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making real-time measurements of downhole properties during cement plug placement. A wired placement conduit (14) is lowered downhole releasing a sensor package (20). The sensor package is capable of measuring downhole properties in real-time in the period while the cement plug sets.

Abstract: A method of segregating flowable materials in conjunction with a subterranean well can include segregating flowable cement from a fluid by placing a flowable barrier substance between the cement and the fluid, and the barrier substance substantially preventing displacement of the cement by force of gravity through the barrier substance and into the fluid. Another method of segregating flowable materials can include flowing a barrier substance into a wellbore above a fluid already in the wellbore, and then flowing cement into the wellbore above the barrier substance. A system for use in conjunction with a subterranean well can include a flowable cement isolated from a fluid by a flowable barrier substance positioned between the cement and the fluid, whereby the barrier substance substantially prevents displacement of the cement by force of gravity through the barrier substance and into the fluid.

Abstract: A well is drilled and casing installed utilizing a casing drilling technique. A bottom hole assembly having a drill bit and a fluid diverter is secured to a string of drill pipe and installed within a casing string. Drilling fluid is pumped down the drill pipe string to cause the drill bit to rotate and drill the well while the fluid diverter is in a drilling mode position. At the total depth for the casing string, the operator moves the fluid diverter to a cementing position and pumps cement down the drill pipe and up the casing string annulus. After cementing, the operator moves the fluid diverter to a packer set position and again pumps drilling fluid down the drill string to set the packer.

Abstract: A cementing assembly is mounted to a lower end of a running string. The running string has an obstruction in it such as a cable preventing a wiper dart from passing through. A production string liner wiper plug is secured to the running tool with a shear pin or other device. A dart is temporarily suspended above the liner wiper plug in a manner that cement can be pumped around the dart and through an open bore in the wiper plug. Picking up to let dogs extend followed by setting down releases the dart. Picking up again exposes a lateral port to circulate out contaminated cement. Setting down closes the port and pressure launches the plug to push the cement into the annulus surrounding the string being run in. A passage without restrictions results at the top of the cemented string after the running tool is pulled out of the hole.

Abstract: A downhole tool provided within a casing string for use in cement staging operations. The tool includes an inflatable packer that is integral to the body of the tool and ports in sides of the tool. The ports are selectively opened and closed for circulating cement from within the tool so that cement can flow between the casing string and a wellbore. The ports are actuated by sliding the casing string upward or downward within the wellbore. The packer can be pressure tested after being set to ensure its efficacy.

Abstract: The invention discloses an apparatus (40) comprising: a setting section (1) surrounded by a first sleeve (2), said first sleeve being expandable and impermeable to a material; an inflating means (1a, 3a) for inflating said first sleeve, said inflating means ensuring that the first sleeve can be in contact with a first zone (60a) of a tube (10) which is permeable to said material, so that said first zone of said tube becomes impermeable to said material; and further comprising a second sleeve portion (4) partially permeable to said material on a second zone (60A?) and attached to said first sleeve so that: a path (2a) is provided between said first sleeve and said second sleeve portion and so that, when the first sleeve is inflated the second zone can be in contact with said tube allowing the material to flow in the path and through the second zone. Also, the invention discloses the associated method for treatment of a near zone and/or a far zone of a well with the disclosed apparatus.

Abstract: A method of sealing a well comprising introducing a plug axially into the well, with a mouth of the plug turned up and a bottom wall part turned down, the plug being positioned in the well at a desired depth, after which the plug is inflated by injecting a high-pressure liquid into it via its mouth so that a tubular wall part of the plug expands radially beyond its elastic limit and presses firmly and tightly against the wall of the well by a crimping effect, while its bottom wall part serves as a sealing partition, forming a tight barrier between lower and upper parts of the well that it separates, the plug having an internal axial mandrel that connects its mouth to its bottom wall, the mandrel being pierced with channels that allow injection of high-pressure liquid inside the plug via the mouth and channels.

Abstract: A method for stimulating a multi-zone wellbore completed with a string of production casing, including pumping a first volume of acidic fluid into the wellbore under pressure, and then injecting the first volume of acidic fluid into a first zone of interest along the production casing dropping at least one plug into the wellbore, the plug being fabricated from a material that substantially dissolves in the presence of the acidic fluid at or over a selected period of time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for cementing a liner in place in an open borehole using a tubular member having at least one obstruction in the tubular member to pass the cement into the liner and through the liner into an annular space surrounding the liner to position the liner in the open borehole.

Abstract: A system for introducing a geothermal system having a geothermal line and a releasable grout line into a bore in the earth is described. The grout line is withdrawn at a point where it is desired to introduce grout into the bore in the earth.

Abstract: A pile adapted to be driven into the ground and having retaining formations to retain one or more geothermal conduit loops. Each conduit loop is formed by opposed longitudinal conduit sections interconnected at a lower end by an interconnecting section. The conduit loops are adapted for flow of a heat exchange fluid therein. The retaining formations retain the one or more conduit loops in close proximity to the pile through the attachment means as the pile is driven into the ground.

Abstract: A method of controlling pressure in a wellbore can include placing a barrier substance in the wellbore while a fluid is present in the wellbore, and flowing another fluid into the wellbore while the first fluid and the barrier substance are in the wellbore. The first and second fluids may have different densities. Another method can include circulating a fluid through a tubular string and an annulus formed between the tubular string and the wellbore, then partially withdrawing the tubular string from the wellbore, then placing a barrier substance in the wellbore, then partially withdrawing the tubular string from the wellbore and then flowing another fluid into the wellbore. A well system can include at least two fluids in a wellbore, the fluids having different densities, and a barrier substance separating the fluids.

Abstract: A packer setting tool sets a liner top packer by mechanical rotation of the running tool and set down weight following cementing of a liner. The packer setting tool includes a tubular release body mounted on an end of the running tool. An annular dog sub circumscribes a portion of the release body. The dog sub is linked to the release body with a shear screw. A thread on an outer surface of the release body engages a thread on an inner surface of the dog sub to define a threaded connection between the dog sub and the release body. When the running tool rotates, the thread on the release body rotates with respect to the thread on the dog sub driving the release body in an axial direction fracturing the shear screw and urges an adapter sleeve against the packer assembly to set the packer assembly.

Abstract: An open hole is drilled with coiled tubing that has an electric line. At the conclusion of drilling the drilling bottom hole assembly is removed and a liner running tool is connected between the coiled tubing and the liner. The electric line remains in the coiled tubing but spacers can be added to keep the lower end of the electric line away from the running tool. A wiper plug has a passage therethrough and a movable stinger that can hold open a pair of flapper valves. The liner is released from the running tool and cement is delivered through the stinger with a bit of excess that is above the running tool. The lifting of the stinger with the coiled tubing closes the flappers and allows circulation out of excess cement. Setting down on the coiled tubing allows a seal to re-engage in the deployment sleeve, allowing pressure to be placed against the wiper plug, such that it can be launched to displace the remaining cement within the liner into the annulus around the liner.

Abstract: A method of controlling pressure in a wellbore can include placing a barrier substance in the wellbore while a fluid is present in the wellbore, and flowing another fluid into the wellbore while the first fluid and the barrier substance are in the wellbore. The first and second fluids may have different densities. Another method can include circulating a fluid through a tubular string and an annulus formed between the tubular string and the wellbore, then partially withdrawing the tubular string from the wellbore, then placing a barrier substance in the wellbore, then partially withdrawing the tubular string from the wellbore and then flowing another fluid into the wellbore. A well system can include at least two fluids in a wellbore, the fluids having different densities, and a barrier substance separating the fluids.

Abstract: A method of segregating flowable materials in conjunction with a subterranean well can include segregating flowable cement from a fluid by placing a flowable barrier substance between the cement and the fluid, and the barrier substance substantially preventing displacement of the cement by force of gravity through the barrier substance and into the fluid. Another method of segregating flowable materials can include flowing a barrier substance into a wellbore above a fluid already in the wellbore, and then flowing cement into the wellbore above the barrier substance. A system for use in conjunction with a subterranean well can include a flowable cement isolated from a fluid by a flowable barrier substance positioned between the cement and the fluid, whereby the barrier substance substantially prevents displacement of the cement by force of gravity through the barrier substance and into the fluid.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for treating a near zone and/or a far zone of a well is disclosed. The method comprises the following steps. (1) A tube that is permeable to a material is placed inside a wellbore, forming an annulus inside the wellbore. (2) A setting section surrounded by a sleeve is placed inside the tube. The sleeve is expandable and impermeable to the material. (3) The sleeve is inflated so that the sleeve is in contact with the tube, ensuring that the first zone of the tube is impermeable to the material, but leaving a second zone permeable to the material. (4) A treatment fluid is pumped to the zones that passes through the second zone still permeable to the material. (5) The near zone in the annulus and/or the far zone in the surrounding formation is treated with the treatment fluid.

Abstract: A method and a computer program for economic evaluation of completion methods for drilling a well. An extensive user interface is provided for inputting of reservoir data and parameters relating to a first completion method. A rigorous first skin factor is generated based on the reservoir data and first drilling parameters. An interface is preferably provided for entering cost data related to the first completion technique and a first total cost can be generated. Production data is optionally generated from the first skin factor. The production and cost data can then be combined to generate an economic analysis of the first completion technique. The process can be repeated for alternate completion techniques. Preferably, ranges can be entered for certain reservoir and/or cost variables. Multiple iterations can be performed on the ranges resulting in total cost and production ranges which can be combined to yield ranges of economic data for statistical analysis.

Abstract: An open hole is drilled with coiled tubing that has an electric line. At the conclusion of drilling the drilling bottom hole assembly is removed and a liner running tool is connected between the coiled tubing and the liner. The electric line remains in the coiled tubing but spacers can be added to keep the lower end of the electric line away from the running tool. A wiper plug has a passage therethrough and a movable stinger that can hold open a pair of flapper valves. The liner is released from the running tool and cement is delivered through the stinger with a bit of excess that is above the running tool. The lifting of the stinger with the coiled tubing closes the flappers and allows circulation out of excess cement. Setting down on the coiled tubing allows a seal to re-engage in the deployment sleeve, allowing pressure to be placed against the wiper plug, such that it can be launched to displace the remaining cement within the liner into the annulus around the liner.

Abstract: An assembly for delivery of treatment fluid at a target location downhole. The assembly is configured to avoid any substantial loss of treatment fluid in advance of reaching the target location in spite of low well pressure or a potentially excessive depth of the location. The assembly also allows for loading with treatment fluid from a downhole end thereof so as to avoid driving treatment fluid through the entirety of a tubular accommodating the assembly. The assembly may employ a spot valve to enhance filling with treatment fluid along with a backpressure valve coupled to the spot valve on-site so as to avoid premature loss of treatment fluid during a delivery application.

Abstract: A completion method delivers cement to an open hole below a cemented casing. A gun or guns are run below a liner and a hanger and advanced into the cement before it sets up. With the gun and the liner surrounded in cement up to close to the hanger that supports the liner to the already cemented casing, the cement is allowed to set around the gun with no tubular surrounding the gun. The gun carries extra shot to enhance the perforation and can be fluid filled with clean fluid. Prior well cleaning such as with brine circulation is now limited to the region of the hanger and above. Production flow is through the perforations into the gun body allowing any residue of the explosive charge used to perforate to flow to surface.

Abstract: The invention discloses a method of treating a zone of a well comprising a wellbore, a tube which is permeable to settable material, said tube forming an annulus with the wellbore; and wherein said zone is located in the annulus, the method comprises the steps of: (i) placing inside said tube a first plug; (ii) creating on said tube a first opening and a second opening, so that: the zone be located between said first and second openings and the first opening be located between said zone and said first plug; (iii) placing inside said tube a second plug, so that said second plug is located between said second opening and said zone; (iv) injecting a settable material inside said tube between said second and first plugs, so that settable material fills the annulus and the zone by passing through the first opening; and (v) eliminating said second plug.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus to be lowered in a borehole, comprising: (i) a delivery section for delivering a plugging fluid; (ii) a setting section comprising a longitudinal element and a flexible and permeable sleeve into which the plugging fluid is delivered; and (iii) a disconnect mechanism to allow the delivery section to be disconnected from the setting section, characterized in that the flexible sleeve is connected by at least one floating means to the longitudinal element.

Abstract: A liner is inserted in the casing and is preferably expanded into sealing contact with the mounting location on the casing. After expansion a cement retainer positioned at the bottom of the expanded liner and the sliding sleeve located either above the mounting location of the liner in the casing shoe or in the liner below the mounted top section allow cement to be delivered outside the expanded liner and the displaced wellbore fluid to return into the casing through so that the liner can be cemented. The cement retainer can be delivered with either the liner or the expansion tools to allow expansion and cementing in a single trip. A shifting tool can be run on the expansion string to actuate the sliding sleeve and if necessary to allow for cement to be pumped from the drill string into the annulus through the sliding sleeve. The cement retainer can be milled out in a separate trip.

Abstract: Methods for stabilizing portions of a subterranean formation and controlling the production of water from those subterranean formations. In one embodiment, the methods of the present invention comprise: providing a consolidating agent; introducing the consolidating agent into an unconsolidated portion of a subterranean formation using a fluid diversion tool; allowing the consolidating agent to at least partially consolidate the unconsolidated portion of the subterranean formation; providing a relative permeability modifier; introducing the relative permeability modifier into the subterranean formation using a fluid diversion tool; and allowing the relative permeability modifier to modify the relative permeability of at least a portion of the subterranean formation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming plugs in a wellbore, according to which a first volume of slurry is introduced into a work string in a wellbore so that it flows through the work string and discharges before hardening to form a plug. A second volume of slurry is also introduced into the work string so that it flows through the work string and discharges before hardening to form an additional plug.

Abstract: A method of forming an energy transfer loop in the earth has the steps of connecting a tubing to a nose member, extending a liquid delivery pipe to the nose member, pumping a liquid through the liquid delivery pipe to the nose member, jetting the liquid from the nose member so as to form an excavation in the earth and pushing the nose member downwardly through the opening in the earth a desired distance below a surface of the earth. A jacket can be affixed around the liquid delivery pipe so as to allow the liquid delivery pipe to be removed from the nose member subsequent to the installation in the earth.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for filling a defined space, such as an annulus around a production tubular within a wellbore, includes a compliant porous material. The compliant porous material can be compressed and maintained in a compressed state by incorporation of a deployment modifier, which may be a water-soluble or oil-soluble adhesive or biopolymer, used as an impregnant, a coating, or a casing. The production tubular can be positioned at a desired location and the compliant porous material exposed to a deployment modifier neutralizing agent, which then dissolves or otherwise prevents the deployment modifier from continuing to inhibit deployment. Thus, deployment can be delayed to an optimum time by preventing exposure of the deployment modifier to the deployment modifier neutralizing agent. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of forming packs in a plurality of perforations in a casing of a wellbore, the method comprising the steps of: (a) forming a plug of a plugging particulate material in the wellbore of the casing, wherein the plug covers at least one perforation in the casing; (b) forming a pack of a first packing particulate material in at least one perforation located above the plug in the casing; (c) removing at least an upper portion of the plug to expose the at least one perforation in the casing that had been previously covered by at least the upper portion of the plug; and (d) forming a pack of a second packing particulate material in the at least one perforation exposed by removing at least the upper portion of the plug, wherein the second packing particulate material can be the same or different from the first packing particulate material.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) for facilitating coupling and cementing of downhole tubulars (12, 28) comprises a tubing section (12, 10) for use in lining a bore. The tubing section has upper and lower ends and defines a tubing wall having cement outlets (20) spaced from the lower end of the tubing. The lower end of the tubing is selectively closed, and swab cups (22) are provided externally of the lower end of the tubing below the cement outlets (20) for restricting passage of cement.

Abstract: An embodiment of a downhole tool for use with a workstring in a wellbore includes a first section, a second section, and a coupling mechanism adapted such that in a first configuration the coupling mechanism couples the first section to the second section. In a second configuration, the coupling mechanism does not couple the first section to the second section. Also disclosed is a method for creating a plug in a wellbore, the method comprising: injecting a slurry into the workstring to form a plug in the wellbore, positioning a flow preventing mechanism into the workstring to prevent fluid flow from exiting the workstring, inducing a coupling mechanism to uncouple a portion of the workstring such that the portion remains with the slurry to create the plug in the wellbore, and removing the first section from the wellbore.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for injecting particulate media into the ground for constructing underground permeable reactive barriers, which are used for environmental remediation of subsurface contaminated soil and water. A media injector sub-assembly attached to a triple wall drill string pipe sprays a mixture of active particulate media suspended in a carrier fluid radially outwards from the sub-assembly, at the same time that a mixing fluid is sprayed radially outwards. The media spray intersects the mixing spray at a relatively close distance from the point of injection, which entrains the particulate media into the mixing spray and ensures a uniform and deep dispersion of the active media in the surrounding soil. The media injector sub-assembly can optionally include channels for supplying compressed air to an attached down-the-hole hammer drive assembly for use during drilling.

Abstract: An intelligent well system and method has a sand face completion and a monitoring system to monitor application of a well operation. Various equipment and services may be used. In another aspect, the invention provides a monitoring system for determining placement of a well treatment. Yet another aspect of the invention is an instrumented sand screen. Another aspect is a connector for routing control lines. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: An embodiment of a downhole tool for use with a workstring in a wellbore includes a first section, a second section, and a coupling mechanism adapted such that in a first configuration the coupling mechanism couples the first section to the second section. In a second configuration, the coupling mechanism does not couple the first section to the second section. Also disclosed is a method for creating a plug in a wellbore, the method comprising: injecting a slurry into the workstring to form a plug in the wellbore, positioning a flow preventing mechanism into the workstring to prevent fluid flow from exiting the workstring, inducing a coupling mechanism to uncouple a portion of the workstring such that the portion remains with the slurry to create the plug in the wellbore, and removing the first section from the wellbore.

Abstract: An earth wellbore heat loop system has been developed which has, in certain aspects, a heat loop wellbore in the earth extending from an earth surface down into the earth to a bottom of the wellbore, a heat loop disposed in the heat loop wellbore and extending down to a position near the bottom thereof, the heat loop including a heat loop comprising pipe and a bottom member, the pipe extending down to the bottom member on one side thereof and up from the bottom member on another side thereof, the bottom member comprising a body, a first bore through the body extending from a first opening of the body to a second opening of the body, the first opening and the second opening each sized and configured for receipt therein of an end of a heat loop pipe, a second bore having at least a one opening on the body, the second bore sized and configured for securement thereat of an end of coil tubing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing well bores is disclosed. The apparatus comprises plates which initially have a width smaller than the diameter of the well bore to be sealed or plugged. The plates are fabricated from a mineral substance which has the property of swelling into an expanded state upon contact with and absorption of a liquid. The apparatus further comprises means for placing the plate within the well bore. Among the mineral substances which may be utilized for forming the plate are members of the group of clay minerals known as smectites, including sodium montmorillonite, calcium montmorillonite, sodium bentonite, and calcium bentonite. A method sealing a well bore with the apparatus is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a tool for treating at least one wall in a critical zone of a borehole, in particular a borehole for development of a hydrocarbon, water, gas or analogous field, the method consisting in reinforcing the wall of the critical zone by a coating obtained from a base fluid which is pumped from the surface to a tool (1) to be projected against the wall of the critical zone where it forms the coating once it has set, the method being characterized in that it consists in storing at least one additive or activator in liquid form in a reservoir (R) of the tool (1), and in projecting the additive simultaneously with the base fluid against the wall of the critical zone via at least one injector (I) in order to activate setting of the base fluid.