Abstract: A method and apparatus for facilitating the connection of tubulars using a top drive which, in one aspect, the apparatus includes a body connectable to said top drive. The body includes at least one gripping element radially displaceable by hydraulic or pneumatic fluid to drivingly engage a tubular to permit a screw connection between said tubular and a further tubular to be tightened to the required torque.

Abstract: An improved multi-bolt and nut torque wrench for installing and removing bolts or nuts from flanged joints or the like which includes a plurality of torque stations having a plurality of high torque wrenches for engaging the heads of the bolts or nuts during a high torque phase of removal or installation; a plurality of low-torque motors operatively engaged with the wrenches for rotating the bolts or nuts during the low torque phase of removal or installation; a source of hydraulic fluid for driving the low-torque motors during the low-torque phase, and driving the high-torque wrenches during the high torque phase; and a mechanism for switching between the two phases depending on the torque needed.

Abstract: A releasable connector (10) for joining tubular members in a well bore. The connector (10) is a mating screwthread (38, 58) which is terminated on each member by abutting projections (24, 64), operating as a ratchet. This ensures torque is transmitted between the members in a uni-directionally manner so that make-up torque is never applied to the screwheads when torque is applied to the members. A running tool (12) and a method of setting a liner in a well bore is also described which incorporate the connector (10) so that the liner may be part of a drill string and is left cemented in place in the well, after drilling is complete.

Abstract: A method for converting a kelly rig for handling casing includes the formation of a torque reaction guide with elongate members available at a drill site including for example, any of drill collar stands, casing strings, drill pipe stands and cables held in tension. A method for converting a kelly rig for handling casing may include the step of installing a torque reaction guide in a simple way, such as by securing the track to the monkey board. In one embodiment a torque reaction frame is used for securing between a torque generating device and a torque reaction guide that operates in a float mode to allow for misalignment of the torque reaction guide relative to the well hole center.

Abstract: Radially expanding a tubular such as a liner or casing, especially in a downward direction. The apparatus includes at least one driver device such as a piston that is typically fluid-actuated, and an expander device is attached to the or each driver device. Actuation of the or each driver device causes movement of the expander device to expand the tubular. One or more anchoring devices, which may be radially offset, are used to substantially prevent the tubular from moving during expansion thereof.

Abstract: Systems and methods for securing lines to well sand control screens. A method of securing at least one line to a tubular string includes connecting together longitudinal ends of longitudinal sections of the tubular string; then wrapping a shroud circumferentially about the connected tubular string sections; and securing the line to the shroud. A well screen assembly includes a generally tubular filter portion, a shroud wrapped circumferentially about the filter portion, and a retainer which connects opposite circumferential ends of the shroud to each other without being welded to at least one of the shroud ends, with the retainer being positioned on an interior of the shroud. Another well screen assembly includes multiple longitudinal sections of a tubular string, at least one of the longitudinal sections comprising a well screen, and a shroud wrapped circumferentially about the tubular string sections and rotationally secured to the tubular string.

Abstract: A well completion method and apparatus comprises a pipe string having a bottom attached boring bit and scraper. Above the bit at designated well fluid production locations, perforation assemblies are integrated into the pipe string. Each perforation assembly comprises a by-pass circulation mandrel and a perforation gun. The circulation mandrel is secured at opposite distal ends in threaded Y-adapter boxes. The perforating gun is secured in collar bores respective to the opposite end Y-adapters.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining position in a pipe provides for the precise determination of location and associated characteristics of each pipe joint of a well, cross country pipeline or other fluid transmission line. The system includes a passive or active radio identification device at each joint in the pipe or casing string. The devices are preferably sealed within the resilient seal positioned between each pipe or casing joint. A pipeline tool includes a radio transmitter and receiver, with the transmitter transmitting on a frequency selected for resonating the identification devices. The resonant response of each device is detected by a receiver in the pipeline tool, with the response transmitted to the surface via the wireline to which the tool is connected. Alternatively, the tool may include storage information means until the tool can be recovered from the well or pipe.

Abstract: A system for forming a liner downhole within a well bore has a rig comprising a tool string driving mechanism and an aperture proximate an opening of a well bore. The system also has first and second tool string components and each component has a central bore disposed intermediate first and second tool joints of the component. The first tool joint of the first component is disposed proximate the aperture and the second tool joint of the second component. First and second resilient lining materials are disposed within the central bore of the first and second tool string components respectively. At least one lining material connecting mechanism is disposed proximate the aperture. The system also comprises at least one downhole dispenser that is adapted to direct a resilient continuous lining material against the well bore to form a liner.

Abstract: Controlled Buoyancy Perforating technology for highly deviated and substantially horizontal wellbores may include long perforating guns assembled on a rig floor from a multiplicity of light weight and highly engineered shaped charge carrier joints. Tubular housings for such light weight joints may be fabricated from composite materials having steel transition collars. The collars are designed for an angularly coordinated, bayonet assembly and, in most cases, rapid disassembly. The internal volume of each joint is environmentally sealed by a plurality of O-rings. Sleeves that overlap abutting ends of adjacent carrier joint housings are secured by snap rings. Set screws into the sleeve ring channels release the sleeve from a housing. Individual shaped charge units and cooperative fusing are assembled in a light weight inner loading tube having an alignment collar to secure the angular and axial position of the loading tube relative to the transition collars.

Abstract: A downhole electrical transmission system having first and second tubular bodies coupled together by mating threads, each tubular body having a bore. An electrical conductor assembly is disposed within the bore of each tubular body. At least one end of each assembly has an electrical contact surrounded by a dielectric material, the electrical contact and dielectric material forming a polished, planar mating surface. The mating surfaces span an entire cross section of the end and are perpendicular to a central axis of the tubular bodies. The mating surfaces of each electrical conductor assembly are substantially engaged at a compressive load when the tubular bodies are fully mated.

Abstract: A method is provided of in-situ casting well equipment wherein a metal is used which expands upon solidification. A body of such metal is placed in a cavity in a well. Before or after placing the metal in the cavity in the well, the body is brought at a temperature above the melting point of the metal. The metal of the body in the cavity is solidified by cooling it down to below the melting point of the metal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for expanding tubulars are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus for radially expanding a tubular in a wellbore is disclosed. The apparatus includes an expansion swage. In addition, the apparatus includes at least one anchoring device for selective and releasable anchoring of selected parts of the apparatus to an inner surface of the tubular. The apparatus also includes a thruster providing a force for longitudinal movement of the expansion swage inside the tubular. Moreover, the apparatus includes a hydraulic valve for selective control of a flow of operating fluid to the thruster. The hydraulic valve includes a valve cylinder slidably positioned on a shaft and a position control device for selective and releasable securing a position of the valve cylinder on the shaft. The hydraulic valve also includes an elastic device for shifting the valve cylinder between two end positions.

Abstract: A technique is provided to facilitate connection of multiple stage completions. A first completion stage is deployed at a wellbore location. Subsequently, the next completion stage is moved downhole into engagement with the first completion stage. The completion stages each have communication lines that are coupled together downhole via movement of the completion stages into engagement.

Abstract: A tubular running tool includes a mandrel assembly having an upper mandrel, a lower mandrel and a mid-mandrel, wherein the upper mandrel, the lower mandrel and the mid-mandrel rotate in unison; the lower mandrel having a tubular gripping portion; a slip disposed with the tubular gripping portion; the mid-mandrel forming a bore between a top end and a bottom end, the top end forming a slip-joint with the upper mandrel; and an actuator mechanism disposed with the mid-mandrel, the actuator mechanism comprising a compensation actuator and a slip actuator; wherein the compensation actuator functionally connects the upper mandrel and the lower mandrel to affect axial movement of the lower mandrel relative to the upper mandrel and the slip actuator moves the slip into gripping engagement with a tubular.

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

Abstract: 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: An assembly and methods for constructing a MONOWELL include a monodiameter casing disposed in a monodiameter wellbore having diametric efficiency with a monobore production delivery system disposed within the monodiameter casing. An assembly for constructing a monodiameter wellbore includes a bottomhole assembly having a overgauge hole drilling member, a directional steering assembly, a measurement while drilling tool, and a logging while drilling tool; a work string attached to the bottomhole assembly and extending to the surface; drilling fluids flowing through the work string and bottomhole assembly; chemical casing casing the borehole; expandable casing disposed in the wellbore; and a sealing composition disposed between the expandable casing and the wellbore.

Abstract: A drill frame or drill platform 1 is allocated to a ship caisson 6 in order to allow bore holes 12, 13 to be driven, for example, into the bottom of a lake 11. Since said bore holes 12, 13 must subsequently be filled with explosives, the use of several drill tools 25 of different design is necessary and possible because a rod magazine 20 comprising several different drill tools 25 is allocated to said drill frame 1. It enables simple and rapid replacement because a conventional clamping device 29 and clamping and crushing device 30 can be employed. The individual drill tools 25 are each equipped with adapters 31 of identical design so that they can be seized and actuated safely using the described clamping and drilling (sic) devices 29, 30.

Abstract: A drill stem connection system and method is shown that provides a secure hold on drill stem surfaces while unscrewing a threaded connection. Two lever arm components are adjustable to a number of possible orientations to allow for fitting the drill stem wrench in tight spaces. Concentric rotation of lever arm components facilitates connection of the lever arm components together. Configurations and methods shown provide a stable and powerful tool to loosen threaded drill stem effectively.

Abstract: A method for connecting control lines to well bore equipment for controlling a well on a batch basis. A batch basis as used herein can mean that the well is controlled periodically. A first half of the pin connector can be formed by securing an extending hydraulic wet connector to a lower tubular portion. The lower tubular portion can have a lower tubular body, a first pin, and a lower hydraulic flow path.

Abstract: A method for drilling boreholes using casing as the drill string and for removing a drilling assembly from the wellbore while leaving the casing in the well bore. In the method, the drilling assembly is prepared for removal from the wellbore by launching a release tool and manipulating the drilling assembly using the release tool.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inserting a small diameter continuous hydraulic conduit or capillary tube down a well bore is presented. The methods and apparatus allow either the injection of chemicals to enhance production of oil and gas, or to provide a conduit for production up through the small diameter tubing in marginal wells, into a hanger below a well valve to permit its removal from below the valve if the valve should be required to be closed and its reinsertion without pulling the tubing from the well bore.

Abstract: A method for making a downhole electrical transmission system, having the steps of providing an electrically conductive assembly disposed within a first downhole tool string component, the assembly having a first end and being anchored to the first tool string component at a first predetermined distance from a primary shoulder of the first end of the component; stretching the assembly by pulling on a second end of the assembly with a stretching tool such that the second end of the assembly is held; enlarging the diameter of the second end of the assembly to a diameter larger than an original diameter of the assembly by flaring the second end of the assembly with a flaring tool; and anchoring the second end of the assembly to the first tool string component at a second predetermined distance from a primary shoulder of the second end of the component.

Abstract: Expandable casing has an expandable slip used for completion of a mono-diameter wellbore. The expandable casing is run through the upper casing and has an upper end that overlaps a lower end of the upper casing to form a fluid flow path between the expandable casing and the upper casing. The operator expands the overlapping portion of the expandable casing to an intermediate position, causing the expandable slip to anchor the expandable casing to the upper causing without blocking the flow path. Cement is then pumped up around the outside of the expandable casing and wellbore fluid displaced by the cement and excess cement are permitted to flow through the fluid flow path and up the upper casing. After sufficient cement is in place, the expandable casing is further expanded, compressing the expandable slip into to the inner wall of the upper casing and sealing off the fluid flow path.

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 tubular handling system includes a plurality of roller units configured to engage and rotate a first tubular, wherein the roller units are configured to adjust about a concentric center of the first tubular. The tubular handling system further includes an upper jaw assembly including a double-acting gripping cylinder, the upper jaw assembly configured to grip the first tubular, a lower jaw assembly including a double-acting gripping cylinder, the lower jaw assembly configured to grip a second tubular, a first torque cylinder configured to rotate the upper jaw assembly in a first direction relative to the lower jaw assembly, and a second torque cylinder configured to rotate the lower jaw assembly in an opposite direction relative to the upper jaw assembly.

Abstract: A tubular grip interlock system for ensuring that a tubular string is gripped by at least one of a first tubular gripping device and a second tubular gripping device includes a console having a panel forming a track having a first leg and a second leg; a first actuator operating the first tubular gripping device between an open and a closed position; a second actuator operating the second tubular gripping device between an open and a closed position; and a single control device movable along the track, the single control device operationally connected to the first actuator and operationally disconnected from the second actuator when the single control device is disposed along the first leg and wherein the single control device is operationally disconnected from the first actuator and operationally connected to the second actuator when the single control device is disposed in the second leg.

Abstract: A movable arm 10 engages a flexible line 50 at a well site for positioning the flexible line between run-in position for passing the flexible line with a tubular through a well hole in the rig floor and a clamping position wherein the flexible line is adjacent the tubular above the rig floor for clamping the line to the tubular. The arm 10 extends upward from the rig floor 70, and includes a line guide, such as roller 12, for engaging the flexible line when in the run-in position. A powered drive 14 moves the arm between the run-in position and the clamping position. A spacer 82 may be used for positioning two or more flexible lines at a desired spacing relative to one another prior to positioning the lines within a clamp secured to the tubular. A slip bowl assembly 60 may be laterally movable so that slips do not engage the flexible line as it is run in the well.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a method for controlling the torque applied to a tubular connection. In one embodiment, a method of connecting a first threaded tubular to a second threaded tubular supported by a spider on a drilling rig includes engaging the first threaded tubular with the second threaded tubular; making up the connection by rotating the first tubular using a top drive; and controlling unwinding of the first tubular after the connection is made up.

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: An expandable slip ring is used to secure attachment of an expanded tubular to a surrounding tubular. It features elongated generally axially oriented openings separated by narrow segments. As a swage is advanced within a tubular that has the slip ring outside it the narrow segments or tabs expand and can break but the ring is still held to its shape as the expansion progresses due to the integrity of other tabs that can subsequently break as the swage advances within the tubular that is surrounded by the slip ring. The integrity of the slip ring is enhanced for storage and run in while the expansion characteristics are more uniform as the ring retains some structural integrity during much of the expansion process.

Abstract: A one trip top to bottom expansion to form a lower end recess on a tubular is described using two swages of different dimensions. The smaller swage is run down hole with the larger swage behind it in a locked collapsed position. When the proper depth is reached the leading swage hits a no go. A pickup force with dogs engaged in a groove releases the lock on the larger swage at which point applied pressure sets an anchor, extends the larger swage to take over the expansion for the recess at the lower end of the tubular. An emergency release is provided to pull out of the hole if the swage cannot complete the task.

Abstract: Sealing may be provided between alignable windows for lateral wellbore drilling. A method for use with a lateral wellbore includes the steps of: positioning a swellable seal material between a closure device and a housing of a window assembly; swelling the seal material to thereby prevent fluid transfer through a window formed in a sidewall of the housing; and then installing the window assembly in a parent wellbore. A lateral wellbore system includes a window assembly with a window formed through a sidewall of a generally tubular housing, and a swollen seal material preventing fluid transfer through the window. A window assembly includes a generally tubular housing having a window formed through a sidewall of the housing, a closure device having another window formed through a wall of the closure device; and a swellable seal material which prevents fluid transfer between the windows.

Abstract: A pipe expansion device having an expansion cone tapering in forward direction, a cone-guide, an actuator for displacing the expansion cone and the elongated cone-guide relative to each other, a retrievable end anchor, and a middle anchor joined to the expansion cone.

Abstract: A stabbing guide connects to a casing collar during makeup. The stabbing guide has a housing with a lower portion with a cylindrical interior and an upper portion with a conical interior. Upper and lower shoulders are located in the cylindrical interior, defining an annular recess between the shoulders. Each of the shoulders has an inner diameter smaller than an outer diameter of the casing collar. The housing is formed in separate segments and secured around the casing collar by a clamp.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for connecting threaded members while ensuring that a proper connection is made. In one embodiment, the applied torque and/or rotation are measured at regular intervals throughout a pipe connection makeup. When a shoulder contact is detected, a predetermined torque value and/or rotation value is added to the measured torque and/or rotation values, respectively, at shoulder contact and rotation continued until this calculated value(s) is reached.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for expanding tubulars are disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus for radially expanding a tubular in a wellbore is disclosed. The apparatus includes an expansion swage. In addition, the apparatus includes at least one anchoring device for selective and releasable anchoring of selected parts of the apparatus to an inner surface of the tubular. The apparatus also includes a thruster providing a force for longitudinal movement of the expansion swage inside the tubular. Moreover, the apparatus includes a hydraulic valve for selective control of a flow of operating fluid to the thruster. The hydraulic valve includes a valve cylinder slidably positioned on a shaft and a position control device for selective and releasable securing a position of the valve cylinder on the shaft. The hydraulic valve also includes an elastic device for shifting the valve cylinder between two end positions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for expanding a tubular member.

Abstract: An underwater drilling rig (1) in modular form, which can be simply assembled underwater and in which standard tubulars and tubular assemblies are stored in a novel arrangement within containers (6) and can be added to, and removed from, the string in the well bore, whilst there is continuous circulation of drilling fluid and also continuous segregation of drilling fluid from the seawater.

Abstract: Automated make-up and break-up methods and apparatus for rotary oil well drilling are presented. The apparatus includes a drilling database storing tubular type records, a torque wrench having a spinner, and a controller. During make-up, the controller retrieves one or more tubular type records stored in the drilling database in order to configure the torque wrench and/or the spinner to connect an additional tubular section to a tubular string or to disconnect a connection between tubulars in accordance with tubular type parameters. Sensors are employed on various drill rig components and reported sensor values are monitored. Timers are started concurrent with the initiation of various make-up and break-out steps. Exceptions are thrown when sensor values are out-of-range or when steps take too long to complete. Advantages are derived from speeding-up drill rig operations.

Abstract: An expandable coupling arrangement for coupling first and second tubulars includes a male thread portion on an end of the first tubular and a female thread portion on an end of the second tubular. The thread portions comprise dovetail threads having flanks, roots and crests, wherein the flanks are inclined at an angle of greater than 10°.

Abstract: Systems and methods for continuously circulating fluid, e.g., drilling mud, through a wellbore tubular string, the systems in certain aspects including a sub positionable in fluid communication with the tubular string, the sub with a body, a plug releasably closing off a side opening of the body, and a closure apparatus for selectively closing off flow from the top of the sub into and through the body, while flow is permitted below the closure apparatus through the side opening down through the body into the tubular string; and, in certain aspects, such systems and methods including tubular manipulation apparatus, e.g. an iron roughneck and working with wellbore tubulars with the tubular manipulation apparatus.

Abstract: A method of increasing the collapse resistance of a tubular comprises locating a tool having at least one, and typically three, bearing members within a tubular. The bearing members are positioned in engagement with a wall of the tubular to apply a radial force to a discrete zone of the wall. This radial force is then applied to further discrete zones of the wall, the level of radial force being selected such that the collapse resistance of the tubular is increased.

Abstract: A tool is provided that allows in a single trip advancing the liner while more hole is made until the liner is properly positioned. Slips are actuated into the inside of the liner to grasp it as a swage is released to move to support the liner to the surrounding tubular. With the liner supported in the hole, the running tool can be picked up to test the release feature and then set down again for cementing. The tool is then picked up higher to release a flapper and re-pressurized to set a seal adjacent the support previously engaged by swage operation. The flapper has a rupture disc blown and the tool is removed. An emergency release is provided.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and apparatus for connecting threaded members while ensuring that a proper connection is made, particularly for premium grade connections. In one embodiment, a method of connecting threaded tubular members for use in a wellbore or a riser system is provided. The method includes the acts of operating a power drive unit, thereby rotating a first threaded tubular member relative to a second threaded tubular member; measuring the rotation of the first threaded tubular member; and compensating the rotation measurement by subtracting a deflection of at least one of: the power drive unit, and one of the tubular members.

Abstract: A technique facilitates the detection and measurement of formation properties with various measurement devices, such as logging tools. The technique comprises locating a standard tubular in a well such that the standard tubular extends to a zone of interest with respect to a logging procedure. A transparent tubing is attached to the standard tubing so as to extend along the zone of interest. Additionally, a protective material is directed to the region adjacent the transparent tubing to protect the transparent tubing from detrimental contact with deleterious well fluid.

Abstract: A technique is provided for preventing buckling of a service tool assembly during a sand control operation in a wellbore. A completion assembly and a service tool assembly are positioned in a wellbore. An anti-buckling mechanism is positioned to limit the buckling load effects that can otherwise be experienced by the service tool assembly during the sand control operation.

Abstract: A rod guide is provided for use in a rotating rod string (12) for powering a progressive cavity pump (14) for pumping downhole fluids through tubing string (16) to the surface. The rod guide includes a rotor sleeve (20) secured to the rod string. A stator sleeve (40) is positioned over the rotor sleeve, and has a sleeve body (42) with a generally circular configuration with opposing circumferential ends (44, 46) spreadable to position the stator sleeve about the rotor sleeve. A plurality of ribs (48) extend outward from the stator sleeve body. One circumferential end of the stator sleeve has a catch member (52), and an opposing circumferential end of the stator sleeve has a receiving cavity (54) for receiving at least a portion of the catch member. The circumferential ends of the stator sleeve are connected by the catch member and the receiving cavity.

Abstract: A connection to a stub downhole is accomplished in a variety of ways. A string has a tapered lower end inserted into the stub and expansion occurs from within the tapered lower end into the stub to leave a connection without reduction of the internal diameter. An overshot fitting can be lowered outside the stub and the stub expanded from within against the overshot. Both options in a single tool can be used to get sealing around the inside and the outside of the stub. An adjustable swage can be used with the overshot configuration where the overshot has an internal groove. The adjustable swage expands from within the stub into the surrounding groove in the overshot.