Abstract: A method of producing petroleum from at least one open hole in at least one petroleum production zone of a hydrocarbon well comprising the steps of locating a plurality of sliding valves along at least one production tubing; inserting the plurality of sliding valves and the production tubing into the at least one open hole; cementing the plurality of sliding valves in the at least one open hole; opening at least one of the cemented sliding valves; removing at least some of the cement adjacent the opened sliding valves without using jetting tools or cutting tools to establish at least one communication path between the interior of the production tubing and the at least one petroleum production zone; directing a fracing material radially through the at least one sliding valve radially toward the at least one production zone; producing hydrocarbons from the at least one petroleum production zone through the plurality of the sliding valves the cement adjacent to which has been removed.

Abstract: A spacer fluid made of a viscosity thinner, a weighting agent, an antifoaming agent, and a non-ionic surfactant in a base aqueous fluid. In some instances, the viscosity thinner is a sulfomethylated tannin, the weighting agent is barium sulfate, the antifoaming agent is a silicone, and the non-ionic surfactant is an ethoxylated alcohol. A method of treating a well bore annulus in preparation of introducing water-based cement slurry into a well bore using the spacer fluid. A method of using the spacer fluid to position a first fluid into a well bore annulus of a well bore containing a second fluid. A method for fluidly isolating at least a portion of a well bore annulus in a well bore containing an oil-based drilling fluid using water-based cement slurry and the spacer fluid.

Abstract: A junction can be isolated from fracturing pressure using a liner extending from a one bore through a junction into a lateral bore, where at least a portion of the liner is retrievable from the lateral bore prior to completion of wellbore construction. The junction may be temporarily isolated from high pressure, such as high pressure from a fracturing stimulation process. Part of the liner can be retrieved using a disconnect mechanism or technique.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the treatment of subterranean formations, and more specifically, treatment fluids containing pumicite and methods of using these treatment fluids in subterranean formations, are provided. An example of a method is a method of displacing a fluid in a well bore. Another example of a method is a method of separating fluids in a well bore in a subterranean formation. An example of a composition is a settable spacer fluid comprising pumicite, an activating agent, and a base fluid.

Abstract: Disclosed are lost circulation treatment fluids and methods of sealing lost circulation zones. Embodiments include a method of sealing a lost circulation zone. The method comprises circulating a lost circulation treatment fluid in a wellbore, wherein the lost circulation treatment fluid comprises: pumice, hydrated lime, a set retarder, and water; and allowing the lost circulation treatment fluid to set in the lost circulation zone to seal the lost circulation zone.

Abstract: Fiber laden fluids may be used to separate two wellbore-service fluids as they travel through a tubular body, preventing their commingling. Such fluids obviate the need for mechanical devices such as wiper plugs, or special adjustment of the wellbore-service fluids' rheological properties. The wellbore-service fluids may be drilling fluids, spacer fluids, chemical washes, cement slurries, acidizing fluids, fracturing fluids, formation-consolidation fluids or gravel-pack fluids.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for dropping a ball, plug or dart during oil and gas well operations (e.g., cementing operations) employs a specially configured valving member with curved and flat portions that alternatively direct fluid flow through a bore or opening in the valving member via an inner channel or around the periphery of the valving member in an outer channel. In one embodiment, the ball(s), dart(s) or plug(s) are contained in a sliding sleeve that shifts position responsive to valve rotation. An optional indicator indicates to a user or operator that a ball or plug has passed a selected one of the valving members.

Abstract: A subterranean drilling system may include a drill string and a rotary drill bit coupled to the drill string. The rotary drill bit may include a bit body and a cutting element coupled to the bit body, with the cutting element being structured to rotate in response to torque applied to the cutting element. The system also may include a cam assembly coupled to the drill string, a cam follower assembly in contact with a cam surface of the cam assembly, and a torque-applying structure coupled to the cam follower assembly. The torque-applying structure may be configured to apply torque to the cutting element in response to relative rotation between the cam assembly and the cam follower assembly.

Abstract: Compositions for well cementing comprise a pumpable slurry of cement, water and at least one additive that swells in contact with an underground fluid (hydrocarbon, water or brines or mixtures thereof). In case of failure of the cement matrix after setting, the additive swells when contacted by the underground fluid and restores zonal isolation. The swelling additive is an elastomer compounded with an aqueous inverse emulsion of particles of a polymer comprising a betaine group.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are cement compositions and methods of using set-delayed cement compositions in subterranean formations. In one embodiment, a method of cementing in a subterranean formation is described. The method may comprise providing a set-delayed cement composition comprising water, pumice, hydrated lime, and a set retarder; activating the set-delayed cement composition with a liquid additive to produce an activated cement composition, wherein the liquid additive comprises a monovalent salt, a polyphosphate, a dispersant, and water; and allowing the activated cement composition to set.

Abstract: A shifting sleeve has differential piston areas so that applied pressure displaces the sleeve against spring bias, which preferably is a series of Belleville washer stacks associated with modular mandrel components, to obtain the desired opposing force to the movement initiated with pressure applied to differential piston areas. An indexing feature is located between the sleeve and the mandrel passage wall and on a predetermined number of cycles disables the Belleville washer stacks from biasing the sleeve in an opposed direction as when pressure is applied. At this time the pressure in the mandrel acting on the differential piston area simply shifts the sleeve to open a lateral port so that fracturing through the cement that was earlier placed with the port closed can take place.

Abstract: A single trip method allows for perforation, cleaning the annular space around the perforations in an existing tubular and then delivering a sealing material through a combination tool that is used for cleaning and then sealing. For sealing the tool is positioned by the lowermost perforations with a bypass around spaced seals that straddle the outlet port for the sealant. There is an open bypass through the tool and around the spaced seals as the sealant is delivered so that the sealant goes above and below the spaced seals. The open bypass allows the tool to be repositioned as the sealant is delivered. The tool is removed with the string. A separate through passage is selectively opened for removing excess sealant in conjunction with the bypass passages. The sealant can be squeezed with a seal on the string to effectively close the bypass letting pressure through the through passage squeeze.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are cement compositions and methods of using set-delayed cement compositions in subterranean formations. An embodiment includes a method of cementing in a subterranean formation comprising: providing a cement composition comprising water, pumice, hydrated lime, a set retarder, and a strength enhancer, wherein the strength enhancer comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting of cement kiln dust, slag, amorphous silica, a pozzolan, and any combination thereof; introducing the cement composition into the subterranean formation; and allowing the cement composition to set in the subterranean formation.

Abstract: A variety of methods and compositions are disclosed, including, in one embodiment a method a cementing in a subterranean formation comprising: providing a set-delayed cement composition comprising water, pumice, hydrated lime, and a set retarder; foaming the set-delayed cement composition; activating the set-delayed cement composition; introducing the set-delayed cement composition into a subterranean formation; and allowing the set-delayed cement composition to set in the subterranean formation. Additional methods, foamed set-delayed cement composition, and systems for cementing are also provided.

Abstract: Improved cementing plugs and methods of using these cementing plugs in subterranean wells are disclosed. A cementing plug comprises a hollow mandrel and one or more wiper elements coupled to the mandrel. A nose is coupled to the hollow mandrel and is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. A portion of the nose is positioned within the mandrel when in the retracted position. This portion of the nose is positioned outside the mandrel when in the extended position.

Abstract: A wiper plug launching tool and a method of wiping a tubular after cementing, the wiper plug launching tool including a wiper plug; a retainer in operable communication with the wiper plug; and an interlock system operatively arranged for releasing the retainer only upon release of the interlock system.

Abstract: A variety of methods and compositions are disclosed, including, in one embodiment a method of cementing comprising: providing a pozzolan slurry comprising a pozzolan and water; providing a lime slurry comprising hydrated lime and water; allowing the pozzolan slurry and the lime slurry to remain separate for about one day or longer; mixing the pozzolan slurry and the lime slurry to form a cement composition; and allowing the cement composition to set.

Abstract: Set-delayed cement compositions and methods of using set-delayed cement compositions in subterranean formations. Embodiments include a method of drilling a wellbore in a subterranean formation comprising: circulating a drilling fluid comprising a set-delayed cement composition in the wellbore while drilling the wellbore, wherein the set-delayed cement composition comprises: pumice, hydrated lime, a set retarder, and water. A method of displacing a fluid in a wellbore comprising: introducing a spacer fluid comprising a set-delayed cement composition into a wellbore such that the spacer fluid displaces one or more prior fluids from the wellbore, and wherein the set-delayed cement composition comprises: pumice, hydrated lime, a set retarder, and water.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are cement compositions and methods of using set-delayed cement compositions in subterranean formations. A method of cementing in a subterranean formation, may comprise providing a set-delayed cement composition comprising water, pumice, hydrated lime, and a set retarder, activating the set-delayed cement composition with a cement set activator, wherein the cement set activator comprises at least one activator selected from the group consisting of nanosilica, a polyphosphate, and combinations thereof, introducing the set-delayed cement composition into a subterranean formation, and allowing the set-delayed cement composition to set in the subterranean formation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are cement compositions and methods of using set-delayed cement compositions in subterranean formations. In one embodiment a method of plugging a wellbore is described. The method comprises providing a set-delayed cement composition comprising pumice, hydrated lime, a cement set retarder, and water; activating the set-delayed cement composition to produce an activated set-delayed cement composition; introducing the activated set-delayed cement composition into the wellbore; and allowing the activated set-delayed cement composition to form a plug in the wellbore that has a permeability of less than 0.1 millidarcy.

Abstract: A dual wiper plug system having a first wiper including a first body having a first bore therethrough, and at least one wiper fin disposed around the body, a second wiper disposed axially above the first wiper, the second wiper including a second body having a second bore therethrough and a first shoulder formed on the inner surface of the second body, and at least one wiper fin disposed around the body, and a first collet ring coupled to the first wiper and including at least one collet finger extending axially upward, and a collet head disposed on an upper end of the collet finger and configured to engage the first shoulder of the second body.

Abstract: A runnable member catcher includes a body fixedly attachable within a tubular, the body defines inner radial dimensions that are smaller than portions of the body that are fixedly attached the body to the tubular, the body is configured to be structurally weakened upon exposure to an activation fluid to facilitate removal of the body.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a segmented seat for use in wellbore servicing systems, comprising an annular-shaped seat with an upward facing surface for receiving an obturator, the seat defining a central passageway. The seat comprises one or more slots or passageways and, wherein at least one slot or passageway extends continuously between seat segments. The at least one slot or passageway contains a nonmetallic material suitable for retaining the segments together yet frangible or flexible enough to allow the segments to separate when forced to do so. The segments have gripping surfaces which prevent or inhibit rotation of the seat during removal.

Abstract: The switching device comprises an electronic switch (111) embedded within a downhole tool (100) and an activator (20) for remote switching of the electronic switch (111). The activator (20) may be a handheld unit that is used at the surface of the wellbore by an operator or may be a wireline run unit. The activator (20) permits wireless and contactless activation of the electronic switch (111) without the need for mechanical switches which could provide a point of failure for the downhole tool (100). The electronic switch (111) comprises an electronics module and a power source such as one or more batteries (126) wherein in the active configuration, the switch (111) can allow electrical connection between the electronics module and the power source (126) and in the inactive configuration, the switch (111) prevents electrical connection between the electronics module and the power source (126).

Abstract: Asparaginase, such as asparaginase derived from Aspergillus oryzae, may be used to break down or defragment polyacrylamides in oil field applications. The asparaginase is useful in reducing the viscosity of a fracturing fluid containing polyacrylamide and a crosslinking agent. The asparaginase is also useful in breaking down or defragmenting a polyacrylamide friction reducing agent, such as in a slickwater fracturing operation. Asparaginase may also be used to break down or defragment filter cakes containing polyacrylamide.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for liner wiper plugs with bypass options to allow displacing fluid to be pumped through after the liner wiper plug is set in a liner hanger system landing collar. By pumping displacing fluids through the bypass, uncured cement may be removed from the shoe track area and an area external to the shoe track area.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for dropping a ball, plug or dart during oil and gas well operations (e.g., cementing operations) employs a specially configured tool body assembly having valving members (e.g., safety or kelly values) and valving members holding plugs, balls, or darts to be dropped. In one embodiment, the ball(s), dart(s) or plug(s) are contained in a sliding sleeve that shifts position responsive to valve rotation. An optional indicator indicates to a user or operator that a ball or plug has passed a selected one of the valving members. A transmitter (or transceiver) provides an ability to generate a wireless signal that is received by receivers (or transceivers) on the tool body assembly. Each receiver (or transceiver) controls an electrical actuator that engages a valving member or the indicator. Wireless signals can be used to open or close a valve or to reset a “tripped” indicator.

Abstract: A subsurface release plug release apparatus comprising a mandrel comprising a bottom plug portion, a top plug portion, a work string attachment portion, a first release portion between the bottom plug portion and the top plug portion, wherein the first release portion comprises a controlled strength segment configured to fail structurally and thereby release the bottom plug portion at a first fluid pressure, and a second release portion between the top plug portion and the work string attachment portion, wherein the second release portion is configured to release the bottom plug portion at a second fluid pressure, wherein the first fluid pressure is less than the second fluid pressure, a bottom plug body disposed about the bottom plug portion of the mandrel, and a top plug body disposed about the top plug portion of the mandrel.

Abstract: A technique that is usable with a well includes communicating a stabilized treatment slurry downhole into the well and dehydrating a portion of the slurry to form a barrier in the well.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for dropping a ball, plug or dart during oil and gas well operations (e.g., cementing operations) employs a specially configured valving member with curved and flat portions that alternatively direct fluid flow through a bore or opening in the valving member via an inner channel or around the periphery of the valving member in an outer channel. In one embodiment, the ball(s), dart(s) or plug(s) are contained in a sliding sleeve that shifts position responsive to valve rotation. An optional indicator indicates to a user or operator that a ball or plug has passed a selected one of the valving members.

Abstract: An apparatus for installing cement plugs into a well, comprising a protective sleeve having one end adapted to be attached to the end of a drill pipe and arranged to carry a cementing plug around its outer surface such that a dart passing through the drill pipe can pass through the sleeve and engage only on formations on the plug to withdraw it from the end of the sleeve.

Abstract: A method includes treating a first formation intersecting a wellbore, preparing a diversion fluid including an inactivated viscosifier and an inactivated thinning agent, and positioning an amount of the diversion fluid to isolate the first formation. An activator is then delivered to the diversion fluid, thereby activating the inactivated viscosifier and triggering a thinning agent activation process.

Abstract: A multiple activation-device launching system for a cementing head comprises a launcher body and at least one launching chamber that are sized to receive one or more activation devices therein. The activation devices are launched into the principal process-fluid stream inside the cementing head, and may be darts, balls, bombs, canisters and combinations thereof. The launching chambers are in fluid communication with an external power source for launching the activation device into the principal process-fluid stream.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for dropping a ball, plug or dart during oil and gas well operations (e.g., cementing operations) employs a specially configured valving member with curved and flat portions that alternatively direct fluid flow through a bore or opening in the valving member via an inner channel or around the periphery of the valving member in an outer channel. In one embodiment, the ball(s), dart(s) or plug(s) are contained in a sliding sleeve that shifts position responsive to valve rotation. An optional indicator indicates to a user or operator that a ball or plug has passed a selected one of the valving members.

Abstract: A double swivel for use with a top drive power unit supported for connection with a well string in a well bore to selectively impart longitudinal and/or rotational movement to the well string, a feeder for supplying a pumpable substance such as cement and the like from an external supply source to the interior of the well string in the well bore without first discharging it through the top drive power unit including a mandrel extending through double sleeves which are sealably and rotatably supported thereon for relative rotation between the sleeves and mandrel. The mandrel and sleeves have flow passages for communicating the pumpable substance from an external source to discharge through the sleeve and mandrel and into the interior of the well string below the top drive power unit. The unit can include a packing injection system, clamp, and novel packing configuration. In an alternative embodiment the unit can include a plug or ball insertion tool.

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 cement head used for performing cementing jobs in downhole operations is provided. The cement head includes wireless signaling means, an integrated energy supply, activating means for pneumatic operated valves in cement head, and controller means for controlling said energy supply for activation of at least one valve based on received signals through the wireless signaling means.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for dropping a ball, plug or dart during oil and gas well operations (e.g., cementing operations) employs a specially configured tool body assembly having valving members (e.g., safety or kelly valves) and valving members holding plugs, balls, or darts to be dropped. A transmitter (or transceiver) provides an ability to generate a wireless signal that is received by receivers (or transceivers) on the tool body assembly. Each receiver (or transceiver) controls an electrical actuator that engages a valving member. Wireless signals can be used to open or close a selected valving member.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for dropping a ball, plug or dart during oil and gas well operations (e.g., cementing operations) employs a specially configured valving member with curved and flat portions that alternatively direct fluid flow through a bore or opening in the valving member via an inner channel or around the periphery of the valving member in an outer channel. In one embodiment, the ball(s), dart(s) or plug(s) are contained in a sliding sleeve that shifts position responsive to valve rotation. An optional indicator indicates to a user or operator that a ball or plug has passed a selected one of the valving members.

Abstract: An apparatus for remotely launching cementing plugs is configured such that the length of a dart is not necessarily the same as the corresponding plug to be launched. A hydraulic-liquid reservoir and a piston are incorporated into a plug-launching system. The size of the reservoir may be adjusted such that the axial displacement of the piston after the dart lands is sufficient to cause the expulsion of a plug from the apparatus.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for dropping a ball, plug or dart during oil and gas well operations (e.g., cementing operations) employs a specially configured valving member with curved and flat portions that alternatively direct fluid flow through a bore or opening in the valving member via an inner channel or around the periphery of the valving member in an outer channel. In one embodiment, the ball(s), dart(s) or plug(s) are contained in a sliding sleeve that shifts position responsive to valve rotation.

Abstract: Disclosed are spacer fluids and methods of use in subterranean formations. Embodiments may include use of consolidating spacer fluids in displacement of drilling fluids from a well bore annulus. Embodiments may include determining the boundary between a cement composition and a consolidating spacer fluid based on presence of tagging material in the well bore.

Abstract: A multiple activation-device launching system for a cementing head comprises a launcher body and at least one launching chamber that are sized to receive one or more activation devices therein. The activation devices are launched into the principal process-fluid stream inside the cementing head, and may be darts, balls, bombs, canisters and combinations thereof. The launching chambers are in fluid communication with an external power source for launching the activation device into the principal process-fluid stream.

Abstract: Disclosed are foamed spacer fluids comprising kiln dust for use in subterranean formations. An embodiment discloses a foamed spacer fluid comprising a partially calcined kiln feed removed from a gas stream comprising SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, CaO, MgO, SO3, Na2O, and K2O; a foaming agent; a gas; and water.

Abstract: Disclosed are spacer fluids and methods of use in subterranean formations. Embodiments may include use of consolidating spacer fluids in displacement of drilling fluids from a well bore annulus.

Abstract: Disclosed are spacer fluids comprising cement kiln dust (“CKD”) and methods of use in subterranean formations.

Abstract: Disclosed are spacer fluids and methods of use in subterranean formations. Embodiments may include use of consolidating spacer fluids in displacement of drilling fluids from a well bore annulus.

Abstract: Disclosed are spacer fluids comprising cement kiln dust (“CKD”) and methods of use in subterranean formations. An embodiment discloses a method comprising: providing a foamed spacer fluid comprising CKD, a foaming agent, a gas, and water; and introducing the foamed spacer fluid into a well bore to displace at least a portion of a first fluid present in the well bore. Another embodiment discloses a method comprising: providing a foamed spacer fluid comprising a partially calcined kiln feed removed from a gas stream, a foaming agent, a gas, and water, wherein the partially calcined kiln feed comprises SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, CaO, MgO, SO3, Na2O, and K2O; and introducing the foamed spacer fluid into a well bore to displace at least a portion of a first fluid present in the well bore.

Abstract: Cement spacer fluids may be densified for use in conjunction with drilling fluids and cement slurries for cementing operations involving oil and gas wells, wherein such densifying is done via the addition of nanoparticles to the spacer fluid. The disclosure is directed to analogous methods of densifying completion spacer fluids using added nanoparticles and to systems for implementing the use of such nanoparticle-containing compositions in well cementing operations.

Abstract: A cementing swivel includes an outer stationary member having a cement port, an inner rotating member with a bore therethrough, and a torque indicating member coupled to the outer stationary member and configured to provide a visual indication that a predetermined torque load has been reached.