Abstract: By removing material of low permeability from within and around a perforation tunnel and creating at least one fracture at the tip of a perforation tunnel, injection parameters and effects such as outflow rate and, in the case of multiple perforation tunnels benefiting from such cleanup, distribution of injected fluids along a wellbore are enhanced. Following detonation of a charge carrier, a second explosive event is triggered within a freshly made tunnel, thereby substantially eliminating a crushed zone and improving the geometry and quality (and length) of the tunnel. In addition, this action creates substantially debris-free tunnels and relieves the residual stress cage, resulting in perforation tunnels that are highly conducive to injection under fracturing conditions for disposal and stimulation purposes, and that promote even coverage of injected fluids across the perforated interval.

Abstract: A casing exit joint with an easily milled and low density barrier. A casing exit joint for use in drilling a lateral wellbore outwardly from a parent wellbore includes a generally tubular window structure having a window formed through a sidewall of the structure. An outer sleeve is disposed external to the window structure, so that the sleeve overlies the window. A hardenable substance supports the sleeve against deflection toward the window. A method of drilling a lateral wellbore extending outwardly from a parent wellbore includes the steps of: providing a casing exit joint including a hardenable substance positioned in a sidewall of the casing exit joint; then installing the casing exit joint in the parent wellbore; and then cutting through the hardenable substance in order to provide access for drilling the lateral wellbore.

Abstract: Method and system for use in a subsurface formation traversed by a wellbore. An energized fluid, which when subjected to a low pressure environment liberates or releases gas from solution, is disposed in the formation. Reduced pressure in a region of the wellbore below pressure in the surrounding formation liberates a gas in the energized fluid near a tunnel created in the formation.

Abstract: A system and method for cutting windows for lateral wellbore drilling. A method of cutting a window through a sidewall structure for drilling a lateral wellbore through the window includes the steps of: providing an internal profile in the sidewall structure; then installing the sidewall structure in a parent wellbore; and then cutting the window through the sidewall structure, the cutting step including engaging a cutting tool with the internal profile. The cutting step may include resisting lateral displacement of the cutting tool due to engagement between the cutting tool and the internal profile.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for characterizing a subsurface formation is provided. The apparatus includes a tool body, a probe assembly carried by the tool body for sealing off a region of the borehole wall, an actuator for moving the probe assembly between a retracted position for conveyance of the tool body and a deployed position for sealing off a region of the borehole wall and a perforator extending through the probe assembly for penetrating a portion of the sealed-off region of the borehole wall. The tool may be provided with first and second drilling shafts with bits for penetrating various surfaces. The method involves sealing off a region of a wall of an open borehole penetrating the formation, creating a perforation through a portion of the sealed-off region of the borehole wall and testing the formation.

Abstract: A device useful for conducting lateral or transverse excavating operations within a wellbore comprising a rotating drill bit with jet nozzles on a flexible arm. The arm can retract within the housing of the device during deployment within the wellbore, and can be extended from within the housing in order to conduct excavation operations. A fluid pressure source for providing ultra high pressure to the jet nozzles can be included with the device within the wellbore. The device includes a launch mechanism that supports the arm during the extended position and a positioning gear to aid during the extension and retraction phases of operation of the device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to extendable cutting tools for use in a wellbore. In one embodiment, a tool for use in a wellbore includes a tubular body having a bore therethrough, an opening through a wall thereof, and a connector at each longitudinal end thereof; and an arm. The arm is pivotally connected to a first piston and rotationally coupled to the body, is disposed in the opening in a retracted position, and is movable to an extended position where an outer surface of the arm extends outward past an outer surface of the body. The tool further includes the first piston. The first piston is disposed in the body bore, has a bore therethrough, and is operable to move the arm from the retracted position to the extended position in response to fluid pressure in the piston bore exceeding fluid pressure in the opening. The tool further includes a lock operable to retain the first piston in the retracted position; and a second piston operably coupled to the lock.

Abstract: A communication tool apparatus is described which is adapted to provide selective communication of control fluid through a downhole device such as a safety valve. The downhole safety valve is a tubing retrievable subsurface safety valve (“TRSSSV”). The communication tool may be run downhole and within the TRSSSV. Once within the TRSSSV, the communication tool apparatus activates a cutting device within the TRSSSV such that communication of control fluid through the TRSSSV is possible. A replacement safety valve run on a wireline may then be inserted into the TRSSSV and be operated via the control fluid line, as a new communication path created by the communication tool described herein. A method of using the communication tool apparatus is also described.

Abstract: The present application is directed to an apparatus for forming one or more holes in a wellbore casing, the apparatus comprising a deflector assembly and a drive assembly to drive said deflector assembly, wherein the deflector assembly may be optionally assembled at a surface of the wellbore prior to casing hole formation, and to methods employing the apparatus.

Abstract: In cutting a downhole pipe in proximity to a closure in the pipe, the pipe is first perforated. A perforating torch is positioned with a pipe in proximity to the closure. The perforating torch produces cutting fluids in a first radial direction and produces an opening in the pipe, which cutting fluids produce a reaction force opposite to the first radial direction. This reaction force drives the perforating torch into contact with the pipe, anchoring it against any pressure wave produced by the cutting fluids and reflected off of the closure. Once the pipe is opened, a cutting torch is operated to sever the pipe. Any pressure wave generated by the cutting torch is vented through the opening.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for forming and sealing a hole in the sidewall of a borehole are provided. The method may include conveying a carrier into the borehole, forming the hole in the sidewall using a bit, and sealing at least a portion of the hole by leaving at least a portion of the bit in the hole. An apparatus includes a carrier conveyable into the borehole, and a bit disposed on the carrier that forms the hole in a sidewall, the bit including a sealing portion that seals at least a portion of the hole.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for forming and sealing a hole in a sidewall of a borehole are provided. The method may include conveying a bit and a sealer into the borehole using a carrier, forming a hole in the sidewall using the bit, and introducing a sealant from the sealer to the hole along a surface portion of the bit. An apparatus includes a carrier conveyable into the borehole, a bit disposed on the carrier that forms the hole in a sidewall, and a sealer operable to introduce a sealant to the hole along a surface portion of the bit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting off a well which includes hydraulic rams, a sharp blade and a supporting structure that surrounds the well and holds it in place while the hydraulic rams and sharp beveled blade shears the well and cuts it off. The entire apparatus is operated with an hydraulic system and can be lifted over any well with a crane.

Abstract: A perforating gun assembly including: an upper end; a perforating gun connected to the upper end; a hydraulically actuated tool connected to the perforating gun on an end opposite the upper end; and a fluid conduit extending through the upper end and to the hydraulically actuated tool, the fluid conduit allowing fluid communication past the perforating gun to the hydraulically actuated tool such that fluid can be communicated through the upper end to actuate the hydraulically actuated tool.

Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore comprising inserting a first tubing member having a flowbore into the wellbore, wherein a manipulatable fracturing tool, or a component thereof, is coupled to the first tubing member and wherein the manipulatable fracturing tool comprises one or more ports configured to alter a flow of fluid through the manipulatable fracturing tool, positioning the manipulatable fracturing tool proximate to a formation zone to be fractured, manipulating the manipulatable fracturing tool to establish fluid communication between the flowbore of the first tubing member and the wellbore, introducing a first component of a composite fluid into the wellbore via the flowbore of the first tubing member, introducing a second component of the composite fluid into the wellbore via an annular space formed by the first tubing member and the wellbore, mixing the first component of the composite fluid with the second component of the composite fluid within the wellbore, and causing a fracture to form or be

Abstract: Disclosed herein relates to a single piece tubular member. The tubular member having a non-radially displaceable portion and a radially displaceable portion, the radially displaceable portion being movable to a position of similar radial displacement as that of the non-radially displaceable portion and a position of relatively large radial displacement in comparison to the non-radially displaceable portion. The tubular member also having at least one cutting arrangement disposed at the radially displaceable portion.

Abstract: A methodology and apparatus for cutting shape(s) or profile(s) through well tubular(s), or for completely circumferentially severing through multiple tubulars, including all tubing, pipe, casing, liners, cement, other material encountered in tubular annuli. This rigless apparatus utilizes a computer-controlled, downhole robotic three-axis rotary mill to effectively generate a shape(s) or profile(s) through, or to completely sever in a 360 degree horizontal plane wells with multiple, nested strings of tubulars whether the tubulars are concentrically aligned or eccentrically aligned. This is useful for well abandonment and decommissioning where complete severance is necessitated and explosives are prohibited, or in situations requiring a precise window or other shape to be cut through a single tubular or plurality of tubulars.

Abstract: A whipstock (1) having a longitudinal axis and comprising: a tapered face surface, at least part of which is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis, for guiding a milling head (7) as the milling head passes from a top end to a bottom end of the face surface, and a deflecting arrangement protruding from the face surface and having first and second deflection surfaces (46, 47), at least a part of each of the deflection surfaces being raised above the face surface and each of the first and second deflection surfaces being inclined at a greater angle with respect to the longitudinal axis than the face surface in the region of the deflection arrangement, wherein the first deflection surface (46) is located closer to the top end of the face surface than the second deflection surface (47).

Abstract: Earth-boring tools comprise a face and a plurality of cutting elements disposed on at least a portion of the face. An impact material is positioned on at least one portion of the body and has a relative exposure equal to or greater than at least some of the cutting elements of the plurality of cutting elements. The impact material comprises a material having a lower abrasion resistance than the body. Methods of making and methods of using such earth-boring tools are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of removing casing from a wellbore, the method including disposing a drilling tool assembly in a wellbore, the drilling tool assembly including a cutting device, a spearing device, and a jarring device. The methods further including activating the cutting device, cutting a first casing segment, deactivating the cutting device and activating a spearing device. The method further including engaging the spearing device with the first casing segment, activating the jarring device to free the first casing segment, and removing the first casing segment from the wellbore.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a downhole cutting tool. The downhole cutting tool including, a cutting member mounted on a rotatable shaft, a shaft-deflecting device in operable communication with the shaft, and a motor in operable communication with the shaft.

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. Should the cutter blades or pivotal connections become unusable, the tool body can be rotated about the vertical axis and secured to a downhole string by the opposite end. A substitute pair of cutter blades are then engaged on the tool body and operated to cut the casings similar to the first set of the cutter blades.

Abstract: A protection sleeve (12) for locking over a seal (72) in a wellbore is described. The sleeve (12) is adapted for releasable engagement to a running tool (14) and has a locking mechanism (28) comprising first and second tubula members and a collet (56) is provided. One tubular member includes a profile adapted to mate with a profile of the seal (72). The sleeve (12) may be located on a work string (14), including a rotary drill string, and the invention also relates to methods of running in, setting, carrying out an intervention operation and retrieving the sleeve in a single run. The invention has particular application in Through Tubing-Rotary Drilling (TTRD).

Abstract: The tubular cutter disclosed herein is useful for severing downhole tubulars and comprises a drive system, a pivoting system, a cutting head, and a cutting member. Cutting is accomplished by rotatingly actuating the cutting head with an associated motor, and then radially extending the cutting blade away from the cutting head. In one embodiment, the cutting head includes a cutting member that pivotally extends from the cutting head upon rotation of the cutting head.

Abstract: The tubular cutting tool for severing downhole tubulars, the tool having a drive system, a pivoting system, a cutting head, a cutting member, and a lubricant delivery system. Cutting may be accomplished by rotatingly actuating the cutting head with an associated motor and extending the cutting member away from the cutting head. The lubricant delivery system lubricates the respective contacting surfaces of the cutting member and the tubular and is actuated when the cutting member extends from the cutting head.

Abstract: A system and method for cutting windows for lateral wellbore drilling. A method of cutting a window through a sidewall structure for drilling a lateral wellbore through the window includes the steps of: providing an internal profile in the sidewall structure; then installing the sidewall structure in a parent wellbore; and then cutting the window through the sidewall structure, the cutting step including engaging a cutting tool with the internal profile. The cutting step may include resisting lateral displacement of the cutting tool due to engagement between the cutting tool and the internal profile.

Abstract: An apparatus and system that permits radial passages and lateral passages to be jetted into surrounding subsurface formation from existing or new wells. The system employs a casing cutting component that positionable by an anchored indexing device downhole to permit the formation of accurately positioned openings in the well casing. The system employs a passage jetting component employing extreme high jet fluid pressures and a method that allows for the downhole manipulation of the components so that the radial and lateral passages are achieved by minimum pulling work on casing, tubing or other components. The system is fully controllable and reduces dramatically the margins of error and failure that are inherent of the present day systems used for radial drilling.

Abstract: An adapter for connecting a casing annulus remediation system to a well having a wellhead with standard lateral ports. The adapter has a body with first and second ends. The first end of the adapter body has a substantially planar surface adapted to cover the lateral ports and be in abutting contact with the wellhead when the two are connected to one another. The second end of the adapter body has a planar surface positioned at an angle greater than 0 degrees and up to 90 degrees to the planar surface of the first end. The second end of the adapter is adapted to be connected to a casing annulus remediation system.

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 device for perforating and fracturing a formation in a single trip includes shaped charges and a volume of a gas generator. When activated by detonation of the shaped charges, the gas generator forms a high-pressure gas, which includes steam, that expands to stress and fracture the formation. Suitable gas generating materials include hydrates and hydroxides. Other materials that can be employed with the gas generator include oxidizers and material such as metals that increase the available heat for the activation of the gas generator.

Abstract: A fluid communication nipple including a tubular mandrel having an interior surface defining an internal bore and a passageway extending substantially lengthwise along a portion of the mandrel. The passageway is defined by an exterior wall section and an interior wall section, wherein the interior wall section extends outward from the interior surface into the bore. When it is desired to establish fluid communication through the passageway between the exterior and interior of the nipple an opening is formed through the internal wall section.

Abstract: Of the many assemblies and methods provided herein, one assembly includes a conduit adapted for installation in a well bore in a subterranean formation; one or more fluid jet forming nozzles disposed about the conduit; and one or more windows formed in the conduit and adapted to selectively allow a flow of a fluid through at least one of the one or more fluid jet forming nozzles. Another assembly provided herein includes a conduit adapted for installation in a well bore in a subterranean formation; one or more fluid jet forming nozzles disposed about the conduit; a fluid delivery tool disposed within the conduit, wherein the fluid delivery tool is operable to move along the conduit; a straddle assembly operable to substantially isolate the fluid delivery tool from an annulus formed between the fluid delivery tool and the conduit; and wherein the conduit comprises one or more permeable liners.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system includes a cased wellbore disposed in a formation of interest. The system includes an emulsion positioned in the wellbore at a depth of the formation of interest. The emulsion includes an oil external phase and an aqueous internal phase. The oil external phase includes particles having calcium hydroxide. The aqueous internal phase includes insoluble silica particles. The system further includes a perforating tool that generates perforation tunnels through the cased wellbore into the formation of interest. The system further includes a well flow control device that shuts in the wellbore for a specified period of time. The emulsion breaks during contact with the formation in the perforation tunnels, and the calcium hydroxide and silica particles form a cementitious material that consolidates the perforation tunnels.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to signal operated tools for milling, drilling, and/or fishing operations. In one embodiment, a mud motor for use in a wellbore includes: a stator; a rotor, the stator and rotor operable to rotate the rotor in response to fluid pumped between the rotor and the stator; and a lock. The lock is operable to: rotationally couple the rotor to the stator in a locked position, receive an instruction signal from the surface, release the rotor in an unlocked position, and actuate from the locked position to the unlocked position in response to receiving the instruction signal.

Abstract: The apparatus and method for drilling through the casing utilizes a yieldable biasing element to provide a self-adjusting length and exerts a predictable, controlled biasing force against the casing cutter for penetrating the casing. The cutter will be suspended from the well head by an element which will stretch to some extent, and the self-adjusting length will compensate for this also. As the cutter is lowered into position, and during the casing cutting operation, a flow of pressurized gas or emulsion can be directed through the down hole unit, to clear cuttings and other solids from the cutter's path.

Abstract: An improved perforating apparatus that creates drain holes in well tubing without the use of explosives. A hydraulically-activated apparatus created from machined metal pipes and solid metal bars that form four main sections, a hollow metal pipe 10, hollow metal chamber 11, wedge holder 12, and a wedge stop 13. A drive disc 14, drive wedge 15, piston 16, metal button 17, shear screws 19, and wedge holder O-rings 20, a drive disc O-ring 21, a piston O-ring 30, and a wedge stop O-ring 31 complete and seal the apparatus. When perforating apparatus reaches a location to be perforated, an impact bar is manually-dropped into tubing string and hits top of the apparatus. The force of well fluid pressure on a drive disc 14 within the apparatus forces drive wedge 15 inside drive holder 12 to impact piston 16. Impact on piston 16 expels button 17 through well tubing, creating a drain hole.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to internally cut vertical slots inside PVC, HDPE, or plastic pipe-riser (blank casing) in existing methane gas recovery wells (extraction wells) that have been installed at Municipal Solid Waste Facilities are described. Vertical slots cut in methane well risers allow methane gas, LFG derived from the decomposition of waste, to enter the existing riser and extraction system. This process saves time and cost associated with drilling additional wells to retrieve methane gas from subsequent layers of the waste body. The process assists in maintaining regulatory compliance by capturing LFG and preventing it from being emitted into the atmosphere.

Abstract: A method of perforating a wellbore by forming a perforation that is aligned with a reservoir characteristic, such as direction of maximum stress, lines of constant formation properties, and the formation dip. The wellbore can be perforated using a perforating system employing a shaped charge, a mechanical device, or a high pressure fluid. The perforating system can be aligned by asymmetric weights, a motor, or manipulation from the wellbore surface.

Abstract: A particle impact drilling system and method are described. In several exemplary embodiments, the system and method may be a part of, and/or used with, an apparatus or system, methods, to excavate a subterranean formation. The system can including, for example, removing near-borehole damage, casing, window milling, fishing, drilling with casing, under reaming, coring, perforating, effective circulatory density management, assisted annular flow, and directional control. Embodiments of associated systems and methods are also included.

Abstract: A production casing ripper comprising a swedge; spring housing; coupling; main housing; end piece; blade; and means for connecting the blade to the plunger; wherein the blade is situated inside of the main housing; wherein a plunger is situated inside of the main housing; wherein a primary spring is situated inside of the spring housing; wherein a primary pull rod is connected to the primary spring at one end and to the plunger at the other end; wherein when hydraulic pressure is introduced through the swedge, the plunger moves downward inside of the main housing and causes the blade to extend through an aperture in the main housing; and wherein when the hydraulic pressure is released, the primary spring causes the plunger to return to its original position, thereby causing the blade to retract.

Abstract: The pipe cutter disclosed herein is useful for severing downhole tubulars and comprises a drive system, a pivoting system, a cutting head, and a cutting member. Cutting is accomplished by rotatingly actuating the cutting head with an associated motor, and then radially extending the cutting blades away from the cutting head. In one embodiment, the cutting head includes a cutting member that pivotally extends from the cutting head upon rotation of the cutting head.

Abstract: A pipe cutter is designed for cutting a pipe from the inside by insertion of the pipe cutter through an open end of the pipe. The pipe cutter includes an elongated hollow sleeve with first and second ends in which an elongated shaft which is longer than the hollow sleeve is located for rotation. One end of the elongated shaft is adapted for connection to a source of rotational power; and the lower or opposite end of the elongated shaft is attached to a rotary saw blade. A centering housing is located between the first and second ends of the hollow sleeve and includes a mechanism for moving the sleeve and the elongated shaft located in it from an initial position with the saw blade out of contact with the interior of the pipe to a position radially outward from the central axis of the pipe to engage and cut the pipe through a circular or orbital motion of the pipe cutter.

Abstract: A self adjusting excluder sub includes a first subassembly; a second subassembly with respect to which the first subassembly is axially movable; and a support disposed at the second subassembly and when actuated being resiliently disposed against the first subassembly while being laterally movable relative to the first and second subassemblies jointly and method.

Abstract: Casing window milling assemblies include a conically-shaped section disposed along the tubular of the assembly. This conically-shaped section is a non-cutting portion that is preferably tapered toward the mill head. The conically-shaped section may be part of a flex-joint section of the assembly. Alternatively, the conically-shaped section may be its own sub-assembly secured above the flex-joint. In still another embodiment, the conically-shaped tapered section may be part of the upper mill section of the casing window milling assembly. In one embodiment, the conically-shaped section is disposed along the upper mill section below one or more secondary mills such as a reaming mill and a honing mill.

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: An actuator for operating downhole tools includes a tool body and one or more members configured to perform a wellbore task. The tool may include a sealed power and a driven section in pressure communication with the wellbore. A magnetic coupling magnetically connects the power section to the driven section. The power section may include an electric motor; and the driven section may include a speed reducer/torque increaser. In some embodiments, the member may be a positioning member. The positioning member may be manipulated to position a sensor that is configured to measure a parameter of interest. In other embodiments, the member may be an element such as cutting elements that cut wellbore tubulars. In aspects, a method for actuating or operating downhole tools includes using an actuator that utilizes a magnetic coupling to convey energy across a pressure boundary.

Abstract: A tubing punch and setting tool (TPST), operating on a single run for improved well bore intervention. The tool includes a setting tool for connecting to and setting a reference tool in a tubing string, a punch tool for punching holes in the tubing string wall, and actuation means to trigger the sequencing of the setting tool and the punch tool. The tool can be run on wireline, e-line or coiled tubing and allows a reference tool to be run and set on the same trip as punching holes in the tubing string. An embodiment is described wherein the reference tool is an anchor tool. With the distance known accurately between the anchor tool and the punched holes, a shortened retrofit gas lift straddle can be deployed.

Abstract: The method of wells production rate increase which includes lowering the hydroperforator equipped with hydromonitor nozzles into the well on the pipe string; pumping liquid with abrasive material under pressure into the pipe string and hydroperforator; impacting the well elements and the stratum with the liquid with abrasive material via hydroperforator hydromonitor nozzles. When liquid with abrasive material impacts the well elements and the stratum, pressure is changed in the pipe string delivering the liquid with abrasive material. The difference is that pressure is changed over time so that pressure oscillations always include components with different frequencies, and in doing so, peak values (amplitudes) for at least some pressure oscillation components vary within the time interval Td, where Td?Tv; Tv being the time of impact of the liquid with abrasive material on the well elements and the stratum via hydroperforator hydromonitor nozzles.

Abstract: A milling assembly can be delivered downhole on wireline. Once at the desired location, a processor extends centralizing and driving wheels to initially position the assembly. The assembly has a cutter end with one or more mills or cutters that can be selectively radially extended. The entire cutter end can be rotated in an arcuate manner over a predetermined range. One or more cutter can be extended at a time and driven. The wheels are driven either in an uphole or downhole direction at the same time the arcuate motion can take place. Using a processor, different shapes in a surrounding tubular can be made such as windows for laterals, a plurality of openings for production or interior locator surfaces to properly position subsequent equipment with respect to openings already made by the device.

Abstract: Multiple wellbores are interconnected utilizing a deflection device having a guide layer of lower hardness than the body of the deflection device, and a cutting tool having a guide portion and being operative to cut through the deflection device guide layer and a tubular structure lining a wellbore.