Abstract: An apparatus comprising a first tubular member; a second tubular member positioned within and coupled to the first tubular member; a first annular piston chamber defined by the space between the first and second tubular members; an annular piston movably coupled to the second tubular member and positioned within the first annular piston chamber; and a third tubular member for receiving the first and second tubular members coupled to the first tubular member. The third tubular member comprises a radially expandable and plastically deformable tubular member.

Abstract: A power generator for use in a wellbore formed in an earth formation, including an internal combustion engine having a cylinder and a piston defining a combustion chamber in the cylinder, the engine being arranged to induce a reciprocating movement to the piston relative to the cylinder upon combustion of a combustible gas mixture in the combustion chamber, and a linear electricity generator having a stator and a drive shaft. The generator is arranged to generate electricity upon a reciprocating movement of the drive shaft relative to the stator, and the piston is connected to the drive shaft so as to transmit the reciprocating movement of the piston to the drive shaft.

Abstract: A snubbing unit for running and retrieving a string of tubing into a well under pressure selectively operates in a stand alone mode and a rig assist mode. The unit has a lower frame for mounting during the stand alone mode on a snubber blowout preventer. Stationary weight supporting slips and snubbing slips are carried by the lower frame during the stand alone mode. The unit has four hydraulic cylinders with weight supporting slips and snubbing slips carried by a traveling base plate on the piston rods. A stationary base plate is mounted between the lower frame and the traveling base plate. A spacer tube is connected to and between the lower frame and the stationary base plate in the stand alone mode. In the rig assist mode, the lower frame along with the stationary weight supporting slips and the spacer tube are removed to enable a rig blowout preventer to connect to the stationary base plate.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for opposing pressure-induced forces acting on a mandrel of a downhole tool. The apparatus and method are particularly suited for use with a packer and include a piston engageable with the mandrel. Forces placed upon the piston by pressure communicated from the tubing bore are transferred to the mandrel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inserting or removing a string of tubulars from a subsea borehole. The apparatus includes a first, lower, gripping mechanism locatable subsea in the vicinity of the subsea borehole. The first gripping mechanism is capable of gripping a portion of the string of tubulars. The apparatus further includes a second, upper, gripping mechanism locatable subsea in the vicinity of the subsea borehole, the second gripping mechanism being capable of-gripping a portion of the sting of tubulars. The first and second gripping mechanisms are moveable with respect to one another. The apparatus further includes a movement mechanism which, when actuated, moves one of the first and second gripping mechanisms with respect to the other of the first and second gripping mechanisms, such that the string of tubulars is inserted into or removed from the subsea borehole.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for perforating, testing, squeezing and/or stimulating an oil or gas well, or other tubular structure. The apparatus preferably is suspended from an elongate conduit, such as a drill string or tubing. The apparatus is secured in position by a retractable back-up plate, and then a piercing member perforates the casing. A first valve controls the flow of fluid from a high-pressure accumulator to drive the various pistons in the apparatus. A second valve directs fluid from the elongate conduit either to exit through the perforation or to exit the housing and return up the conduit. Axial movement of the elongate conduit controls both valves in the apparatus. Upon completion of the operation, the piercing member is advanced to plug the perforation, the back-up plate is retracted, and the apparatus is removed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for deploying a so-called compact battery/memory logging tool, for acquiring data in deviated or horizontal wells in the oil and gas well data logging industry. A drillpipe assembly (10) includes a drillpipe (11) having secured at a downhole end thereof a delatching latching sub (12) containing an extendable running sub (13) supporting a battery/memory logging tool (14). The running sub (13) occupies an initial, retracted position during deployment of the drillpipe (11), whereby the logging tool (14) is protected within one or more drillpipe stands. The running sub is movable by a messenger (26) to a second, extended position in which its logging tool (14) protruding from the drillpipe (11). The drillpipe assembly may therefore be used to protect the logging tool (14) during running in operations; and then to extend the logging tool permit commencement of logging operations.

Abstract: A retrievable pig apparatus having a substantially cylindrical body portion, the body portion having a central flow bore therethrough, and secured to coiled tubing, including a central fluid flow bore in fluid communication with the interior bore of the coiled tubing; a plurality of flow bores spaced equally apart within the body, with the flow bores allowing fluid flow to be injected at a certain predetermined pressure through the flow bores, so as to be emitted on the front end of the pig for defining a high pressure spray of fluid or the like material to break up blockages of debris in the pipeline, such as paraffin or the like; the debris retrieved through the central bore back into the coiled tubing to be stored in a tank or the like on the surface.

Abstract: A concentric casing jack is disclosed having a casing supporter and actuator that uses hydraulic fluid to vertically raise and lower an inner concentric string of casing in a well. This casing jack is connected to a string of casing and can operate down-hole tools attached to the lower end of the casing by actuating the casing. The casing jack is supported at the surface by the wellhead and can be incorporated into a series of drilling spools and blowout preventer valves that are commonly utilized during drilling operations. The casing jack consists of a housing and a hollow piston whose internal diameter is similar in size to the concentric casing. The similar sizing allows drill bits and bottom hole assemblies to pass through the hollow center of the casing jack and the attached string of casing. The piston is equipped with external seals to hold hydraulic pressure between the hollow piston and the body of the jack.

Abstract: A logging system for use in a wellbore formed in an earth formation is disclosed. The system comprises a tubular conduit (9) extending from surface into the wellbore and containing a body of wellbore fluid, a logging tool string (12) capable of passing from a position within the conduit to a position outside the conduit at a lower end part thereof and capable of being suspended by the conduit in said position outside the conduit, and a pressure pulse device (18) arranged within the conduit in a manner that the pressure pulse device is in data communication with the logging tool. The pressure pulse device is capable of generating pressure pulses in the body of wellbore fluid, said pressure pulses representing data communicated by the logging tool string to the pressure pulse device during logging of earth formation by the logging tool string.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for propelling a tool having a body within a passage. The tool includes a gripper including at least a gripper portion which can assume a first position that engages an inner surface of the passage and limits relative movement of the gripper portion relative to the inner surface. The gripper portion can also assume a second position that permits substantially free relative movement between the gripper portion and the inner surface of the passage. The tool includes a propulsion assembly for selectively continuously moving the body of the tool with respect to the gripper portion while the gripper portion is in the first position. This allows the tool to move different types of equipment within the passage. For example, the tool advantageously may be used in drilling processes to provide continuous force to a drill bit. This enables the drilling of extended horizontal boreholes.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides a reduced downtime maintenance apparatus and method for replacing and/or repairing a subassembly in sealing equipment for oil field use. The invention allows the removal of rotating portions of a rotary drilling head without having to remove non-rotating portions. The reduction in weight and size allows a more efficient repair and/or replacement of a principal wear component such as a packer. Specifically, the packer in a rotary drilling head can be removed independent of bearings and other portions of the rotary drilling head. Furthermore, because of the relatively small size and light weight, the packer can be removed typically without having to use a crane to lift a rotary BOP and without disassembling portions of the drilling platform. In some embodiments, the packer can be removed with the drill pipe without additional equipment. Furthermore, the packer can be removed remotely without necessitating manual disengagement typically needed below the platform.

Abstract: Methods of releasing a well tool set in a wellbore are provided. In various embodiments, a well tool, such as a packer, is released from sealing and gripping engagement within a wellbore using alternate methods. A dual-string packer is described in which the packer may be released by severing a mandrel of the packer, displacing a piston of the packer, or by displacing a retaining device in a flow passage of the packer.

Abstract: A device for providing surge pressure reduction with volume compensation and methods of use are presented. Surge pressure reduction and volume compensation are accomplished by pressure-actuated release of the compensation device.

Abstract: A pipe assembly (5) for use in a wellbore (3) having a plurality of outlets (6) positioned about the periphery of the pipe at longitudinally spaced apart intervals for allowing fluid to pass from the interior to the exterior of the pipe.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and an apparatus for use in a wellbore tool. The apparatus includes a body and a sliding member, wherein the sliding member and a mechanical portion moves between a first position and a second position. A valve assembly causes the sliding member and mechanical portion to shift to its second position at a predetermined flow rate of fluid through the body. The invention also provides an apparatus for a downhole tool that includes a mandrel and a sliding member disposed on the mandrel. The sliding member including a plurality of fingers and a plurality of heads, wherein the plurality of fingers are slideably recessed within a plurality of longitudinal grooves. The invention further provides a collet assembly that includes a body and at least two extendable members, whereby as the members extend outward, the members are rotated.

Abstract: An actuator uses a gas absorptive material to produce displacement of a member of the actuator. In a described embodiment, an actuator includes a metal hydride powder. When the powder absorbs hydrogen gas, it expands and displaces a piston. When the powder discharges hydrogen gas, the powder contracts, displacing the piston in an opposite direction. Various methods of controlling gas absorption and discharge are provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for releasably coupling two elements.

Abstract: A method of well logging in which the logging tool is delivered to the bottom of the well within a drill pipe and then the well is logged by withdrawing the drill pipe with the sensor portion of the logging tool protruding from the drill pipe. Following the logging operation, the logging tool is returned to the surface by reverse circulation.

Abstract: A high torque and high capacity rotatable center core and floatable sealed body apparatus with universal ram applications. The apparatus includes a central core assembly, connected between a swivel on its upper end and the work string below, with the central core assembly having a central passageway therethrough. The apparatus further includes a first outer assembly, having a central bore for slidably engagement around a portion of the central core assembly. In one embodiment, a second outer assembly is included, with the second outer assembly having a central bore for slidably engaging around a portion of the central core assembly above the first outer assembly. A pair of opposing transverse bores is contained within both of the first and second outer assemblies, corresponding to a pair of transverse bores in the central core assembly.

Abstract: A new method and apparatus have been developed which inserts and withdraws tubing from pipes without bending or kinking the tubing. Beneficially, the new method and apparatus may be employed to insert and withdraw tubing to depths greater than ever possible before. The method involves using a thruster pig to provide force to inject the tubing, and skate apparatuses to reduce coiling and friction of the tube. Advantageously, the apparatus is portable, easily handled, and adaptable to handle tubing of differing diameters.

Abstract: A technique for deploying a liner within a wellbore. The technique utilizes a flush bore running tool that may be coupled to the interior of the liner during deployment of the liner. The mechanism for coupling the running tool and the liner permits the use of the full diameter of the liner after the running tool is released and removed from the liner.

Abstract: The inventions provide apparatus and methods for radially expanding a tubular deployed in a subterranean well by moving an expansion tool axially through the well. An expansion tool apparatus may have wear faces attached to at least a portion of the outer periphery of a mandrel for contacting the interior surface of the pipe, tube, or screen during expansion. According to another aspect of the invention, an expansion tool has a controlled egress seal between the outer surface of the tool and the inside surface of the expandable tubular. According to another aspect of the invention, an automatically variable diameter expansion tool is provided having a variable diameter cone, which expands, and contracts based on input from one or more sensors. According to another aspect of the invention, an apparatus and method for expanding a length of screen assembly in a subterranean wellbore is provided.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides a reduced downtime maintenance apparatus and method for replacing and/or repairing a subassembly in sealing equipment for oil field use. The invention allows the removal of rotating portions of a rotary drilling head without having to remove non-rotating portions. The reduction in weight and size allows a more efficient repair and/or replacement of a principal wear component such as a packer. Specifically, the packer in a rotary drilling head can be removed independent of bearings and other portions of the rotary drilling head. Furthermore, because of the relatively small size and light weight, the packer can be removed typically without having to use a crane to lift a rotary BOP and without disassembling portions of the drilling platform. In some embodiments, the packer can be removed with the drill pipe without additional equipment. Furthermore, the packer can be removed remotely without necessitating manual disengagement typically needed below the platform.

Abstract: A concentric casing jack is disclosed having a casing supporter and actuator that uses hydraulic fluid to vertically raise and lower an inner concentric string of casing in a well. This casing jack is connected to a string of casing and can operate down-hole tools attached to the lower end of the casing by actuating the casing. The casing jack is supported at the surface by the wellhead and can be incorporated into a series of drilling spools and blowout preventer valves that are commonly utilized during drilling operations. The casing jack consists of a housing and a hollow piston whose internal diameter is similar in size to the concentric casing. The similar sizing allows drill bits and bottom hole assemblies to pass through the hollow center of the casing jack and the attached string of casing. The piston is equipped with external seals to hold hydraulic pressure between the hollow piston and the body of the jack.

Abstract: A locking telescoping joint is for use in a conduit connected to a wellhead, which permits the conduit to be axially displaced to a new position in the well bore without disconnecting the conduit from the wellhead, and secured in the new position. The locking telescoping joint includes two telescopically interconnected tubular sections which are relatively movable between a fully retracted and a fully extended position and can be locked in a desired position. In contrast with telescoping joints without the locking function which is useful to axially display downhole tools attached to the bottom end of the conduit. The locking telescoping joint enables the use of the telescoping joint to be extended into new applications, such as placing and maintaining a tubing string in tension or compression. The use of the locking telescoping joint reduces the time and cost of many well completion and maintenance operations and thereby reduces the cost of producing hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A wellbore casing formed by extruding a tubular liner off of a mandrel. The tubular liner and mandrel are positioned within a new section of a wellbore with the tubular liner in an overlapping relationship with an existing casing. A hardenable fluidic material is injected into the new section of the wellbore below the level of the mandrel and into the annular region between the tubular liner and the new section of the wellbore. The inner and outer regions of the tubular liner are then fluidicly isolated. A non hardenable fluidic material is then injected into a portion of an interior region of the tubular liner to pressurize the portion of the interior region of the tubular liner below the mandrel. The tubular liner is then extruded off of the mandrel.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for filling a tubing string as it is lowered into a subterranean hydrocarbon well. In one embodiment, an apparatus to fill a tubular with fluid in a wellbore comprises a housing defining a central bore. An aperture formed in the housing provides fluid communication between the central bore and the ambient environment of the tubing string. A piston valve slidingly disposed in the housing is selectively pressure actuatable relative to the housing to control fluid communication between the central bore and the ambient environment.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for proppant flowback control and method for installing in a subterranean well. An expandable screen is installed in a perforated casing to cover the perforations and the screen mesh size is selected to block proppant flowback while maximizing hydrocarbon production.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose apparatus and methods that can be used to mechanically actuate a downhole tool with an expandable shifting tool. One embodiment of the invention is an expandable shifting tool comprising a housing having an outer diameter and a plurality of radially extendable elements. The radially extendable elements are longitudinally separated from each other and each extendable element is at least partially contained within the housing. The extendable elements are capable of moving between an extended position and a retracted position and are biased towards the extended position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for delivering a liner wiper plug into a well bore on a workstring with a liner pipe, releasing the wiper plug from the workstring, and giving a positive indication of release of the wiper plug. A sleeve captures a collet to a latch ring until a plug is pumped down the workstring to cause a pressure buildup, which shears a shear screw, allowing the sleeve to shift, releasing the latch ring and the wiper plug from the workstring. A rupture disk is provided in the event of jamming of the apparatus, to allow pressurization above the wiper plug, shearing a weak link in the latch ring to release the wiper plug.

Abstract: The invention generally provides a sealing assembly with a deformable portion and a core at least partially disposed within the deformable portion that can be radially expanded to engage an adjacent surface and effect a seal. In one embodiment, the core is a fluid-containing core that preferably comprises a compressible fluid and the deformable portion comprises a deformable metal. The core can retain an amount of stored energy and adjust to changing conditions that otherwise might affect the seal integrity. The core can be sealed within the deformable portion and can be compressed by a force applied to the deformable portion to cause radial expansion. The core can also be coupled to a piston which can apply a force to fluid within the core to cause the radial expansion necessary to effect sealing. An elastomeric member can be attached to the deformable portion to assist in sealing.

Abstract: In the oil and gas well data logging industry there is a need for an improved apparatus and method for deploying a so-called compact battery/memory logging tool, for acquiring data in deviated or horizontal wells.

Abstract: An actuator for an orienting device for orienting a borehole apparatus in a borehole and an orienting device comprised of the actuator, wherein the orienting device is comprised of an orienting mechanism which is actuated by longitudinal movement. The actuator is comprised of a housing having a first end and a second end and a fluid passageway extending through the housing from the first end to the second end. Further, a longitudinally reciprocable piston, positioned within and providing a first partial obstruction of the fluid passageway, engages with the orienting mechanism such that longitudinal movement of the piston actuates the orienting mechanism.

Abstract: A hydraulically releasable coupling device has an upstream part arranged to permit connection to tubing and a downstream part arranged to be connected to a tool or equipment. A radially expandable locking ring is configured to expand and thereby to disconnect the coupling device. A movable securing ring portion encloses the locking ring at least partially in an unexpanded locking position thereof. A piston body is connected to the securing ring portion and has a through passage which is provided downstream with a restriction element. The piston body has an upstream piston head with an annular upstream reaction surface and an annular downstream reaction surface for pressure fluid in counterflow. The piston head has a larger diameter than a downstream extension formed as a piston skirt, in which the restriction element is mounted. A longitudinal portion of the piston skirt, next to the piston head, is enclosed by a cylinder chamber of the piston head accommodating a return spring.

Abstract: A drilling apparatus for underreaming includes a top sub, a pressure sleeve mated to the top sub, and a blade body mated to the pressure sleeve. A pilot bit is mated to the lower end of the blade body. A plurality of movable cutting blades are pivotably attached to the blade body by pivot pins. Each of the pins is inserted through the blade body and the cutting blade. Slidable covers, held in place by the pressure sleeve, are used to retain the pins. A mandrel is centrally positioned with respect to the pressure sleeve and the blade body and is axially movable therein. Each of the cutting blades includes an end which is operatively associated with channels transversely formed on one end of the mandrel. Movement of the mandrel in a first axial direction effects retraction of the cutting blades. Movement of the mandrel in a second axial direction effects extension of the cutting blades. The mandrel is held in its blade-retracting position by the biasing force of a spring.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a preload force to an expansion cone for radially expanding a tubular member.

Abstract: A flow control system for an apparatus for radially expanding tubular members.

Abstract: A method to set a hollow device into an undersea flow pipe uses a flexible pig driven by a flow flowing into said flow pipe to displace a hollow device to a point where a stop means halts a displacement of said hollow device, thereby setting said hollow device into position. A method to retrieve a hollow device into an undersea flow pipe uses a flexible pig driven by a flow flowing into said flow pipe to retrieve said hollow device from a location where said hollow device operates halted by a stopping means.

Abstract: A tubular injector with snubbing jack and oscillator, which eliminates the need for overhead tubular and oscillator support structure and utilizes resonant vibration to remove tubulars (2) and other objects which are stuck in a well. In a first embodiment the apparatus includes a mechanical oscillator (22) mounted on a snubbing jack (30), wherein the tubular load on the snubbing jack (30) can be released and transferred to the oscillator (22) when the tubular (2) is stuck, for vibrating and loosening the tubular (2) in the well. In another embodiment the apparatus is designed to handle coiled tubing (6) and a snubbing-type jack (39) is used in association with a conventional coiled tubing guide (37) and a coiled tubing injector (14), for guiding the coiled tubing (6) from a reel through the guide (37) and through a hollow tubular stem (9) in the oscillating apparatus (22), into the injector (14) and the well.

Abstract: A subsurface apparatus in the form a tractor is adapted for travel through a bore containing a moving fluid stream. The tractor comprises a body, a drive arrangement for moving the body in a desired direction, a member mounted on the body and adapted to be driven by the moving fluid, and a conversion arrangement for converting movement of the member to drive for the drive arrangement. The drive arrangement may include a contactless magnetic coupling and a harmonic drive.

Abstract: An apparatus for actuating an annular piston.

Abstract: A down-hole tool hydraulic force intensifier is disclosed utilizing an intensifier piston having an enlarged fluid facing top surface for receipt of hydraulic pressure thereon to force such intensifier piston against the activating structure of the down-hole tool to effectively increase the hydraulic force thereon.

Abstract: A running tool is used to install a tubing hanger without entangling the continuous control lines. The tubing hanger running tool is made up of a central mandrel, an outer housing, a setting member, and an actuator. The mandrel has a lower end for securing to a tubing hanger. The outer housing surrounds the mandrel and is connected to the setting member. The actuator moves the setting member axially with respect to the mandrel so that the setting member can set the lock element on the tubing hanger, securing the tubing hanger to the tubing head. The setting member has openings which allow the control lines from the tubing hanger to be fed through to the outside of the running tool so that they are not entangled during the placement of the tubing hanger.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention relates to a method for location, or location and entry, of a lateral wellbore from a main wellbore of a multilateral hydrocarbon well, the method being characterized by unique operation of a controllably bent sub. The invention further relates to a system for location, or location and entry of a lateral wellbore, including a specialized controllably bent sub, and most preferably, to a controllably bent sub designed for efficient lateral wellbore location and/or entry.

Abstract: The flapper valve assembly can be used in series to provide collapsible closures in a drill pipe. Thus, when work strings are withdrawn through the flapper valve, it will close in a conventional manner. However, when the work string must be reinserted through the closed flapper, a collar holding the flapper in its closed position can be sheared from its position within the assembly housing.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention relates to a method for location, or location and entry, of a lateral wellbore from a main wellbore of a multilateral hydrocarbon well, the method being characterized by unique operation of a controllably bent sub. The invention further relates to a system for location, or location and entry of a lateral wellbore, including a specialized controllably bent sub, and most preferably, to a controllably bent sub designed for efficient lateral wellbore location and/or entry.

Abstract: The present invention provides a space-out compensating apparatus and method for sequentially and simultaneously landing an anchor seal assembly into a previously run downhole packer, and landing a tubing hanger into a wellhead, so that the integrity of the seals in the anchor seal assembly of the tool is not compromised, and the completion can be concluded in a single run.

Abstract: A new method and apparatus have been developed which inserts and withdraws tubing from pipes without bending or kinking the tubing. Beneficially, the new method and apparatus may be employed to insert and withdraw tubing to depths greater than ever possible before. The method involves using a thruster pig to provide force to inject the tubing, and skate apparatuses to reduce coiling and friction of the tube. Advantageously, the apparatus is portable, easily handled, and adaptable to handle tubing of differing diameters.

Abstract: The rotatable blowout preventer 10 comprises a stationary outer housing 12 and a rotatable inner housing 38 having a curved surface 42 thereon defining a portion of a sphere. An annular packer assembly 46 includes spherical packer elements for sliding engagement with the curved surface of the inner housing such that a packer assembly may seal against various sized tubulars. A lower rotary seal 98 between a piston 56 and the outer housing 12 is exposed to the differential between pressurized hydraulic fluid and the well pressure within a lower end of the bore 32 within the outer housing. A flow restriction member 114 between the rotatable inner housing and the outer housing reduces fluid pressure downstream from the flow restriction to less than 40% of the upstream pressure. The upper rotary seal 120 is open to atmospheric pressure and is subjected to this reduced pressure.