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 gravel pack completion with fiber optic monitoring. In a described embodiment, a method for completing a subterranean well includes the steps of: positioning at least one assembly in a wellbore of the well; then inserting a portion of a tubular string into the assembly; and attaching a fiber optic line to the tubular string portion.

Abstract: A mono-diameter wellbore casing. The mono-diameter wellbore casing is formed by plastically deforming and radially expanding a first tubular member within a wellbore. A second tubular member is then plastically deformed and radially expanded in overlapping relation to the first tubular member. The second tubular member and the overlapping portion of the first tubular member are then radially expanded again.

Abstract: An air swivel ring includes a non-rotating member having an air inlet, a rotating member having an air outlet, and a split seal having a first sealing surface and coupled to one of the non-rotating member and the rotating member so that the first sealing surface on the seal is disposed proximate a second sealing surface on the other of the non-rotating member and the rotating member.

Abstract: A crimpable wear band (105) tool has been invented for installation on casing (6), used in well bore drilling. A wear band (105) is provided having a cylindrical body which when coaxially placed over a pipe and substantially radially inwardly displaced at a plurality of points (i.e. crimped) about the circumference of a section of cylindrical body, attaches to the pipe to create a connection having structurally significant axial and torque load transfer capacity. When crimped according to the methods of the present invention, the load transfer capacity of the connection between the wear band (105) tool and the pipe (6) can be arranged to substantially prevent significant relative movement of the wear band tool on the pipe under loads that may be encountered when using one or more of the pipes as components of a tubular string used for drilling or running the casing in to complete a well bore.

Abstract: An apparatus that is usable with a subterranean well includes a latch and an engagement mechanism. The latch is adapted to form a releasable connection between a first conduit section and a second conduit section in response to engagement of an actuator of the latch and maintain a first distance between an end of the first conduit section and an end of the second conduit section. The engagement mechanism is adapted to continuously engage the actuator to cause the latch to connect the first conduit section and the second conduit section despite the movement of the engagement mechanism between a first position and a second position. The second distance between the first position and the second position is greater than the first distance.

Abstract: A crimpable centralizer has been invented for installation on pipe, such as would be useful in well bore drilling and casing operations. The present invention provides a centralizer having a cylindrical body which when coaxially placed over a pipe and substantially radially inwardly displaced at a plurality of points (i.e. crimped) about the circumference of a section of the cylindrical body, attaches to the pipe to create a connection having structurally significant axial and torque load transfer capacity. When crimped according to the methods of the present invention, the load transfer capacity of the connection between the centralizer and the pipe can be arranged to substantially prevent significant relative movement of the centralizer on the pipe under loads that may be encountered when using one or more of the pipes as components of a tubular string used for drilling or completing well bores.

Abstract: A flowhead for a well testing system is disclosed. The well testing system comprises a plurality of threaded connection pipes extending from the surface to a subterranean zone of interest which is isolated for testing purposes. Fluid flows from the subterranean zone into the flowhead and is directed to a flare and related measuring instrumentation. The flowhead includes a swab inlet with a swab valve, a kill line with an associated valve and a flow line with an associated valve. The line connecting directly to the well preferably comprises an outer swivel element integral with a body of the flowhead and a roller bearing supported inner swivel element rotatably mounted therein.

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 fastener for coupling blowout preventers in a stack including an elongated shaft having a first end and a second end, and a head disposed proximate the first end of the elongated shaft and adapted to be retained in a recess in a first blowout preventer. The second end of the elongated shaft is adapted to be coupled to a second blowout preventer.

Abstract: A method of installing a liner in a drilled bore below a section of bore previously lined with casing comprises the steps of: running a length of liner into the bore such that at least an upper end of the liner is positioned in overlapping relation with at least a lower end of the casing; and plastically deforming a portion of the liner such that an external face of the portion forms an interference fit with an internal face of a portion of the casing. The interference fit preferably provides both hanging support for the liner and a fluid-tight seal between the liner and casing.

Abstract: A vent screen pressure deployment tool and method for use in running tubular members into a pressurized well. The apparatus comprises a top sub and a stinger. The top sub is adapted for connection to the upper end of a tubular member, such as a vent screen. An upper end of the top sub is adapted for connection to a conveying tool, such as a slick line deployment tool, and the top sub defines a collet recess therein. The stinger comprises a locator sub adapted for connection to the lower end of another tubular member and a collet sub shearably attached to the locator sub. The collet sub has a plurality of flexible collets thereon adapted for latching engagement with the collet recess when aligned therewith, thereby providing a latched connection between the tubular members.

Abstract: The present invention is addressed to a method of retro-fitting a well installation to reconfigure it to provide plunger enhanced chamber lift. The method comprises the steps of providing a reel-carried supply of coil tubing, a primary seating nipple assembly, a primary seal assembly, a primary seal, a receiver housing, and a secondary seating nipple. The receiver housing is connected with the coil tubing, and the coiling tube snubbed until the primary seal engages the primary seating nipple. A wire installable and retrievable sealing plug is provided and installed within the receiver housing. The wellhead is modified to supply gas under pressure into the secondary annulus and the sealing plug is removed. A check valve assembly is provided and positioned within the coiling tube such that the secondary seal engages the secondary seating nipple. A reciprocally moveable plunger is provided and installed within the coiling tube.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a perforating gun having stackable sections that latch, enabling the gun string to carry both compressive and tensile loads. This allows for the downhole assembly of guns of any desired length, and for the entire gun string to be removed after firing.

Abstract: A limit clamp for securing a tool to a casing having a groove in its outer surface. The limit clamp comprises a block having a base and a flange. The base is positioned in the groove to contact at least one stop in the groove and the flange extends out of the groove. The limit clamp also comprise a lock ring encircling the block and the casing, wherein the lock ring engages the block.

Abstract: A process to transport a blow out preventer for a drilling rig having a drawworks wherein the blow out preventer is transported between a storage area and a use position over a wellbore. The process includes the steps of connecting an upper connector end of an elongated running tool to the drawworks of the drilling rig. The elongated running tool is moved in position parallel to the wellbore using the drawworks of the drilling rig. The running tool is lowered so that a stab connection is made between a lower connector end of the running tool and the blow out preventer. The blow out preventer is thereafter moved over and in alignment with the wellbore.

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 submersible pump assembly has a pump section, a seal section and a motor section. Within each section are shafts. The adjacent shaft sections are matingly engaged with one another, and are connected by fasteners. The fasteners consist of a key and a screw that fits within the key. The fasteners secure the adjacent shaft sections to one another to transmit torque from one shaft to the other, and to transmit thrust in axial tension from one shaft to the other.

Abstract: A method of improving the quality of liquid coming from a well that has a pump and pipe assembly. The method includes identifying a region of the well that is low in contamination and a region of the well that is high in contamination, and modifying the pump and pipe assembly so that suction of the assembly is enhanced in the region that is low in contamination and inhibited in the region that is high in contamination. The method also includes cleaning the well in the region of low contamination. Modifying the pump and pipe assembly includes coupling a suction control device to the pump and pipe assembly, and positioning the suction control device in the region of low contamination, and forming a barrier between the region of low contamination and the region of high contamination by attaching a flow control disk to the pump and pipe assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming or repairing a wellbore casing by radially expanding a tubular liner.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming or repairing a wellbore casing by radially expanding a tubular liner.

Abstract: A crimpable centralizer has been invented for installation on pipe, such as would be useful in well bore drilling and casing operations. The present invention provides a centralizer having a cylindrical body which when coaxially placed over a pipe and substantially radially inwardly displaced at a plurality of points (i.e. crimped) about the circumference of a section of the cylindrical body, attaches to the pipe to create a connection having structurally significant axial and torque load transfer capacity. When crimped according to the methods of the present invention, the load transfer capacity of the connection between the centralizer and the pipe can be arranged to substantially prevent significant relative movement of the centralizer on the pipe under loads that may be encountered when using one or more of the pipes as components of a tubular string used for drilling or completing well bores.

Abstract: A limit clamp for securing a tool to a casing having a groove in its outer surface. The limit clamp comprises a block having a base and a flange. The base is positioned in the groove to contact at least one stop in the groove and the flange extends out of the groove. The limit clamp also comprise a lock ring encircling the block and the casing, wherein the lock ring engages the block.

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 there between.

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).

Abstract: A crimpable wear band (105) tool has been invented for installation on casing (6), used in well bore drilling. A wear band (105) is provided having a cylindrical body which when coaxially placed over a pipe and substantially radially inwardly displaced at a plurality of points (i.e. crimped) about the circumference of a section of cylindrical body, attaches to the pipe to create a connection having structurally significant axial and torque load transfer capacity. When crimped according to the methods of the present invention, the load transfer capacity of the connection between the wear band (105) tool and the pipe (6) can be arranged to substantially prevent significant relative movement of the wear band tool on the pipe under loads that may be encountered when using one or more of the pipes as components of a tubular string used for drilling or running the casing in to complete a well bore.

Abstract: A well screen cover including a channel running along substantially the entire length of the well screen cover. The channel may be formed directly into the cover or separately formed and welded to the cover. The channel is open to the exterior of the well screen cover and is formed to house a cable, such as a fiber optic cable, which is run into a well bore along with the well screen.

Abstract: A flowhead for a well testing system is disclosed. The well testing system comprises a plurality of threaded connection pipes extending from the surface to a subterranean zone of interest which is isolated for testing purposes. Fluid flows from the subterranean zone into the flowhead and is directed to a flare and related measuring instrumentation. The flowhead includes a swab inlet with a swab valve, a kill line with an associated valve and a flow line with an associated valve. The line connecting directly to the well preferably comprises an outer swivel element integral with a body of the flowhead and a roller bearing supported inner swivel element rotatably mounted therein.

Abstract: A progressive cavity pump pumps liquid downhole to a lower formation past a packer set in a casing of a wellbore. The rotor of the pump is axially restrained by a bearing assembly spaced below the pump for controlling uphole reactive loading on the rotor. Preferably the rotor is releasably coupled to the bearing assembly for release and recovery of the rotor from the bearing assembly. Such a releasable coupling is a latch comprising a plunger telescopically and releasably coupled with a housing using a dog and track arrangement, the dog and track utilizing the telescoping action to actuate the coupling and releasing of the latch.

Abstract: A submersible pump assembly has a pump section, a seal section and a motor section. Within each section are shafts. The adjacent shaft sections are matingly engaged with one another, and are connected by fasteners. The fasteners consist of a key and a screw that fits within the key. The fasteners secure the adjacent shaft sections to one another to transmit torque from one shaft to the other, and to transmit thrust in axial tension from one shaft to the other.

Abstract: A body having a bore thereThrough for insertion of capillary tubing. A first means slidably coupled into the bore of the body frictionally restrains movement of the tubing by hydraulically engaging the periphery of the tubing with a compressible elastomeric sealing member. A second means slidably coupled into the bore of the body prevents movement of the tubing in the bore of the body by manually engaging the periphery of the tubing with a compressible elastomeric sealing member. A third means suspends the tubing in the bore of the body by manually engaging a plurality of suspension slips around the periphery of the tubing.

Abstract: A progressive cavity pump pumps liquid downhole to a lower formation past a packer set in a casing of a wellbore. The rotor of the pump is axially restrained by a bearing assembly spaced below the pump for controlling uphole reactive loading on the rotor. Preferably the rotor is releasably coupled to the bearing assembly for release and recovery of the rotor from the bearing assembly. Such a releasable coupling is a latch comprising a plunger telescopically and releasably coupled with a housing using a dog and track arrangement, the dog and track utilizing the telescoping action to actuate the coupling and releasing of the latch.

Abstract: A method of installing a liner in a drilled bore below a section of bore previously lined with casing comprises the steps of: running a length of liner into the bore such that at least an upper end of the liner is positioned in overlapping relation with at least a lower end of the casing; and plastically deforming a portion of the liner such that an external face of the portion forms an interference fit with an internal face of a portion of the casing.

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: A hydraulic submersible rotary pump and drive assembly is deployed and recovered through production tubing or casing using metal hydraulic tubing lines. The assembly is used in conventional oil and gas well bores, but is particularly advantageous in slant or horizontal applications for artificial fluid lift or water injection. It eliminates mechanical drive shafts running from surface, and allows rotary pumps to be changed without pulling the production tubing. The torque neutralizing drive assembly incorporates a ported connector sub to attach a submersible hydraulic drive motor to a submersible rotary production pump, a conventional pump seating nipple in the production tubing, and a seating cup assembly on the drive to seal the pump discharge from the pump suction within the tubing. Alternately, the assembly is used with a pack-off assembly to seal against a production casing or open hole when it is desirable not to use production tubing.

Abstract: A system for retaining an elongated member at a downhole tool comprises a key, a receiver at a downhole tool which is configurant to mention to receive at least one elongated member and a key.

Abstract: A centraliser (1) has a substantially annular body (6), a substantially cylindrical bore extending longitudinally through the body (6), and at least one roller ball (29). The roller ball (29) is preferably secured to the centraliser (1) in a manner which enables the roller ball (29) to rotate in all directions with respect to the centraliser (1), and one roller ball (29) is secured within at least one aperture (9; 109) provided in the sidewall of the body (6). Preferably, an assembly (27, 28, 39; 127, 128, 139) is provided to house the rollerball (29) within the at least one aperture (9; 109), and the roller ball (29) may be arranged to project either outwardly or inwardly from the sidewall.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electric submersible pumping assembly that includes an encapsulated pumping device containing a pump, an electric submersible motor, a sealing device at the top, and an opening device at the bottom. The lubricant-filled, initially sealed, encapsulated pumping device allows the pump and motor to be run in the wellbore without contamination and be left intact until operated.

Abstract: A well tool assembly interconnection method is provided. In a described embodiment, a continuous tubing string has connectors positioned corresponding to desired locations for tool assemblies in a well. The tubing string is wrapped on a reel and transported to a well. As the tubing string is deployed from the reel into the well, the tool assemblies are interconnected between the connectors.

Abstract: An annular pack for a cylindrical member for use in a wellbore includes a housing adapted to be mounted about an exterior circumference of the cylindrical member. The housing has mutually engagable annular segments. At least one of the annular segments defines a chamber for housing an electrical device.

Abstract: A sliding sleeve valve and method for assembly is disclosed. The valve comprises a segmented main body that is assembled from a top, middle and bottom segments. The middle segment has flow apertures. A closing sleeve is co-axially mounted in the assembled main body. The closing sleeve has flow apertures that are intended to communicate with the flow apertures of the middle section when the valve is open. The closing sleeve is sealed by seal means within the main body to prevent undesired fluid flow across the valve. The seal means comprise primary, secondary and tertiary seals acting in cooperative combinations. The seals comprise O-Ring and Vee-stack seals located within the body of the valve. The sliding sleeve valve has a fluid pressure equalization means to permit equalization of fluid pressure across the valve before it is fully opened or fully closed in order to reduce wear on the seals.

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 there between.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a tubular member under tension is provided, the member secured to and extending between a first and second fixed assembly. The apparatus comprises a first tubular assembly connectable at a first region to the tubular member to be tensioned and a second tubular assembly having a first and a second engageable portion, the second tubular assembly being arranged concentrically with respect to the first tubular assembly and movable longitudinally with respect to the first tubular assembly. A first engagement assembly is provided for engaging the first engageable portion of the second tubular assembly with the first fixed assembly, such that movement of the second tubular assembly toward the tubular member to be tensioned is prevented.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention may be a well completion including a production tubing, an upper packer connected to a lower end of the production tubing, an intelligent device disposed below the upper packer, a continuous control cable running from the intelligent device to a connection point, and a sand screen disposed below the packer. The completion may be installed in a well in a single trip, instead of multiple. Sand-control operations may be performed by a service tool that is deployed through the production tubing. The completion may include the ability to washdown the well as the completion is being run into place. Related methods are also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for acoustically actuating wellbore tools using two-way acoustic communication is disclosed.

Abstract: A tool for running and retrieving a whipstock in a subterranean wellbore includes a tool body that has one end that is adapted to be connected to a pipe. The tool body includes a rail defined thereon that is adapted to selectively engage a slot defined on the whipstock. The pipe is in fluid communication with a bore defined in the tool body. The tool body includes a latch assembly for releasably connecting to the whipstock. The latch assembly is adapted to be moved when pressure is applied to the tool bore through the pipe thereby enabling the connection and disconnection of the latch assembly from the whipstock.

Abstract: Methods and devices are described for efficiently installing sea-borne wellhead components and tying back sub-sea wellhead components with them. In specific aspects, a single running and setting tool is used to land a tubing head housing upon the stem of a floating platform and tension and pressure testing casing string risers extending between a subsea wellhead and a floating vessel.

Abstract: A method of installing a liner in a drilled bore below a question of bore previously lined with casing comprises the steps of: running a length of liner into the bore such that at least an upper end of the liner in positioned in overlapping relation with at least a lower end of the casing; and plastically deforming a portion of the liner such that an external face of the portion forms an interference fit with an internal face of a portion of the casing. The interference fit preferably provides both hanging support for the liner and a fluid-tight seal between the liner and casing.

Abstract: Three embodiments of an expandable screen are described. In the preferred embodiment, the base layer, filtering layer, and outer layer are joined together in a sintering furnace in the form of a flat sheet which is in turn rolled up. The layered sheet is then formed into a tube by rolling it to make a longitudinal or spiral joint which is welded with connections placed on ends. In an alternative embodiment, the base layer and filtering layer are sintered together and formed into a tube which is in turn inserted into an outer protective tube. In a third embodiment, a base pipe is perforated and its exterior surface threaded. A wire runs through the threads with a protective jacket over the underlying assembly. Upon expansion, the opening sizes remain relatively constant.

Abstract: A method for plugging wells for use in connection with extraction of a fluid. Above a leakage site in the well, from which the fluid flows into the well from a subsurface formation surrounding the well, there is a set a seal (20), which seals the well, and on the bottom of which is a sensor device (22) for measuring well data. On the top of the seal (20) is a connecting part (24) which is connected to the sensor. Above the seal (20) the well is filled with a temperable, liquid sealant (32), into which is lowered via a cable (38) a connecting device (40) with a connecting part (42) until the connecting parts (24, 42) have been connected. Both the lowering and this connection are provided by means of the weight of the connecting device (40). The cable (38) is connected to a logging device (50) outside the well opening and the sealant (32) is set.