Abstract: A system comprising a top mounted rotating stuffing box is provided for use with downhole pump (e.g., Progressing Cavity Pump) applications. The system also includes a split standpipe configuration that allows the stuffing box to be quickly installed or removed as needed. The split standpipe feature combined with the top-mounted aspect of the stuffing box allow for the corresponding drive units to stay intact while the stuffing box is being installed or removed.

Abstract: A method of reducing the torque required to provide relative rotation of two connected members includes providing impacts at or adjacent the connection between the two members at a rate of at least two impacts per second. An apparatus for reducing the torque required to provide relative rotation of two connected members includes an impact member adapted to provide an impact to at least one of the connected members, a driver for driving the impact member, wherein the driver is operable to cause the impact member to automatically and repeatedly impact upon the at least one member.

Abstract: A method for removing a downhole tool from a well bore comprises consuming at least a portion of the downhole tool within the well bore via exposure of the tool to heat and a source of oxygen. Another method of removing a downhole tool from a well bore comprises exposing the downhole tool to heat and a source of oxygen in situ within the well bore to desirably consume at least a portion of the tool within the well bore.

Abstract: A downhole tool including a selectively releasable joint, a downhole drilling assembly including the downhole tool, and a corresponding method. In one embodiment of the invention, a downhole drilling assembly includes a downhole tool having a first body and a second body mounted for relative rotation; a joint part for use in forming a selectively releasable joint between the second body and a part of the assembly coupled to the second body; and one or more locking member(s) for locking the first and second bodies relative to one another against relative rotation so as to allow a release force to be applied through the first body to release the releasable joint and allow the tool to be separated from the part of the assembly.

Abstract: A ram-type blowout preventer may include a body, a first ram block positioned within the body and having a first shearing element and a first sealing element, and a second ram block positioned within the body and opposing the first ram block, the second ram block having a second shearing element and a second sealing element. The blowout preventer may also include a load intensifying member coupled to the first ram block, wherein the first ram block and the second ram block are configured to close together upon activation of the blowout preventer, and wherein the load intensifying member is positioned to engage with the second ram block when the first and second ram block close and force the first shearing element and the second shearing element together.

Abstract: A system and method for actuating a shut-off valve in a wellbore wherein the shut-off valve element can be positively closed before the pump is removed from the well. A hydraulic actuator component is operably associated with the shut-off valve to provide for selective isolation of the well by positive closing of the valve prior to removal of the pump and opening of the valve after replacement of a pump within the wellbore. The hydraulic actuator component has a balanced hydraulic design wherein the valve closure element may be moved toward an open or closed position by flow of hydraulic fluid through first and second hydraulic lines. When a repaired pump or replacement pump is placed into the well, the actuator is stabbed into a packer element to seat it. The hydraulic actuator assembly is then operated to open the shut-off valve, thereby reestablishing well operation.

Abstract: An inner tubular member of a subsea wellhead assembly carries a locking member that moves between a locked and unlocked positions lands within an outer tubular member having a grooved profile in its bore. The inner tubular member joins to a portion of the conductor casing extending from a low pressure wellhead housing above the mudline of the seafloor. In the locked position, the locking member engages the grooved profile on the outer tubular member to connect the outer tubular member and inner tubular member. The inner tubular member also carries a hydraulically actuated, axially moveable locking sleeve that slidingly engages the locking member to move the locking member between the locked and unlocked positions. An ROV supplies hydraulic fluid through an ROV port to actuate the locking sleeve.

Abstract: A downhole apparatus permitting separation of one part of downhole equipment from another part thereof includes a first part connected to a second part by a connecting member which limits axial and rotational movement of the first and second parts and has first and second ends connected respectively to the first and second parts. The connecting member includes a cross bar extending between the first and second ends having an aperture therein that results in a region of weakness, a portion of the cross bar spaced from the aperture minimizing stress at the region of weakness when torque is transmitted in use between the first and second parts via the connecting member.

Abstract: A disconnection device for disconnecting a tool and a pipe string comprises a first connection part releasably connected to a second connection part by means of a locking device and a release object. The release object is soluble by means of, for example, acid.

Abstract: A disconnect device for use as part of a tubing string downhole in an oil or gas well and which comprises a tubular body, at least one slip held within the tubular body, and a sleeve housed within the tubular body to hold the at least one slip in coupling engagement with at least one of a coupling component of an upper sub and a coupling component of a lower sub, in use, the sleeve being selectively moveable relative to the at least one slip to release the slip and thereby release the coupling, wherein the slip cooperatively engages with at least one of the coupling component of the upper sub and the coupling component of the lower sub by means of at least one localized protrusion on the slip or on the coupling component extending into a corresponding shaped local depression or hole in the other of the at least one slip and the coupling component whereby tensile load and torque may be transmitted by the coupling, that part of the device which is to be released and left downhole by releasing the coupling engag

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a disconnect for use in a wellbore to separate a tubular string from a stuck wellbore component. In one aspect, the invention includes a disconnect with a first portion and a second portion and a lock nut preventing the separation of the two portions. When a predetermined fluid force is applied to a piston in the disconnect, a tensile sleeve fails and the first and second portions of the disconnect separate, thereby leaving a portion of the disconnect in the wellbore with the stuck component. In one embodiment, the tensile sleeve's failure permits an annular piston to dislodge a wedge sleeve from the lock nut, thereby permitting separation of the first and second portion of the disconnect.

Abstract: The retrieval tool includes a cylindrical member having a body, an inner passage, a guide cylinder and an engaging member. The engaging member may slide within the cylindrical member in order to frictionally engage a whipstock against an inner surface of the guide cylinder, facilitating removal of the whipstock from a borehole. A actuating member, piston, retainer and swivel sub may be used to connect the engaging member to the retrieval tool and enhance the mobility of the engaging member within the cylindrical member. A spring may also facilitate locking engagement of the engaging member and whipstock. Contact between the retrieval tool and the whipstock may lead to an increase of pressure within the inner passage, such pressure increasing the engagement between the engaging member and whipstock.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of treating of a well, a formation, or both, with the solids, liquids, or apparatuses, by 1) encasing said solids, liquids, or apparatuses in a water-soluble shell, 2) conveying said encased solids, liquids, or apparatuses to a predetermined location in the well, and then 3) allowing the water-soluble shell to dissolve in the aqueous phase in the wellbore. The shell is preferably made of water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol copolymers and a waterproofing agent. The shell encases a variety of solids, liquids, or combinations thereof, where said solids or liquids are useful in the treatment of the well or of the producing formation. Illustrative encased material includes soap, acid, corrosion inhibitors, chelating agents, scale inhibitors, mutual solvents, paraffin inhibitors, paraffin dissolvers, clay stabilizers, and tracer materials. The encased materials may also be apparatuses, such as a prefabricated screen completion or a prefabricated sand-pack.

Abstract: A continuous feed injection unit used for example for injection and removal of continuous well string from wells operates in a dual speed configuration. The unit comprises a first hydraulic motor, a second hydraulic motor, cooperating continuous well string gripping chains connected to be driven by the first and second hydraulic motors, a hydraulic power supply connected to provide pressurized fluid to the first and second hydraulic motors and a control system for the hydraulic power supply. The control system for the hydraulic power supply has a motor speed control valve with at least a first and second operating configuration, the first operating configuration providing power fluid to the first and second hydraulic motors in parallel and the second operating configuration providing power fluid to the first and second hydraulic motors in series. The hydraulic power supply may be a conventional power tong hydraulic supply.

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: Apparatus and methods are provided to prevent an operator from inadvertently dropping a string into a wellbore during assembling and disassembling of tubulars. Additionally, the apparatus and methods can be used to for running in casing, running in wellbore components or for a drill string.

Abstract: A tubing assembly including a tubing string and tubing hanger provides a fluid passage with backpressure threads for securing a backpressure plug in a fluid-tight seal below the tubing hanger, so that the tubing hanger can be removed from the tubing string. The back pressure threads are preferably incorporated in a backpressure adapter pin connected between the tubing string and the tubing hanger. The adapter pin may also incorporate external weight-bearing shoulders for snubbing and/or suspending the tubing assembly. The backpressure plug is inserted or removed using a backpressure plug tool that slides through a packing in a pressurized casement that maintains pressure in an axial passage through a control stack of the wellhead.

Abstract: A disconnect device for use in oil well and gas well servicing operations. The device comprising a mandrel having one or more locking formations, and a hollow, female member in which the mandrel is releasably securable. The female member includes one or more lugs that are moveably retained relative to an inner surface thereof by a first retainer member engaged with at least one retainer formation formed in each lug. Each lug includes one or more locking formations. The disconnect device includes a second locking member that is moveable into and out of engagement with the retainer formation of each lug respectively to lock the lug in the first position and release it therefrom to permit its movement to the said second position.

Abstract: An electrical submersible pump assembly has first and second modular component sections, each of the sections having an outer housing and an inner shaft member. A coupling sleeve having a bore is disposed between the modular component sections and receives the shaft member of each of the component sections. The bore of the coupling sleeve and the shaft members having mating radial load transmitting shoulders for transmitting torque. An axial load transmitting shoulder is affixed to the shaft member of the first modular component section and located in the bore of the coupling sleeve. A locking element is carried by the shaft member of the second modular section and engages the axial load transmitting shoulder to secure the shaft members to one another for transferring axial tension from one of the shaft members to the other.

Abstract: A well completion procedure and apparatus comprises a first assembly that includes production tubing combined with a production packer and an internal bore latching profile. A second assembly comprises an explosive perforating gun secured to a latching mechanism. The perforating gun and latching mechanism are dimensioned to freely traverse the flow bore of the production tubing for downhole retrieval and return after the packer is set. The latching mechanism may be released by discharge of the gun.

Abstract: An embodiment of a downhole tool for use with a workstring in a wellbore includes a first section, a second section, and a coupling mechanism adapted such that in a first configuration the coupling mechanism couples the first section to the second section. In a second configuration, the coupling mechanism does not couple the first section to the second section. Also disclosed is a method for creating a plug in a wellbore, the method comprising: injecting a slurry into the workstring to form a plug in the wellbore, positioning a flow preventing mechanism into the workstring to prevent fluid flow from exiting the workstring, inducing a coupling mechanism to uncouple a portion of the workstring such that the portion remains with the slurry to create the plug in the wellbore, and removing the first section from the wellbore.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and equipment for recovering use of a well-bore in circumstances where the well bore has become blocked by downhole equipment. The invention provides a method comprising the steps of separating, at a release joint, a portion of equipment from a jammed portion (6) of equipment; running the separated portion of equipment uphole out of the wellbore (100); running a deflector assembly (60) downhole into the wellbore (100); and deflecting a milling tool (64) from the wellbore into surrounding formation. The method is characterised by restricting relative movement between the deflector assembly (60) and the wellbore (100) by engaging, prior to deflecting the milling tool (64), the deflector assembly (60) with said jammed portion (6) of equipment.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a simple coupling means for interfacing linear acting actuator shafts with valves or hydraulic chokes. The coupling means of the present invention allows either an actuator or an interconnected valve or choke to be rapidly, safely, and efficiently interchanged with a replacement part. The present invention is broadly applicable to a wide variety of actuator types having rectilinear motion outputs and to a large variety of valve and choke types which are operated by linear motions, including gate valves with or without balanced stems.

Abstract: A disconnection device for disconnecting a tool and a pipe string comprises a first connection part releasably connected to a second connection part by means of a locking device and a release object. The release object is soluble by means of, for example, acid.

Abstract: A tubing conveyed disconnect check valve mechanism having releasable connection with a payload tool and being selectively actuated downhole for disconnecting from the payload tool for retrieval by the tubing string, with the check valve enabled for direct circulating flow and preventing the inflow of wellbore fluids, while permitting the payload tool to remain in the well. A housing is connected to a tubing string, such as coiled tubing, and incorporates at least one check valve and defines a first disconnect connector which is releasably connected with a second disconnect connector of the payload tool housing. A check valve positioning mandrel is releasably retained at a check valve disabling position within the housing for establishing a reverse circulating flow path through the check valve and is released from the housing and moved to a check valve enabling position, closing the reverse circulating flow path and permitting direct circulating flow only.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a gravel pack assembly comprising a gravel pack body and a crossover tool. The gravel pack body comprises a pressure set packer, one or more production screens and a plurality of axial position indexing lugs. The crossover tool comprises auxiliary flow chambers, packer by-pass channels, a crossover tool check valve and an axial position indexing collet. The gravel pack body and crossover tool are assembled coaxially as a cooperative unit by a threaded joint and the unit is threadably attached to the bottom end of a tool string for selective placement within the wellbore. Set of the packer secures the gravel pack body to the well casing and seals the casing annulus around the gravel pack assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first member, a second member releasably attached to the first member, and a control line shear mechanism disposed proximate an interface between the first member and the second member. The first and second members can each have a longitudinal bore therethrough and can be moveable in an axial direction to release from one another. The control line shear mechanism may comprise a first shear member attached to the first number and a second shear member attached to the second member, wherein the first and second shear members are adapted to cooperatively shear a control line as the first and second members separate. A method includes separating a first member from a second member and, before or during the separating step, cutting a control line proximal to the paint of separation of the first and second members.

Abstract: A safety sleeve used with a wireline connection where the safety sleeve comprises an elongated body with an axial aperture formed along its axis. The wireline connection connects a severed wireline and can be comprised of a fishing spear and a fishing overshot. The safety sleeve axially encompasses the wireline connection assembly with its elongated body. The bending moment required to yield said safety sleeve is greater than the maximum bending moment experienced by the combination of the safety sleeve and the wireline connection during operation. The safety sleeve can also include a collar threadedly connectable to one side of the elongated body, a window formed along the elongated body, and a raised portion formed on the inner radius of the elongated body. The invention further includes a method of using the safety sleeve in conjunction with a wireline connection assembly.

Abstract: A tubing assembly including a tubing string and tubing hanger provides a fluid passage with backpressure threads for securing a backpressure plug in a fluid-tight seal below the tubing hanger, so that the tubing hanger can be removed from the tubing string. The back pressure threads are preferably incorporated in a backpressure adapter pin connected between the tubing string and the tubing hanger. The adapter pin may also incorporate external weight-bearing shoulders for snubbing and/or suspending the tubing assembly. The backpressure plug is inserted or removed using a backpressure plug tool that slides through a packing in a pressurized casement that maintains pressure in an axial passage through a control stack of the wellhead.

Abstract: Slips slidably disposed on a mandrel for lowering into a well inside a tubular to be removed from the well move outwardly to engage the tubular upon withdrawing the mandrel carrying the slips from the well. In one implementation there is a conical surface such that movement between the slips and the conical surface expands the slips outwardly. These inner and outer bodies are relatively moved in the well such that the outer body expands against an inner surface of the tubular in the well preparatory to removing the tubular from the well. After removing the tool string and at least part of the tubular engaged by the slips out of the well, inner structure of the removal tool can be pulled, in a direction opposite to which the lifting force was applied, to disengage the slips from the removed portion of the tubular.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods to prevent an operator from inadvertently dropping a string into a wellbore during assembling and disassembling of tubulars. Additionally, the apparatus and methods can be used for running in casing, running in wellbore components or for a drill string.

Abstract: A device for use in removing and installing an inline component from a drill string that is depending downward over a deck. The device has an elongate member with a flange adapted to abut the deck and support the elongate member in a substantially upright orientation, and an engagement member on the elongate member adapted to rotably engage the inline component.

Abstract: A disconnect assembly connecting two portions of a downhole assembly having a downhole apparatus attached to a coiled tubing string. The disconnect assembly includes a first housing connected to one portion of the downhole assembly and a second housing connected to another portion of the downhole assembly. The housings are releasably connected by a release assembly. The release assembly is coupled to a drive train on a motor by a connection transferring rotational motion into translational motion. The release assembly includes locking members having a connected position engaging both housings and a released position wherein the housings can be separated. The motor is connected to the surface by conductors extending through the coiled tubing whereby the motor may be actuated from the surface to move the release assembly between the connected and disconnected positions.

Abstract: A disconnect device for use as part of a tubing string downhole in an oil or gas well and which comprises a tubular body (2), at least one slip (8) held within the tubular body (2), and a sleeve (10) housed within the tubular body (2) to hold the at least one slip (8) in coupling engagement with at least one of a coupling component of an upper sub (1) and a coupling component of a lower sub (3), in use, the sleeve (10) being selectively moveable relative to the at least one slip (8) to release the slip and thereby release the coupling, wherein the slip (8) cooperatively engages with at least one of the coupling component of the upper sub (1) and the coupling component of the lower sub (3) by means of at least one localised protrusion (18) on the slip (8) or on the coupling component extending into a correspondingly shaped local depression or hole (19) in the other of the at least one slip and the coupling component whereby tensile load and torque may be transmitted by the coupling, that part of the device whi

Abstract: A portable pipe installation/removal support apparatus for assisting in the installation/removal of a series of connectable pipe strings from a ground-level borehole. The support apparatus has a base, an upright extending from the base, and, in an exemplary embodiment, a pair of catch arms extending from the upright to define a catch platform. The pair of catch arms serves to hold an upper connector end of a pipe string at an operator-convenient standing elevation by releasably catching an underside of a pipe coupler connecting two pipe strings of the series of connectable pipe strings. This enables an operator to stand upright while coupling/uncoupling the series of connectable pipe strings during the installation/removal thereof from the ground-level borehole. Additionally, a process for installing and a process for removing a series of connectable pipe strings is disclosed utilizing such a support apparatus.

Abstract: Methods of releasing a well tool set in a wellbore are provided. In various embodiments, a well tool, such as a packer, is released from sealing and gripping engagement within a wellbore using alternate methods. A dual-string packer is described in which the packer may be released by severing a mandrel of the packer, displacing a piston of the packer, or by displacing a retaining device in a flow passage of the packer.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides a gas operated pump having a removable and insertable valve. In one aspect, the invention includes a pump housing having a fluid path for pressurized gas and a second fluid path for exhaust gas. The fluid paths are completed when the valve is inserted into a longitudinal bore formed in the housing.

Abstract: Apparatus for cleaning and doping a pin (2) of a tubular (3) during the making or breaking of a string on a well platform. The apparatus comprises a housing (4) having first and second opposed ends (6, 7) and arranged in used to be secured at its first end (7) to the well platform or to a moveable arm. The second end (6) has an opening therein for receiving the pin (2) to be cleaned and doped. A nozzle array (16) is mounted within the housing (4) for rotation about a longitudinal axis of the housing (4) and is coupled to a source of lubricant. A washing and drying unit (10) is also mounted within the housing (4), axially displaced from said nozzle array (16) and coupled to a source of cleaning liquid and a source of drying gas.

Abstract: This invention relates to a dual jacking system and method for inserting and extracting tubulars, or the like into and out of a well, such as an oil or gas well, at a relatively high rate of speed.

Abstract: A continuous feed injection unit used for example for injection and removal of continuous well string from wells operates in a dual speed configuration. The unit comprises a first hydraulic motor, a second hydraulic motor, cooperating continuous well string gripping chains connected to be driven by the first and second hydraulic motors, a hydraulic power supply connected to provide pressurized fluid to the first and second hydraulic motors and a control system for the hydraulic power supply. The control system for the hydraulic power supply has a motor speed control valve with at least a first and second operating configuration, the first operating configuration providing power fluid to the first and second hydraulic motors in parallel and the second operating configuration providing power fluid to the first and second hydraulic motors in series. The hydraulic power supply may be a conventional power tong hydraulic supply.

Abstract: After an existing lower rod lock is tightened to keep a pump rod, which extends from a stuck pump rotor, from sliding down into a well, an existing upper rod lock/drive is loosened to allow the rod to slide through the upper rod drive.

Abstract: A system and method for controllably separating a conduit into an upper portion and a lower portion. The system includes a first valve in the upper portion of the conduit above a point of separation, and a second valve in the lower portion of the conduit below the point of separation. When the conduit is separated, the valves are actuated to cease flow therethrough and prevent loss of fluids into the seawater. A hang-off tool in the lower portion of the conduit engages the well and supports the lower portion of the conduit.

Abstract: A reciprocating pump dump valve and methods of use for utilization in the hydrocarbon industry. The device is preferably used with barrel pumps although it may be used with tubing pumps. The device is positioned at the bottom of the wellbore immediately above the stinger and immediately below the standing valve and allows for complete dumping of the hydrostatic head in the production tubing whenever the tubing must be pulled.

Abstract: A packer retriever having a grapple body rotatably and slideably coupled to a mandrel directly attached to a milling tool can engage a packer (or extension thereof) having a substantially smooth I.D. in a wellbore while the packer is milled. The mandrel rotates in a central opening through the grapple body. The grapple body does not rotate when released from teeth of a nut on the mandrel and can remain engaged to the packer (or the extension) as milling proceeds. The mandrel includes a specially designed shoulder and the grapple body includes a specially designed bearing, both casehardened, which allow the mandrel to rotate constantly while reducing the effects of wear. The packer retriever remains in the engaged position to prevent the packer from falling if it breaks loose while milling. The packer retriever can transfer torque to the packer and can be engaged and released multiple times.

Abstract: A wear bushing has a lower portion that is landed on a casing hanger in a wellhead housing. The wear bushing is mounted to the running tool, which is joined to a drill string. With running-in keys locked on the tool, the wear bushing is lowered down the well into the wellhead housing. The wear bushing is landed on the casing hanger and anti-rotation pins are pressed upward as they contact a seal assembly. The wear bushing is rotated until the anti-rotation pins align and fall into slots. With the anti-rotation pins in the slots, the running tool is released from the wear bushing by opposite rotation, and the running tool may then be run deeper into the well. The wear bushing is extracted using a retrieval tool. The retrieval tool is axially positioned relative to the wear bushing such that tool retrieval teeth engage a wear bushing retrieval ring so that the wear bushing can be extracted from the casing hanger.

Abstract: An isolation string having: an upper packer; and an isolation pipe in mechanical communication with the upper packer, wherein the isolation pipe comprises a pressure activated valve and an object activated valve. A method having: running-in an isolation string on a service tool, wherein the isolation string comprises a pressure activated valve and a object activated valve; setting the isolation string in the casing adjacent perforations in the casing; releasing an object from the service tool, whereby the object travels to the object activated valve; closing the object activated valve with the released object; and withdrawing the service tool from the well.

Abstract: This invention relates to a dual jacking system and method for inserting and extracting tubulars, or the like into and out of a well, such as an oil or gas well, at a relatively high rate of speed.

Abstract: A perforation gun is secured to the inside bore of a well completion tube by a releasable connection module. The connection module mechanism includes radially expanding anchor dogs that are retained at an expanded position by a latching mechanism that may be released, alternatively, by combustion gas or by wireline. When the perforation gun is discharged, gas from the discharge combustion displaces a retaining piston. Displacement of the retaining piston releases a latch pin and allows the gun weight to shift a secondary release sleeve. Shift of the secondary release sleeve releases a latch dog retention pin and hence, releases the anchor dogs from a meshed connection with the completion tube. The secondary release sleeve may also be shifted by the upward pull of a wireline.

Abstract: An apparatus for making up and breaking out of a tubing string in a well includes a connector (9; 109) for connection to a tubular (1) and a main high pressure conduit (13; 113) communicating with the connector (9; 109) for allowing circulation through a tubular (1) connected thereto. Below that unit a connecting shell (17; 117) bounding a connecting chamber (18) has an upper passage (19) and a lower passage (20), a preventer (23) for separating an upper portion (24) of the connecting chamber (18) from a lower portion (25) thereof, and a back-up high pressure conduit (26) communicating with the connecting chamber (18). A pressure corresponding to the pressure in the upper portion (24) of the connecting chamber (18) is provided in at least one pressure chamber (51; 151) and exerts a force pressing a tubular (1) or the connector (9; 109) into the connecting chamber (18) against forces exerted by pressure in the connecting chamber (18).