Abstract: A watermelon mill has a smaller dimension for run in and a larger one for reaming out the window made by a window mill and passes through a smaller drift and then gets larger for more effective widening of the window. The cutters are preferably tungsten carbide or polycrystalline diamond inserts and they are mounted to blades that are ramped outwardly by a cone upon relative movement between the two. The body can be in multiple pieces that are rotationally locked and movable relative to each other longitudinally. Actuation to the larger dimension can be by setting down weight or by fluid pressure with the dimension getting smaller as a return spring allows the cutters to retract upon removal of applied pressure.

Abstract: A mill assembly includes a shaft; a lead mill secured to a first end of the shaft, the lead mill including a first body having a plurality of first blades and a plurality of first cutters having substantially cylindrical bodies secured to the plurality of first blades; and a second mill secured to the shaft a selected distance from the lead mill, the second mill including a second body having a plurality of second blades and a plurality of second cutters having substantially cylindrical bodies secured to the plurality of blades.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for completing a lateral channel from an existing oil or gas well includes a well perforating tool for perforating a well casing at a preselected depth, and a lateral alignment tool for directing a flexible hose and blaster nozzle through a previously made perforation in the casing to complete the lateral channel. The disclosed apparatus eliminates the need to maintain the precise alignment of a downhole “shoe” in order to direct the flexible hose and blaster nozzle through a previously made perforation through the well casing.

Abstract: A method of fracturing a production interval of a subterranean formation adjacent a wellbore that is open hole or has an uncemented liner is provided. The method comprises the steps of: (a) perforating a zone of the production interval by injecting a pressurized fluid through a hydrajetting tool into the subterranean formation, so as to form one or more perforation tunnels; and (b) injecting a fracturing fluid into the one or more perforation tunnels so as to create at least one fracture along each of the one or more perforation tunnels; wherein at least a portion of at least one of the pressurized fluid and the fracturing fluid comprises a viscoelastic surfactant fluid.

Abstract: Downhole fluid jet cutting tools having extendible and retractable arms with cutting heads on the ends are disclosed. The jet cutting tools permit casing and other downhole surfaces to be cut utilizing a cutting fluid forced through a jet nozzle assembly. Movement of a piston slidingly engaged within the passageway of the tool actuates the arms when cutting fluid pressure acts on the piston. As a result, the arms are extended and cutting fluid is forced at high pressure from the passageway to the cutting head where it is expelled through nozzles for cutting casing and the like. The jet cutting tools permit the arms to be extended, retracted, and re-extended or redeployed multiple times without the need for being retrieved from the wellbore.

Abstract: A method for inserting a tool into a wellbore includes uncoiling a coiled tubing into the wellbore to a selected depth therein. When the tubing is at the selected depth, the tubing is uncoupled. A tool is inserted into the interior of the tubing. The tubing is reconnected, and the tool is moved along the interior of the tubing.

Abstract: A downhole mill includes a plurality of cutters extending generally radially from a center region to a gage diameter, wherein the plurality of cutters includes a first serrated cutter blade having a plurality of peaks and valleys along its length. The plurality of cutters includes a second serrated cutter blade having a plurality of peaks and valleys along its length. The plurality of cutters includes a non-serrated cutter blade positioned upon the cutting face between the first serrated cutter blade and the second serrated cutter blade, wherein the peaks of the first serrated cutter blade is radially aligned with the valleys of the second serrated cutter blade. A pump-off sub configured to release a downhole mill includes a dovetail connection maintained by a c-ring in an expanded state.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods allow a downhole anchor device to be cut, released, and retrieved using a single one-trip cutter and removal assembly. The assembly preferably includes a cutter head recessed behind an anchor latch. The latch is landed to the anchor device to be removed and the cutter head is extended therefrom and activated. Once cut by the cutter head, the anchor device is retrieved upon a distal end of the assembly.

Abstract: A method for removing a sealing plug from a casing or a wellbore according to which a sealing plug is adapted to expand into engagement with the casing or the wellbore. A wireless signal is sent to the plug to cause the plug to lose its structural integrity and fall to the bottom of the wellbore.

Abstract: Diameter based tracking for a window milling system. A window cutting system includes a cutting assembly with multiple cutting faces for cutting the window; and a diverter for guiding displacement of the cutting assembly relative to the window, the diverter including multiple separate guide paths for the respective multiple cutting faces. A method of cutting a window includes the steps of: positioning a diverter in a tubular string, the diverter including multiple separate guide paths for respective multiple cutting faces of a cutting assembly; and then contacting the guide paths with the cutting faces to thereby form the window. Another method of cutting a window includes the step of: positioning a diverter in the tubular string, the diverter including multiple separate guide paths for respective multiple cutting faces of a cutting assembly, with each of the guide paths providing a separate wear surface for the respective cutting face.

Abstract: An annular fracturing device and method for perforating and annular fracturing multiple zones of a wellbore on a single trip, the annular fracturing device being connected to coiled tubing. The annular fracturing device may include a locating device connected beneath a packing device used to hydraulically isolate a portion of the wellbore. The packing device may be releasably connected to an abrasive perforating device, such as a sand jetting sub. The sand jetting sub may be connected to the bottom of coiled tubing, which is used to run the annular fracturing device into the well bore and to supply the sand jetting sub with abrasive material to perforate the wellbore. The coiled tubing may also supply the sand jetting sub with fluid to circulate out of the sand jetting sub during the fracturing process.

Abstract: A downhole abrading tool has a body with a first end for connection to a drill string, a cutting end, an exterior surface, a drilling fluid passageway, a valve, and a chamber. Upon exposure of the chamber to a wellbore fluid pressure due to excessive wear on the cutting end, the valve opens. The opening of the valve permits drilling fluid to flow from the drilling fluid passageway, through the exterior surface and into the wellbore. The flow of drilling fluid through the exterior surface causes a pressure drop that is detected at the surface by an operator of the downhole abrading tool. The valve movement may also cause the release of taggants, or indicators, into the drilling fluid that may also be detected by the operator, either visually or with the aid of detection equipment.

Abstract: A downhole abrading tool having a body with a first end for connection to a drill string, a cutting end, a drilling fluid passageway, a restrictor disposed within drilling fluid passageway, and an indicator chamber is disclosed. Upon exposure of the indicator chamber to a well environment due to excessive wear on the cutting end, the restrictor is actuated. Actuation of the restrictor restricts the flow of drilling fluid from the drilling fluid passageway into the well environment. The restriction of flow of drilling fluid from the drilling fluid passageway causes a pressure increase in the drilling fluid flowing through the well that can detected by an operator of the downhole abrading tool. The pressure increase provides an indication to the operator of excessive wear on the cutting end of the downhole abrading tool so that the downhole abrading tool can be removed from the well and replaced.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for milling and/or broaching within a wellbore. A flexible broach runs into the wellbore and is located adjacent a portion of the wellbore to be broached. The broach reciprocates axially within the wellbore and removes at least part of the portion to be broached. Weight may be coupled to the broach, thereby applying a resultant side load for broaching an offset portion of the wellbore. The broach comprises a flexible member that may be a bare cable. When an abrasive material is disposed on an outer surface of the flexible member, the flexible member may be a cable, a continuous rod, or pressurized coiled tubing. Alternatively, sleeves positioned on the flexible member may have an abrasive material on their outer surface. A rotational mill that is either coupled to the broach or run in separately from the broach can further mill the wellbore.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for forming wellbores and in a single trip for also performing multistage wellbore treatments. The disclosed apparatus comprises a bore forming apparatus in the form of a hydraulic drilling motor and bit; a well treatment apparatus in the form of a jetting tool and means for controlling flow to the jetting tool and drilling motor.

Abstract: A downhole perforator assembly (10) for establishing communication between the interior of a tubular string (18) and a surrounding annulus (24) includes a downhole power unit (100) having a power unit housing (150) and a moveable shaft (130) and a downhole perforator (260) having a perforator housing (262), a mandrel (278) slidably positioned within the perforator housing (262) and a penetrator (288) radially outwardly extendable from the perforator housing (262). The power unit housing (150) is operably associated with the perforator housing (262) and the moveable shaft (130) operably associated with the mandrel (278) such that when the downhole power unit (100) is activated and the moveable shaft (130) is longitudinally shifted relative to the power unit housing (150), the mandrel (278) is longitudinally shifted relative to the perforator housing (262) and at least a portion of the penetrator (288) is extended radially outwardly from the perforator housing (262).

Abstract: A technique is provided to facilitate fluid flow and pressure control in a well with an interventionless flow valve system. The valve system is coupled to a well component string deployed downhole in a wellbore. The valve system controls flow and pressure between an interior and exterior of the string and comprises a valve controlled by an activation device. The activation device is responsive to a unique pressure and time signal transmitted downhole.

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: A bottom-up method of fracturing a multi-zone subterranean formation intersected by a wellbore that enables one zone to be fractured while at the same time flowing previously placed fracture fluid from one or more other zones back to the surface is provided. The method employs a bottom-hole assembly (“BHA”) that is attached to the bottom end of a tubing string. The BHA includes a hydra jetting sub, a centralizer, a packer and valve sub. The hydra jetting sub is used to perforate and initiate the fracture in the zones of interest. The zones are fractured by pumping fracturing fluid down the annulus formed between the tubing string and the wellbore. The previously placed fracture fluid flows back to the surface through the tubing string. It enters through the valve sub in the BHA.

Abstract: A technique to install a tool in a well includes running the tool into the well and fixing the tool to the well with a fixing agent without pumping the fixing agent through a central passageway of the tool. The tool may be a perforating gun that includes a casing body that includes a longitudinal axis. The perforating gun may also include a fin and a perforating charge. The fin radially extends from the casing body, and the perforating charge is attached to the fin and is oriented to generate a perforation jet in a radial direction away from the longitudinal axis of the casing body.

Abstract: A method of stimulating a production interval adjacent a well bore having a casing disposed therein, that comprises introducing a carrier fluid comprising first particulates into the well bore, packing the first particulates into a plurality of perforations in the casing, perforating at least one remedial perforation in the casing adjacent to the production interval, and stimulating the production interval through the at least one remedial perforation. Also provided are methods of stimulating multiple production intervals adjacent a well bore.

Abstract: This method relates to the fields of mining, specifically oil, gas and hydro-geological industries and is intended for relief of tangential stress which originates in well side areas of producing formation from underground pressure by means of cutting vertical slot-shaped seats in well side zones of producing formation. The determined task is solved by introducing essential changes into the known method of constructing slot-like key seats from the well wall inside the rock consisting of generation of hydro-abrasive jet, its transportation to the perforator's nozzle, which is lowered into the well inside the casing pipe and directed towards the rock, and the nozzle's travel along the surface of the forming seat.

Abstract: A method of removably anchoring well tubing in a well bore may include selecting a well having a bore diameter and an anchor positioned therein. The anchor may have a housing defining an anchor diameter and extension members extending therefrom toward the bore diameter. The bore diameter and anchor diameter may be spaced apart a distance defining an annulus therebetween and extending along the well. A tool sized to cut substantially exclusively within the annulus may be selected. The tool may be positioned within the annulus, rotated, and advanced to drive past the housing to remove the extension members between the housing and the bore diameter to free the anchor.

Abstract: A system and method for increasing hydrocarbon production from a subsurface reservoir by utilizing an intersection of two well bores and a flexible linear cutting device, such as a segmented diamond wire saw, to form a fissure beginning at the intersection of the well bores and extending along a specified the length of the well bores. The ends of the cutting device can be actuated above ground. The shape of the fissure can be a substantially ruled surface defined between the two bores between which the fissure is formed. Configurations for the well bores include both bores extending from the surface and, alternatively, a first bore extending from the surface and a second bore extending from a whipstock in the first bore. The fissure may be located and oriented to maximize the extent of the fissure formed within the hydrocarbon bearing horizon and to intersect with a maximum number of natural and/or previously formed fractures.

Abstract: A short radius exit from a window milled in casing is possible using a whipstock with a sloping surface in excess of 3.5° and a window mill whose diameter is reduced to a percentage generally below about 95% of the casing inside diameter in a mono-bore or non-through tubing application. The system provides a greater flexibility in choosing the window location and eliminates having to penetrate adjacent formations as compared to previous techniques using a longer exit radius. The decrease in mill diameter, as compared to previous techniques, limits stresses on the milling equipment to minimize equipment failures during window milling and subsequent drilling of the lateral.

Abstract: A cutting module to sever a tubing in a well includes a piston and shear blade. The piston includes at least two moveable telescoping elements, which are adapted to expand the first piston from a retracted length to an expanded length. The shear blade is connected to the piston to sever the tubing in response to the piston expanding from the retracted length to the expanded length. The cutting module may be located below a safety valve in the well.

Abstract: A device for perforating a tubing string residing in a well bore includes a tubular housing adapted to pass through the tubing string. At least one perforating body is provided residing in the housing, and has a point adapted to pierce the tubing string. A piston is received within the housing, the piston configured such that pressure applied to a first side of the piston causes the piston to move in a first direction. An actuator body is received within the housing and configured for movement in the first direction with the piston. The actuator body has a sloped wedge surface adapted to wedge the at least one perforating body radially outward to pierce the tubing string with the point when the actuator body is moved in the first direction.

Abstract: A liner hanger test packer assembly includes an axially translated liner top dressing mill having a calibrated shear mechanism for securing the mill at a first, top dressing position. Tool string load on the mill bearing upon the liner top in excess of the calibrated shear mechanism allows the mill to shift to a second axial position where abutment edges around the Mill base engage a tripping mechanism to drive slips against the casing wall above the liner hanger. The tripping mechanism also expands the packer seal against the casing I.D. above the liner hanger. No additional load may be imposed on the liner hanger after the anchor slips have engaged.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of isolating hydrajet stimulated zones from subsequent well operations. The method includes the step of drilling a wellbore into the subterranean formation of interest. Next, the wellbore may or may not be cased depending upon a number of factors including the nature and structure of the subterranean formation. Next, the casing, if one is installed, and wellbore are perforated using a high pressure fluid being ejected from a hydrajetting tool. A first zone of the subterranean formation is then fractured and stimulated. Next, the first zone is temporarily plugged or partially sealed by installing an isolation fluid into the wellbore adjacent to the one or more fractures and/or in the openings thereof, so that subsequent zones can be fractured and additional well operations can be performed.

Abstract: Openings are created between a wellbore and a formation by firing a perforating gun adjacent a perforating zone in the formation and debris is removed. A tubing string extending to the formation is pressurized to a first pressure to actuate the perforating gun. A second higher pressure is applied to activate a downhole injection port. Substantially immediately thereafter fluids are injected into the wellbore near the openings and circulated to the surface for the removal of debris. An optional and uphole injection port can be used to adjust the hydrostatic head above the perforating gun with the removal or addition of fluid. The tubing string extends sufficiently above the wellbore at surface to enable lowering of the downhole injection port below the openings during fluid circulation for enhanced removal of debris.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting openings in a wall of a well. The apparatus includes a mandrel with a jetting sleeve slidably disposed about the mandrel. The mandrel has a plurality of slots defined therein and the jetting sleeve has a plurality of jetting openings aligned with the slots so that fluid will pass through the mandrel, the slots in the mandrel, and the jetting openings. The jetting nozzles are received in the jetting openings and travel in the slots in the mandrel. The flow of jetting fluid through the mandrel causes the jetting sleeve to move on the mandrel so that slots may be cut in the wall of the well.

Abstract: The weight of a shaped charge carrier is predetermined as a buoyancy control parameter for perforating guns. Each charge carrier comprises a co-axial assembly of inner and outer carrier units. Both carrier units may be fabricated from low density metals or composite materials comprising high strength fibers in a polymer matrix. The outer carrier wall thickness may be a weight control parameter. Shaped charge units having no independent casement are formed into sockets within a light-weight inner carrier unit. Alternatively, the shaped charge units may be formed within light-weight material cases and seated within sockets in the light-weight inner carrier unit. Materials and dimensions are selected to substantially achieve the desired carrier buoyancy in the specific well fluid whereby a perforating gun assembled from a plurality of the carriers may be substantially floated into a completion position and allowed to settle along the floor or ceiling of the wellbore as predetermined by the perforation direction.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for providing a pathway for fluid communication through a tubing-retrievable subsurface safety valve (TRSSV). The method and apparatus are designed to be deployed within a hydrocarbon wellbore after the TRSSV has failed. The apparatus is a milling tool that is run into the wellbore and landed within the TRSSV. The milling tool comprises a housing system, a cutting system, a drive system, and an actuating system. In operation, the milling tool is landed within the housing of the TRSSV. Thereafter, the actuating system is initiated. The actuating system actuates the drive system, which in turn drives the cutting system. In one arrangement, the cutting system includes blades for shaving the pressure containing body of the TRSSV, thereby forming a pathway for fluid communication between a hydraulic fluid line and a bore of the safety valve.

Abstract: A device for a hydraulic cutting tool (30) for cutting of at least one pipe (16, 18, 20) or tubular object beneath a water floor (10), wherein the cutting is carried out from a surface facility (2). The cutting tool (30) is anchored in a pressure tight manner in the pipe (16), whereupon pressurised gas (86) is pumped into a pipe section (80) immediately below the cutting tool (30). With this, liquid (8), and eventually pressurised gas (86), will flow out of the pipe section (80) via a short drain pipe (66) through the cutting tool (30), so as to create a gas filled pipe volume (90) comprising the relevant cutting depth (32) in the pipe section (80). The invention differs from prior art by the outflowing liquid being led onwards up to the surface facility (2) via a drain line (92). The upper end portion of the drain line (92) is connected to at least one adjustable choke device (102, 104).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for running a whipstock into a well bore attached to a combination mill and drill bit, releasing the mill/bit from the whipstock, milling a window in the casing, and drilling a lateral well bore, all in one trip. The mill/bit is provided with a primary cutting structure better suited for milling through the casing, and a secondary cutting structure, better suited for drilling through the earth formation. The secondary cutting structure is initially smaller in diameter than the primary cutting structure. The whipstock can be attached to the mill/bit with a shear bolt supported by a boss on the whipstock, with the boss designed to arrest axial motion of the mill/bit after shearing of the bolt.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for pumping operations that may be used to form perforations in the casing of a well, clean perforations and drill drain holes through perforations. A plunger is placed in a reference perforation and the pumping operations may be performed through a nozzle at a known location with respect to the reference perforation. The nozzle may be attached to a flexible hose to drill a drain hole or may be inserted in a body on the bottom of a tubing string. Addition apparatus and method are provided to insure that the plunger or plungers are maintained in a reference perforation or perforations when pumping operations are carried out through tubing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in severing casing as it is pulled from a wellbore. In one aspect, the apparatus, includes a clamping assembly, a drilling assembly and a cutting assembly. The apparatus is disposed at the end of a telescopic arm, with the components being remotely operated by personnel using a control panel. The apparatus is positioned adjacent casing and clamped thereto. Thereafter, the apparatus drills a hole completely through the casing for the insertion of a retention pin. The apparatus then severs the casing.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system for use in operating an electric downhole tool on a non-conductive support line (slickline) by converting a battery voltage to an output voltage suitable for operating the tool. In response to receiving a trigger signal, the output voltage signal is applied to the tool. The tool is controlled by varying the output voltage signal according to a power control sequence. Accordingly, electric tools typically requiring surface intervention by an operator via an electric cable (wireline) may be operated on slickline.

Abstract: A downhole tool comprises a body defining a fluid chamber, a fluid outlet for directing fluid outwardly of the chamber, and an arrangement for producing a rapid reduction in the volume of the chamber, such that fluid in the chamber is displaced rapidly through the outlet. The fluid may be utilised to deform or perforate a surrounding tubular.

Abstract: A well bore fluid recovery system and method for recovering a column of well bore fluid within a stand of casing before cutting the casing. The recovery system relates to a system for preventing fluids from being spilled when casing is being finished for a well bore. After being run the casing must be cut and finished at an appropriate level to install rig equipment such as blow out preventers along with other equipment. However, because of earlier operations, the entire length of casing is typically filled with drilling fluid. Depending on conditions, the length of casing which is to be cut and removed may therefore over a 100-foot (27.4 meter) column of drilling fluid therein. The drilling fluid in this section must be properly drained before the casing is cut and removed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for anchoring a first conduit (10) to a second conduit (12). The first conduit (10) is typically an expandable conduit whereby a portion of the first conduit is expanded by applying a radial force thereto to provide an anchor and/or seal between the first (10) and second (12) conduits. An inflatable device (14) is provided that can be used to provide a temporary anchor whilst the first (expandable) conduit (10) is radially expanded. An expander device (16) that is capable of applying a radial expansion force to the first conduit (10) is optionally attached to the inflatable device (14).

Abstract: A pipe conveyed charge system, for example a junk shot, having a self-contained activating charge which may be activated by mechanical force applied through the pipe. The initiating charge is pressure actuated, and fluid pressure in the pipe is used to fire the charge. The system includes a circulating crossover coupling an explosive charge to a pipe string and including circulating ports directing fluid flow downhole to clear debris from the borehole. A ball, or other blocking material, is conveyed down the drill pipe to block circulating ports to facilitate raising pressure in the pipe to a sufficient level to fire the activating charge.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing debris in a perforation in a wellbore extending from the wellbore into a subterranean formations is provided. A housing is positioned in the wellbore, and an arm is extended therefrom. One or more plugs are positionable in the perforation via the arm. The plug is adapted to block debris from formation fluid flowing into the housing via the perforation whereby the contamination in the formation fluid is reduced. The plug may be a filter positionable in the perforation, or a bit activated to dislodge debris.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a cutting insert for use with wellbore milling tools. The cutting insert forms an angle between a milling surface of the insert and a surface of the tool that the insert is attached to in order to provide the proper cutting incline, and substantially perpendicular sides of the insert relative to the milling surface of the insert provide continuous support for the milling surface. In addition, the inserts can comprise spacers and legs that evenly distribute bonds formed between inserts and bonds formed between the inserts and the surface of the tool, respectively. Selecting the dimensions of the spacers and legs alters the strength of the bonds.

Abstract: A downhole tool (1) for providing the dual role of cleaning and milling within a wellbore casing or liner is described. In an embodiment scraper blades (6) are mounted on a body (2) together with a milling sleeve (4). Additionally, a centralizer sleeve (3) is incorporated as is a filter and/or junk basket for collecting debris is dislodged from the casing or liner during the cleaning and milling operation. The milling sleeve (4) can be locked onto the body (2) while the cleaning members e.g. scraper blades (6) may be free floating around the tool (1).

Abstract: A subsea well casing cutting tool for use as part of a well abandonment procedure, the casing cutting tool deployable from a vessel located at a water surface, where in certain embodiments the casing cutting tool comprises a casing gripper; a rotary cutter drive assembly; a rotary cutter; a rotating fluid union that allows high volume water to be fed to the rotating cutting assembly below the drive motor for purposes of extending the cutting blades; and a third party casing hanger removal tool wherein the casing cutting drive assembly forms an interface between the third party rotary casing cutter, an existing subsea casing, and a work class ROV. 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 of meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A subsea production system includes a blowout preventer stack that is adapted to seal and contain pressure in a well. The blowout preventer stack has a passageway through which a tubular string may extend into the well. The subsea production system includes a subsea wellhead and a safety shut-in system that has a valve assembly that is adapted to control flow and adapted to allow tools to be lowered therethrough on tubing. The subsea production system includes a cutting module that is adapted to be run into the passageway to allow tools to be lowered therethrough on tubing. The cutting module is further adapted to activate to shear the tubing that is lowered therethrough.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing maintenance on sewer pipes using a thermal sensor. The method and apparatus may be applied to the reinstatement of lateral openings after a liner has been installed in a main pipe. The thermal sensor detects the location of the lateral openings by sensing the thermal conditions of the liner. The thermal condition of the portions of the liner that cover the lateral openings is different from the thermal condition of the rest of the liner. The apparatus and method is also applicable to detecting groundwater leaks in the main pipe, and is also applicable to inspecting exothermic chemical reactions in the main pipe, such as exothermic grout or epoxy used to seal the liner in the main pipe. The thermal sensor may be integrated into a camera assembly that includes a visual camera at one end and the thermal sensor at the other end. The visual camera is useful in those portions of the main pipe that are full of water.

Abstract: A system for increasing the productivity of oil, gas and hydrogeological wells has means for cutting slots only in a near well zone so as to perform a partial unloading of the well and to remove a part of support stresses, and means for cyclically treating well with a formation-treating substance so as to remove a remaining part of the support stresses, with controlling a density of a formation and correcting the cyclical treatment in correspondence with the density of the formation.

Abstract: A system for perforating a well includes a plurality of perforating guns suspended in the well from the wireline or coiled tubing. A downhole electronic command circuit is provided for firing each of the guns in response to a command signal from the surface. A conductor cable, which may be the wireline, extends from the surface to the downhole command circuit, such that command signals fire the guns in a selected order.