Abstract: A method for milling an opening, slot, hole, or window in a tubular of a tubular string in a wellbore, has been invented which includes installing a mill system in the tubular at a desired milling location, and milling an opening in the tubular. In one aspect the method includes using a mill which has a weight member below the mill, above the mill, or both. In one aspect additional weight is added to the weight member once it has been introduced into the tubular string.

Abstract: A one-trip assembly that includes the mill or mills for milling a window, the whipstock, the whipstock anchor or packer, and a valving assembly is disclosed which permits running in all the equipment needed for setting and orienting a whipstock and squeezing cement below the whipstock in one trip. Valving is provided which allows for the squeezing to go on after the whipstock packer is set. A feedback technique to determine that the milling assembly been pulled away from the cementing tube is incorporated into the assembly. In one embodiment, upon initiation of milling, pressure differential is used to shift a tube for valve actuation, effectively isolating the squeezed formation from pressures above the whipstock. In another embodiment, the whipstock is shifted to actuate an upper flapper. A second flapper valve is provided, preferably below the whipstock packer, which, responsive to pressure from below, is urged into a closed position.

Abstract: A method for milling an opening in a tubular in a wellbore, the method comprising installing a mill guide in the tubular at a desired milling location, inserting milling apparatus through the tubular and through the mill guide so that the milling apparatus contacts the tubular at the desired milling location and contacts and is directed toward the tubular by the mill guide, and milling an opening in the tubular. In one aspect the method includes installing a whipstock in the tubular and disposing the mill guide adjacent the whipstock to protect a concave portion of the whipstock. In one aspect the method includes retrieving the mill guide from the wellbore and in another aspect includes retrieving the whipstock from the wellbore.

Abstract: A downhole cutting tool for use in a wellbore, the cutting tool having a mandrel and a cylindrical knife body slidably mounted coaxially on the mandrel. The mandrel can be attached to or suspended from any type of workstring. The upper ends of a plurality of knife blades are pivotably mounted at fixed points on the knife body. The knife blades are suspended therefrom over a plurality of ramps formed on the exterior of the mandrel. A pressure chamber is formed between the knife body and the mandrel. Fluid from the work string can be directed through the mandrel to the pressure chamber, to drive the knife body downwardly relative to the mandrel, causing the lower ends of the knife blades to contact the ramps on the mandrel and kick or pivot outwardly to cause the lower tip of the blade to contact the downhole material to be cut. As the mandrel is rotated, the knife blades rotate with it and cut into the material.

Abstract: New systems and methods have been invented for explosively forming openings, ledges, windows, holes, and lateral bores through tubulars such as casing, which openings may, in cerain aspects, extend beyond the casing into a formation through which a wellbore extends. In certain aspects openings (e.g. ledges, initial, or completed windows) in wellbore tubulars (e.g. tubing or casing) are made using metal oxidizing systems, water jet systems, or mills with abrasive and/or erosive streams flowing therethrough and/or therefrom.

Abstract: A single trip tool and method for cutting a subsurface window through a well casing and installing an anchoring and orienting sleeve in the casing adjacent the window for subsequent downhole well procedures and equipment installation. A mill held in position within the casing by a hydraulic and weight-set tubular anchor sleeve is used to cut multiple vertical slots in the casing wall to form a single, large window. An indexing mechanism controls circumferential placement of the mill to ensure contact between adjacent slots. The mill is supported for rotation and longitudinal movement by a carriage mount that advances along dual sloping rails causing the mill to form an increasingly deeper cut during its initial cutting movement. Following formation of the window, the mill is retrieved leaving the anchoring sleeve in place for subsequent well procedures. A second embodiment anchors and orients the cutting assembly with an internally contoured coupling that is part of the casing string.

Abstract: The mill assembly and whipstock assembly include a mill having a tapered end which engages a ramp of the whipstock assembly. The ramp includes a plurality of surfaces having different angles whereby the rate of deflection of the mill by the whipstock varies as the mill is lowered into the borehole. In particular, the ramp of the whipstock includes two surfaces having steep angles, one steep angled surface causing the mill to punch through the wall of the casing and the second steep angle surface moving the center of the mill across the wall of the casing.

Abstract: A wellbore milling system has been invented which includes, in one aspect, a lower window mill, and two watermelon mills connected above the window mill. In one aspect the topmost of the two watermelon mills has a plurality of cutting blades with rough dressed outer surfaces and the lowermost watermelon mill has such blades with smooth outer surfaces. Such a system may be used in a multi-trip method with a starter mill first run into a wellbore to start a window to be milled by the window-watermelon-mills combination.

Abstract: Methods of completing a subterranean well provide access to a portion of a parent wellbore which has been closed off by a lateral wellbore liner. In a preferred embodiment, a method includes the steps of depositing cement in the lateral wellbore liner and then drilling through the cement and liner utilizing a bent motor housing conveyed on coiled tubing. The cement provides lateral support for a cutting tool while it is milling through the liner.

Abstract: A method for milling an opening in a tubular in a wellbore, the method comprising installing a mill guide in the tubular at a desired milling location, inserting milling apparatus through the tubular and through the mill guide so that the milling apparatus contacts the tubular at the desired milling location and contacts and is directed toward the tubular by the mill guide, and milling an opening in the tubular. In one aspect the method includes installing a whipstock in the tubular and disposing the mill guide adjacent the whipstock to protect a concave portion of the whipstock. In one aspect the method includes retrieving the mill guide from the wellbore and in another aspect includes retrieving the whipstock form the wellbore.

Abstract: A new mill has been invented which has a body, a fluid flow bore therethrough, and apparatus therein for selectively controlling the flow of fluid through the bore. In one aspect the mill is a starting mill connected to a whipstock and controlled flow of fluid through the mill results in setting of an anchor device or anchor packer below the whipstock. In one aspect the mill is initially filled with fluid and apparatus is provided in the mill to permit controlled fluid leakage from within the mill. In another aspect the mill has apparatus thereon for isolating a shear stud from a downward force imposed on the mill, the shear stud releasably connecting the mill to a whipstock.

Abstract: Apparatus for drilling perforations in a well casing to reinitiate water flow into the casing to restore operation of a well. The apparatus includes a pneumatic drill mounted within a housing which is capable of being lowered into a well casing. The drill is moveable by remote control between a rest position and a working position within the housing to cause a drill bit to pass through a port in the housing to drill perforations at selected locations in the well casing.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for perforating, testing and resealing casing in an earth formation borehole. The apparatus is moveable through the casing. The apparatus can also be mounted on a wireline, on tubing or on both. A perforating device is mounted in the apparatus for producing a perforation in the casing. The perforating device contains a flexible drilling shaft that enables the drilling of perforations in the casing of lengths greater than the diameter of the borehole. The apparatus will usually contain components for hydraulic testing and sampling from the formation behind the casing. Also mounted in the apparatus is a device for plugging and resealing the perforation with a solid plug.

Abstract: A perforating gun includes a multiplicity of shaped charges, the multiplicity of shaped charges including a plurality of planes of charges, each plane of charges including a plurality (N) of shaped charges and a detonating cord running down through the axial center of each of the plurality of planes of charges. The plurality (N) of shaped charges are equally spaced at an angle 360/N about the detonating cord. The plurality of planes of charges: (1) are rotated at an angle of 180/N relative to one another, and (2) are axially packed together along the longitudinal axis of the gun so that the charges in one plane are nearly touching the charges in the adjacent plane, yet they all share the same centered detonating cord. The proximity of one plane to another is close enough such that one plane of charges detonates within a few microseconds of its neighboring plane of charges.

Abstract: A sleeve member constructed of material, preferably aluminum metal, nonreactive with chemicals from a chemical cutter, including a ringed collar around its upper end, the ring collar secured to the upper end of the sleeve, and defining a base for hanging the sleeve within a bore of a steel riser positioned in as part of a wellhead assembly, the sleeve having an o.d. slightly smaller than the i.d. of the steel riser, and an internal bore of sufficient interior diameter so as to allow a chemical cutter to be positioned there within, the sleeve being of sufficient length to allow the entire chemical cutter to be positioned therein, while the chemical cutter is positioned within the wellhead assembly. The sleeve would further include a plurality of centralizers at its lower end, for maintaining the sleeve positioned equidistant at all points along its length between itself and the steel riser.

Abstract: A mill kick out apparatus comprises a whipstock and a starter mill. The whipstock has a lower end pivotally connected to a supporting assembly, an upper end, an outer side for disposition adjacent one side of a well wall, and an inner side diametrically opposite the outer side. The outer side has a vertically elongate upper portion angularly disposed with respect to a lower portion thereof, whereby the upper portion may abut the one side of the well wall when the lower portion is inclined downwardly and inwardly with respect thereto. The inner side is configured to be disposed at a first downward and inward angle with respect to the one side of the well wall when the one side so abuts the upper portion of the outer side of the whipstock. A lug projects generally radially inwardly from the inner side of the whipstock adjacent the upper end and has a generally radially inwardly facing surface disposed at a second downward and inward angle with respect to the one side of the well wall.

Abstract: A new casing opening formation apparatus has been invented which includes an explosive charge and an apparatus for positioning the explosive charge in a casing in a cased wellbore at a desired location. In one aspect the apparatus includes a drill bit or other drilling device releasably connected to a bit diversion device; and in another aspect the apparatus includes milling apparatus for milling the casing. In one aspect the opening created is a radial ledge for facilitating casing penetration by a mill which mills out a window. In one aspect the opening created has such a radial ledge and includes a slot for inhibiting or preventing coring of the mill. In one aspect the opening created is such a slot alone. In one aspect the opening created is a completed window for sidetracking operations, no further milling is needed and drilling commences in the formation adjacent the explosively created opening.

Abstract: A downhole wellbore tool has been developed which has a lower movable valve apparatus which, when it contacts a member in a wellbore or in a tubular in a wellbore, is moved to close off fluid flow through the item to which the valve apparatus is attached. In one aspect, such a valve apparatus is used below a mill above which is positioned a downhole motor which rotates the mill for milling. Actuation of the valve apparatus results in a cessation of the circulation of the motive fluid flowing to and through the motor so that milling stops. In one aspect the valve is selectively operable so that milling may be resumed. In another aspect such a tool is useful for indicating a known location in a wellbore when a decrease or cessation in fluid flow or a decrease in pressure is noticed at the surface.

Abstract: A one-trip system for milling a window using a whipstock is disclosed. The whipstock can be set on a packer or anchor which can be an electric line-type packer which, without modifications, can be set with the hydraulic mechanism disclosed so as to avoid the need for running a wireline rig. The assembly of the packer or anchor and whipstock is run into the wellbore in a single trip, with a mill or mills capable of milling a window. At the conclusion of the milling, the mill or mills are retrieved. Thereafter, a retrieving tool is attached to the whipstock and facilitates a release of the setting tool from the packer so that the setting tool and the whipstock are retrieved together.

Abstract: A downhole wellbore tool has been developed which has a lower movable valve apparatus which, when it contacts a member in a wellbore or in a tubular in a wellbore, is moved to close off fluid flow through the item to which the valve apparatus is attached. In one aspect, such a valve apparatus is used below a mill above which is positioned a downhole motor which rotates the mill for milling. Actuation of the valve apparatus results in a cessation of the circulation of the motive fluid flowing to and through the motor so that milling stops. In one aspect the valve is selectively operable so that milling may be resumed. In another aspect such a tool is useful for indicating a known location in a wellbore when a decrease or cessation in fluid flow or a decrease in pressure is noticed at the surface.

Abstract: A coplanar jetting head for well perforating. The apparatus comprises a housing defining a plurality of jetting openings therein. The jetting openings are substantially coplanar and are angularly disposed with respect to a longitudinal axis of the housing. Each of the jetting openings has a jetting nozzle disposed therein. In the preferred embodiment, the angle of the plane of the jetting openings is such that the plane may be positioned substantially perpendicular to an axis of least principal stress in a well formation adjacent to the well bore when the housing is disposed in the well bore. A method of fracturing a well is also disclosed and comprises the steps of positioning a jetting head in a well bore and directing a plurality of fluid jets from the jetting head at an angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the well bore.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of abandoning a well which has ceased to provide economic use. The method includes pressurizing the well fluids through the production tubing including optionally additional adjacent annular channels to force them back into the reservoir by means of a gaseous medium such as nitrogen. Then sealing the production tubing and optional annular channels with a suitable seal. Draining the remaining channels by perforation into the void in the production tubing and optional channels formed by the gaseous medium. Followed by a final sealing of the whole well.

Abstract: A gun hanger for emplacement through a tubing string into a casing string, comprising an inner mandrel, a setting means slidably received on said mandrel, said setting means including a plurality of spaced apart, extendable slips mounted thereon such that operation of said setting means causes said slips to extend and engage the casing string, a slip release means slidably received on said mandrel such that operation of said slip release means causes said slips to retract and disengage from the casing string, said setting means and said release means having diameters less than the inside diameter of the tubing string when said slips are retracted, a centralizer mounted on and extending axially from the hanger, said centralizer comprising a stem and a plurality of evenly circumferentially spaced longitudinal bow springs flexibly mounted thereon, said bow springs being longitudinally spaced along said stem such that each spring longitudinally clears its preceding and succeeding springs when said springs are com

Abstract: A well penetrator consists of a number of hydraulic fluid control components and a carriage carrying a hydraulic motor and a mill bit supported in a housing which is moveable down a well casing. The control components cause the carriage carrying the mill bit to be indexed up a predetermined distance relative to the well casing and then extended gradually into contact with the well casing while being rotated by the hydraulic motor. After the mill bit completes a hole through the well casing, the hydraulic components index the mill bit back down to its starting position and align a nozzle on the outer end of a high pressure lance with the opening in the casing to direct fluid from the nozzle as the lance is moved outwardly through the hole in the casing drilled by the mill bit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting metal casings with an ultrahigh-pressure abrasive fluid jet is shown and described. Examples of such casings include piles and conductors of offshore oil production platforms. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrated herein, the apparatus is lowered inside the casing to be cut to a desired depth where it is secured to an inner surface of the casing. An ultrahigh-pressure stream of fluid is forced through a nozzle provided in a jet manifold of the apparatus to produce an ultrahigh-pressure fluid jet, into which a volume of abrasives is entrained, thereby generating an abrasive fluid jet. A drive mechanism is provided to rotate the abrasive fluid jet in a substantially horizontal plane to produce a circumferential cut in the casing. The abrasive fluid jet may also be moved in a vertical plane if necessary to complete the cut, for example if the initial cut is in the form of a helix.

Abstract: Method of forming openings in structural substrates, especially oil and gas well casings, by providing a supply of a preselected liquid and providing a supply of preselected abrasive particles which are soluble in the liquid. The liquid and abrasive particles are combined to form an abrasive particle laden saturated solution having a predetermined concentration ratio exceeding the saturation point of the base liquid. The abrasive particle laden saturated solution is then pressurized to a predetermined delivery pressure and is routed to at least one jetting nozzle capable of expelling the abrasive particle laden saturated solution. The substrate, in which an opening is to be formed, is subjected to a directed expulsion of the abrasive particle laden saturated solution at a distance and for a period of time necessary to form an opening therethrough. Such abrasive particle laden saturated solution used and needed to form the opening is then considered to be residual.

Abstract: Oil wells productivity is increased by cyclically treating a shaft-adjacent zone of the well with a seam-forming liquid which contains additional activating components.

Abstract: A method of fracturing a subterranean formation having a well bore extending thereinto. The method comprises the steps of: (a) placing a jetting tool in the well bore such that the jetting tool is positioned within the subterranean formation, the jetting tool including a jetting nozzle; (b) orienting, by rotating the jetting tool about a longitudinal axis, the jetting tool such that the directional orientation of the jetting nozzle substantially corresponds to a predetermined fracturing direction; and (c) cutting a slot in the subterranean formation (and/or casing) by substantially maintaining the jetting nozzle orientation established in step (b) while both (1) spraying a jetting fluid out of the first jetting nozzle and (2) moving the jetting tool longitudinally within the well bore along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A well penetrator has a housing moveable down a well casing with a radially moveable punch being supported in the housing for movement between retracted and extended positions; a fluid jet is discharged from the outer end of the punch with liquid for the jet coming from a tube fixedly positioned at one end in the housing and held in slightly bowed condition when the punch is retracted to permit movement of the punch to its extended position from its retracted condition without the creation of excessive force on this metal tube. The jet creates a bulbous drumstick shaped cavity in the earth which is packed with a gravel slurry which hardens and cannot move into the casing due to the bulbous shape of the hardened slurry mass. Similar procedures are employed using a hose or lance with a nozzle at its outer end; one nozzle embodiment includes radial jets activated to transversely enlarge the cavity at a location spaced from the casing.

Abstract: A wireline conveyable device for a fluid operable borehole tubing assembly comprising a tubular body having a first end intended to form the upper end when in the borehole and a second open end intended to form the lower end. The tubular body includes at least one aperture in a wall thereof to facilitate passage of fluid through the tubular body. Electrically actuable outwardly moving anchoring means are attached to the tubular body for positively locating the tubular member at a predetermined position within the borehole tubing, in use. An electrically actuable sealing means attached to the tubular body and arranged, in use, for selectively sealing the space between the borehole tubing and the tubular body to divert fluid through the tubular body to bypass the sealing means for driving fluid actuable means located adjacent said second lower end of the tubular body.

Abstract: Methods of draw-down and build-up testing on existing production wells are disclosed. The testing may be accomplished without removing the production tubing string from the well. The production of the well is shut down and then a coiled tubing test string is run down into the production tubing string. The coiled tubing test string includes a coiled tubing string, a tester valve carried by the coiled tubing string, and a test packer carried by the coiled tubing string. The test packer is set within one of the casing bore and the production tubing bore above perforations which communicate the casing bore with a subsurface formation. Draw-down and build-up testing of the subsurface formation can then be accomplished by opening and closing the tester valve to selectively flow well fluid up through the coiled tubing string or shut in the coiled tubing string.

Abstract: An apparatus is established which facilitates the cutting and removal of well casing on a single trip into the wellbore. The apparatus is run into the wellbore on the tubing string and provides a rotatable sleeve including grapples adapted to engage the casing, and to facilitate removal of the casing. The apparatus also includes cutting assemblies coupled to the mandrel, which may be rotated so as to cut the casing, thereby facilitating removal of the casing through use of the grapples.

Abstract: A wellhead severing system for detonating a liquid explosive charge and subsequent removal of the wellhead from the sea floor. The explosive severing system includes a charge container holding a liquid explosive and a contractable bladder in fluid communication with the charge container to compensate for pressure and temperature variations as the system is lowered to the wellhead in the sea floor. Liquid explosive from the bladder flows into the charge container maintaining a constant volume of uncontaminated explosive around the detonators. The severing system is lowered into the wellhead on a running string and detonated through high voltage wires extending to a connector or the surface.

Abstract: A cut-and-close device for pressure pipes in production and supply installations for gaseous and liquid media includes a two-piece clamping block. A pipe-cutting and pipe-closing plate is driven into said clamping block by means of a propelling charge and a piston, both of which form part of a drive unit. The clamping block (1) is divided in the middle of its circular opening into a rear part (1.1) and a front part (1.2). The rear part (1.1) and the front part (1.2) can be screwed together. The rear part (1.1) and the front part (1.2) have rectangular slits (3) on the inside. The front part (1.2) also possesses a slot opening (5) large enough for a shearing plate (6). The shearing plate (6) runs in guide grooves (16) of a connector (12) bolted to the front part (1.2) of the clamping block (1). The conductor (12) is attached to the drive unit consisting of a pressure cylinder (13), a piston (14), and a cartridge furnishing a remotely triggered propelling charge.

Abstract: A firing apparatus for use with a tubing-conveyed perforating apparatus is disclosed. Wellbore pressure applies an upward force to a first piston connected by a shearable coupling to a firing piston. At a predetermined pressure the coupling shears, allowing the first piston to move upward. The first piston moves upward until the firing piston is in fluid communication with the pressure. The firing piston is forced downward by the pressure, firing the perforating apparatus.

Abstract: An extended reach penetrating tool which includes a tubing string lowered into a casing, anchored in position and including a cutting tool for forming a lateral hole in the casing. A formation penetrating tool is then substituted for the cutting tool on the tubing string and extended laterally through the hole in the casing and outwardly into the formation to a desired extent for enhancing production from the formation. The cutting tool for cutting a hole in the casing includes a laterally extendable cutting element urged radially from the tubing string by a piston and cylinder assembly with the cutting element in the preferred form being a rotatably driven cutting element which is extended radially from the tubing string into cutting engagement with the interior of the casing for forming a lateral opening.

Abstract: An apparatus for installing a selectively reopenable shut-off valve into an oil well casing of the type having an outer production casing and an inner production pipe suspended therein including a laterally installed casing plug to which independent flow diversion apparatus are attached after the casing is plugged and flow is initially stopped to allow temporary diversion and continued separated and independent flow from the annulus between the outer casing and inner pipe and from the pipe itself. The apparatus is particularly adapted to shut off a well which is burning or flowing out of control so that suitable repairs may be effected at the wellhead, while production is continued via the separately diverted flows.

Abstract: A system for controlling and extinguishing oil and gas well fires, as well as a system for remotely controlling flow of a pipeline. The system of the present invention encapsulates a section of the pipe, such as beneath the oil and gas well. The encapsulated section of pipe is tapped to bleed off the maximum pressure and flow of the pipe which is diverted to a remote storage reservoir. The upper and lower sections of the encapsulated section of pipe are sealed to allow a valve to be installed in the pipe. The pipe is operated by remote-activation to control the flow to the surface. The flow can thus be stopped to allow the surface facilities to be rebuilt or replaced.

Abstract: A one-trip whipstock assembly incorporating a hydraulically set anchor which includes an interlock for maintaining the anchor in its set position upon interruption of hydraulic pressure. The anchor is connected to the lower end of the assembly which also includes a whipstock for diverting cutting tools and a locator sub for positioning the assembly in the cased well bore. The whipstock assembly is designed to be run into the well using a running string or a mill attached to the upper end of the whipstock in order to locate and set the whipstock and mill the casing in only one trip.

Abstract: An underreamer tool has a body with upper and lower portions having an upper cutter blade slot extending transversely through the upper portion and a lower cutter blade slot extending transversely through the lower portion at a right angle thereto. The upper and lower portions have central bores separated by a wall and connected by upper and lower fluid flow passageways bypassing the cutter blade slots. An upper pair of cutter blades mounted in the upper cutter blade slot and a lower pair of cutter blades mounted in the lower cutter blade slot move between a retracted position within the slots and an extended position outward therefrom. An upper piston in the central bore above the upper cutter blade slot has its bottom end engaged on the upper cutter blades and a lower piston in the central bore above the lower cutter blade slot has its bottom end engaged on the lower cutter blades.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for relieving ground pressure surrounding pvc vent pipes which have been displaced from their T-fitting traps in sewer systems. The round tubular nature of a semi-rigid pipe is changed to an elliptical or oval shape with initial insertion and rotation of a special tool. The tool being connected to a drive-shaft and rotated by an external source such as a drill motor. The rotation of the tool within the pipe progressively causes the pvc pipe to have a momentary elliptical cross-sectional shape as the tool rotates within the previously round pipe, without rotating the pipe. As the tool passes down (or "screws down") through the pipe, the pipe re-assumes its circular cross-sectional shape, and original diameter, but only after its larger-dimension elliptical cross-section has pressurized the earth duct and increased its diameter to about an inch greater than its initial (unpressured) circular diameter.

Abstract: The tool is a mechanically operated detonating device that is actuated by tension. The device is run into a hole on a slick line or tubing and latched. When a predetermined upward pull is provided on the supporting line, a firing pin is released and fires an initiator. Typical uses are perforating, cutting and setting plugs in casing, tubing and drill pipe. Additional tension thereafter applied can be used for recovering the tool or a major portion thereof from the hole, on the supporting line.

Abstract: An underreamer tool has a body with upper and lower portions having an upper cutter blade slot extending transversely through the upper portion and a lower cutter blade slot extending transversely through the lower portion at a right angle thereto. The upper and lower portions have central bores separated by a wall and connected by upper and lower fluid flow passageways bypassing the cutter blade slots. An upper pair of cutter blades mounted in the upper cutter blade slot and a lower pair of cutter blades mounted in the lower cutter blade slot move between a retracted position within the slots and an extended position outward therefrom. An upper piston in the central bore above the upper cutter blade slot has its bottom end engaged on the upper cutter blades and a lower piston in the central bore above the lower cutter blade slot has its bottom end engaged on the lower cutter blades.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for hanging off a coiled tubing velocity string in an existing, active gas production well. The method allows for the "hot" tapping into a charged coiled tubing run thereby eliminating the need for an end plug and blow out equipment on site. A sealed cutter assembly is connected to the hangoff assembly, the charged coiled tube is cut, and back pressure leakage is avoided by the use of a hangoff head which seals in two directions. The cutter assembly is removed and the coiled tubing velocity string is piped to a new sales line.

Abstract: A milling machine is set forth for operation on a pipe string in a cased well to mill the casing. In one embodiment, an inner mandrel having a shoulder is aligned relative to a set of first cutters which are retracted. They are radially extended through slots in an outer body for cutting operations when the pipe string is rotated. Extension is accomplished by raising pump pressure to move an inner mandrel having a shoulder juxtapositioned relative to the cutters. In an alternate embodiment, the inner mandrel has two shoulders which cooperate with two separate sets of cutters wherein the first set is fully extended and the second set in only partially extended. The coil spring controlling the shoulder for the second set of cutters. The lower end of the tool body includes a constricted outlet orifice for mud flow and an alternate pathway through the inner mandrel and outer body is provided to flush cuttings and chips from the cutters.

Abstract: A casing mill for milling pipe cemented in an oil well comprises a body with a plurality of fixed milling blades having a diameter corresponding to the outside diameter of the pipe to be milled, and a second plurality of movable blades movable between a retracted position smaller than the inside diameter of the pipe to be milled, and an extended diameter corresponding to the outside diameter of a pipe coupling between adjacent sections of pipe. Means are provided for selectively moving the blades between the retracted and extended positions in response to drilling fluid flow. A stabilizer keeps the casing mill centered in the pipe to be milled. In this way, one can mill both the pipe and coupling in the vicinity of a coupling and mill only pipe between the vicinities of adjacent couplings.

Abstract: A downhole tool, such as a safety valve or a stand-alone nipple, has a tubular housing. An axially extending bore is provided in the wall of the housing. A radially extending recess is provided in the internal bore wall of the housing, encompassing the axially extending bore, and a control fluid pipe is passed through the bore and the recess. A cutting tool is mounted for radial movements in the recess and is actuated by downward jarring forces imparted by an auxiliary tool. The control pipe is severed by the cutting element and the lower severed end portion of the control pipe is concurrently crimped to close such end portion.

Abstract: An improvement in chemical cutting apparatus for use down within a well bore comprising improved means of discharging a cutting agent in conjunction with an automatic means of pressure relief. The relief also includes an expendable plug and an "O" ring assembly, which acts to prevent clogging of the relief port prior to firing of the cutting apparatus. The pressure relief is made small enough and is so located to prevent it from interfering with the normal operation of the cutting tool, but nonetheless is effective in relieving the built-up high internal pressure when the tool malfunctions. The improved means of application of cutting fluid includes a discharge/containment sub assembly which contains means of driving the cutting agent from the assembly via a piston actuation arrangement.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for cutting conduits. The apparatus includes a cutting head adapted for insertion in the conduit. The cutting head has at least one nozzle. The cutting head is rotatable to locate a previously cut sector of the conduit. A decentralizer is provided for positioning the nozzle adjacent a portion of the conduit.

Abstract: Improved method and apparatus are provided for perforating casing located in a deviated portion of a subterranean well. The direction toward which the explosive charges in the downhole perforating gun are facing upon firing of the gun is accurately controlled by a firing head operatively responsive to a first initiating signal activated from the surface and a second signal automatically generated when the gun is rotationally at a predetermined angular position relative to a vertical plane passing through the central axis of the perforating gun. A rotating device within the gun firing head enables the gun to be rotated for generating the second signal when the gun is positioned below a set packer. The technique of the present invention is reliable yet relatively inexpensive, and minimizes undesirable gravitation of formation sands with formation fluids into the casing.