Abstract: The present invention relates to improved well fluids that include hollow particles, and to methods of using such improved well fluids in subterranean cementing operations. The present invention provides methods of cementing, methods of reducing annular pressure, and well fluid compositions. While the compositions and methods of the present invention are useful in a variety of subterranean applications, they may be particularly useful in deepwater offshore cementing operations.

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

Abstract: Zeolite compositions having enhanced compressive strength and methods therefor are provided. In particular, methods and compositions for wellbore treating fluids, especially settable spotting fluids having enhanced compressive strength are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cementing system and method for wellbores by cementing an annulus between a wellbore casing and a wellbore. In at least one embodiment, the invention includes a landing collar defining a restricted passage, a wellbore casing defining a passage coupled to the landing collar, a top cementing plug for sealingly engaging the wellbore casing, a bottom cementing plug for sealingly engaging the wellbore casing, and a fluid injection assembly coupled to the wellbore casing for injecting fluidic materials into the wellbore casing and controllably releasing the top cementing plug and the bottom cementing plug into the wellbore casing. The bottom cementing plug includes a plug body defining a plug passage, a frangible membrane for sealing the plug passage, and a one-way valve for controlling the flow of fluidic materials through the plug passage. The invention also includes the bottom cementing plug and methods for operation.

Abstract: A method of cementing a casing in a wellbore with a tool having a plurality of holes therethrough connected at a lower end of the casing. The total cross-sectional area of the holes is preferably greater than the cross-sectional area of the inside of the casing. A plurality of stoppers are pumped in a leading edge of a cement slurry down an annulus between the casing and the wellbore to the tool where the stoppers engage the holes to hold the cement slurry in the annulus until the cement slurry hardens.

Abstract: 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 a sleeve which is sealably and rotatably supported thereon for relative rotation between the sleeve and mandrel. The mandrel and sleeve 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.

Abstract: A storable cement system comprises a suspending agent, a cement spacer and water. The composition may further optional contain a surfactant and/or an organic solvent and/or a weighting material. The suspending agent is preferably a carrageenan or scleroglucan. The cement system may be stored for an extended period of time prior to being interposed between a cement slurry and a drilling fluid. As such, the aqueous cement system may be made off-site and used when desired for preventing contact between non-compatible hydrocarbonaceous and aqueous fluids.

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

Abstract: Methods of cementing in a subterranean formation include passing a swelling agent to a permeable zone in a subterranean formation. The swelling agent is combined with a carrier fluid before being passed to the permeable zone. Upon contacting an aqueous fluid, the swelling agent swells in the permeable zone. The aqueous fluid may already be present in the subterranean formation, or alternatively, it may be introduced to the subterranean formation after passing the swelling agent into the subterranean formation. The swelling agent substantially inhibits a cement slurry subsequently pumped into the subterranean formation from passing through the permeable zone. The cement slurry therefore continues flowing down through the casing and up through the annulus where it sets and forms a strong cement column.

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

Abstract: A cementing manifold is disclosed that preferably includes: modular housings that can be stacked together and interconnected to add multi-dart or multi-sphere capability; identical, interchangeable valves; internal bypass capability; a minimum number of protrusions into the pressure containing components; and no externally mounted welded or threaded components. A cementing swivel is also disclosed that preferably includes connections that are formed integrally to the housing, redundant cement connections, angled cement ports, and seal assemblies that do not require individual placement of each seal.

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

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

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to apparatus and methods for completing a well. Particularly, the present invention relates to a single-direction plug for use with cementing applications and with drilling with casing applications. One embodiment comprises a cement plug for installation in a wellbore casing. The plug includes a body and gripping members for preventing movement of the body in a first axial direction relative to the casing. The plug further comprises a sealing member for sealing a fluid path between the body and the casing. The plug is movable in a second axial direction with fluid pressure but is not movable in the first direction due to fluid pressure.

Abstract: A storable cement system comprises a suspending agent, a cement spacer and water. The composition may further optional contain a surfactant and/or an organic solvent and/or a weighting material. The suspending agent is preferably a carrageenan or scleroglucan. The cement system may be stored for an extended period of time prior to being interposed between a cement slurry and a drilling fluid. As such, the aqueous cement system may be made off-site and used when desired for preventing contact between non-compatible hydrocarbonaceous and aqueous fluids.

Abstract: A method of cementing a casing in a wellbore with a tool having a plurality of holes therethrough connected at a lower end of the casing. The total cross-sectional area of the holes is preferably greater than the cross-sectional area of the inside of the casing. A plurality of stoppers are pumped in a leading edge of a cement slurry down an annulus between the casing and the wellbore to the tool where the stoppers engage the holes to hold the cement slurry in the annulus until the cement slurry hardens.

Abstract: An apparatus and method includes releasably engaging a cementing tool in a casing assembly at a junction of plural wellbores. Cementing slurry is pumped through the cementing tool to fill an annular region around the casing assembly. The cementing tool is retrievable without first milling components at the junction. The cementing tool has an anchoring mechanism adapted to engage a landing profile of the casing assembly. Further, the cementing tool has an external seal adapted to seal inside the casing assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cementing system and method for wellbores by cementing an annulus between a wellbore casing and a wellbore. In at least one embodiment, the invention includes a landing collar defining a restrictef passage, a wellbore casing defining a passage coupled to the landing collar, a top cementing plug for sealingly engaging the wellbore casing, a bottom cementing plug for sealingly engaging the wellbore casing, and a fluid injection assembly coupled to the wellbore casing for injecting fluidic materials into the wellbore casing and controllably releasing the top cementing plug includes a plug body defining a plug passage. a frangible membrane for sealing the plug passage, and a one-way valve for controlling the flow of fluidic materials through the plug passage. The invention also includes the bottom cementing plug and methods for operation.

Abstract: A method of and product for use in cementing the annulus of a hydrocarbon well having a casing centered within a hole bored from a surface. The method comprises the steps of introducing an effective amount of colouring agent contained in a water-soluble bag into a portion of spacer or scavenging fluid, pumping the spacer or scavenger and a then cementing slurry down the casing to the bottom of the hole to displace drilling mud upwardly through the annulus to the surface, until the colouring agent becomes visible at the surface, displacing the casing volume and then stopping the pumping and allowing the pumped cement slurry to harden.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for wellbore treating fluids, especially settable spotting fluids, that include zeolite and at least one carrier fluid.

Abstract: Zeolite compositions having enhanced compressive strength and methods therefor are provided. In particular, methods and compositions for wellbore treating fluids, especially settable spotting fluids having enhanced compressive strength are provided.

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

Abstract: A system for use in detecting the launching of a device, such as a wiper plug or a sealing ball, is described having a first component, such as a detectable object disposed within the device, and a second component, such as a sensor. The sensor may be a sensor coil, while the detectable object may be a transponder capable of emitting Radio Frequency Identification signals to the sensor to signal its arrival adjacent the sensor. The system may be used with a concrete head or with a sealing ball injector. A method of launching the devices is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for a one trip completion of fluid production wells. A completion tool string includes a pressure activated cementing valve, an external casing packer, a pressure activated production valve, an opening plug and a plug landing collar and a closing plug and seat. This tool series is assembled near the end of a production tube string upstream of the well production screen.

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

Abstract: A telescoping rig with an upper mast telescopingly received within a lower mast. A torque carrier is formed of an upper part suspended within the upper mast and a lower part attached to the lower mast. The lower part may be secured to the upper part when the rig is in operational position, and is movable to allow the upper mast to move into a telescoped position within the lower mast. The rig is readied for transport by disconnecting upper and lower parts of a torque carrier, moving the lower torque carrier laterally within the lower mast to allow the upper mast to telescope within the lower mast; and telescoping the upper mast within the lower mast.

Abstract: The steel drill string attached to a drilling bit during typical rotary drilling operations used to drill oil and gas wells is used for a second purpose as the casing that is cemented in place during typical oil and gas well completions. Methods of operation are described that provide for the efficient installation of a cemented steel cased well wherein the drill string and the drill bit are cemented into place during one single drilling pass down into the earth. Methods of operation are described wherein at least one geophysical parameter is measured with a geophysical parameter sensing member located within the drill string. A one-way cement valve is installed near the drill bit of the drill string that allows the cement to set up efficiently under ambient hydrostatic conditions while the drill string and drill bit are cemented into place during one single drilling pass into the earth.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cementing system and method for wellbores by cementing an annulus between a wellbore casing and a wellbore. In at least one embodiment, the invention includes a landing collar defining a restricted passage, a wellbore casing defining a passage coupled to the landing collar, a top cementing plug for sealingly engaging the wellbore casing, a bottom cementing plug for sealingly engaging the wellbore casing, and a fluid injection assembly coupled to the wellbore casing for injecting fluidic materials into the wellbore casing and controllably releasing the top cementing plug and the bottom cementing plug into the wellbore casing. The bottom cementing plug includes a plug body defining a plug passage, a frangible membrane for sealing the plug passage, and a one-way valve for controlling the flow of fluidic materials through the plug passage. The invention also includes the bottom cementing plug and methods for operation.

Abstract: A separation barrier for placement in an open well bore or casing, to prevent migration of cement slurry downwardly into the drilling fluid, facilitating the placement of a cement plug to segregate a well bore into uphole and downhole portions. The barrier has an annular seal which facilitates pumping the barrier downhole through a work string to a desired location. The separation barrier also has a plurality of flexible elongated elements which expand outwardly when the barrier exits the work string. The elongated elements are closely spaced to prevent migration or contamination of cement slurry therebetween. The barrier can also have a shearable landing ring for providing positive indication of placement of the barrier at the desired location.

Abstract: A method of forming a cementitious plug in a well is disclosed. According to the method, a well is selected for treatment which lacks sufficient formation pressure to cause well fluid to naturally flow to the surface of the well. In addition, a formation penetrated by the well has unobstructed access between it and the surface. Having thus selected a well for treatment, a liquid slurry comprising a cementitious material, whose density is greater than the density of the well fluid, is introduced into the well. The slurry is permitted to drive the well fluid into the formation. Sufficient slurry is added to the well to fill the well to the surface. The slurry is then permitted to set into a hardened mass.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating foam cement and placing foam cement in an annulus between a casing and a wellbore. The method includes the steps of displacing cement downwardly in the casing and injecting a gas, preferably nitrogen, into the cement at a predetermined location downhole in the casing. The nitrogen may be injected through a ported sub. The ported sub may be connected in a tubing string that is lowered in the casing. The ported sub has a plurality of ports, which may have nozzles connected therein, that communicate a central opening through the ported sub with an annulus between the ported sub and the casing. The rate at which nitrogen is injected into the cement preferably increases from a leading edge of the cement to a trailing edge of the cement so that a consistent foam cement quality is achieved.

Abstract: A cement float collar is disclosed that can be positioned downhole and used in a wellbore completion operation after drilling a wellbore with casing. A wellbore drilling and completion method is also disclosed. The cement float collar is made for pumping downhole and into engagement with a groove formed in the casing, called the profile nipple. As such, no restriction is needed in the casing for accepting or latching the float collar and the portion of casing including the groove can be installed at the start of the drilling operation. In addition, the profile nipple can be used to engage other drilling tools and, therefore, can already be in place when the final well depth (TD) is reached.

Abstract: Well completion foamed spacer fluids and methods of using the foamed spacer fluids are provided. A method of the invention for displacing a first fluid from a well bore with an incompatible second fluid comprises the following steps. A foamed spacer fluid is placed between the first and second fluids to separate the first and second fluids and to remove the first fluid from the walls of the well bore. Thereafter, the first fluid and the foamed spacer fluid are displaced from the well bore with the second fluid.

Abstract: Improved methods of generating gas in and foaming aqueous well fluids introduced into a subterranean zone are provided. A method of the invention includes the steps of combining with an alkaline aqueous well fluid one or more gas generating chemicals and a mixture of foaming and foaming stabilizing surfactants so that the gas generating chemical or chemicals react with the alkaline aqueous well fluid and gas and foam are formed in the well fluid while it is being pumped, and then pumping the well fluid into the subterranean zone.

Abstract: A small diameter stage cementer assembly 10 and a hydraulically operated packer collar stage cementer 110, including a cementer housing 12 for interconnection with a casing string 14 positionable in a slim-hole wellbore for a cementing operation. The cementer housing 12 including a seat 11 for receiving a lower, drillable portion 335 of an opening sleeve assembly 135 after the upper drillable portion 235 of the opening sleeve assembly 135 has been drilled out. The lower, drillable portion 335 wedges into engagement with the seat 11 to prevent rotation of the drillable portion 335 during drill-out, such that the lower portion 335 may be drilled up using a small diameter bit and drill string, and accommodating a reduced weight on bit. The packer collar embodiment includes a hydraulically actuatable packer 70.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liner hanger and a method of hanging a liner in a wellbore. In one aspect, a process for setting a liner in a wellbore is provided in which a tubular having a slip formed on an outer diameter of the tubular at a first location and a preformed bypass for circulating a fluid disposed at a second location is set and expanded into substantial contact with an inner diameter of the wellbore, a casing, or another liner. In another aspect, a process for setting a liner in a wellbore is provided in which a tubular having a slip formed on an outer diameter of the tubular at a first location is placed in the wellbore, a bypass for circulating a fluid is formed downhole, the liner is set and expanded into substantial contact with an inner diameter of the wellbore, a casing, or another liner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining the fluid column in an annulus are provided. The fluid column support, or fluid column seal is disposed about a second casing being lowered into a well through a first casing already cemented in the well. The fluid column support includes a seal connected to the second casing that engages the first casing as it is lowered therethrough. The seal will allow flow in an upward direction but prevents downward flow. The seal will support, or maintain a fluid column in the annulus between the first and second casing in the event that the fluid level below the seal drops for any reason, such as lost circulation or the failure of a buoyancy chamber in the second casing. The fluid seal, in conjunction with stage tools, provides hydrostatic pressure in the well to maintain proper fluid placement therein.

Abstract: A running tool for wiper plugs used in cementing well casings into a wellbore. The running tool and setting balls or darts used to launch the plugs are retrievable following deployment of the plugs. Flapper valve assemblies on the wiper plugs are activated after the plugs are displaced from the running tool to eliminate the requirement to maintain a setting ball or dart in engagement with the wiper plug as the assembly is pumped down the well casing. Because of being retrievable, the mandrel, setting sleeves and setting ball or dart may be constructed of any desirable high-strength material without regard to the need to drill up the material following completion of the cementing job. The use of high-strength steel permits large flow passages to be employed in the cementing plugs by eliminating the need for large volumes of drillable metals in the plugs. The running tool protects the flapper valve seal surfaces from circulating fluids prior to deployment of the plugs from the tool.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cementing a casing string in a wellbore. A self-filling tubular cementing collar connected to the lower end of a casing string is provided with one-way flow valving that allows well fluid to enter and self-fill the casing string as it is lowered into the wellbore and automatically prohibits reverse fluid flow from the collar when washing or cementing during forward circulation through the collar. The one-way valving is carried by an axially movable support that can be shifted by a cementing plug moved by pump pressure to permanently seal the entry flow passage after the casing sting is properly positioned in the wellbore.

Abstract: A method and a tandem spacer consisting of an aqueous lead spacer fluid and an aqueous tail spacer fluid for displacing a drilling fluid from an annular space in a wellbore with a cement slurry is disclosed. The aqueous lead spacer fluid and the aqueous tail spacer fluid are formulated to minimize mixing between a displaced drilling fluid and a cement slurry and to clean contaminants from the annular space.

Abstract: A technique for deploying a liner within a wellbore. The technique utilizes a flush bore running tool that may be coupled to the interior of the liner during deployment of the liner. The mechanism for coupling the running tool and the liner permits the use of the full diameter of the liner after the running tool is released and removed from the liner.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for removing a water-based drilling fluid from surfaces in a well bore and leaving the surfaces water-wet. A method of the invention basically comprises the following steps. A water-based drilling fluid removal solution comprised of water and a mixture of a sulfonated kraft lignin salt and an N-methyl-N-oleyltaurine salt dissolved therein is provided. The drilling fluid is displaced from the well bore and the well bore surfaces are contacted with the removal solution to thereby remove the drilling fluid from the surfaces and make the surfaces water-wet.

Abstract: A cementing system for wellbores.

Abstract: Improvements are disclosed in surge reduction tools for running in casings or casing liners downhole with the ability to restore circulation in the event a tight hole condition is encountered. The improved tool includes among other features 1.) an axial indexing apparatus which allows the valving sleeve to be moved downward in predetermined increments to allow alternate closing and opening of the vent ports, 2.) a camming sleeve and Bellville spring washers which provide the surge reduction tool with a more predictable release pressure than has heretofore been available, 3.) a dart directing sleeve which has a smaller, smoother bore than the drill string and provides the important function of aligning the dart before it lands in the seat so that the dart resistance when passing through the seat is minimized, and 4.

Abstract: A cementing manifold is disclosed that preferably includes: modular housings that can be stacked together and interconnected to add multi-dart or multi-sphere capability; identical, interchangeable valves; internal bypass capability; a minimum number of protrusions into the pressure containing components; and no externally mounted welded or threaded components.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for use in cementing a tubular member which is run into a borehole using a drill string. A landing collar is attached to the tubular member near the bottom of the tubular member, and the landing collar has an opening at least five inches in diameter. A liner wiper assembly is releasably suspended from the drill string. The liner wiper assembly comprises a lower liner wiper plug comprising float valves and an upper liner wiper plug. With the method and apparatus of the present invention, plugging problems are minimized.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for a one trip completion of fluid production wells. A completion tool string includes a pressure activated cementing valve, an external casing packer, a pressure activated production valve, an opening plug and a plug landing collar and a closing plug and seat. This tool series is assembled near the end of a production tube string upstream of the well production screen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wiper plug and internal drop ball mechanism that may be used in conjunction with a downhole surge reduction tool to run, hang, and cement casing liners in a wellbore. The apparatus of the present invention comprises a wiper plug assembly removably attached to the drill string within the casing liner, a drop ball sub attached below the wiper plug assembly which releases a float valve actuator ball having a diameter larger than the drill string, and float equipment having a plurality of flapper valves. The apparatus of the present invention may further comprise a diverter tool connected between the drill string and the casing liner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wiper plug and internal drop ball mechanism that may be used in conjunction with a downhole surge reduction tool to run, hang, and cement casing liners in a wellbore. The apparatus of the present invention comprises a wiper plug assembly removably attached to the drill string within the casing liner, a drop ball sub attached below the wiper plug assembly which releases a float valve actuator ball having a diameter larger than the drill string, and float equipment having a plurality of flapper valves. The apparatus of the present invention may further comprise a diverter tool connected between the drill string and the casing liner.