Abstract: A kit of parts which is assembled to form downhole apparatus comprises a swellable member, which expands upon contact with at least one predetermined fluid, and a connector. The swellable member has a first mating profile towards a first end and a second mating profile towards a second, opposing end. The connector has a mating profile configured to mate with each of the first and second mating profiles of the swellable member. The connector can therefore be connected to either the first and second ends of the swellable member. The connector may be an end connector, or may connect the swellable member to a second swellable member. In either case, the connector may define an arresting surface against which the swellable member abuts when expanding. The kit of parts can be adapted to and installed on any well tubular, and may form any of a variety of tools.

Abstract: A cable that delivers power, signals, or information is wet connected downhole. The lower portion of the cable can be in an auxiliary conduit to a main tubular and be installed already connected to sensors, instruments or other downhole equipment. The connection is made up downhole to connect a string with its auxiliary conduit to the portion of the string and its auxiliary conduit that are below. The cable already in the hole has an upper end ferrule for connection to a ferrule on the lower end of a cable delivered into the upper auxiliary conduit after the wet connect is made up. When the ferrules connect they are held together and a signal goes to the surface that they have connected. The auxiliary connected conduits have a lateral conduit in fluid communication for use in delivery of the cable with circulating fluid.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electromagnetic telemetry apparatus and methods that include an insulating connector that comprises an outer metallic female member that has an inner conical longitudinal surface. In one embodiment, a tubular metallic male member is disposed in the female member, thereby crating an axial conical gap between the male and female members. A conical metallic sleeve having dimensions that substantially correspond to the axial conical gap is disposed in the axial conical gap. The outer tubular surface of the male member is coated with an insulating material, such as a ceramic material. A shoulder at one end of the male member prevents axial movement of the sleeve in one direction and a parallel key between the female member and a stabilizer member prevents rotational movement between the male and female members. The sleeve remains stationary relative to the insulated surface of the male member when the male and female members move longitudinally relative to each other.

Abstract: A fitting arrangement and method of securing a fitting arrangement to a surface is provided. A plurality of adjacent fittings is coupled to and extends from a mounting surface of a structure in a well bore. Each fitting has an engagement surface that is configured to engage with an installation tool for coupling the fitting to the structure. The engagement surfaces of the adjacent fittings in the plurality are offset from each other to thereby define a clearance for the installation tool.

Abstract: A submersible pumping system for use downhole, wherein the system includes tubing disposed in a wellbore having a wet connection formed for coupling with a pumping system disposable in the tubing. An electrical power cable connects to the wet connection through the tubing. The wet connection comprises receptacles configured to mate with electrically conducting pins, the receptacles and the pins are oriented substantially parallel with the tubing axis. The receptacles are formed to receive the pins therein and form an electrical connection for connecting electrical power from the cable to the pumping system.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an assembly for use in a wellbore which includes a base pipe; a filter medium surrounding at least a portion of the external surface of the base pipe; and an internally profiled sleeve surrounding at least a portion of the filter media. Also included is a method for attaching a hardware accessory to a sand screen assembly which includes providing a base pipe having an inner surface and an outer surface; surrounding the outer surface of the base pipe with a filter medium; engaging the sleeve with the filter medium; and connecting the hardware accessory to the sleeve. Also included is a downhole apparatus which includes a basepipe, where at least a portion of the external surface of the basepipe is profiled; and a sleeve mounted external to the basepipe, where the internal profile of the sleeve corresponds to the external profile of the basepipe.

Abstract: A method of subsurface lubrication facilitates well completion, re-completion and workover while increasing safety and reducing expense. The method involves using a subsurface lubricator mounted to a wellhead of the cased wellbore to lubricate a downhole tool string into the cased wellbore by running a subsurface lubricator through the wellhead and into an upper section of a production casing of the cased wellbore.

Abstract: A method of forming a downhole apparatus and an apparatus formed by the method is described. The method comprising the steps of providing a body having a longitudinal axis and forming an expanding portion on the body from multiple turns of a partially or substantially cured material around the longitudinal axis of the body. The material is selected to increase in volume on exposure to at least one predetermined fluid, such as a wellbore fluid. Embodiments of the invention include wellbore packers formed by the method.

Abstract: The invention describes a system for capping an abandoned well having production casing and surface casing. The system enables the effective sealing of the production casing volume from the surface casing volume such that any gases leaking from either volume can be independently released from independent valves. The system is particularly effective in improving the safety of re-entering an abandoned well.

Abstract: A hydraulic connector to provide a fluid tight connection between a fluid supply and a downhole tubular includes an engagement assembly configured to extend and retract a seal assembly disposed at a distal end of the hydraulic connector into and from a proximal end of the downhole tubular, and a valve assembly operable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the valve assembly is configured to allow the fluids to communicate between the fluid supply and the downhole tubular through the seal assembly when in the open position, and wherein the valve assembly is configured to prevent fluid communication between the fluid supply and the downhole tubular when closed position.

Abstract: A technique is provided for securing a subsea well that has had some of its components damaged as a result of a storm or other catastrophic event. The techniques utilizes a casing head assembly that may secured to the casing of the damaged well by tightening a plurality of set screws to drive slips into the casing. The casing head assembly may also comprise a tubing hanger. Tubing head set screws may then be tightened to activate the tubing hanger to secure the production tubing to the casing head. The casing head assembly may also comprise a latch-lock connector that may be secured to the casing head by stabbing the latch-lock connector into the casing head and rotating the connector approximately one-quarter turn. A corrosion cap may then be secured to the latch-lock connector to cover the end of the production tubing.

Abstract: A combined gas separator and pump in an electrical submersible pump assembly is disclosed. An integral discharge connector threadingly couples the gas separator and pump. The connector contains discharge ports for the discharge of the separated gas. The pump shaft and gas separator shaft are also coupled. Alternatively, a single pump shaft extends from the pump into the gas separator. In another alternative, the gas separator is completely integrated into the pump housing. The pump is modified by removing the intake of the pump and a sufficient number of pump stages to accommodate the gas separator components. A diverter tube is located in the pump housing and the pump housing is modified to include gas exit ports. All of the gas separator components are located in the modified pump housing, and the original pump intake is reattached at its original location.

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 progressing cavity pump is located within a well and has a gas separator for separating gas before reaching the pump. The pump has a rotor that is driven by a string of rods extending to the surface. A drive shaft for the gas separator is coupled to the rotor during pumping operation both for axial as well as rotational movement. The rotor assembly, when lowered through the tubing, stabs into engagement with the drive shaft of the gas separator in one version. In another version, the gas separator drive shaft is lowered through the tubing with the rotor and stabs into a hub sleeve in the gas separator.

Abstract: A protective pressure-resistant enclosure, or housing is provided, which can be incorporated into a production assembly within a wellbore. A conductor associated with the monitoring system is passed through a bulkhead using a hermetically sealed arrangement wherein fluid cannot pass between the conductor and the bulkhead. In a currently preferred embodiment, the sealed arrangement includes a conductor fitting which surrounds the conductor and forms a first fluid seal between the conductor fitting and the bulkhead. A compression member is then affixed to the conductor fitting. A pair of nested ferrules are disposed between the conductor fitting and the compression member. When the conductor fitting and the compression member are secured to one another, the ferrules are compressed together to form an active fluid seal against the conductor.

Abstract: A technique is provided for moving a downhole equipment assembly into engagement or out of engagement with a lower completion positioned in a wellbore. An upper communication line extends past the downhole equipment assembly, and a lower communication line is located with the lower completion. During engagement, the downhole equipment assembly is connected with the lower completion and the communication lines are coupled via a wet mate system.

Abstract: A subsea completion system includes a first component which comprises a first connection interface, a second component which comprises a second connection interface, and a third component which comprises a third connection interface that is complimentary to both the first and second connection interfaces. Consequently, the third component is operatively engageable with either of the first and second components.

Abstract: A latch for interconnecting a first wellbore element and a second wellbore element in a manner such that the first and second elements can be conveyed into a wellbore in tandem and then disconnected from one another includes a first latch head connectable to the first element, a second latch head connectable to the second element, and a lock mechanism connectable between the first and second latch heads, wherein the lock mechanism structurally degrades when exposed to the wellbore environment allowing disconnection of the first latch head and the second latch head.

Abstract: A downhole wet connect uses a bearing relation between materials to take advantage of the piezoelectric effect between them. Voltage is applied from the surface to the uphole pad which induces a voltage to be generated from the downhole pad to a storage device to store power for operating downhole equipment. The generated voltage can also be used as a real time power supply for downhole equipment. Alternatively, the generated voltage can be coded as a signal to downhole equipment to send date acquired downhole to the surface. The transmission of information is two way. Voltage input from the surface is stopped as downhole equipment sends a voltage based signal uphole for conversion by surface processors to capture the data. Alignment or downhole debris issues do not affect the transmission capability of the pads in the wet connect.

Abstract: A technique that is usable with a well includes installing a lower completion module as a unit in the well. The lower completion module includes a flow control mechanism, an annular packer, a sand screen and a flow monitoring device. Either a single unit or a plurality of the units may be installed in the well for zonal isolation and control.

Abstract: An improved ram inner seal assembly used in ram-type BOPs is disclosed. The disclosed invention provides an inner guide seal assembly that comprises a specially shaped guide body and a separate sealing element. When the ram-type BOP is closed, two opposing rams move toward one another, and the inner guide seal assembly guides a wireline (or other tubular) toward the center of the vertical bore through the BOP. The inner guide seal assembly's proximity to the ram body's centerline axis helps ensure that a positive seal is formed and that no damage occurs to the device in the central bore of the BOP. The separate, specially-shaped sealing element can be easily inserted into and removed from the guide body of the inner guide seal assembly for easy replacement.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention a downhole winding tool adapted to dispense a lining material in a borehole comprises a lining material. The winding tool also has entry and exit seals that are adapted to permit the movement of the lining material through the winding tool. The entry and exit seals restrict formation pressure and contaminants from entering the winding tool.

Abstract: A kit for converting an existing wireline retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve (170, 270, 370) into a bypass passageway apparatus (100) allowing the injection of production-enhancing fluid into a wellbore while maintaining the operation of the closure member (374). Bypass passageway (280) can extend between upper (260) and lower (275) adapters external to the existing wireline retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve (270) to allow fluid injection bypass thereof. Conversion kit can include a tubing string hanger to suspend a velocity tubing string (407, 507), a gas lift valve (475) for gas lift operations, a locking mandrel (220), and/or a spacer tube (240).

Abstract: A fluid powered tool is disclosed for assembling a two piece guide on a sucker rod at a well site. The tool includes a table (26) laterally moveable with respect to the sucker rod and supporting a fluid powered cylinder (28), a bottom plate (42) for engaging the rod guide, and a top plate (56) also for engaging the rod guide. At least one vertical guide (30) is provided for guiding vertical movement of at least one of the bottom plate and top plate, and a horizontal rail (32) is provided for guiding lateral movement of the table. Each of the top plate and the bottom plate include a recess for receiving the sucker rod when engaged by the guide. The fluid powered cylinder moves the bottom plate with respect to the top plate to assembly the guide on the rod.

Abstract: A method for producing gas from a well with low pressure involves running a bottom hole pressure test to graph a P-Q curve. The operator computes a frictional pressure drop due to friction of the gas flowing through the production tubing to the surface. A packer is set above perforations in the well. A screw pump is selected that has a capacity equal to the sum of the frictional pressure drop plus a desired wellhead pressure. The screw pump has a flow rate capacity determined from the P-Q curve. The operator may vary the frequency of a downhole motor to achieve the desired wellhead pressure.

Abstract: A fiber support arrangement for a downhole tool includes a tubular; at least one end ring positioning the tubular spaced radially from a downhole tool and lacking contact therewith; and a fiber supported at the tubular and method.

Abstract: A subsea well assembly has a tubing hanger that lands and seals in a wellhead housing. A tree block is lowered through the drilling riser into engagement with the tubing hanger. The tree block has a lower portion that inserts and latches into the bore of the wellhead housing. The drilling riser is disconnected, and a module is lowered onto the tree block, the module having a choke and controls for controlling the well. The master valve for production is the downhole safety valve in the tubing. The wing production valve is a ball valve located in the flow passage of the tree block.

Abstract: A progressing cavity pump (PCP) system that may be deployed in an existing well configuration without the need for a workover rig. A stator and tubing stop are first set in a conduit, such as production tubing, at a desired depth. In subsequent wireline runs, a pack-off and upper tubing stop are installed above the stator, which results in the stator assembly being set by tubing stops on top and bottom and results in the conduit above the PCP being isolated from the wellbore below. Installation of the system is completed by installing the rotor and by installing top-side drive equipment in the usual way. The PCP system allows the deployment of lift systems within existing well configurations without any element being deployed on tubing and provides the ability to retrofit a well with an insertable pump within existing tubing.

Abstract: An example of a method for cementing a casing within an earthen formation includes the steps of providing a gripping mechanism connected to a cementing assembly and a top drive; gripping the casing with the gripping mechanism; sealingly engaging the casing with a seal member; moving the casing to a position within the formation; and cementing the casing within the formation while maintaining a gripping and sealing engagement of the casing. The step of cementing may also include the step of remotely releasing a plug into the casing from the cementing assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus relates to incorporating a magnetic coupling for use in oilfield applications. The magnetic coupling is operatively coupled to an oilfield machine to provide a controlled operational speed. The magnetic coupling may be operatively connected to a motor and a drive shaft where a speed of rotation of the drive shaft is controlled by an operation of the magnetic coupling. The drive shaft is operatively connected to the oilfield machine.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for centralizing a downhole component. The method includes, delivering a tubular member with a plurality of lines of weakness therein to a site requiring a centralizer, and actuating the tubular member by causing a portion of the tubular member to deform radially from an unactuated position. The actuated portion contacting a downhole tubular structure, while maintaining at least two separate fluid passages. A first fluid passage between the portion of the tubular member and an outside surface of the tubular member in the unactuated position and a second fluid passage at a dimension smaller than that of the outside surface of the tubular member in the unactuated position.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an effective seal and connector that maintain a removable mechanical and electrical connection between any two down hole power cables, despite cable movement and well pressure. The connector preferably includes a fluid seal comprised an encasing material that surrounds and/or adheres to protective tubing encapsulating an electrical cable's conductor wires. The encasing material may also surround and/or adhere to the conductive wire's insulation to prevent its outward expansion during well pressure events. The connector's fluid seal also comprises a relatively rigid connection between the connector's protective outer sleeve and the protective tubing encapsulating the conductor wire.

Abstract: An expandable well screen system includes a screen assembly having a base pipe, a strut, and a screen expandable from a retracted position to an expanded position in the wellbore; and an insert guide disposed in the base pipe when the screen is in the expanded position, wherein the base pipe maintains substantially the same geometric dimensions when the screen is in the retracted position and the expanded position.

Abstract: New locking connector assemblies and telescoping extension/retraction assemblies are disclosed that operate on the natural spring rate constraints of radial protrusions or radially constrained rings as they interact with engaging members to provide the locking force and permit the connector and extension retraction assemblies to be engage and disengaged or extended and retracted.

Abstract: There is disclosed an electrically insulating device in the form of a sleeve (12) for a downhole tool, for electrically insulating a first threaded electrically conductive member in the form of an anchor sub (16) from a second threaded electrically conductive member in the form of an insulated sub (18). An assembly (10) including the sleeve (12) has particular use in measurement while drilling (MWD)/logging while drilling (LWD) procedures. In one embodiment, a third member in the form of a threaded electrically conductive sleeve sub (20) is coupled to the insulated sub by a second sleeve (14), to create an insulated gap between the anchor and sleeve subs (16, 20).

Abstract: A method of modifying a bottomhole assembly that includes metal plating at least a portion of a bottomhole assembly, wherein the metal-plating comprises superabrasive nanoparticles is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides apparatuses and methods for an improved shunt nozzle which is part of an alternative pathway for a slurry to by-pass an obstruction such as a sand bridge during gravel packing. In one embodiment, the nozzle has a hardened insert that lines a surface of a hole in the shunt and seats on a surface of a wall proximate the hole, thereby restraining movement of the insert relative to the shunt for welding an outer jacket to the shunt.

Abstract: To assemble a well tool, an inventory of plural different types of functional modules is maintained at an assembly location. An order for a well tool having a specified first application is received. In response to the order, a first combination of the plural types of functional modules from the inventory is assembled to form the well tool.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tubular make/break tool having a body section and a center weldment positioned within the body section. There are at least two linear actuators in opposed orientation disposed in the body section and the linear actuators are connected to the center weldment in a manner to impart torque thereto.

Abstract: A technique is provided to temporarily protect well system components during transport, movement downhole and/or initial downhole operations. A sacrificial material is formed as a protective sacrificial element disposed proximate susceptible well system components. The protective sacrificial element is at least partially dissolvable in fluids within a wellbore to facilitate removal of the element after a desired time period. Once the temporary, protective sacrificial element is removed, the protected well system component is fully operable.

Abstract: A swellable packer construction for continuous or segmented tubing. A method of constructing a swellable packer on a continuous tubular string includes the steps of: attaching a swellable seal material to the tubular string to thereby form the packer; and then wrapping the tubular string with the packer on a spool. A swellable packer includes a tubular body portion for incorporation into a tubular string, and a seal material wrapped about the body portion, the seal material being swellable in response to contact with a fluid. A method of constructing a swellable packer for a tubular string includes the steps of: wrapping a seal material about a tubular body portion to thereby form the packer; and then swelling the seal material in response to contact with a fluid. A continuous tubular string includes a seal material attached to a body portion of the tubular string to thereby form a swellable packer; and the packer wrapped with the tubular string on a spool.

Abstract: A cable that delivers power, signals, or information is wet connected downhole. The lower portion of the cable can be in an auxiliary conduit to a main tubular and be installed already connected to sensors, instruments or other downhole equipment. The connection is made up downhole to connect a string with its auxiliary conduit to the portion of the string and its auxiliary conduit that are below. The cable already in the hole has an upper end ferrule for connection to a ferrule on the lower end of a cable delivered into the upper auxiliary conduit after the wet connect is made up. When the ferrules connect they are held together and a signal goes to the surface that they have connected. The auxiliary connected conduits have a lateral conduit in fluid communication for use in delivery of the cable with circulating fluid.

Abstract: A technique to place a completion assembly in a well while maintaining the well in an underbalanced condition includes running a plug on a deployment tool to a desired depth in the well. The technique includes setting the plug in the well; retrieving the deployment tool; and running the completion assembly on a setting tool into the well to engage the plug. The technique includes releasing the plug; running the completion assembly and plug to a desired depth in the well; and setting the completion assembly in the well. The setting tool is retrieved, which includes retrieving the plug.

Abstract: A tubular stabbing protector includes: a plurality of body sections together forming a first opening and a second opening, the first opening sized to be secured over a pin end of an oilfield tubular and the second opening sized to fit over a connection to which the pin end of the tubular is to be engaged and opening away from the first opening; and a releasable lock between each adjacent body section of the plurality of body sections, the releasable lock being automatically releasable when the second opening is fit over the connection to permit the plurality of body sections to separate sufficiently to release the pin end.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a coupling device for converting a below-ground potable water well installation to an above-ground installation, the device comprising a housing having a first opening which is dimensioned to receive an upper end of a below-ground well casing and a second opening which is dimensioned to receive a lower end of a well casing extension; gasket means located adjacent the first and second openings for sealing the respective connections between the housing, the below-ground well casing and the well casing extension, the gasket means further providing a first seating surface to seat the upper end of the well casing and a second seating surface to seat the lower end of the well casing extension; and a central region including a passage to receive a well line adaptor therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a split locking ring for wellhead components. In one illustrative embodiment, the device comprises a first internally threaded wellhead component, a second wellhead component, at least a portion of which is positioned within an opening in the first wellhead component, and a rotatable split lock ring comprised of at least two externally threaded sections, wherein at least a portion of the sections of the split lock ring are positioned between the first and second wellhead components and rotated to threadingly couple the sections of the split lock ring to the first wellhead component and thereby secure the second wellhead component to the first wellhead component.

Abstract: A connection system to be used in conjunction with a perforating gun comprising a top sub formed to receive one end of a gun body of a perforating gun, a circumferential groove disposed on the outer surface of the gun body, and a collet secured to the top sub. The collet has at least one finger that engages the groove. Engaging the groove with the at least one finger of the collect connects the gun body to the top sub. A cover sleeve is included that retains the finger in connective engagement with the groove.

Abstract: A well system utilizes a control line system. The control line system is implemented with a completion of the type deployed in a wellbore. The control line system facilitates transmission of monitoring, command or other types of control and telemetry. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: An inner riser adjustable hanger and seal assembly are provided for applying tension to a casing string secured at a lower end within a well and supported at an upper end by a wellhead housing. The wellhead housing has a locking member on an inner surface thereof. A tensioning mechanism tensions the casing string and secures the upper end to the wellhead housing. A seal body locking member is radially moveable into engagement with the housing locking member to fix the axial position of the seal body relative to the wellhead housing. An upper seal assembly seals between the seal body and the wellhead housing, and a lower assembly seals between the seal body and the casing string. The casing string is tensioned without appreciable rotation of the hanger body or the upper and lower seal assemblies.

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.