Abstract: Casing cutter for severing multiple tubulars in a well bore has a pair of cutter blades pivotally mounted on a support body. The blades are pivotally mounted for gradual movement outside of the support body when downward force is applied to proximate ends of the cutter blades. The support body is rotated inside the innermost of the multiple tubulars, while the cutter blades sever the tubulars of progressively increasing diameter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved methods for completing well bores along producing zones while controlling formation sands and increasing surface area available for production. Some embodiments of the methods of the present invention provide methods of controlling the migration of formation sand in a well bore and increasing surface area for well production comprising the steps of hydrajetting at least one slot into a zone along a well bore; and, placing a consolidation material comprising particulates into the slot.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods useful in subterranean treatment operations. Examples of methods of the present invention include methods for fracturing a portion of a subterranean formation penetrated by a well bore; methods of enhancing production from multiple subterranean formations penetrated by a well bore during a single trip through the well bore; and methods of enhancing production, in real time, from multiple subterranean formations penetrated by a well bore during a single trip through the well bore.

Abstract: A damaged formation is stimulated by igniting a propellant adjacent openings in the wellbore in communication with the damaged formation. Substantially immediately thereafter, low density foam is injected adjacent the openings and circulated to the surface for the removal of debris released from the formation. A tubing string has a foam discharge port at a distal end and a foam injection port at surface. The tubing string extends sufficiently above the wellbore at surface to enable lowering of the tubing string and foam discharge port to below the openings for enhanced removal of debris.

Abstract: The invention includes a method of increasing of the well rate of exploitation and recharge wells, comprising a means of decreasing the stress state in the well area by constructing of slot-like discharge key seats, wherein the slot-like key seats have a screw-like shape, wherein preliminary internal rock friction angles ? are determined for a rock composing a productive strata, and a pitch of the slot key seat screw is selected such that the tangent of the angle of deviation of the slot surface from the ? vertical will be between tg(45??/2)?tg(?)?1/?3, where 92 —is the internal rock friction angle where the key slot is being made.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and a device for coring and/or drilling through a wall of a bore hole, to deflect transversely from a longitudinal direction of the hole, further comprising selecting a core barrel (1) equipped with a core bit (3) having an inner gauge bore (5), an arrangement, in the core barrel (1), of an abrasion resistant internal guide (7), which is internal at least with respect to the bore (5) so that the bit (3) can move along guide (7), and is designed to deflect the bit (3) along a desired deflected path, start-up of the coring process with bit (3) and guiding the bit (3) through co-operation between its bore (5) and the guide (7).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing a string of casing from a well bore. The method and apparatus include a plurality of drill bits substantially aligned with each other for drilling a plurality of holes in the string of casing. The plurality of holes can be used to lift the string in casing from the well bore via a series of incremental casing sections.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting one or more longitudinal members, external to a downhole tubular conduit, by pulling upward on a cutter body attached to the tubular conduit, where the longitudinal members are run between cutter knives within the cutter body. The cutter knives are attached to one external longitudinal member. After the main tubular conduit is cut below the cutter body, the tubular conduit is pulled, lifting the cutter body, thereby engaging the cutter knives with sloping surfaces on the cutter body to force the knives together, severing the external longitudinal members.

Abstract: The disclosure concerns a method and apparatus for repairing or structurally reinforcing an oil and gas well tubular member, or an assembly of tubular members. The assembly to be repaired can include a smaller diameter inner flow conveying conduit (or production tubing) and a larger diameter concentrically placed surface casing, providing an annulus in between the production tubing and the surface casing. A third casing pipe of largest diameter, the drive pipe is placed around the surface casing string. Other “conductor” casing pipes can be positioned around the surface casing inside the drive pipe. Part of the surface casing string (or other conductor pipe) can suffer damage due to corrosion. A sleeve or repair member is placed around the casing string or other tubular member at a damaged portion.

Abstract: A tool for making a cut inside a downhole tool, including a housing adapted to move in the downhole tool, a plurality of openings in a wall of the housing that provides a passage from inside the housing to an exterior of the housing, a plurality of cutters disposed in the housing that are adapted to protrude from the plurality of openings to the exterior of the housing, wherein the plurality of cutters provides 360 degree cutting regardless of the orientation of the tool, and an actuation mechanism adapted to force the plurality of cutters to protrude through the plurality of openings.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a perforating gun having stackable sections that latch, enabling the gun string to carry both compressive and tensile loads. This allows for the downhole assembly of guns of any desired length, and for the entire gun string to be removed after firing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for horizontally drilling in wells utilizing a shoe assembly at the down hole end of upset tubing. The shoe assembly includes a fixed section and a rotatable section suspended below the fixed section. An electric motor and associated batteries and a gyroscope carried on the rotatable section enable an operator on the surface to selectively rotate and position the rotatable section to any desired angular location for drilling a hole in the well casing. After one or more holes have been cut in the casing, a drill assembly can be removed from the upset tubing and be replaced by a high pressure blaster nozzle to bore into the formation zones. The gyroscope enables the operator to accurately position the rotatable section to the same locations at which the holes have been cut. The drill assembly includes an electric motor with an associated battery, flexible drive shaft, and a hole saw.

Abstract: A lockable motor assembly for use in a well bore comprises a PDM motor having a rotor and a stator. A locking member has a splined projection which is received within a splined recess of the rotor and external splines which mate with splines provided on a sub connected to the stator. The components are held in this configuration by a shear ring until the fluid pressure within a chamber defined between the locking member and the sub is sufficient to cause the shear ring to shear. The locking member may then move out of the engagement with the rotor to free the motor for operation. The locking member is held in this position by a ratchet mechanism.

Abstract: Apparatus for a method of cutting pipes underwater comprising jetting a jacket down over the pipe, blowing mud out from between the pipe and the jacket so the annulus between the pipe and the jacket is substantially filled with water and/or air, and performing the cutting operation from within the pipe, wherein the jacket has the features mentioned herein.

Abstract: A method for facilitating horizontal drilling by positioning in a well casing a shoe defining a passageway extending from an upper opening in the shoe through the shoe to a side opening in the shoe. A rod is connected, through at least one block and pin assembly operative as a universal joint, to a casing mill end, and inserted into the well casing and through the passageway in the shoe until the casing mill end substantially abuts the well casing. The rod and casing mill end are then rotated until the casing mill end substantially forms a perforation in the well casing. The rod and casing mill end are then withdrawn from the well casing, and a nozzle attached to the end of a flexible hose is extended through the passageway to the perforation. Fluid is then ejected from the nozzle and impinges and erodes subterranean formation material.

Abstract: In connection with a method and a tool for preparing a well for the production of hydrocarbons, it is aimed at perforating a casing portion (26) and working surrounding sediment (80) in a channel-forming manner. For this purpose the tool comprises a drilling means for drilling transverse holes through the casing wall when the tool (10), which is arranged to be raised/lowered and rotated about its longitudinal axis, shared by the casing (26), is placed in a fixed position within the well, through which transverse hole (40) and into surrounding sediment a jetting hose means (42,42a) is arranged to jet/dig its way in a channel-forming manner. The drilling and jetting hose means also have inactive stand-by positions protectively retracted within the tool housing (10a), from and into which they may successively be pushed forward into active working positions and again be withdrawn, as a channel (44) is completed in the sediment (80).

Abstract: A coalbed methane borehole pipe liner perforation system comprises a plastic pipe punch that slips down inside a coalbed methane production borehole lined with a non-perforated plastic pipe. A ground-penetrating radar is used inside the plastic-pipe lined borehole to determine which sections of the pipe are in contact with groundwater. The punch is then operated along the length of the plastic-pipe lined borehole to perforate it for methane-gas collection wherever such groundwater is not present. A radar survey to determine groundwater contact can be made simultaneously in combination with the punching of liner pipe perforations, or earlier in a separate operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing fluid flow into a wellbore in which an apparatus having at least one laser energy output is lowered into the wellbore and the at least one laser energy output is directed at a wall of the wellbore. At least a portion of the wall is heated using the at least one laser energy output, whereby flow of a fluid into the wellbore is initiated and/or- enhanced.

Abstract: A method for retrieving a formation fluid sample through a cased borehole utilizing a sampling tool. Sampling tool straddle packers are set about a first set of perforations and annular fluid is drained from the isolated zone, through a central conduit in the tool and discharged above or below the packers. Formation fluid is induced to flow into the central conduit and into sample chambers. The packers are unset, the tool moved to the next set of perforations that are azimuthally offset from the first set of perforations and the sampling process repeated, with subsequent samples being placed in separate sample chambers.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of perforating and surging a section of the wellbore includes running a perforating gun into the well on a string having an isolation valve above the perforating gun, closing the valve, and perforating the well with the isolation valve closed so that the formation is isolated from the well surface. An underbalance pressure is provided above the isolation valve, and then, the isolation valve is opened to surge the formation.

Abstract: A drillable junction joint in a wellbore comprises a wellbore casing in which a section of the casing is constructed of easily drillable material. A sleeve having a premachined window therein is disposed within the casing joint and is freely orientable within the casing segment. Further disclosed are methods for installation of the junction joint and for creating an exit.

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

Abstract: A sealed perforating gun assembly for use with automatic pipe handling equipment on oil and gas drill rigs. An upper sealed connector and a lower sealed connector have sealed threaded connections for mating with ends of a perforating gun. The connectors have external dimensions equivalent to the external dimensions of standard drill pipe and have standard tapered thread couplings. Ignition transfer explosives are carried within cavities in the connectors. The cavities are sealed on their drill pipe coupling ends. The ignition transfer explosives are adapted to penetrate the seals so that ignition can be transferred between the gun assembly and adjacent sections of the gun string. Since the external dimensions of the sealed connectors correspond to the external dimensions of drill pipe, automatic drill pipe handling equipment can handle the gun assemblies.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in severing casing as it is pulled from a wellbore. An apparatus is first provided, comprising a clamping assembly, a drilling assembly and a cutting assembly. In one aspect, 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 can be positioned adjacent casing and clamped thereto. Thereafter, the apparatus can drill a hole completely through the casing for the insertion of a retention pin. The apparatus can then severe the casing into manageable lengths to facilitate disposal, such as during a plugging and abandonment procedure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for perforating a casing in a wellbore wherein the casing has control means attached thereto, which method and apparatus includes inserting a detectable source with the control means extending a selected length of the control means; inserting a sensing means in the casing for sensing the detectable source; sensing the location of the detectable source at selected levels in the casing; recording the direction of the detectable source at the selected levels in the casing; inserting perforating means in the casing, the perforating means for perforating the casing, the perforating means having orienting means for selectively positioning the perforating means relative to the recorded direction of the detectable source at the selected levels in the casing; and perforating the casing at a selected orientation relative to the sensed detectable source at the selected levels in the casing.

Abstract: A system and method for fracturing a hydrocarbon producing formation in which a tool assembly is inserted in a wellbore adjacent the formation, and fracturing fluid is introduced into the annulus between the tool assembly and the wellbore and flows to the formation.

Abstract: A combination tool for attaching to a stuck wireline tool, then cutting the wireline just above the stuck tool with a hydraulically driven cutter, allowing the wireline to be pulled out of the hole before fishing out the stuck tool. A side door can be provided on the work string, to allow rerouting of the wireline outside the work string, after which the stuck tool can be unstuck and repositioned within the well bore for completion of the downhole operation of the tool, prior to cutting the wireline free from the downhole tool.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided which enhance drilling and completion of wellbore intersections. In a described embodiment, a cutting tool diverter is used to drill a branch wellbore extending outwardly from a main wellbore. The diverter is provided with an outer easily millable portion which reduces the amount of time needed to retrieve the diverter. In another embodiment, a substance is injected into a formation surrounding the intersection of the main and branch wellbores, to thereby facilitate sealing of the intersection.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for perforating, testing, squeezing and/or stimulating an oil or gas well, or other tubular structure. The apparatus preferably is suspended from an elongate conduit, such as a drill string or tubing. The apparatus is secured in position by a retractable back-up plate, and then a piercing member perforates the casing. A first valve controls the flow of fluid from a high-pressure accumulator to drive the various pistons in the apparatus. A second valve directs fluid from the elongate conduit either to exit through the perforation or to exit the housing and return up the conduit. Axial movement of the elongate conduit controls both valves in the apparatus. Upon completion of the operation, the piercing member is advanced to plug the perforation, the back-up plate is retracted, and the apparatus is removed.

Abstract: A combination tool for attaching to a stuck wireline tool, then cutting the wireline just above the stuck tool with a hydraulically driven cutter, allowing the wireline to be pulled out of the hole before fishing out the stuck tool. A side door can be provided on the work string, to allow rerouting of the wireline outside the work string, after which the stuck tool can be unstuck and repositioned within the well bore for completion of the downhole operation of the tool, prior to cutting the wireline free from the downhole tool.

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: Method and apparatus are presented for perforating a subterranean formation so as to establish fluid communication between the formation and a wellbore, the wellbore having casing cemented therein, the casing having a cement sheath therearound. The casing is perforated with a mechanical perforator and thereafter a propellant material is ignited within the casing thereby perforating the cement sheath. The formation may thereafter be stimulated with an acid stimulator. The mechanical perforator may include use of a toothed wheel, or a needle-punch perforator. The propellant may be deployed in a sleeve and may comprise an abrasive material.

Abstract: An instrumented perforating gun and associated methods. One aspect provides a recess for placement of instruments on the perforating gun. Another aspect provides methods for perforating and completing a well in a single trip. The present invention also provides an instrumented intergun housing. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A lockable motor assembly for use in a well bore comprises a PDM motor having a rotor and a stator. A locking member has a splined projection which is received within a splined recess of the rotor and external splines which mate with splines provided on a sub connected to the stator. The components are held in this configuration by a shear ring until the fluid pressure within a chamber defined between the locking member and the sub is sufficient to cause the shear ring to shear. The locking member may then move out of the engagement with the rotor to free the motor for operation. The locking member is held in this position by a ratchet mechanism.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting one or more longitudinal members, external to a downhole tubular conduit, by pulling upward on a cutter body attached to the tubular conduit, where the longitudinal members are run between cutter knives within the cutter body. The cutter knives are attached to one external longitudinal member. After the main tubular conduit is cut below the cutter body, the tubular conduit is pulled, lifting the cutter body, thereby engaging the cutter knives with sloping surfaces on the cutter body to force the knives together, severing the external longitudinal members.

Abstract: Apparatus providing at least one high pressure fluid cutting jet and methods employing same. A gas generator powered by a combustible propellant supplies pressurized gas to propel a fluid through at least one nozzle to form a cutting jet suitable for cutting materials such as structural elements. Furthermore, nozzles may be configured to rotate in order to circumferentially sever a tubular structural element. Two or more fluid cutting jets may be configured to intersect, and may be configured to intersect proximate to at least a portion of the periphery of the tubular structural element to be severed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a locator system for a cutting device in combination with a production string. Where the production string has at least one detent along its circumference. The invention also comprises a lock formed to engage the detent, a cutting device, and a body on which the lock is attached. The body is connected to the cutting device such that when the lock is engaged to the detent, the cutting device is operatively connected to the detent and the cutting device is positioned at a location to accurately sever the production string at a desired depth. An alternative embodiment of the detent is a nipple profile and the production string comprises a series of tubing members connected end to end. The tubing members can be a completion tool, tubing, or a combination of both. Also disclosed is a method of using the locator system.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides an apparatus and method for forming a pilot hole in a formation. In one aspect of the present invention, the apparatus may comprise a starter mill connected to a bearing mill by a body joint. The apparatus may further comprise a lead bearing connected to a starter mill by a lead joint. Preferably, an outer diameter of the bearing mill is about the same as an inner diameter of a wellbore. As the lead bearing travels along the concave, the apparatus will bend between the bearing mill and the lead bearing. The bend urges the starter mill into contact with the wellbore wall. In another aspect of the present invention, a method for forming a pilot hole in a wellbore includes running a tool into the wellbore, the tool comprising a starter mill disposed between a first bearing and a second bearing. While running the tool along a concave of a whipstock, the tool bends between the first and second bearing and urges the starter mill to form the pilot hole.

Abstract: A system of valves is disclosed wherein said valves operate over a designated pressure interval and are arranged to actuate performance of a sequenced set of events by downhole tools with the application of pressure to said valves.

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 tubing-retrievable safety valve. Thereafter, the actuating system is initiated. The actuating system actuates the drive system, which in turn drives the cutting system. In one aspect, the drive system is a rotary motor and shaft system that is connected to the cutting system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for severing the mandrel of an anchor device such as a packer to release the packer and remove it from a well. A cutter locator profile above the packer assembly and a cutter locator element on the cutting tool are located so as to precisely position the cutting element at a desired location on the packer mandrel. Once the mandrel is severed, the packer assembly can elongate to release the expansion mechanism. Then, the packer assembly can be pulled upwardly to release the packer, and to remove it from the well. A cutting tool can be lowered through production tubing to sever the mandrel, followed by pulling the packer with the production tubing. Alternatively, a cutting tool can be lowered on a workstring and latched to the upper end of the packer assembly, followed by severing the mandrel and pulling the packer with the workstring.

Abstract: The present invention discloses and claims a system for forming an opening, or window, in a downhole tubular for the subsequent formation of a lateral wellbore. In the system of the present invention, an apparatus is run into the parent wellbore which includes at least a tubular having a drill bit, a diverter such as a whipstock releasably connected to the drill bit, an anchoring device such as a packer, and a milling device. This apparatus allows for the milling of a window in the parent wellbore, and the drilling of a lateral wellbore through that window, in a single trip.

Abstract: The well reference apparatus and method of the present invention includes a reference member preferably permanently installed within the borehole at a preferred depth and orientation in one trip into the well. The reference member provides a permanent reference for the location of all operations, particularly in a multi-lateral well. The assembly of the present invention includes disposing the reference member on the end of a pipe string. An orienting tool such as an MWD collar is disposed in the pipe string above the reference member. This assembly is lowered into the borehole on the pipe string. Once the preferred depth is attained, the MWD is activated to determine the orientation of the reference member. If the reference member is not oriented in the preferred direction, the pipe string is rotated to align the reference member in the preferred direction. This process is repeated for further corrective action and to verify the proper orientation of the reference member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for milling a section of casing in an upward direction, utilizing a downhole hydraulic thrusting mechanism for pulling a section mill upwardly. A downhole motor and torque anchor can be used to rotate the section mill, or the mill can be rotated by a work string. A stabilizer above the section mill can be used to stabilize the mill relative to the casing being milled. A spiral auger below the section mill can be used to move the cuttings downwardly.

Abstract: The shear ram assembly 10 for shearing an oil well tubular T includes a first ram 16 axially moveable along the first axis 66 for moving an upper blade 17, and an opposing second ram 18 axially moveable along the second ram axis 68 for moving a lower blade 19. An upper planar surface 40 of the lower blade passes closely adjacent a lower planar surface 42 of the upper blade as the blades move towards each other to shear the tubular. The sealing system 24 is positioned within a recess 26 in the upper surface of the lower blade, and includes an elastomeric seal 28 for sealing engagement with the lower planar surface of the upper blade and a rigid actuator 30 moveable relative to the lower blade to energize the elastomeric seal.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for expanding coiled tubing within a wellbore in order to form a patch. In one aspect, an expansion assembly is run into the wellbore at the lower end of a string of coiled tubing. The expansion assembly includes a cutting tool and an expander tool. The coiled tubing is run into the wellbore such that the expander tool is adjacent a portion of surrounding casing or other tubular body to be patched. The expander tool is actuated so as to expand a selected portion of the coiled tubing into frictional engagement with the surrounding casing, thereby forming a patch within the wellbore. The cutting tool is actuated so as to sever the coiled tubing downhole above the patch. The severed coiled tubing is then pulled, thereby removing the expansion assembly from the wellbore as well.

Abstract: A tool for making a cut inside a downhole tool, including a housing adapted to move in the downhole tool, a plurality of openings in a wall of the housing that provides a passage from inside the housing to an exterior of the housing, a plurality of cutters disposed in the housing that are adapted to protrude from the plurality of openings to the exterior of the housing, wherein the plurality of cutters provides 360 degree cutting regardless of the orientation of the tool, and an actuation mechanism adapted to force the plurality of cutters to protrude through the plurality of openings.

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

Abstract: A stackable thru-tubing perforating gun system for use in perforating in a large diameter cased wellbore below a smaller diameter production tubing string. The system comprises a thru-tubing retrievable bridge plug for supporting a lower perforating gun section. The system further comprises at least one additional gun section stacked on top of the lower gun section. After firing, individual gun sections may be retrieved from the wellbore through the tubing string.

Abstract: A one-trip through tubing window milling system is disclosed. The whipstock is delivered with the mill and downhole motor in a downhole assembly which further includes MWD equipment for proper whipstock orientation. The entire assembly is run through tubing and the MWD equipment orients the whipstock. A motor lock prevents the downhole motor from turning as fluid pressure is applied to properly anchor the whipstock below the production tubing. The motor lock is defeated and the milling commenced using the downhole motor. At the conclusion of the window milling, the bottom hole assembly, including the mill, is removed and a retrieving tool releases the whipstock for retrieval through the production tubing.