Abstract: Certain aspects and features of the present invention are directed to a supercapacitor device that can be disposed in a wellbore through a fluid-producing formation. The supercapacitor device can include a body that can be disposed in the wellbore, a supercapacitor disposed in the body, at least two terminals disposed at least partially outside the body, and an actuation mechanism. The supercapacitor stores energy. The terminals can be electrically connected with the supercapacitor. An electrical connection between the supercapacitor and the terminals can cause the energy to be discharged from the supercapacitor in response to a conductive material providing an electrical path between the at least two terminals. The actuation mechanism can selectively prevent a deployment of the supercapacitor device in the wellbore from causing a discharge of the energy from the supercapacitor.

Abstract: A technique facilitates conveyance of equipment along a wellbore or other tubular structure. A tractor is provided with a plurality of wheels oriented to engage a surrounding wall. Rotation of the wheels drives the tractor and causes longitudinal movement of the tractor with respect to the surrounding wall via a tangential force created between each wheel and the surrounding wall. Each wheel comprises teeth having a wheel tooth geometry which enhances cooperation with the surrounding wall. For example, the wheel tooth geometry may be designed to cooperate with the tangential force to push debris out of the teeth of each wheel during rotation of the wheel along the surrounding wall. In some applications, the wheel tooth geometry is designed to present a plurality of raised, rounded surfaces which engage the surrounding wall with a low stress impact.

Abstract: A shifting tool for use in shifting axial position of a shiftable element in a well. The tool comprises a linkage mechanism configured to translate an independent axial force into a dedicated radial force applied to expansive elements thereof. Thus, the elements may radially expand into engagement with the shiftable element free of any substantial axial force imparted thereon. As such, a more discretely controllable shifting actuation may be attained, for example, as directed from an oilfield surface. Indeed, real-time intelligent feedback may also be made available through use of such elements in conjunction with the noted linkage mechanism.

Abstract: A wireline configurable toolstring is conveyed within a wellbore extending into a subterranean formation via a tubular string to which the wireline configurable tool string is coupled in a manner permitting relative motion of the wireline configurable toolstring and the tubular string. The wireline configurable toolstring converts rotary motion imparted by rotation of the tubular string, or by fluid flow resulting from reciprocation of the tubular string, into electrical energy. The wireline configurable toolstring also comprises at least one wireline configurable instrument powered by the electrical energy.

Abstract: A technique employs the use of oscillations downhole to facilitate a desired functionality of a downhole tool. According to this technique, a tool is initially conveyed downhole and operated to perform a function that relates to a downhole application. The operational efficiency of the tool is improved by creating oscillating forces which vibrate the tool to achieve a desired result, e.g. freeing the tool from a stuck position.

Abstract: A well logging instrument deployment device according to this aspect of the invention includes a housing configured to be coupled to a pipe string. A latch disposed in the housing and is configured to retain a well logging instrument in a first longitudinal position inside the pipe string. An actuator is configured to release the latch to enable longitudinal movement of the well logging instrument inside the pipe string. A signal detector is operatively coupled to the actuator and is the configured to detect a command signal for operating the actuator.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to setting pistons designed to centralize downhole tools within a wellbore. In one embodiment, a downhole tool includes a probe extendable to engage a wall of a wellbore and a setting piston extendable towards the wall of the wellbore. A roller is coupled to the setting piston and designed to roll circumferentially along the wall to pivot the downhole tool within the wellbore.

Abstract: Sneak path elimination in diode multiplexed control of downhole well tools. A system for selectively actuating multiple well tools includes a control device for each tool, a well tool being operable by selecting a respective control device; conductors connected to the control devices, which are selectable by applying a predetermined voltage across a respective predetermined pair of the conductors; and at least one lockout device for each control device, the lockout devices preventing current from flowing through the respective control devices when voltage across the respective predetermined pair of the conductors is less than a predetermined minimum. A method includes selecting a well tools for actuation by applying a predetermined minimum voltage to a set of conductors; and preventing actuation of another well tool when the predetermined minimum voltage is not applied across another set of conductors, at least one conductor being common to the two sets of conductors.

Abstract: A system and method for positioning equipment on a track system where the equipment may descend a wireline or a cable into a borehole for well logging. The equipment may be a drum unit for storing, deploying and retracting the cable, a winch, a dancer unit and an auxiliary power supply. The equipment may be positioned with the track system for either operations or transport. The cable may be threaded through the equipment to descend into the borehole for well logging purposes.

Abstract: A weight down tool comprises a central mandrel configured to be coupled to a wellbore tubular, a plurality of outwardly extending hunter lugs disposed about the central mandrel, and a plurality of radially expandable weight down lugs disposed about the central mandrel. The hunter lugs are configured to retract in response to moving through an upper restriction in a downwards direction and to expand the weight down lugs into an expanded position in response to moving through the upper restriction in an upwards direction. The weight down lugs are configured to retract out of the expanded position in response to moving through the upper restriction in an upwards direction.

Abstract: An expandable tubular member comprises a first portion having a first inner diameter and a first wall thickness. A second portion of the expandable tubular member has an increased inner diameter and an increased wall thickness. A transition portion of the expandable tubular member is defined by a wall thickness that varies non-linearly between the first wall thickness and the increased wall thickness.

Abstract: A weight down tool comprises a central mandrel configured to be coupled to a wellbore tubular, an outwardly extending indicator disposed about the central mandrel, and a plurality of radially expandable weight down lugs configured to engage a lower restriction and prevent downwards movement of the central mandrel with respect to the lower restriction when disposed in an expanded position. The indicator is configured to retract inwards in response to moving through an upper restriction in a downwards direction to expand the weight down lugs into the expanded position in response to moving through the lower restriction in an upwards direction. The weight down lugs are configured to retract out of the expanded position in response to moving through the upper restriction in an upwards direction.

Abstract: A drive head for a wellhead, the drive head comprising: a rod drive; a pressure chamber; and a rod receiving part connected to the rod drive and enclosed within the pressure chamber. A method comprising: pressurizing a chamber mounted to a wellhead, in which the chamber encloses an upper end of a rod extending from the wellhead; and driving the rod using a rod receiving part enclosed within the chamber.

Abstract: One embodiment provides an adjustable guide 10a to steer the end 90 of a pipe string 88 into position to be engaged and supported by a pipe gripping apparatus such as, for example, an externally gripping elevator assembly 10. The adjustable guide 10a may comprise a plurality of angularly distributed guide inserts 30, each having a sloped surface 30A to engage a pipe end 90. Another embodiment provides an adjustable guide 60a to steer a pipe connection into position to pass through a spider 60. The guide inserts 30, 80 of an adjustable guide may be controllably positionable to together form a guide that is concentric with the bore of the tapered bowl of an elevator assembly or a spider. One embodiment comprises a guide insert retainer 11 having a plurality of channels 28, each slidably receiving a guide insert 30 and positionable by rotation of a threaded shaft 40.

Abstract: A rig includes a base structure in contact with an operating surface and configured to support the rig on the operating surface. A transportation system is operatively coupled to the base structure and is configured to position the rig over an extraction point. A raised platform is connected to the base structure by a plurality of support beams. A hoisting device is connected to the raised platform. A drawworks is supported on the base structure and is operatively connected to the hoisting device.

Abstract: A wet connection system suitable for use in hydrocarbon wells preferably comprises one or more elongate, small diameter conduits (50) which extend down the wellbore (2) and terminate adjacent a locating structure (11) on the production tubing (10). Equipment (70) deployed at the locating structure is connected to one or more self supporting conductors (30) which extend down the conduits from the wellhead (5). Preferably the conductors are retractable and the conduits are sealingly connected to the equipment, allowing the equipment and conductors to be deployed and recovered independently of each other and to be flushed with dielectric oil (99) pumped down the conduits after re-connection.

Abstract: A downhole hydraulic control tool comprising a substantially tubular body adapted for connection in a tubing string, the body including a throughbore arranged coaxially with a bore of the tubing string and one or more pockets arranged on a wall of the body, the pockets including a hydraulic power source and at least two control lines, wherein the device includes a pump to drive hydraulic fluid through the control lines and a switchable flow mechanism for switching the flow of pumped fluid between the at least two control lines, and a switchable flow mechanism and a method of operating one or more downhole devices from a downhole located hydraulic control tool.

Abstract: A downhole tool comprises a housing having a longitudinal bore and an agitator assembly disposed within the longitudinal bore of the housing. A removable component is disposed within the longitudinal bore and can be removed from the housing so as to at least partially open the longitudinal bore.

Abstract: Devices and method for engaging a casing member for manipulation. A hydraulic torque locking mechanism is incorporated into a casing manipulation assembly. The hydraulic torque locking mechanism includes a clutch mechanism that is actuated using surface pump pressure from tool circulation.

Abstract: An actuation apparatus includes an electronics module (102), an actuator module (104) coupled to the electronics module and electrically communicating with the electronics module, and a motor (112) in the actuator module coupled to a drive member (106), the drive member moveable between a first position and a second position, wherein the movement of the drive member between the first and second positions is adjustable in response to a signal from the electronics module. In some embodiments, the electronics module is operable to adjust a speed of the drive member. The motor may be a brushless direct current motor. In other embodiments, the actuation apparatus (300) includes a processor and a memory, the adjustable drive member is engaged with an actuatable tool (200), the processor receives feedback from the drive member and the tool, and the processor is operable to create a signature in response to the movement of the drive member and compare the signature to a baseline.

Abstract: A stroker device for use in a borehole in the ground includes an actuator arranged for displacing a tool in a longitudinal direction of the borehole, and grippers arranged to anchor the stroker to the wall of the borehole, alternatively to a pipe wall, wherein the stroker is provided with driving wheels or driving belts for propulsion.

Abstract: A downhole fluid flow control system includes a fluidic module (150) having a bridge network. The bridge network has first and second branch fluid pathways (163, 164) each including at least one fluid flow resistors (174, 180) and a pressure output terminal (178, 184). In operation, the pressure difference between the pressure output terminals (178, 184) of the first and second branch fluid pathways (163, 164) is operable to control fluid flow through the fluidic module (150).

Abstract: A release system comprises a torsional lock sleeve disposed about a mandrel, and a collet prop engaged with the mandrel. The torsional lock sleeve and the mandrel are configured to substantially prevent rotational movement of the torsional lock sleeve about the mandrel, and the torsional lock sleeve is configured to shift between a first position and a second position with respect to the mandrel. When the torsional lock sleeve is in the first position, the collet prop is retained in engagement with a collet and the collet prop is retained in a torsionally locked engagement with the torsional lock sleeve. The collet prop is configured to longitudinally translate in response to a rotational movement when the torsional lock sleeve is disposed in the second position. A shifting assembly is configured to engage the torsional lock sleeve and shift the torsional lock sleeve from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A wireline lubricator and a connector includes a first part with a first seal portion and a first throughgoing passage for receiving a part of a wireline, and a second part with a second seal portion and a second throughgoing passage for receiving a part of a wireline. The first part is pivotally connected to the second part such that the connector is capable of assuming a first configuration and a second configuration. The second configuration and the first and second throughgoing passage are aligned. The first and second seal portion engage each other to provide a sealed wireline passage defined by the aligned first and second throughgoing passage.

Abstract: What is provided is a method and apparatus which can be detachably connected to an annular blowout preventer thereby separating the drilling fluid or mud into upper and lower sections and allowing the fluid to be displaced in two stages, such as while the drill string is being rotated and/or reciprocated. In one embodiment the sleeve can be rotatably and sealably connected to a mandrel. The swivel can be incorporated into a drill or well string and enabling string sections both above and below the sleeve to be rotated in relation to the sleeve. In one embodiment the drill or well string does not move in a longitudinal direction relative to the swivel. In one embodiment, the drill or well string does move longitudinally relative to the sleeve of the swivel.

Abstract: A method is provided of fixing at least one element, preferably a sensor or a valve, in a borehole formed in an earth formation. The method comprises positioning each element in the borehole, positioning a swellable body in the borehole, the swellable body being susceptible of swelling upon contact with a swell fluid, wherein the swellable body is arranged to press the element against a wall of the borehole upon swelling of the swellable body, and allowing the swell fluid to contact the swellable body thereby inducing the swellable body to swell and to press the element against said wall of the borehole.

Abstract: A tool string carrying an external tool, such as a liner hanger, on a release mechanism is lowered into the wellbore. Interlocking lugs and J-slot profile, defined between the exterior surface of the mandrel and interior surface of the release mechanism, allow relative movement of release mechanism and mandrel without releasing the release mechanism. The relative movement allows mechanical operation of a valve or other tool positioned below the release mechanism. Weight-down and rotation of the tool string and mandrel actuates the lower valve assembly by turning a sleeve into alignment with cooperating members of the mandrel. The sleeve, no longer constrained, moves longitudinally in response to a biasing mechanism. Movement of the sleeve allows closure of the valve. After actuation of the valve tool, further weight-down releases the release mechanism from the carried tool.

Abstract: Hydraulically actuated standoffs for downhole tools are described. An example apparatus includes a downhole tool having a body defining an outer surface and a plurality of standoffs distributed about the outer surface. The example apparatus also includes a hydraulic circuit operatively coupled to the standoffs. The hydraulic circuit includes a plurality of hydraulically actuated pistons, each of which is operatively coupled to a respective one of the standoffs to extend and retract the respective standoff. The pistons are hydraulically coupled and sized to extend or retract the respective standoffs at substantially the same rate in response to a hydraulic control signal.

Abstract: An anchor assembly (400) for anchoring a downhole tool in a wellbore tubular. The anchor assembly (400) includes a plurality of slip arm assemblies each having first and second arms (412, 414) hingeably coupled together. The first and second arms (412, 414) each have teeth (418, 426) on one end. A first sleeve (402) is rotatably associated with each of the first arms (412) and a second sleeve (404) is rotatably associated with each of the second arms (414) such that the anchor assembly (400) has a running configuration in which the slip arm assemblies are substantially longitudinally oriented and an operating configuration in which the first and second arms (412, 414) of each slip arm assembly form an acute angle relative to one another such that the teeth (418, 426) of the first and second arms (412, 414) define the radially outermost portion of the anchor assembly (100).

Abstract: The present invention is directed to processes (methods) for harnessing flow-induced electrostatic energy in an oil and/or gas well and using this energy to power electrical devices (e.g., flowmeters, electrically-actuated valves, etc.) downhole. The present invention is also directed to corresponding systems through which such methods are implemented.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a downhole well screen, having a base pipe with a filter mounted thereon with the filter comprising plurality of spaced layers including a screen layer. A longitudinally extending channel is formed in the well screen by plastically deforming the filter. The channel is selected to be of a size and shape to accommodate well control lines.

Abstract: Devices and methods for borehole seismic investigation are provided. The devices are a downhole tool having gripping devices which may improve contact between the downhole tool and the borehole wall (or casing of the borehole wall) and reduce slippage as compared to downhole tools without the gripping devices. The methods involve lowering a downhole tool having the gripping devices into a borehole and applying force to cause the gripping devices to penetrate or create an indentation in the borehole wall (or casing of the borehole wall). The methods and devices may improve the coupling between the downhole tool and surface to be monitored and/or may enhance the frequency range due to higher coupling frequency as compared to downhole tools without the gripping devices.

Abstract: A well tractor for use in inserting a bottom hole assembly into a wellbore, the well tractor including a tractor body, and two or more wheels connected to the tractor body by pivot arms and having a retracted position and a deployed position, the at least two wheels moveable between the retracted and deployed positions by hydraulic cylinders attached to the pivot arms. The well tractor further includes a track creating a loop around at least two wheels and engaged with the wheels, so that when the wheels rotate, the track also rotates around the wheels, When the wheels are in the retracted position, the track is maintained in close proximity to the tractor body, and when the wheels are in the deployed position, the track extends radially away from the tractor body and into contact with surfaces of the wellbore.

Abstract: A downhole tool for use in a multilateral wellbore includes a guide member on one end that selectively projects into a designated wellbore, where the designated wellbore can be a motherbore or a lateral wellbore. Pistons are set radially in a body of the tool that selectively push against an end of the guide member to pivot it into a designated orientation to guide the tool into the designated wellbore. The pistons are hydraulically actuated when probes that are on sides of the tool body extend outward into contact with a lateral wellbore. The probes block hydraulic flow when retracted, but when deployed outward they allow fluid communication to push the pistons against the guide member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for setting a subsurface device in a wellbore is disclosed. A downhole power unit comprises a power rod and a drive shaft. The power rod comprises a hollow interior. The drive shaft is located within the hollow interior, and the power rod is operable to selectively engage a subsurface device to be positioned downhole.

Abstract: A vibrator tool for use in inserting a bottom hole assembly into a wellbore, the vibrator tool including a substantially cylindrical body, a motor within the substantially cylindrical body, a non-linear shaft attached to the motor so that the motor turns the non-linear shaft, the non-linear shaft extending outwardly from the motor within the substantially cylindrical body, and a bearing attached to the shaft a predetermined distance from the motor so that the bearing rotates as the non-linear shaft turns, the bearing contacting portions of the inner surface of the cylindrical body as the non-linear shaft turns, thereby vibrating the substantially cylindrical body.

Abstract: A method for successively releasing balls into a wellbore during wellbore operations is disclosed. The method includes providing at least a first ball injector for storing at least a primary set of primary balls and at least a second set of redundant balls, releasing a ball from the at least primary set of primary balls and determining if the released ball properly seats and engages its intended corresponding downhole tool. If it is determined that the released ball did not properly engage and actuate its intended corresponding tool, a redundant ball from the second set of redundant balls can be released without interrupting wellbore operations. In an alternate embodiment, the first ball injector can be a primary ball injector for storing and releasing the at least primary set of primary balls, and a second ball injector for storing and releasing the at least second set of redundant balls, the first and second ball injectors arranged in parallel.

Abstract: A junction can be isolated from fracturing pressure using a liner extending from a one bore through a junction into a lateral bore, where at least a portion of the liner is retrievable from the lateral bore prior to completion of wellbore construction. The junction may be temporarily isolated from high pressure, such as high pressure from a fracturing stimulation process. Part of the liner can be retrieved using a disconnect mechanism or technique.

Abstract: Device (A) for controlling and/or operating a tool, a device or underwater equipment employed in connection with exploration and recovery of hydrocarbons offshore or onshore. The device (A) comprises a hollow sleeve (S) with a number of recesses (U, Ut1, Ut2) and a closed volume (V), in which recesses (U, Ut1, Ut2) a movement mechanism (M), a stopper element (21) and a block release element (8) are mounted, where, when influenced by cyclic loading, the movement mechanism (M) will be moved relative to the stopper element (21) and the block release element (8) into a position where the block release element (8) via a release pin (7) will open up a connection between the closed volume (V) and a number of relief recesses (AU), whereby at least one push rod (26) is activated for operating in the device's (A) longitudinal direction, where the implementation of the release pin (7) is employed for controlling or operating the tool or the underwater equipment.

Abstract: A pressure mitigating device is used to reduce pressure in a void within a wellhead housing. In one embodiment, the pressure mitigating device includes two plates that define a void between them. Increased pressure in the wellhead housing causes the plates to elastically displace towards each other. The plates contact each other, limiting the displacement prior to plastic deformation.

Abstract: A ported housing that may be connected along a casing string and the method for use of the ported housing in fracturing and/or treating multiple zones in a well. A sleeve is connected to the ported housing and may be moved between an initial position that prevents fluid flow through the ports of the housing and second position that permits fluid flow through the ports. A bottom hole assembly may be connected to the sleeve by an anchor. A packer element may create a seal between the bottom hole assembly and the sleeve permitting a pressure differential across the packer element to move bottom hole assembly down the casing moving the sleeve to the second position. In the second position, the formation adjacent to the ported housing may be stimulated and/or treated.

Abstract: Various novel connectors are provided. In one embodiment, the connector includes a collar configured to receive first and second components. In this embodiment, the connector may also include a load ring configured to be received in a groove of the second component and to move into and out of engagement with the collar when the second component is received by the collar. The connector of this illustrative embodiment may also include a cotter configured for installation to the second component and to inhibit disengagement of the load ring from the collar. In some embodiments, engagement of the load ring and the collar effects securing of the first and second components to one another. Other devices, systems, and methods related to connectors are also disclosed.

Abstract: A running tool has a stem for connecting to a string of conduit, a body, and a plurality of functional positions selected in response to rotation of the stem relative to the body. A feedback mechanism assembly is connected to the running tool and is operational with rotation of the stem relative to the body. The feedback mechanism assembly increases the torque required to rotate the stem relative to the body when the running tool has reached one of the plurality of its functional positions. The increased torque thereby provides a positive indication that the running tool has reached and is in the desired and proper functional position.

Abstract: A pipe setting tool includes a tool shaft, a coupler mounted on a first end of the tool shaft, and a tool sleeve affixed to the tool shaft defining a space therebetween. An outside diameter of the tool sleeve ensures close conformity to a borehole to position a geothermal pipe mounted thereto in close proximity to the outside diameter of the borehole. A moveable seal cap may be mounted on the tool shaft, moveable between a first position spaced-apart from the tool sleeve during down-hole movement of the tool to permit fluid flow through the space and a second position against the tool sleeve during up-hole movement of the tool to establish a seal with the tool sleeve to prevent fluid flow through the space. A second end of the tool shaft may receive a pipe hook to attach a geothermal pipe to the pipe setting tool.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a work string for downhole use in a well comprises a safety valve comprising a sealable flow path; a first electrical connection disposed above the safety valve; a second electrical connection disposed below the safety valve; and a jumper electrically coupling the first electrical connection and the second electrical connection, wherein the jumper does not pass through the sealable flow path of the safety valve.

Abstract: A sand control screen assembly selectively positionable within a wellbore. The sand control screen assembly comprises a pipe having an internal flow path, an external fluid collection subassembly in fluid communication with the internal flow path, a filter medium disposed in a fluid path between the exterior of the sand control screen assembly and the internal flow path, a biasing mechanism, configured to bias the fluid collection subassembly towards a wall of the wellbore, disposed between the fluid collection subassembly and the pipe, and a retaining mechanism configured to release the biasing mechanism in response to a trigger.

Abstract: A technique includes deploying an untethered object though a passageway of a string in a well; and sensing a property of an environment of the string, an electromagnetic coupling or a pressure as the object is being communicated through the passageway. The technique includes selectively autonomously operating the untethered object in response to the sensing.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are presented for a hybrid downhole force generator (DFG) using a stroke amplifier driven by hydrostatic pressure for a low-force, long-stroke portion of setting a downhole tool and a DFG powered shaft for a high-force, short-stroke portion of setting the tool. The stroke amplifier has a piston slidable in a housing, movable in response to hydrostatic pressure. The DFG powered shaft is connected to the piston via one-way slips which allow relative motion of the piston and shaft in one direction. The amplifier housing is connected to the DFG housing. In use, the DFG shaft is powered by a power supply, such as an electric motor, etc. The shaft is powered to shear a shearing mechanism, freeing the piston to move in response to the hydrostatic pressure.

Abstract: A liner assembly (100) includes a drill string (120) to drill a borehole (105) in a formation (110). The liner assembly further includes a liner assembly releasably coupled to the drill string to move with the drill string in the borehole while the drill string drills, and to be released from the drill string in the borehole after the drill string drills to a depth.

Abstract: A support structure for use on a rig floor and for supporting a unit used to manipulate tubular components through a wellhead comprises a support plate adapted to securely mount the support structure to said unit, a passage in the support plate of sufficient diameter to allow tubular components to pass therethrough, a plurality of rig engaging members and at least one tensile member mount. The unit used to manipulate tubular components through a wellhead may be a compact snubbing unit or may be a push/pull unit. The support structure may further comprise a worker platform to support a worker above the rig floor. Various push/pull system embodiments.