Abstract: A device for handling well pipe includes a mandrel including an upper end, a lower end and a long axis extending between through the upper end and the lower end. The mandrel secures to a top drive of a drilling rig. A threaded collar is located on an outer surface of the mandrel to loosely engage threads of a well pipe. An annular force generating assembly is carried on the mandrel and positioned between the upper end and the threaded collar. The force generating assembly applies a load to an upper end of the well pipe along the long axis, enabling torque to be transmitted between the threaded collar and the well pipe. The force generating assembly may be cams or a hydraulic piston.

Abstract: A tool assembly is provided. The tool assembly comprises a drilling deflector and a completion deflector, the completion deflector coupled to the drilling deflector.

Abstract: An expandable liner hanger system includes an expandable liner hanger and an expansion cone having a first outer diameter when driven through the expandable liner hanger in a first direction to expand the expandable tubing. The expandable liner hanger system also includes a polished bore receptacle having a lower end coupled to an upper end of the expandable liner hanger by a coupling, the coupling having an inner diameter smaller than the first outer diameter. In the run in condition, the expansion cone is positioned below the coupling.

Abstract: A hanger assembly and method for its use is included, along with various examples of alternative constructions for the hanger assembly. Also included are examples of new tool strings having capabilities facilitated as a result of use of the hanger assemblies. The hanger includes a deformable section that facilitates engaging contact with a surrounding structure. In preferred examples this engagement is achieved by use of a first deformable section of the hanger that extends radially outwardly from the remainder of the hangar body when the hanger is set; and a contact member that is further urged radially outwardly relative to that deformable section when the hanger is set.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for treating zones in a wellbore. The apparatus includes an expandable packer assembly and a sealing element positioned in the treatment assembly above the packer assembly. A communication port is positioned between the sealing element and the packer assembly. A plurality of slips will grippingly engage the well above the port through which treatment fluid is communicated to resist upward force caused by treatment pressure in the well acting on the sealing element. The sealing element may be a cup packer.

Abstract: An actuator operatively coupled to a wellbore tool is activated upon receiving fluid that a predetermined applied pressure. When the fluid string reaches the predetermined applied pressure, the actuator undertakes a specified action such as longitudinal movement, rotation, expansion, etc. that actuates or operates the wellbore tool. Premature actuation of the wellbore tool is prevented by applying a resistive force to the actuator that, alone or in cooperation with another mechanism, arrests movement of the actuator. This resistive force is generated by applied pressure of the fluid in the work string.

Abstract: Downhole apparatus comprises a base pipe and a plurality of non-concentric pressure deformable chambers mounted externally on the pipe. The chambers may be inflated to increase the diameter of the apparatus and engage and support a surrounding bore wall.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling pipes, the apparatus, in certain aspects, having a body having a tapered surface and at least a first slip and a second slip slidable on the tapered surface, a slip actuator for setting said at least first slip and said second slip, said first slip and said second slip having interengaging elements such that upon actuation of said slip actuator, said first slip is set and said second slip is set by the interengaging elements transferring setting force from the slip actuator through said first slip to said second slip; and methods for using such an apparatus.

Abstract: An assembly for landing a tubing hanger in a subsea well includes a riser extending from a subsea wellhead assembly to a vessel at the surface of the sea. A tubing hanger having a string of tubing suspended therefrom is lowered through the riser with a string of conduit, and the tubing hanger lands within the subsea wellhead assembly. A sensor is positioned adjacent the subsea wellhead assembly to monitor the axial position of the tubing hanger within the subsea wellhead assembly. The sensor also communicates the axial position of the tubing hanger to the surface. A locking mechanism is carried by the tubing hanger and is selectively operable to lock the tubing hanger in place relative to the subsea wellhead assembly when the tubing hanger reaches a predetermined axial location.

Abstract: Downhole apparatus for location in a bore which intersects a fluid-producing formation comprises a bore wall-supporting member configurable to provide and maintain a bore wall supporting force for a fluid-producing formation of at least 2 MPa, whereby fluid may flow from the formation into the bore. The bore wall supporting force may be utilised to modify or maintain the permeability of the rock adjacent the bore wall.

Abstract: A completion system that is usable with a well may include a packer, a screen, an isolation valve and an annulus communication valve. The screen communicates well fluid between an annulus of the well and an interior passageway of the completion system. The isolation valve is radially disposed inside the screen to control communication through the screen between the annulus and the interior passageway. The annulus communication valve is located downhole of the packer and uphole of the screen to control communication with the annulus of the well. The packer, screen, isolation valve and the annulus communication valve are adapted to be run downhole as a unit into the well as a single trip completion.

Abstract: A well bore liner placement method and apparatus, including inserting a liner running assembly carrying a liner into a well bore, the assembly including a liner placement apparatus having an annular seal extending radially to sealingly engage the well bore, and pumping fluid into the annulus above the annular seal until fluid pressure on the upper surface area of the annular seal creates a force exceeding opposing bottomhole forces below the annular seal and thereby driving the liner down the well bore.

Abstract: An expandable gripper assembly may be configured for anchoring a tool in a passage. The expandable gripper assembly includes first, second, and third pivotally connected links that are coupled to a tool. The third link is adapted to engage an inner wall in the passage. An actuation mechanism causes the third link to move radially outward from the tool for engagement with the inner wall. The actuation mechanism may comprise a roller mechanism that pushes on an inner surface of the first link for causing the first link to pivot outward away from the body. As the first and second links pivot outward, the third link moves in a radial direction for engagement with an inner wall.

Abstract: During the completion of a subsea horizontal tree, a tubing hanger and internal tree cap are run together with the same running tool and running string. The running tool has a linking assembly that connects the tree cap to the tubing hanger during running, retrieval, or workover, so that the tree cap supports the weight of the tubing hanger and string of tubing. The linking assembly can be retrieved with the running tool or retrieved on wireline through the running string.

Abstract: A slip spool includes radially disposed actuators for radially moving slip blocks between a loose encirclement position in which they surround the tubing string and a cached position in which the slip blocks clear an axial passage of the slip spool. The slip spool further includes axially disposed actuators for axially displacing the slip blocks between the loose encirclement position and an engagement position in which the slip blocks are seated within a slip bowl of the slip spool so that a weight of the suspended tubing string causes the slip blocks to tightly grip the tubing string. The slip spool facilitates positioning and repositioning of the tubing string in the wellbore and can be used for supporting or snubbing a tubing string in a live well bore.

Abstract: A method of conveying an expandable liner hanger in a well includes: conveying the hanger into the well on a work string with a setting tool releasably secured to the hanger by an anchoring device; applying left-hand rotation to the work string; then lowering the work string, thereby releasing the anchoring device and permitting the setting tool to be retrieved from within the hanger. A method of setting a liner hanger includes: forcing an expansion cone through a hanger portion, thereby expanding the portion; and forcing another expansion cone into another hanger portion, thereby expanding that portion. A method of setting an expandable liner hanger includes: lowering a liner into the well; then connecting the hanger and a setting tool lower section to the liner; then lowering the hanger and the lower section into the well; and then connecting a setting tool upper section to the lower section.

Abstract: An anchoring system including a housing; a chamber defined by the housing; and one or more telescopic assemblies disposed in contact with a wall of the housing and responsive to pressure within the chamber and a method for anchoring a tool in a wellbore.

Abstract: A downhole expandable liner hanger apparatus for extending the length of an existing tubular such as a casing or liner string is described. The apparatus comprises a tubular portion and a securing and/or sealing means for securing the tubular portion to the existing tubular such as a casing string to thereby extend the length of the existing tubular and preferably simultaneously provide a sealed coupling between the tubular portion and the existing tubular. A first part or a length of the tubular portion preferably comprises a first sidewall thickness and a second part or length of the tubular portion is located adjacent the first part, where the second part comprises a second sidewall thickness, said first sidewall thickness being less than the second sidewall thickness.

Abstract: A completion involving expandable tools and/or tubulars involves running the assembly downhole in a single trip. The expansion can take place using a swage or inflatable or other expansion techniques. The assembly can be delivered on production tubing so that upon conclusion of the expansion and the setting of any hangers and barriers production or injection can proceed from a pre-selected zone or zones.

Abstract: A pump cylinder liner apparatus includes a replaceable sleeve captured between two cylinder hull portions that are releasably coupled to allow access to the sleeve for replacement. An elastomeric material or tube may be disposed between the sleeve and the two coupled hull portions for radial compressive pre-loading of the sleeve upon assembly and during operation.

Abstract: A method for deploying a sensor array into a wellbore, including inserting the sensor array into a secondary tubular coupled to a body at a surface of the wellbore, coupling the sensory array to the body, running the secondary tubular into a primary tubular fixed to the wellbore, engaging a latch mechanism located on the body with a mating element fixed to the primary tubular of the wellbore, and decoupling the secondary tubular from the body and retrieving the secondary tubular from the wellbore while the sensor array is held fixed by the latch.

Abstract: The method of the invention comprises inserting into the well or the piping to be cased, a tube (1) including tube sections previously connected end to end, proceeding with the radial expansion of the tube using an inflatable bladder (3) so that the wall thereof bears against that (C) of the well or the piping; wherein the method is characterised in that the expansion is achieved not on the entire length of the tube but only at certain areas (4) thereof which are spaced from each other by non-expanded portions (5), so that the total length of the expanded areas (4) is substantially smaller than the total length of the non-expanded areas (5), the number of expanded areas (4) being at least equal to three. The invention can be used in the field of water or crude oil production.

Abstract: An isolation assembly for downhole injection use is described that features at least one isolation device mounted on a tubular so that when injection fluid changes the tubular temperature which can cause a length change in the tubular, an anchor for the tubular is provided to resist such a dimension change. The result is that the isolation device such as a packer can be left undamaged and retaining its sealing integrity. The anchor can be an inflatable or telescoping pistons disposed to grab in open hole. When using telescoping pistons, their placement on the liner and their pattern can meet the desired locations where grip is enhanced. Use of cement inflatable anchors is contemplated as an alternative.

Abstract: A bottom hole assembly (BHA), adapted to be positioned in a casing and to isolate a portion of a wellbore, which includes a packer assembly with a first sealing element extending between first and second portions of the packer assembly. A method of setting a BHA in a casing which includes increasing a BHA pressure to activate an anchor assembly, applying a mechanical force to mechanically deform a first sealing element to thereby establish an initial seal between the first sealing element and an interior surface of the casing, and increasing a pressure in a space between the BHA and the casing and in a cavity within the BHA to increase a differential pressure across the first sealing element and thereby establish a pressure-energized seal between the first sealing element and the interior surface of the casing.

Abstract: A packer that is usable with a well includes an anchor. The anchor includes at least one spirally extending ring, which is adapted to be selectively radially expanded to secure the packer to a casing string.

Abstract: A wellhead system comprising a high pressure housing having a retractable ring and a casing hanger having an activation ring configured to be engaged by the retractable ring when the casing hanger is lowered into the high pressure housing. An expandable load member is carried by the casing hanger into the high pressure housing. When the activation ring is engaged by the retractable ring, the activation ring is blocked from further downward motion. The activation ring and the body of the casing hanger cooperate with the load member to expand the load member outward into engagement with the high pressure housing as the casing hanger is lowered further into the high pressure housing. The outer surface of the load member and the inner surface of the high pressure housing are configured so that the high pressure housing supports the casing hanger when the load member is expanded into engagement with the high pressure housing.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an apparatus for supporting a tubular that more evenly distributes stress along the contact length of a tubular. In one embodiment, an apparatus for supporting a tubular is provided. The apparatus includes a bowl having a longitudinal opening extending therethrough and an inner surface for receiving a gripping member. The gripping member is movable along the surface of the bowl for engaging the tubular. The apparatus is configured so that an upper portion of the gripping member will engage the tubular before the rest of the gripping member engages the tubular.

Abstract: An apparatus for moving tubing through a borehole comprises an injector assembly with a driving mechanism to move the tubing through the borehole; wherein the apparatus comprises an anchoring system for securing the injector assembly downhole to a cased portion of a borehole wall and connections for receiving a power supply from the surface.

Abstract: This mandrel (10) comprises a body (16; 22) and a radially expandable annular sealing element (18) which comprises a centring arrangement (46) and a closure arrangement (44) which can be deployed radially between a contracted configuration and a dilated configuration. It further comprises an anchoring element (20) which is positioned at a longitudinal distance from the sealing element (18) and is radially expandable between a retracted state and a deployed state. The mandrel (10) comprises sequencing means (24) which are capable of radially deploying the closure arrangement (44) after the anchoring element (20) and the centring arrangement (46). In an at least partly deployed configuration, the centring arrangement (46) defines at least one axial passage (64) which extends through the annular sealing element (18). The closure arrangement (44) closes the or each axial passage (64) as it is deployed.

Abstract: An assembly for downhole equipment deployment comprising a liner hanger, means for attachment of the liner hanger to deployable equipment, a top sub insertable into the liner hanger and attachable to a tubing string, a lock piston releasably connectable to the top sub, lock pins insertable through the top sub, the liner hanger, and the lock piston, and means for remotely releasing the liner hanger and associated equipment from the top sub and the lock piston.

Abstract: An electrical line for installation in a well for transmitting power to a well pump includes a string of coiled tubing. An electrical cable having insulated electrical conductors embedded within an elastomeric jacket extends longitudinally through the interior passage of the tubing. Body members are placed around the outer periphery of the electrical cable, and the body members are compressed onto the electrical cable through the use of an anchor assembly. The anchor assembly is held in a compressed state through the use of frangible support elements. Once the electrical cable is in place within the coiled tubing, the user applies an external force to cause the support elements to fail, thereby releasing the anchor assembly from its compressed state. The anchor assembly contacts the inner wall of the coiled tubing, such that the weight of the electrical cable is transferred to coiled tubing.

Abstract: An apparatus for running a liner into a wellbore may include an inner string, a device coupled to the inner string that is operable to engage the interior of the liner and facilitates running of the liner into the wellbore, and a control mechanism operable to control fluid communication between the interior of the liner and the wellbore. A method of running a liner into a wellbore may include the steps of positioning an inner string into the liner, wherein the inner string includes a device operable to engage the interior of the liner, engaging the interior of the liner, and supplying a fluid pressure to move the liner relative to the inner string to advance the liner into the wellbore.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an expandable liner hanger capable of being expanded into a surrounding casing. In one aspect, an expandable tubular system is provided. The system includes an expandable tubular. The system further includes an expansion swage for expanding the expandable tubular, wherein the expansion swage is deformable from a compliant configuration to a smaller substantially non-compliant configuration. Additionally, the system includes a restriction member disposed on an exterior surface of the expandable tubular, wherein expansion of the expandable tubular in the location of the restriction member deforms the expansion swage from the compliant configuration to the smaller substantially non-compliant configuration. In another aspect, a method of expanding a liner hanger using a cone is provided.

Abstract: A tubing hanger for use in a wellhead. The wellhead includes a throughbore, a landing seat positioned in the throughbore, a landing groove positioned above the landing seat in the throughbore, and a locking groove in the throughbore. The tubing hanger comprises an expandable landing ring positioned on the tubing hanger for engaging the landing groove and a landing mechanism for expanding the landing ring radially outward from the tubing hanger. A locking ring for engaging the locking groove can be positioned on the tubing hanger. The tubing hanger can further include a locking mechanism for expanding the locking ring radially outward from the tubing hanger body and locking it into the locking groove.

Abstract: A wellhead assembly including a wellhead housing. The wellhead housing comprises a throughbore having a recessed sealing area and a tubing hanger positioned in the throughbore. A seal is positioned between the wellhead housing and the tubing hanger, the seal being positioned so as to form a gap between the seal and the wellhead housing. The wellhead assembly can further include a seal energizer capable of moving relative to the seal in a manner that forces the seal against the wellhead housing to bridge the gap. A method of installing a tubing hanger into a throughbore of a wellhead housing is also disclosed.

Abstract: A power slip extends a joint from tubing disposed in casing at a well so that a casing head can install on the casing and the tubing can be packed-off from the casing. The joint attaches to an inner sleeve having collet members that fit onto the inner tubing so that the joint extends thereabove. An outer sleeve and interlocking collet assemble together and install onto the inner sleeve. The collet threads onto the inner sleeve and forces the outer sleeve downward onto the inner sleeve. Being forced, the outer sleeve causes the collet members to engage around the inner tubing. The casing head then installs on the casing with the joint extending up through the head's bowl. An H-plate installs in the open bowl around the extended joint, and another pack-off installs on the joint to pack it off from a spool attaching to the casing head.

Abstract: A liner hanger assembly comprises a tool mandrel (104) suspended on a running string, and a slip assembly (120) for engaging a casing to support the liner hanger and liner from the casing. The release assembly (175) releases the set liner hanger from portions of the assembly to be retrieved to the surface. A cementing bushing (130) is releasable and reinsertable into the liner, and includes a circumferential loading ring (226).

Abstract: A completion method delivers cement to an open hole below a cemented casing. A gun or guns are run below a liner and a hanger and advanced into the cement before it sets up. With the gun and the liner surrounded in cement up to close to the hanger that supports the liner to the already cemented casing, the cement is allowed to set around the gun with no tubular surrounding the gun. The gun carries extra shot to enhance the perforation and can be fluid filled with clean fluid. Prior well cleaning such as with brine circulation is now limited to the region of the hanger and above. Production flow is through the perforations into the gun body allowing any residue of the explosive charge used to perforate to flow to surface.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an apparatus for supporting a tubular that more evenly distributes stress along the contact length of a tubular. In one embodiment, an apparatus for supporting a tubular is provided. The apparatus includes a bowl having a longitudinal opening extending therethrough and an inner surface for receiving a gripping member. The gripping member is movable along the surface of the bowl for engaging the tubular. The apparatus is configured so that an upper portion of the gripping member will engage the tubular before the rest of the gripping member engages the tubular.

Abstract: Apparatus, such as a liner, adapted to be hung in a downhole tubular such as casing is described. The apparatus includes one or more circumferentially distributed abrasive portions, arranged to be movable radially outwards by a dimple former or an expander. In an embodiment, the abrasive portions are provided on disks moveable in recesses in the outer diameter of the apparatus being hung. In an embodiment, the apparatus is hung by operating a dimple former provided on the running tool.

Abstract: A slip assembly for gripping pipe during well drilling operations has a housing with a hole for receiving a section of pipe. Pockets in the housing are spaced circumferentially around the hole. Each of the pockets has side walls that face toward each other and are connected to each other by a back wall that has at least one ramp surface. A slip segment is located in each pocket, each slip segment having side edges that engage the side walls of one of the pockets. Each slip segment has a back side with a ramp surface that engages the ramp surface on the back wall of the pocket. Each of the slip segments is movable within its pocket from an upper outward position to a lower inward position in gripping engagement with the pipe.

Abstract: Expandable tubulars for use in geologic structures, including methods for expanding the expandable tubulars, and methods of manufacturing them, include the use of an expansive energy storage component, which provides a self-expanding feature for the expandable tubulars.

Abstract: An apparatus for retaining two strings of tubulars characterized in that said apparatus comprises body parts of a device for retaining a single string of tubulars and a converting member. A device for retaining a string of tubulars, said device comprising at least one body part having a curved tapered surface upon which inserts are located for engagement with said string of tubulars characterized in that said curved tapered surface comprises a recess for the passage of cables.

Abstract: A downhole tool for providing a seal downhole within a wellbore for reducing loading experienced by a sealing member of the downhole tool is disclosed. The downhole tool may include a pair of directional locking members, at least one of which is operable to transfer a loading experienced by the downhole tool through rigid components of the downhole tool, thereby bypassing the sealing member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a downhole tool (102) for selectively opening and closing a lateral borehole extending from a primary borehole. The tool (102) comprises a body (104) incorporating a wall provided with an opening (116) extending therethrough; a deflector member (106) slidably mounted in the body (104) and having a deflecting surface (126) for deflecting, in use, downhole equipment laterally within the body (104). The deflector member (106) is slidable between an open position, in which the deflecting surface is located adjacent and facing towards said opening so that, in use, downhole equipment laterally deflected by the deflecting surface is directed through said opening, and a closed position, in which the deflecting surface is oriented relative to said opening so as to prevent downhole equipment from being laterally deflected through said opening during use. In either position, equipment may pass into the primary borehole downhole of the primary/lateral junction.

Abstract: The mandrel comprises a body having a longitudinal axis together with a radially-expandable annular assembly. The annular assembly presents a peripheral surface for pressing against a borehole and a peripheral surface for pressing against the body. Around the longitudinal axis, the annular assembly comprises a plurality of radial-expansion blocks. Each block has a first bearing surface, a second bearing surface, and two side surfaces disposed respectively facing a side surface of at least one adjacent block. The block are displaceable relative to one another between a radially-contracted configuration, and a radially-expanded, engagement configuration in which each side surface of a block is in contact with the side surface of the adjacent block.

Abstract: A cased hole pressure test tool is used to determine the integrity of cement between two points in a borehole in terms of permeability or transmissibility. The test tool drills at least one probe hole through the casing up to the cement. In one embodiment, two probes are set and the dissipation of a pressure pulse through the cement initiated by the first probe is observed by the second probe. In another embodiment, one probe hole is in hydraulic communication with the borehole fluid and a single offset probe is set in another probe hole. Fluid (water) is then added to the borehole to cause a pressure increase in the borehole fluid. Detection of the pressure increase through the cement by the offset probe is indicative of a loss of hydraulic isolation. Packers may be used to isolate the portion of the borehole under test. A mechanism for generating a pressure pulse of known magnitude is also described.

Abstract: A zone isolation assembly (22) for a subsurface well (12) having a surface region (32), a first zone (26) and a second zone (28) includes a docking receiver (48) and a docking apparatus (50). The docking apparatus (50) is selectively moved relative to the docking receiver (48) between a disengaged position and an engaged position. In the disengaged position, the first zone (26) is in fluid communication with the second zone (28). In the engaged position, the first zone (26) is not in fluid communication with the second zone (28) during movement of a fluid between the first zone (26) and the surface region (32). The docking apparatus (50) can be maintained in the engaged position substantially by a force of gravity. The zone isolation assembly (22) can include a pump assembly (54) that pumps the fluid while the docking apparatus (50) is in the engaged position. The zone isolation assembly (22) can include a fluid collector (52) that collects the fluid when the docking apparatus (50) is in the engaged position.

Abstract: A downhole tool includes a lock for maintaining a slip in a reduced diameter position when running the tool in the well, and selectively releases the slip to move radially outward to a set position to suspend an anchored portion of the tool within a downhole tubular. The tool includes a mandrel having a through passage, with a hydraulic port within the mandrel that is closed to mandrel internal pressure as the tool is run in the wellbore. A ball seat covers hydraulic ports in the mandrel. A ball may be dropped to seat and increase pressure to open the ports. A piston moves in response to mandrel internal pressure applied through the hydraulic port to unlock the locking device, such that further movement of the piston releases the slip from the reduced diameter position to the set position.

Abstract: The present disclosure addressed apparatus and methods for forming an annular isolator in a borehole after installation of production tubing. Annular seal means are carried in or on production tubing as it is run into a borehole. In conjunction with expansion of the tubing, the seal is deployed to form an annular isolator. An inflatable element carried on the tubing may be inflated with a fluid carried in the tubing and forced into the inflatable element during expansion of the tubing. Reactive chemicals may be carried in the tubing and injected into the annulus to react with each other and ambient fluids to increase in volume and harden into an annular seal. An elastomeric sleeve, ring or band carried on the tubing may be expanded into contact with a borehole wall and may have its radial dimension increased in conjunction with tubing expansion to form an annular isolator.