Abstract: An example of an apparatus for jarring a wellbore tool from an obstruction includes four sub-assemblies in communication with three springs such that the springs may be compressed forcing the subassemblies to become adjacent to one another. When the springs are actuated, the sub-assembly units spring apart from one another force dislodging the lower most sub-assembly component from the obstruction.

Abstract: Retrieving a down hole tool at a lower end of a string of casing can be performed with drill pipe during a casing-while-drilling operation. The operator suspends the casing on a landing sub landed in a drilling rig floor opening. A string of drill pipe is lowered into the casing while the casing is suspended for engaging and retrieving the down hole tool. A spillage preventer in the landing sub prevents spillage of drilling fluid as the drill pipe is being retrieved. When circulation is desired, the operator secures a circulation tool to an upper end of the drill pipe, then lowers the drill pipe and the circulation tool to close off an upper end of an inner annulus between the drill pipe and the casing. A connection between the circulation tool and the landing sub allows the operator to reciprocate the casing.

Abstract: A tubing connection release system. The system includes, a male connector having a profile at one end thereof and receptive to a tubular at the other end thereof, a female connector receptive to a tubular at one end thereof and receptive to the male connector at the other end thereof. The system further includes, a sleeve disposed radially inwardly of the female connector, and a collet having at least one deflectable collet finger disposed radially inwardly of the sleeve. The collet is biased to a position within the female connector whereat the at least one collet finger is supported against radially outward deflection. The collet is further movable by the push-in connector against the bias to a position where the at least one collet finger is radially outwardly unsupported such that the profiled end of the male connector is movable into engagement with the at least one collet finger.

Abstract: Withdrawing a hollow stem auger string from a well includes a retractor having C-shaped inter-coil insertions and a hoist having tong-arms, one which terminates in an inwardly disposed pin. The retractor connects to a drilling rig's hydraulic cylinder vertical drive system, the hoist to a winch system thereof. The retractor engages the string by the C-shaped inter-coil insertion disposed between one coil of the helical flight of the topmost section of the string. The hoist engaged the top collar of the topmost section by the at least one pin inserting into a pin hole thereof. The string is lifted about the height of one section by the retractor, which is promptly disengaged. The topmost section is detached, and carried by the hoist to elsewhere to be dropped. The method repeats by re-engaging the retractor and hoist and then returning to the activity of lifting.

Abstract: A tool for extracting well pipe casings resembles an enlarged pipe-thread tap. The tool is designed to be suspended under and driven by the traveling rotary table and hydraulic vertical drive system of a conventional drilling rig. By this means, well pipe casings are withdrawn from wells by engaging the tops of such well pipe casings, and unlike the prior art, which grapples well pipe casings at their very bottom, and at the end of a cable. Unlike withdrawing casing by a cable pull, wherein cables stretch and unstuck casings might launch like projectiles, the extractor tool manages to withdraw well pipe casing in a recoilless manner, which is more controlled, and safer.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved swivel joint for use as part of a cable-guided fishing assembly. The swivel joint contains a bearing assembly comprising a series of ball bearings partially encased by an inner and outer race. During a cable-guided fishing operation, the inner and outer race exert a shearing, rather than compression, force on the ball bearing due to the unique configuration of the bearing assembly. This unique configuration increases the strength of the bearing assembly, and the corresponding strength of the swivel joint, without necessitating an increase in the outer diameter of the swivel joint.

Abstract: An unsticking assembly for releasing a tool that is stuck in a wellbore including a first anchor actuatable between an engaging position wherein the first anchor engages a wall of the wellbore and a retracted position wherein the first anchor does not engage the wall; a second anchor actuatable between an engaging position wherein the second anchor engages a wall of the wellbore and a retracted position wherein the second anchor does not engage the wall; and a control module in connection with the first and second anchor to selectively actuate each anchor between the engaged and retracted positions. The assembly is adapted for positioning in the wellbore and in connection with the tool when the tool is stuck in the wellbore. The assembly may be a stand-alone assembly that is connectable to the tool after the tool is stuck in the wellbore. The assembly may include the wellbore tool as an interconnected element.

Abstract: Retrieving a down hole tool at a lower end of a string of casing can be performed with drill pipe during a casing-while-drilling operation. The operator suspends the casing in the well from a drilling rig floor opening. A string drill pipe is lowered into the casing while the casing is suspended for engaging and retrieving the down hole tool. When circulation is desired, the operator secures a circulation tool to an upper end of the drill pipe, then lowers the drill pipe and the circulation tool to close off an upper end of an inner annulus between the drill pipe and the casing. The operator circulates fluid down the circulation tool and the drill pipe and back up an outer annulus surrounding the casing. The connection between the circulation tool and the casing allows the operator to reciprocate the casing.

Abstract: In one aspect, a method and apparatus for intervening in an offshore pipeline while diverting fluid flow to a storage site is provided, so that production through the offshore pipeline may continue while conducting a pipeline intervention operation. An offshore vessel may be used to divert and store fluid flow while intervening in the pipeline. In another aspect, a method and apparatus for drilling a subsea wellbore with an offshore vessel is provided. The method and apparatus involve drilling the wellbore and casing the wellbore with continuous casing lowered from the offshore vessel.

Abstract: A downhole tool is provided including apparatus for unsticking the tool from the wall or a borehole. The tool may include a housing defining a longitudinal axis and a sleeve coupled to the housing and mounted for rotation relative to the housing, the sleeve having an exterior surface including at least one projection extending radially outwardly with respect to the longitudinal axis. A transmission mechanism may be coupled to and adapted to rotate the sleeve, and a motor may be coupled to the transmission mechanism. A method for unsticking the downhole tool by rotating a sleeve is also disclosed.

Abstract: A fishing tool gripper head including at least one moveable jaw of a set of jaws, a motivator including one or more of an SMA, SMP, or EAP material in operable communication with the at least one moveable jaw and a method for engaging a fish in a wellbore.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a method and/or apparatus for deploying wireline tools with a non-electric string. In one embodiment, a method of determining a free point of a tubular string stuck in a wellbore includes deploying a tool string in the stuck tubular with a non-electric string. The free point assembly includes a battery, a controller, and a free point tool. The method further includes activating the free point tool by the controller. The free point tool contacts an inner surface of the stuck tubular string. The method further includes applying a tensile force and/or torque to the stuck tubular string; and measuring a response of the tubular string with the free point tool.

Abstract: An overshot tool includes a grapple, a torque sub rotationally fixed to the grapple and a deformable member in operable communication with the torque sub. The torque sub is responsive to torsional movement thereof. A method for retrieving a fish with the tool is also included.

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: A backoff sub includes a housing; and a backoff facilitator at least partially within the housing and capable of adding energy to a system within which the sub is disposable and method.

Abstract: An overshot includes a sleeve. A coupling member having a latched state and an unlatched state is disposed at a first end of the sleeve. A load-responsive toggle mechanism for alternating the coupling member between the latched state and the unlatched state is disposed at a second end of the sleeve.

Abstract: Methods and devices for sensing operating conditions associated with downhole, non-drilling operations, including, fishing and retrieval operations as well as underreaming or casing cutting operations and the like. A condition sensing device is used to measure downhole operating parameters, including, for example, torque, tension, compression, direction of rotation and rate of rotation. The operating parameter information is then used to perform the downhole operation more effectively.

Abstract: An overshot tool for retrieving an object in a well includes a housing having a housing bore with upper and lower portions. A cam having a cam bore is carried in the upper portion of the bore. The housing and the cam are rotatable relative to each other from an aligned position, in which the cam bore axis and the housing bore lower portion axis coincide, to a misaligned position, in which the cam bore axis and the housing bore lower portion axis are misaligned with each other. The housing bore and the cam bore are open at a lower end for sliding over an object in the well when the tool is in the aligned position. Rotation of the housing and the cam relative to each other causes the cam bore axis and the lower portion axis to move toward the misaligned position, thereby gripping the object for retrieval.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and method of jarring with an overpull generator. In one aspect, a method of dislodging an object stuck in a wellbore is provided. The method includes the step of running an assembly into the wellbore on a conveyance member and attaching the assembly to the object, wherein the assembly comprises an overpull generator and a delay force release device. The method also includes the step of generating an overpull force in the wellbore by selectively activating the overpull generator. Additionally, the method includes the step of applying an impact force to the object by activating the delay force release device and releasing the generated overpull force, thereby dislodging the object stuck in the wellbore. In a further aspect, an assembly for dislodging an object stuck in a wellbore is provided. In yet a further aspect, an overpull generator for use in generating an overpull force in a wellbore is provided.

Abstract: An extension sub for a downhole fishing tool, the extension sub comprising a tubular having a threaded pin end and a threaded box end, the tubular having an interior wall defining a bore, and cutting elements fixed to the interior wall of the tubular and extending into the bore of the tubular. Such a device may be referred to as a string shoe.

Abstract: A well tool for applying a pulling or a pushing force to an object in an interior of a well bore comprising: a) a inner member comprising an first elongated member, a second elongated member and an actuation means axially interconnecting the first elongated member and the second elongated member; b) an outer elongated member longitudinally moveably engaged with the inner member; c) a first seal defined between the first elongated member and the outer elongated member; d) a second seal defined between the second elongated member and the outer elongated member; e) a first piston area defined at a first end portion of the outer elongated member between an outer diameter of the outer elongated member and a sealed outer diameter of the first elongated member; f) a second piston area defined at a second end portion of the outer elongated member between the outer diameter of the outer elongated member and a sealed outer diameter of the second elongated member; and g) a sealed chamber defined between the first seal a

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a downhole retrieving tool. The tool includes, a tubular member with a deformable portion having a reduced internal dimension, and a swage member engagable with the reduced internal dimension such that movement of the swage member through the deformable portion radially increases the internal dimension and the outer surface of the deformable portion causing the deformable portion to move radially outwardly.

Abstract: A technique utilizes a fishing tool that enables fishing operations for retrieval of well tools that may have a variety of sizes and configurations. The fishing tool is adjustable to enable selection of a desired size for engagement with a specific wellbore tool. The fishing tool is moved downhole to the well tool and engaged with the well tool. Once the fishing tool is engaged, the well tool can be retrieved to the surface.

Abstract: A shear assembly used downhole to actuate a work string function includes a dampening subassembly to dampen the momentum of moving parts following shearing to avoid excessive acceleration and resulting jarring forces within the work string. A dual shear assembly is provided, in which the dampening subassembly prevents inertial force resulting from a first shear from exceeding the threshold for actuating the second, higher threshold, shear mechanism thereby allowing more precise control of the forces applied to the work string to prevent premature shearing of the second shear mechanism. In a specific embodiment, the dampening subassembly is a hydraulic dampening subassembly. The dual shear assembly may be used, for example, to first open a wash port above a tool lodged within the wellbore to loosen debris above the lodged tool, and then to shear the tool from the work string if necessary.

Abstract: A technique utilizes a fishing tool and method for retrieving a fish from a downhole location without removal of a downhole completion. The fishing tool comprises a housing and a piston slidably mounted in the housing. Grip legs are engaged with the piston such that movement of the piston in a first direction along the housing moves the grip legs to a disengaged position for receiving the fish. Subsequent movement of the piston in a second direction causes the plurality of grip legs to move to an engaged position with the fish. The grip legs can be moved between the disengaged and engaged positions after the fishing tool is moved through the completion.

Abstract: A device (12) is disclosed which is for use in retrieving debris from a well. In one embodiment, the device includes an elongate body (20); a main bore (22) extending part way along a length of the body, along which fluid flows into the device; an opening (24) towards a lower end of the body; a main fluid chamber (28) in the body in fluid communication with the main bore; a flow restriction (30) provided in the main bore, through which fluid flows from the main bore and into the main fluid chamber; at least one chamber outlet (32) for directing fluid from the main fluid chamber into an annulus defined between the device and a well borehole wall; a return flow passage (40) extending between the body opening and the main fluid chamber, for return flow of fluid from the annulus to the main fluid chamber, to facilitate retrieval of debris from the well; and at least one fluid exit (44), for flow of fluid returned to the main fluid chamber through the return flow passage out of the device.

Abstract: An intelligent downhole impact jar device is described that is able to sense well bore angle or deviation and alter the effective jar impact load based upon the sensed information. The impact jar device includes a jarring portion for creating jarring impacts within a wellbore toolstring. The jarring portion is adjustable so that jarring forces of various levels can be produced. The jarring portion is adjusted in response to sensed wellbore conditions, such as the angle of deviation of the surrounding wellbore.

Abstract: An apparatus for gripping a down hole tubular includes a body element defining a central cavity along a longitudinal axis. Disposed within the body element is at least one engaging member. In one aspect, the engaging member has an upper gripping element and a lower gripping element. The gripping elements are designed to be movable with respect to one another. A rod is pivotally attached to the engaging member. The rod moves the engaging member radially inward or outward with respect to the longitudinal axis of the central cavity. In one embodiment, a slewing device is coupled to one end of the body element. The slewing device is moveable with respect to the body element along the longitudinal axis. The rod includes a first end and a second end. The first end is slidably and rotatably connected to the stewing device, such that the first end is radially moveable relative to the longitudinal axis as the stewing device is moved along the longitudinal axis from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: An apparatus for freeing a cable that is lodged in a wellbore without dislodging the well tool carried by cable includes a housing connectable about the cable and means for engaging the cable upon impact with the well tool to reduce the impact of the outer housing on the well tool.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for decreasing drag force in a mechanism for releasing a mandrel is provided. The mandrel is released by a collet, which is controlled by a trigger sleeve. Most of the axial force on the collet is relieved, thereby decreasing the frictional force exerted by the collet on the mandrel after it is released.

Abstract: A swellable polymer gel composition for use in subterranean formations. The composition comprises water, a water soluble polymer, a water soluble crosslinking system and a swelling agent. The crosslinking system may be either a redox system or a chelating system. The amounts of the polymer and the crosslinking system are effective to form a substantially uniformly reacted tri-dimensional gel structure. To the gel solution, is added a swelling agent in an amount sufficient to increase the volume of the gel a predetermined percentage. The swelling agent may be a natural or a synthetic agent. A strengthening agent may be added to increase the gel strength of the composition. The composition has numerous uses and is particularly useful in oil industry applications such as plugging wells, sealing casing leaks and reducing water production from water-bearing hydrocarbon formations.

Abstract: Overshot fishing tools for retrieving objects, i.e., “fish” lodged within a wellbore are disclosed. The overshot fishing tool comprises a housing having a housing bore with at least one recess disposed along the inner wall surface of the housing bore. A slip is disposed within each of the recesses. Each slip has a gripping profile for engaging and securing the fish. Each slip also has a length and a width such that the slip, when actuated, provides circumferential loading on the housing. In specific embodiments, each slip includes two or more different gripping profiles to facilitate retrieval of different types and sizes of fish.

Abstract: A junk removal tool (10) for use in a well bore. The tool includes a multi-faceted face (42) of tungsten carbide to break up large pieces of junk. The junk is then captured in the tool via large area inlet ports (40) and collected in a trap (31). In one embodiment, valves (41) are placed at the inlet ports to prevent the out-flow of captured junk. A further embodiment includes a throat portion (52) to jet junk laden fluid into the tool.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for decreasing drag force in a mechanism for releasing a mandrel is provided. The mandrel is released by a collet, which is controlled by a trigger sleeve. Most of the axial force on the collet is relieved, thereby decreasing the frictional force exerted by the collet on the mandrel after it is released.

Abstract: Nanoemulsion, macroemulsions, miniemulsions, microemulsion systems with excess oil or water or both (Winsor I, II or III phase behavior) or single phase microemulsions (Winsor IV) improve the removal of filter cakes formed during hydrocarbon reservoir wellbore drilling with OBM. Such filter cakes and their particles can contact, impact and affect the movement of the drill string undesirably resulting in a “stuck pipe” condition. The macroemulsion, nanoemulsion, miniemulsion, microemulsion systems with excess oil or water or both or single phase microemulsion removes oil and solids from the filter cake, thereby releasing the drill string from its stuck condition. In one non-limiting embodiment, the emulsion system may be formed in situ (downhole) rather than produced or prepared in advance and pumped downhole.

Abstract: An impact enhancer apparatus includes: a substantially tubular inner member, a substantially tubular outer member that is axially movable in relation to the inner member, a primary energy storage device adapted to store energy when the inner member is moved in either of first and second axial directions with respect to the outer member and a secondary energy storage device adapted to store energy when the inner member is moved in a first axial direction with respect to the outer member. The primary energy storage device may include a primary biasing device. The secondary energy storage device may include a secondary biasing device. The primary and/or secondary biasing devices may be a spring device such as a disk spring, a coiled spring, a fluid spring, a gas spring, etc. The impact enhancing devices may include tubular members that have double shoulder high torque connections.

Abstract: Devices and methods for translating tubulars within a wellbore and, as a result, effectively freeing a stuck tubular string within a wellbore. One or more vibrator devices are incorporated into a tubular string, such as a drill string. Each of the vibratory devices may be turned on or off independently, as needed, to help effectively free the tubular string from a stuck condition.

Abstract: An overshot tool includes a grapple, a torque sub rotationally fixed to the grapple and a deformable member in operable communication with the torque sub. The torque sub is responsive to torsional movement thereof. A method for retrieving a fish with the tool is also included.

Abstract: The purpose of the method of the present invention is to provide an improved method and an improved apparatus, to displace light, medium, or viscous hydrocarbon fluid, which may be contaminated with earthen solids, from the subterranean hydrocarbon reservoir to a hydrocarbon fluid storage tank or other handling facilities on ground surface, by means of oil well production. The method is intended for use in cold primary hydrocarbon production or thermally stimulated hydrocarbon production from vertical, slant, whipstocked, or horizontal oil wells. The production system does not employ moving subsurface mechanical components.

Abstract: A combination jarring tool and disconnect device is disclosed in which the jarring events may be followed by separate disconnect event, or in which the jarring events may coincide with disconnect events. The tool generally comprises a housing and a sleeve in concentric arrangement and a disconnect interface. A plurality of axial and rotational locks is used to prevent premature energization of the jarring and disconnect events.

Abstract: A gripper mechanism for downhole tool is disclosed that includes a linkage mechanism and a flexible toe disposed over the linkage mechanism. In operation, an axial force generated by a power section of the gripper expands the linkage mechanism, which applies a radial expansion force to the flexible toe. For certain expansion diameters, the expansion force can be primarily transmitted to the toe from a roller-ramp interface expanding the linkage. For other expansion diameters, the expansion force can be primarily transmitted to the toe by expansion of the linkage in a three-bar linkage configuration. For other expansion diameters, the expansion force can be primarily transmitted to the toe by expansion of the linkage in a four-bar linkage configuration. Thus, the gripper can provide a desired expansion force over a large range of expansion diameters.

Abstract: An example of an apparatus for jarring a wellbore tool from an obstruction includes four sub-assemblies in communication with three springs such that the springs may be compressed forcing the subassemblies to become adjacent to one another. When the springs are actuated, the sub-assembly units spring apart from one another force dislodging the lower most sub-assembly component from the obstruction.

Abstract: A downhole impact generator (60) is adapted to be moved to a target location within a wellbore (68) for transmitting a jarring force to a well tool (72) positioned in the wellbore (68). The downhole impact generator (60) includes a downhole power unit (62) having a moveable shaft (66) and a jarring tool (64). The jarring tool (64) is operably engageable with the well tool (72) and is operably coupled with the moveable shaft (66) of the downhole power unit (62) such that when the jarring tool (64) is operably engaged with the well tool (72), linear movement of the moveable shaft (66) energizes the jarring tool (64) such that a jarring force can be transmitted by the jarring tool (64) to the well tool (72).

Abstract: Overshot fishing tools for retrieving objects, i.e., “fish” lodged within a wellbore are disclosed. The overshot fishing tool comprises a housing having a housing bore with at least one recess disposed along the inner wall surface of the housing bore. A slip is disposed within each of the recesses. Each slip has a gripping profile for engaging and securing the fish. Each slip also has a length and a width such that the slip, when actuated, provides circumferential loading on the housing. In specific embodiments, each slip includes two or more different gripping profiles to facilitate retrieval of different types and sizes of fish.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for retrieving metal objects. The apparatus includes a housing with an inner part, with the housing having a first wall. The apparatus further includes a sleeve disposed within the housing, with the sleeve being constructed of a non-magnetic conduction material. A magnet is disposed within the sleeve, with the magnet having a north pole and a south pole. The apparatus further includes a container disposed within the sleeve, the container having a second wall. In the most preferred embodiment, the first wall defines a first pathway for magnetic lines of flux for the north pole of the magnet and wherein the second wall defines a second pathway for magnetic lines of flux for the south pole of the magnet so that a toroidal magnetic field is formed about the distal end of the sleeve.

Abstract: An overshot tool for retrieving an object in a well includes a housing having a housing bore with upper and lower portions. A cam having a cam bore is carried in the upper portion of the bore. The housing and the cam are rotatable relative to each other from an aligned position, in which the cam bore axis and the housing bore lower portion axis coincide, to a misaligned position, in which the cam bore axis and the housing bore lower portion axis are misaligned with each other. The housing bore and the cam bore are open at a lower end for sliding over an object in the well when the tool is in the aligned position. Rotation of the housing and the cam relative to each other causes the cam bore axis and the lower portion axis to move toward the misaligned position, thereby gripping the object for retrieval.

Abstract: A tool for generating a force downhole comprises a body, a longitudinally movable activating member mounted to the body, and a longitudinally movable driven member also mounted to the body. The driven member is operatively associated with the activating member such that on translation of the activating member in one axial direction, the driven member is translated in an opposite axial direction. The tool may be utilised to convert a pulling action, applied by a spoolable member, to a pushing action, useful in disengaging a downhole lock.

Abstract: A run-in and retrieval device for a downhole tool comprises a first set of lugs disposed on a first component of the device connected to a tool string, and a second set of lugs disposed on a second component of the device connected to the downhole tool, wherein the first set of lugs interact with the second set of lugs in a connected position. A method for running at least one downhole tool into a well bore comprises forming a releasable connection between an overshot connected to a tool string and a mandrel connected to the at least one downhole tool, running the at least one downhole tool into the well bore via the tool string, manipulating the at least one downhole tool in the well bore; and, rotating the overshot less than 360 degrees with respect to the mandrel to release the connection therebetween.

Abstract: An apparatus for freeing a cable that is lodged in a wellbore without dislodging the well tool carried by cable includes a housing connectable about the cable and means for engaging the cable upon impact with the well tool to reduce the impact of the outer housing on the well tool.

Abstract: A method for releasing a drill string stuck against a wall of a well bore due to pressure differential between the hydrostatic pressure of a fluid in the well bore and the pressure of a formation at the point where the drill string is stuck. The method includes injecting a first fluid into the annulus via the drill string and simultaneously injecting a second fluid into the annulus at an upper end of the annulus. The first fluid and the second fluid are injected into the annulus at a volume and rate sufficient to cause at least one of the first fluid and the second fluid to penetrate the formation and increase the pressure of the formation adjacent the well bore so that the pressure of the formation adjacent the well bore is substantially equalized with the pressure of the well bore. A jarring force is simultaneously exerted to the drill string to cause the drill string to release.