Abstract: A FAC tool for use in a well comprising a well casing. The FAC tool comprises a top drive connection for coupling the tool to a top drive; a push plate; a telescoping section coupling the push plate to the top drive connection; a packer cup configured to seal an annular space between the FAC tool and the well casing when the packer cup is energized; a packer element system comprising at least one packer moveable between a locked position in which the at least one packer is not energized, and an energized position, the packer element system being configured to seal the annular space between the FAC tool and the well casing when in the energized position; and a slip system comprising at least one slip, the slip system configured to lock the packer element in the energized position.

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: In one embodiment, a tubular handling apparatus is provided with a wedge lock release mechanism that creates a clearance to allow movement by the mandrel having mating wedge surfaces relative to the tubular to release the wedge slips. In another embodiment, a tubular handling apparatus for handling a tubular includes a mandrel; a carrier coupled to the mandrel; a gripping element for engaging the tubular; an engagement member coupled to the carrier for engaging an upper portion of the tubular; and an abutment device adapted to engage the engagement member, wherein a length of the abutment device is adjustable to allow movement of the engagement member.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a downhole casing expansion tool and to a method of expanding casings using the same. The expansion tool comprises an expansion module for expanding casings and a drive module for driving the expansion module. The diameter of the openhole can be kept consistent by the expansion tool according to the present disclosure, so that monohole well drilling and completion operations can be carried out. The expansion tool according to the present disclosure is particularly suitable for constructions in deep, ultra-deep and complex wells.

Abstract: A compensating hobbling assembly secures a set of elevators in a level position, while compensating for side or non-axial loading. An adjustable bail clamp is affixed to a bail, while an extendable hobble compensation assembly is pivotally attached to a set of elevators. A cable, chain or other flexible member having a finite length extends between the bail clamp and the hobble compensation assembly. Tension of said cable, chain or other flexible member can be adjusted so that the elevators are maintained in a substantially level position when suspended or hanging from bails. The hobble compensating assembly can extend, allowing the elevators to tilt and relative to the bails.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a formation fixation device for securing a tubular in an open-hole wellbore, the formation fixation device comprising a tubular part, a fixation unit and a fluid passage. Furthermore, the invention relates to a downhole fixation system for securing a casing comprising a first end and a second end in an open-hole wellbore and to a method of permanently fixating a tubular part in an open-hole wellbore as well as to use of a formation fixation device according to the invention for fixating a tubular part in an open-hole wellbore.

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: A production assembly and method for controlling production from production tubing supported by a tubing hanger in a well including a wellhead. The assembly includes a function spool engaged with the wellhead and a tree engaged with the function spool. The tubing hanger is landable in the tree bore such that the production tubing is supported in the well by the tree. A function mandrel separate from the tubing hanger is engaged with the production tubing and positionable inside the function spool bore. The function mandrel includes a passage connected to a line extending into the well that is connectable with a port in the function spool such that communication with a downhole component through the line is allowable from outside the function spool.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises an expansion device that is coupled to a support member and operable to be disposed within a tubular member. The expansion device is operable to radially expand the tubular member as the expansion device moves axially through the tubular member. A latch assembly is coupled to the support member and is operable to engage a corresponding latch receptacle disposed within the tubular member so as to limit the axial movement of the expansion device relative to the tubular member.

Abstract: Anchor assemblies for installation within an existing conduit. The anchor assemblies have a nondeformable mandrel, an expandable metal sleeve, and a swage. The expandable metal sleeve is carried on the outer surface of the mandrel. The swage is supported for axial movement across the mandrel outer surface from a first position axially proximate to the sleeve to a second position under the sleeve. The movement of the swage from the first position to the second position expands the sleeve radially outward into contact with the existing conduit.

Abstract: A setting tool for an expandable liner hanger. A method includes the steps of: releasably securing the setting tool to the hanger, the setting tool including an expansion cone for displacing through the hanger; and conveying the setting tool and hanger into the well on a generally tubular work string while no portion of the hanger extends longitudinally between the expansion cone and the work string. A setting tool includes an expansion cone, which is displaceable through the liner hanger to expand the hanger; at least one piston positioned on one side of the expansion cone; and an anchoring device for releasably securing the setting tool to the liner hanger, the anchoring device being positioned on an opposite side of the expansion cone. The expansion cone is pressure balanced between its two sides when the expansion cone is displaced through the liner hanger.

Abstract: A method comprising providing a centralizer disposed about a wellbore tubular, wherein the centralizer comprises a first collar, a second collar, a plurality of bow springs coupling the first collar to the second collar, and a plurality of particulates disposed on an outer surface of at least one bow spring, wherein one or more of the first collar, the second collar, and the bow springs comprise a composite material, and placing the wellbore tubular in a wellbore disposed in a subterranean formation.

Abstract: A system for circumferentially aligning a downhole latch subsystem in a wellbore. The system includes an outer tool assembly including a latch coupling having a latch profile and a slot subassembly having an axially extending slot profile. An inner tool assembly is positionable within the outer tool assembly. The inner tool assembly includes a latch assembly having a plurality of latch keys and an orienting subassembly having a plurality orienting keys. In operation, after axial alignment of the orienting subassembly with the slot subassembly, rotation of the orienting subassembly causes operable engagement of at least one orienting key with the slot profile and, thereafter, axial alignment of the latch assembly with the latch coupling causes operable engagement of the latch keys with the latch profile.

Abstract: To protect a hydraulic, electric and/or other conduit in an annular space around a well casing against damage from perforating and other well operations the conduit is arranged in a groove in a U- or V-shaped protective gutter, which is secured to the outer surface of the well casing and which is capable of deflecting a shaped charge.

Abstract: An anchor assembly for anchoring casing or other pipe against axial upward movement while permitting rotation of the casing or other pipe. An inner mandrel member has a central bore and a flange member extending around the outer circumference of the mandrel. A friction reducing ring member is located on an upper surface of the flange member, while layered friction reducing sleeve members are positioned around the outer surface of the mandrel member. An anchor sleeve member is concentrically and rotatably positioned around the outer surface of the outermost friction reducing sleeve member. Connection flanges, each having at least one bore for attachment to a shackle or other connecting device, extend laterally from the outer periphery of the anchor sleeve member and allow for anchoring of the assembly (and any attached casing or other pipe) to a rig or other structural support member.

Abstract: A tubing hanger assembly for suspending a tubing string into a wellbore comprises a hanger body having a radially outer surface including external threads having a first thread handedness. In addition, the assembly comprises a load ring coaxially disposed about the hanger body. The load ring has a radially inner surface including a first set of internal threads that matingly engage with the external threads of the hanger body and a second set of internal threads having a second thread handedness that is opposite the first thread handedness. The load ring also has a radially outer surface including a frustoconical cam surface. Further, the assembly comprises an expandable ring disposed about the hanger body adjacent the lower end of the load ring. The expandable ring has a radially inner surface including a frustoconical surface that slidingly engages the cam surface.

Abstract: A downhole setting tool comprises a tool housing and a hollow mandrel, the mandrel being situated in the housing. The tool further comprises a piston situated between the mandrel and the tool housing and a collar situated between the mandrel and the tool housing, wherein the tool housing, the mandrel, the piston and the collar define an annulus. The tool further comprises a first valve, wherein in a closed position the first valve blocks a path of fluid communication between the interior of the mandrel and the annulus.

Abstract: A subsea wellhead assembly includes a housing with a bore. A hanger is lowered into the housing, the hanger having at least one centralizing finger with a hook for engaging a corresponding hook an activation ring carried by the hanger via a shear pin. A load ring is carried on the hanger and supported initially within a recess formed on the exterior of the hanger. At the correct depth within the housing, coinciding with a shoulder on the inner diameter of the housing, the pin is sheared under the weight of the casing string and the hooks disengage to allow the load ring on the hanger to slide outward and create a path for the casing load to be transferred from the hanger to the hanger load ring, to a housing load ring, and ultimately the housing.

Abstract: A method of forming a wellbore is provided that in one embodiment includes conveying an inner string and an outer string downhole; attaching the inner string to the outer string at a first location and forming the wellbore; and attaching the inner string to the outer string at a second location uphole of the first location and cementing an annulus between the outer string and the wellbore, without retrieving the inner string from the wellbore.

Abstract: An expandable liner hanger system for forging a pressure seal and hanging of the liner weight against outer casing string in a wellbore that includes an outer casing string, and an inner casing string positioned within the outer casing string and having an inner diameter. The system also includes an elongate inner string tool selectively insertable into the inner casing string and having a torque locking sleeve that removably couples with the inner casing string. Also included in the expandable liner hanger system is an expansion cone slidable along the inner string tool and having a diameter greater than the inner diameter of the inner casing string so that when the cone is urged into the inner casing string, the larger diameter cone deforms the inner casing string radially outward into engagement with the outer casing string. The system also includes a downhole hydraulic force intensifier.

Abstract: A plurality of rows of locking dogs are provided with housing flexibility between rows to allow them to share a shear loading while leaving enough structural integrity in the housing to define the windows through which the dogs emerge. The dogs can also have extensions with a surface that grippingly engages the housing adjacent the window on extension of the dogs such that loads can transfer from the housing into the extension and into the profile in which the dog is disposed rather than passing the shear stress through the window edge into the dog that is in the profile. The dog configuration can also share the load on multiple contact surfaces of the housing to reduce stress at each contact location.

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: To deploy a capillary string through a wellhead to a downhole safety valve, a control port and a retention port are drilled in an adapter between a casing hanger and a gate valve or elsewhere. The capillary string is connected to a first port of a capillary hanger and installed through the wellhead. The capillary hanger is landed on a tubing hanger, and a side port on the capillary hanger communicates with the control port. Because the side port's location may not align with the control port, operators may need to measure how long the capillary hanger should be. A control line connects to the control port in the wellhead's side to communicate with the capillary line, and a retention rod inserts in the retention port to support the capillary hanger.

Abstract: A downhole apparatus having a radially expanding portion and a support structure are described. The support structure comprises an attachment means for coupling to the apparatus and a support portion configured to be deployed from a first unexpanded condition to a second expanded condition by expansion of the apparatus. In one aspect of the invention, the downhole apparatus is expanded by exposing the swellable material to at least one predetermined fluid, and the support structure abuts the swellable material in its expanded form. A method of use and its application to a well packer, a hanging member, an anchor and a centralising apparatus are described.

Abstract: Apparatus facilitating successive installation of casing sections endwise in a well, that includes hanger structure sized for installation at a well head, the hanger structure having a vertical through opening via which successive casing sections are installable vertically in the well, the hanger structure having vertically spaced shoulders for landing casing sections, there being adjustable structure for enabling controllable adjustment of hanger length, whereby uncemented casing weight is applied on the hanger structure.

Abstract: A centraliser for centralising a tubular in a conduit is described. The centraliser comprises a body comprising a upper body portion and a lower body portion and a plurality of arms linking the upper body portion to the lower body portion. Relative movement of the upper and lower body portions towards each other causes the arms to buckle radially outwards into a set configuration in which the arms are engaged, in use, with a conduit.

Abstract: A technique includes deploying a seat assembly having a plurality of segments into a tubing string installed in a well and expanding the seat assembly at a downhole location in the well to secure the assembly to the tubing string and form a seat that is adapted to receive an untethered object. The technique includes receiving the untethered object in the seat of the seat assembly and using the received untethered object in the seat assembly to perform a downhole operation in the well.

Abstract: A running tool for delivering a hanger into a wellcomprises a main body. In addition, the running tool comprise an attachment means for connecting a hanger to the main body. Further, the running tool comprises a sleeve having an external profile and being rotatably mounted around the main body. The sleeve has engagement means for releasably connecting the sleeve to a landing ring mounted via a thread on the hanger such that rotational movement of the sleeve causes rotational and thus axial movement of the landing shoulder on the hanger.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for remotely operating a setting tool for a liner hanger (402) independent of a ball seating or dart landing. Operating the setting tool independent of the ball seating or dart landing may allow for a sufficient pressure differential to properly set the liner hanger.

Abstract: A system for setting and retrieving a tool including a tubular having a first profile and a tool having a second profile, the first and second profiles complementarily formed and engagable together for enabling the tool to be located in a borehole with respect to the tubular, the first profile or the second profile at least partially formed from a degradable material, the degradable material degradable upon exposure to a downhole fluid.

Abstract: A high pressure multibore junction assembly and method for completion of a lateral wellbore using a high pressure multibore junction assembly, which comprises a tubular main leg and a tubular lateral leg. The tubular main leg is secured within a main wellbore and the tubular lateral leg is positioned through a lateral wellbore. The tubular main leg and the tubular lateral leg may be stabilized relative to each other as the multibore junction assembly is lowered into the main wellbore.

Abstract: A system and method for positioning a tool within a wellbore are described herein. The interior surface of a tubular string is provided with one or more pluralities of grooves, each defining a selected profile. A tool is lowered into the tubular string, having a blade in communication therewith. The blade includes a plurality of protruding members thereon, which define a profile complementary to at least one of the selected profiles formed by one of the pluralities of grooves. A biasing member in communication with the blade continually biases the blade toward the interior surface of the tubular string to cause the profile of the blade to engage within the corresponding complementary profile of the tubular string. Positioning a tool in this manner is especially advantageous for locating a cutting tool at a precise location to sever a tubular segment at a joint, releasing tensile forces from the joint.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses used in locking downhole tools such as locking packers, bridge plugs, and frac plugs are shown herein that decrease the loss of energy during pack-off.

Abstract: A completion system and method adapted for use in wells having long lateral boreholes includes a mast assembly, a pipe handling mechanism, a pipe arm, a pipe tub, a pump/pit combination skid, a rig carrier, and a control system. The mast assembly can extend in a generally vertical direction, e.g., perpendicular to the rig carrier and/or the earth's surface, such that the rig can be placed directly adjacent to a wellbore, and the top drive or a similar drive system can be engaged with and move along the mast while remaining above the wellbore. The top drive can be engaged with a support fixture that resists torque and rotation during operation. The support fixture can in turn be engaged with the mast to transfer torque forces to the mast while being vertically movable along the mast to enable positioning of the top drive.

Abstract: An anchor device is utilized to locate the whipstock both longitudinally and rotationally in order to properly orient the whipstock prior to beginning the sidetrack operation. The present embodiment may be used to either mechanically or hydraulically trigger an anchor device.

Abstract: A system, in certain embodiments, includes a landing assembly. The landing assembly includes a top ring. The landing assembly also includes a bottom ring disposed axially below the top ring. A radially interior surface of the top ring is configured to engage a radially exterior surface of the bottom ring via first threading. The landing assembly also includes a lock ring disposed between the top ring and the bottom ring on a radially exterior side of the landing assembly. The landing assembly further includes a landing ring disposed axially below the bottom ring.

Abstract: A collet assembly has a housing and the collets disposed on flexible fingers connected to the housing at their opposed ends. A surrounding landing sleeve stops the assembly so that collets are aligned with a recess in a landing collar that is part of a surrounding tubing string. Once set the landing sleeve transmits compressive loads so that compressive stress essentially bypasses the finger structure supporting the collets. The fingers are initially tapered toward a longitudinal axis so that when internally supported they assume an aligned orientation to the housing axis to allow greater tensile loading and to provide a retraction force when the housing is to be removed after the collet support is removed.

Abstract: A technique facilitates use of frangible components. The frangible components may comprise components of a gripping tool, e.g. anchor, used in a variety of applications, including well related applications. The tool is provided with a plurality of gripping members which each comprise a frangible structure. The gripping members may be selectively deployed to provide the desired gripping within a tubular structure, e.g. an open wellbore or well casing. The frangible structure in each gripping member is designed to break down into smaller portions after being exposed to a predetermined input, thus facilitating removal of the tool from the tubular structure.

Abstract: A technique facilitates a variety of well services. A tubing string is provided with a latch assembly having a lower latch assembly portion, an upper latch assembly portion, and a latch mandrel. The latch mandrel comprises a weakened region disposed in a housing of the latch assembly. Additionally, a release mechanism may be employed to facilitate release of the upper latch assembly portion from the lower latch assembly portion upon separating the latch mandrel at the weakened region.

Abstract: A tractor configured for grip locking during advancement to avoid slippage, particularly in open-hole wells. The tractor is equipped with a grip lock mechanism for independently locking an anchor grip in a radially outward direction. This locking occurs sequentially in advance of the power stroke of a reciprocating drive piston associated with the anchor. Thus, radial outward expansion and gripping are ensured at the time pulling of a load in an axial downhole direction is pursued. Such grip locking may be employed throughout tractoring or intermittently, depending upon well characteristics such as formation hardness and well diameter.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a rotating casing hanger having a housing configured to abut a casing spool and a casing hanger body disposed within the housing, wherein the casing hanger body is configured to suspend a casing element within a wellbore, and the casing hanger body is configured to rotate within the housing.

Abstract: A centralizer system comprising a centralizer disposed about a wellbore tubular, wherein the centralizer comprises, a first body portion, a second body portion, and a plurality of bow springs connecting the first body portion to the second body portion, and a plurality of limit collars coupled to the wellbore tubular between the first body portion and the second body portion, where at least one of the plurality of limit collars is configured to engage the first body portion or the second body portion and pull the centralizer in the direction of travel within the wellbore.

Abstract: An anchor and a method for limiting the movement of a tubing string within a wellbore are provided. The anchor comprises a mandrel, a slip body assembly, a drag block assembly, and a mechanism for transitioning the anchor between a release position and a set position. The mechanism is operable by relative movement between the drag block assembly and the mandrel. The anchor is transitionable between the release position and the set position by rotating the mandrel less than half a full turn relative to the drag block assembly.

Abstract: A centralizer system comprising a centralizer disposed about a wellbore tubular, wherein the centralizer comprises, a first body portion, a second body portion, a plurality of bow springs connecting the first body portion to the second body portion, and at least one window disposed in the first body portion, and a retaining portion disposed in the at least one window, wherein the retaining portion is configured to provide a substantially fixed engagement between the first body portion and the wellbore tubular.

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 plurality of rows of locking dogs are provided with housing flexibility between rows to allow them to share a shear loading while leaving enough structural integrity in the housing to define the windows through which the dogs emerge. The dogs can also have extensions with a surface that grippingly engages the housing adjacent the window on extension of the dogs such that loads can transfer from the housing into the extension and into the profile in which the dog is disposed rather than passing the shear stress through the window edge into the dog that is in the profile. The dog configuration can also share the load on multiple contact surfaces of the housing to reduce stress at each contact location.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for lining a wellbore. The system comprises an expandable tubular element arranged in the wellbore, the tubular element having a first end part and a second end part whereby the second end part extends into a tubular wall located in the wellbore. An expander is arranged to radially expand the tubular element by movement of the expander through the tubular element in a direction from the first end part to the second end part, said direction defining an expansion direction. The system further comprises an anchor arranged to anchor said second end part to the tubular wall in a manner that the anchor substantially prevents movement of said second end part in the expansion direction and allows movement of said second end part in the direction opposite to the expansion direction.

Abstract: A downhole tool disposed in a drillstring includes a bypass valve unit including at least one bypass port, wherein the bypass port is configured to control fluid flow from a central bore of the drillstring to a wellbore annulus, and an activation sub having a frangible obstruction disposed in a central bore thereof and configured to prevent fluid flow to an anchor downhole during a circulation mode, wherein the frangible obstruction is configured to break at a specified fluid pressure in the central bore to allow fluid communication to below.

Abstract: A running tool sets and pressure tests a bridging hanger and a packoff in a single trip. The running tool has a stem, an inner body, and a piston. The inner body is connected to the stem so that rotation of the stem relative to the inner body will cause the stem to move longitudinally. The piston is connected to the stem so that the stem and piston rotate and move longitudinally in unison. A piston engagement element is housed in the inner body and is adapted to engage the piston when the bridging hanger is set to prevent premature setting of the packoff. The piston engagement element can be disengaged once the bridging hanger is set, thereby allowing the piston to set the packoff.

Abstract: The invention provides a wellbore system comprising an expandable tubular element arranged in a wellbore formed in an earth formation whereby an annular space is present between the tubular element and a wall surrounding the tubular element. The tubular element is provided with sealing means for sealing the annular space, wherein the sealing means includes a foldable wall section of the tubular element. The fold-able wall section has a reduced bending stiffness relative to a remainder wall section of the tubular element and is deformable from an unfolded mode to a folded mode by application of a compressive folding force to the tubular element. The foldable wall section when in the folded mode comprises at least one annular fold extending radially outward into said annular space. The wellbore system further comprises a folding device for applying said folding force to the tubular element.