Abstract: A wellbore system comprises a wellbore extending into an earth formation, the wellbore containing a body of fluid, and an expandable tubular element arranged in the wellbore, wherein a lower end portion of the wall of the tubular element is bent radially outward and in an axially reverse direction so as to define an expanded tubular section extending around a remaining tubular section of the tubular element. The expanded tubular section is axially extendable by downward movement of the remaining tubular section relative to the expanded tubular section. The body of fluid is located in the remaining tubular section, and a fluid conduit extends from the body of fluid to a location above the remaining tubular section, the fluid conduit being movable in upward direction relative to the remaining tubular section.

Abstract: An injection module is used for lateral insertion and bending of a coiled tubing via a side opening in a well. The module is structured for connection to the side opening. The module includes injection equipment for coiled tubing operations. The distinctive characteristic of the injection module is that it also includes an insertion device connected to the injection equipment wherein the insertion device is structured in a manner allowing it to fit within the side opening in the well. A first end portion of the insertion device includes a bending head with a bending path, wherein the bending head is structured in a manner allowing it to directionally deviate the coiled tubing upon conducting the coiled tubing along the bending path. The insertion device is provided with a guide conduit extending from a second end portion of the insertion device and onwards to the bending head for allowing the coiled tubing to be conducted into the bending head.

Abstract: A method of radially expanding a tubular element extending into a wellbore formed in an earth formation comprises inducing the wall of the tubular element to bend radially outward and in an axially reverse direction so as to form an expanded tubular section extending around a remaining tubular section of the tubular element, wherein the bending occurs in a bending zone of the tubular element. The bending zone is induced to move in an axial direction relative to the remaining tubular section to increase the length of the expanded tubular section. An annular space is formed between the expanded tubular section and the remaining tubular section, wherein the method further comprises arranging a seal element in the annular space to define an upper portion and a lower portion of the annular space, the upper and lower portions being sealed from each other by the seal element.

Abstract: A geometrically optimized expansion cone for radially expanding a tubular member. In some embodiments, the expansion cone includes an annular body having an outer surface. The outer surface includes a linear surface having a constant diameter, a curvilinear surface extending from the linear surface, a recessed surface having a diameter less than the diameter of the curvilinear surface, and a chamfer between the recessed surface and the curvilinear surface. The diameter of the linear surface is substantially equal to an inner diameter of the tubular member after expansion, while the chamfer has a maximum diameter less than an inner diameter of the tubular member prior to expansion. The curvilinear surface has a diameter defined by a radius of curvature which is tangent to the chamfer at the maximum diameter and tangent to the linear surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for expanding a tubular below a restriction in a wellbore. An expandable tubular may comprise a first end having a first wall thickness, a second end having a second wall thickness, and a middle section disposed between the first and second ends and having a third wall thickness that is less than the first and second wall thicknesses. The first and second ends may include grooves. A method for expanding a tubular below a restriction in a wellbore may comprise running the tubular past the restriction, wherein the tubular comprises a first end and a second end, each end having a wall thickness greater than a wall thickness of a middle section disposed between the ends. The method may include expanding the tubular, wherein the first and second ends of the expanded tubular have outer diameters greater than the outer diameter of the middle section.

Abstract: A system for performing a downhole operation within a well during a production phase of the well includes a tubing string extending from a surface of the well to the downhole location. A lift system is positioned at the surface and is operably connected to the tubing string to axially lift and lower the tubing string, following positioning of the tubing string within the well, each time a substantial reduction in production gas flow and production liquid flow at a portion of the well is desired.

Abstract: An expandable device comprising a plurality of expandable cells. The cells may be bistable cells or other types of cells that are expanded from a contracted position towards an expanded position. Additionally, the cells may be combined with locking mechanisms to hold the structure in an expanded position.

Abstract: A downhole releasable tubing connection includes a joint between two tubing strings, wherein one of the two tubing strings is radially expanded and plastically deformed by an expansion device. When the expansion device is moved adjacent to the joint, a mechanism in the joint reacts to the radially outward forces of the expansion device and releasably expands, separates, breaks, or otherwise provides a release between the two tubing strings. One tubing string and the expansion device can then be removed to the surface of the well bore while the expanded tubing remains installed in the well bore.

Abstract: An expansion and cementing assembly is run into the well as the expandable liner is made up. A work string is tagged into the expansion assembly and run to depth. Pressure drives the swage to initially expand and move uphole with the attached work string until the liner is expanded above the location of the subsequent cement placement. The assembly is then lowered to engage the guide/float shoe to perform the cementing step. The swage assembly is then released from the guide/float shoe and the balance of the expansion is performed without further expansion against the recently placed cement. The expansion assembly can start at the guide/float shoe or higher, in which case expansion can occur initially in a downhole direction and later be completed in an uphole direction. Variations without cementing are also contemplated.

Abstract: An expansion assembly is run into the well as the expandable liner is made up. A work string is tagged into the expansion assembly and run to depth. Pressure drives the swage to initially expand and move uphole with the attached work string until the liner is expanded to set at least one external packer. The balance of the expansion in the uphole direction is continued until the string is expanded into sealing support of a higher string in the wellbore and the variable swage comes out of the hole with the work string. A shoe is milled out and the process can be repeated.

Abstract: A coil tubing rig (12) is supported on a carrier trailer (24) in transit and during rig operations. A plurality of a hydraulic tracks (30), (32) each connected to the carrier trailer may be activated to raise and lower the carrier trailer from the loading position to a rig operating position. A dolly assembly including a plurality of wheels supports the carrier trailer during transit, and hydraulic jacks both incline the carrier trailer to a rig loading/unloading position such that a front end of the carrier trailer is substantially at ground level, and raise the rig to a desired elevation for conducting rig operations.

Abstract: A method of drilling a wellbore (1) into an earth formation is disclosed. The method comprises arranging a drill string (6) and an expandable tubular element (8) coaxially in the wellbore, the drill string having an axially extending fluid passage (30), the tubular element surrounding the drill string and having a lower end bent (12) radially outward and in axially reverse direction so as to form an expanded tubular section (10) extending around a remaining tubular section of the tubular element, said lower end defining a bending zone of the tubular element, wherein an annular space is formed between the drill string and the remaining tubular section.

Abstract: A system and method for radially expanding a tubular element. The method comprises the steps of bending the tubular element radially outward and in axially reverse direction so as to form an expanded tubular section extending around an unexpanded tubular section, wherein bending occurs in a bending zone; and increasing the length of the expanded tubular section by inducing the respective bending zones of the layers to move in axial direction relative to the unexpanded tubular section. The tubular element comprises a first layer, a second layer extending around the first layer, and a third layer interconnecting the first layer and the second layer and allowing the first layer and the second layer to shift relative to each other near the bending zone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapidly installing or withdrawing a sealing liner into or out of a subsurface well bore or borehole. An eversion aid, such as an open-ended cylinder, is engaged with the liner, the eversion aid serving to push the liner down the borehole during installation, and to assist in proper liner extraction during its withdrawal from the borehole. Water is transferred between the liner interior and the borehole outside the liner to regulate the disposition of borehole water, and to aid in proper sealing functions of the liner and to promote proper liner extraction during withdrawal.

Abstract: The subject disclosure provides a reel and a gooseneck which significantly reduce residual bending of the coiled tubing. The subject disclosure discloses a gooseneck that provides reverse bending forces to reduce the residual bending as a result of the reel. Further, the subject disclosure discloses a gooseneck having an adjustable radius during the coiled tubing operations which optimizes the residual bending process. The subject disclosure also discloses a heating and cooling module. The heating and cooling modules are attached to the gooseneck and are used to reduce fatigue of the coiled tubing and elongate the life cycle of the coiled tubing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conducting earth borehole operations comprising a CT system comprising a first carrier with a reel of CT and a CT injector, a second carrier comprising a top drive rig having a mast, and a lifter operative to move the CT injector from the first carrier to an operative or near operative position with respect to the mast on the second carrier.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for expanding a tubular below a restriction in a wellbore. An expandable tubular may comprise a first end having a first wall thickness, a second end having a second wall thickness, and a middle section disposed between the first and second ends and having a third wall thickness that is less than the first and second wall thicknesses. The first and second ends may include one or more grooves disposed along a length of the ends. A method for expanding a tubular below a restriction in a wellbore may comprise running the tubular past the restriction, wherein the tubular comprises a first end and a second end, each end having a wall thickness greater than a wall thickness of a middle section disposed between the ends. The method may include expanding the tubular, wherein the first and second ends of the expanded tubular have outer diameters greater than the outer diameter of the middle section.

Abstract: An assembly and techniques for employing multiple motors to drive an oilfield injector. The injector is configured to drive a well access line such as coiled tubing and the motors may be electric in nature. Additionally, the motors are configured to operate at substantially sufficient cooling speeds for electric motors. Nevertheless, the motors are coupled through a common differential mechanism such that a range of differential speeds may be derived via comparison of the operating speeds of the motors. Thus, a wide array of injection speeds may be employed without requiring the motors to operate at dangerously low speeds in terms of electric motor cooling.

Abstract: A coiled tubing injector comprises a drive system for independently driving a plurality of chains independently but otherwise retarding relative motion between the driven chains when a chain begins to slip uncontrollably.

Abstract: A method for expanding an expandable tubular in a borehole, comprising the steps of: a) positioning the expandable tubular at a desired position in the borehole; b) anchoring the tubular at the desired position solely by means of a first cement portion in the annulus between the tubular and the borehole wall; c) expanding the tubular by moving an expansion device through the tubular. The cement may be cured or not cured when step c) is carried out and may or may not fracture during step c). The method may include providing an exit path for water expelled from the cement during expansion, providing a second cement portion having a longer cure time than the first cement portion, or calculating the length of cement that is required to anchor, based on the properties of the cement and the expected expansion force.

Abstract: A method of expanding tubing comprises locating an expansion device in tubing to be expanded, vibrating one or both of the tubing and the expansion device, and translating the expansion device relative to the tubing, the vibration acting to reduce friction between the tubing and the device.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) for depth referencing tubular strings in a wellbore. The apparatus (100) includes a depth reference coupling (102) having a profile (112) that is positioned in a first tubular string. The first tubular string has a predetermined length between the depth reference coupling (102) and a predetermined reference point. The apparatus (100) also includes an indicator assembly (118) having a mating profile (128) operable to engage the profile (112) of the depth reference coupling (102) that is positioned in a second tubular string. In operation, the second tubular string is run in the first tubular string until the mating profile (128) of the indicator assembly (118) engages the profile (112) of the depth reference coupling (102), thereby enabling reliable depth referencing of the tubular strings.

Abstract: Devices and methods for setting a packer inside a wellbore with little appreciable reduction of the useable area of the wellbore. The outer casing or liner of the wellbore contains one or more integrated casing coupler joints having an increased diameter chamber portion. A large bore packing element is carried within the increased diameter chamber portion. The packing element may be selectively actuated to form a seal against an interior tubular member. Because the packing element is located within the chamber portion of the casing coupler, the packer may be set while saving useable cross-sectional area within the casing.

Abstract: Casing segments and an expansion cone are positioned and cemented within a new section of a wellbore with a lower casing segment in an overlapping relationship with an upper casing segment. The lower casing segment is radially expanded such that an upper end of the lower casing segment comes into contact with the interior wall of the upper casing segment at the overlap region. The upper casing segment has an inward facing profile at the overlap region that includes a set of wickers that are driven into the lower casing exterior when it is expanded. This forms a metal-to-metal seal between the upper and lower casing segments at the overlap region.

Abstract: A system for conducting earth borehole operations comprising a CT carrier, a reel of CT rotatably mounted on the CT carrier, a mast carrier, separate from the CT carrier, a mast mounted on the mast carrier and movable between a lowered position for transport and a position transverse to the horizontal, a top drive carried by the mast, the top drive being longitudinally movable along the mast and a CT injector on the mast carrier.

Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore comprises running a toolstring into a wellbore to a first depth, actuating a controllably rotating sub-assembly of the toolstring to rotate, and activating a pressure activated bendable sub-assembly of the toolstring to bend, wherein actuating the controllably rotating sub-assembly to rotate and activating the pressure activate bendable sub-assembly are performed in any sequence or concurrently. The method also comprises running the toolstring into the wellbore beyond the first depth and stabbing the toolstring into a window in a wall of the wellbore to enter a lateral wellbore, wherein no whipstock is used to facilitate stabbing into the window. The method further includes running the toolstring into the lateral wellbore and performing a wellbore servicing operation in the lateral wellbore.

Abstract: An assembly for use in a wellbore formed in an earth formation, comprising an expandable tubular element and an outer structure having first and second portions arranged at a distance from each other, the portions being restrained to the tubular element in a manner that the distance changes as a result of radial expansion of the tubular element, the outer structure further having a third portion arranged to move radially outward upon said change in distance between the first and second portions, wherein said radially outward movement of the third portion is larger than the radially outward movement of the tubular element as a result of radial expansion of the tubular element.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an in situ reservoir recovery process that uses a horizontal well located near the top of a reservoir and an inclined production well to extract bitumen or heavy oil from a reservoir. In a first stage, the top well is used for cold production of reservoir fluids to the surface, in which, reservoir fluids are pumped to the surface in the absence of stimulation by steam or other thermal and/or solvent injection. A lower production well is drilled into the formation below the top well. The top well is converted to an injection well or, if no cold production then a top well is drilled as an injector well. A portion of the bottom well is inclined so that one end of the incline is closer to the injector well than the other end of the incline. In the process, steam circulation creates a heated zone at the point of the two wells that are closest together in the reservoir.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of radially expanding a tubular element extending into a wellbore formed in an earth formation, the tubular element including a first layer and a second layer extending around the first layer, said layers being separable from each other. The method comprises inducing each layer to bend radially outward and in an axially reverse direction so as to form an expanded tubular section extending around a remaining tubular section of the tubular element, wherein each layer has a respective bending zone in which the bending occurs, and increasing the length of the expanded tubular section by inducing the respective bending zones of the layers to move in an axial direction relative to the remaining tubular section. The layers in the respective bending zones are separate from each other so as to define an axial space between the layers.

Abstract: A method for radially expanding a tubular element in a wellbore and providing a control line that extends along the tubular element comprises (a) inducing the wall of the tubular element to bend radially outward and in axially reverse direction so as to form an expanded tubular section extending around a remaining tubular section of the tubular element, wherein said bending occurs in a bending zone of the tubular element, (b) increasing the length of the expanded tubular section by inducing the bending zone to move in axial direction relative to the remaining tubular section, wherein said wall includes a material that is plastically deformed in the bending zone during the bending process so that the expanded tubular section retains an expanded shape as a result of said plastic deformation, and (c) extending the control line along the tubular element.

Abstract: A method is provided of radially expanding a tubular element extending into a wellbore formed in an earth formation, the method comprising inducing the wall of the tubular element to bend radially outward and in axially reverse direction so as to form an expanded tubular section extending around a remaining tubular section of the tubular element, wherein said bending occurs in a bending zone of the tubular element, and increasing the length of the expanded tubular section by inducing the bending zone to move in axial direction relative to the remaining tubular section. One of the tubular element and the wellbore wall is provided with at least one seal member arranged to induce sealing of the expanded tubular section relative to the wellbore wall.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for drilling with casing. In an embodiment, methods and apparatus for deflecting casing using a diverter apparatus are disclosed. In another embodiment, the apparatus comprises a motor operating system disposed in a motor system housing, a shaft operatively connected to the motor operating system, the shaft having a passageway, and a divert assembly disposed to direct fluid flow selectively to the motor operating system and the passageway in the shaft. In another aspect, methods and apparatus for directionally drilling a casing into the formation are disclosed. Methods and apparatus for measuring the trajectory of a wellbore while directionally drilling a casing into the formation are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus for expanding first and second portions of a downhole tubular in a single trip comprises a support and first and second expansion devices. The first expansion device is mounted on the support and is operable to expand a first portion of tubular. The second expansion device is mounted to a second portion of tubular and is adapted to be engaged by the support following the expansion of the first portion of tubular, and is then used to expand the second portion of tubular.

Abstract: A pressurization tool comprises a body for connection to a tubular by box, and pin, and providing for flow of fluid by way of a throughbore of varying cross-section to form chambers. A lower chamber accommodates a spring that contacts a shoulder providing a reaction surface for compression of the spring under applied force. The chamber merges into intermediate chamber that accommodates a movable index sleeve that cooperates with an index pin inserted through the wall of the tool body. Associated with the upper part of the index sleeve is a valve seat assembly, positioned to abut the index sleeve and moveable therewith, said valve seat assembly being configured to receive a plug or ball, and in one unpressurised configuration, is located in a wider chamber that permits fluid flow around the assembly.

Abstract: A downhole annealing system includes a component to be annealed; a steam generating catalyst in proximity to the component; and a reactant fuel selectively communicative with the catalyst to produce an exothermic reaction and method.

Abstract: Methods relate to tubulars that may be part of a tubular string for isolating one or more zones within a wellbore. In one embodiment, the tubular string includes a first expandable zone isolation unit disposed on a first side of a zone to be isolated, a second expandable zone isolation unit disposed on a second side of the zone to be isolated, and a perforated tubular disposed in fluid communication with a producing zone. The tubular string may be expanded using an expansion assembly having a first expander for expanding the first and second expandable zone isolation units and a second expander for expanding the at least one perforated tubular. Tags or markers along the tubular string may indicate locations where expansion is desired such that connections or connectors between joints are not expanded.

Abstract: A handheld tool for straightening coiled tubing in a continuous manner. The tool is configured to straighten coiled tubing that has undergone plastifying deformation, for example, during winding about a coiled tubing reel. The tool is of enhanced mobility and may be employed to provide a straightened portion of coiled tubing without resorting to intermittent reverse kinking or corrugating of the coiled tubing. Rather, the substantially continuous character of the straightened portion of coiled tubing is well suited for stably and reliably accommodating a downhole tool for use within a well during hydrocarbon recovery applications.

Abstract: A method of radially expanding a tubular element comprises inducing the wall of the tubular element to bend radially outward and in an axially reverse direction so as to form an expanded tubular section extending around an unexpanded section of the tubular element. The bending process occurs in a bending zone of the tubular element, and the method further comprises progressively increasing the length of the expanded tubular section by inducing the bending zone to move in an axial direction along the tubular element.

Abstract: A technique for monitoring and evaluating parameters related to the use of a compliant guide system in intervention operations. A compliant guide enables movement of a conveyance within its interior and is coupled between a subsea installation and a surface vessel. A sensor system is provided with sensors deployed in subsea locations to detect operational parameters related to operation of the compliant guide. A control system is coupled to the sensor system to receive data output from the sensor system.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus and method for expanding a tubular. In one aspect, embodiments of the prevent invention provide an expander tool having at least two expansion members radially extendable from the expander tool into contact with a surrounding inside surface of the tubular, the at least two expansion members radially extendable at different times and axially spaced after radially extending. In another aspect, embodiments include a method for isolating a first portion of a wellbore from a second portion of a wellbore comprising locating an expandable tubular within the wellbore between the first and second portions, the expandable tubular having a weakened portion therein, isolating the first portion from the second portion of the wellbore, and expanding the expandable tubular proximate to the weakened portion to sever the expandable tubular.

Abstract: The invention is related in general to wellbore-telemetry technology. In particular, the invention relates to improved equipment and methods for deploying line in a wellbore. A continuous line is dispensed from two apparatuses. One apparatus is attached to a device such as a wiper plug that travels through a tubular body such as casing. The other apparatus is fixed either inside or outside a wellhead. As a process fluid is pumped into the tubular body, forcing the first apparatus and the device through the tubular body, line may unfurl from the first apparatus, the second apparatus, or both. In this way, stress on the line during deployment is minimized.

Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore extending from a surface and penetrating a subterranean formation is provided. The method comprises placing a workstring in the wellbore, wherein the workstring comprises at least a first downhole tool, a signal receiver subassembly, and a conveyance between the first downhole tool and the surface. The method further comprises the signal receiver subassembly receiving a first signal generated by contact between the wellbore and the workstring and initiating a first function of the first downhole tool based on the first signal.

Abstract: A tubular sleeve is coupled to and overlaps the threaded connection between a pair of adjacent tubular members.

Abstract: An apparatus having a modular support frame with a top deck. The top deck has a passage therein. A tower is mounted on the top deck. A moveable plate and a track are positioned within the passage. The movable plate is slidingly attached to the track. A support rotary table is disposed within the modular support frame and suspends jointed tubulars. A coiled tubing injector head interface plate is operatively attached to the movable plate, and positioned over the first aperture of the movable plate. The first aperture is positioned over the well in a first position. A rotary table is positioned over the well in a second position. The apparatus is mounted on a transport vehicle in a transport position and moved to a well site. A lifting mechanism lifts the apparatus into an upright position. Well intervention work is conducted with coiled tubing and jointed tubulars.

Abstract: A downhole axial expansion or telescoping tool includes radially expandable tubular members. The tubular members are relatively moveable before and after radial expansion, and include an intermediate layer therebetween of a non-metal or non-cladding material. The intermediate layer may provide any one or more of lubricity, load transfer, sealing, and shape retention during and after radial expansion.

Abstract: A system for expanding a tubular member. In some embodiments, the system includes an expansion assembly disposed in sealingly engagement within the tubular member, a shoe assembly releasably coupled within the tubular member, and a chamber disposed therebetween. The expansion assembly has a flowbore and a openable port. The shoe assembly includes a flowbore extending therethrough, the flowbore in fluid communication with the flowbore of the expansion assembly and having a valveable passage. When the valveable passage is closed, the port is adapted to open, whereby the chamber is fluidicly coupled to the flowbore of the expansion assembly. When the valveable passage is open, the port remains closed, whereby the chamber is fluidicly isolated from the flowbore of the expansion assembly.

Abstract: An assembly for positioning a well access line in a well. The assembly is located between a supply of well access line and a well, with the line running through the assembly and to the well. Multiple pulleys are incorporated into the assembly about which a well access line such as a conventional wireline may be wrapped. The pulleys are biased to one another such that slack in the line may be stored at the assembly and drawn on in the event of line tension spiking up to a predetermined amount. As such, tension in the line may be kept to a minimum so as to avoid damage to the line during a well access operation. Furthermore, should the tension in the line fail to come back down to below the predetermined amount, the well access operation may be halted in an automated manner. Halting may proceed while continuing to allow take-up of the slack in the line until completed halting of the operation is achieved.

Abstract: A method for adapting a tubular element extending into a wellbore formed in an earth formation, where the tubular element is susceptible to damage caused by axially compressive forces acting on the tubular element as a result of compaction of the earth formation surrounding the tubular element. The method comprises the steps of reducing the axial stiffness of at least one section of the tubular element, and allowing each tubular element section of reduced axial stiffness to be axially compressed by the action of said axially compressive forces, thereby accommodating compaction of the earth formation surrounding the tubular element.

Abstract: The invention comprises a device for expanding tubular members to a controlled diameter and its method of fabrication. The device includes an expandable bladder held in a convoluted form. After the device is inserted into a cylindrical tube to be evenly expanded, the bladder is expanded by hydraulic pressure to a controlled maximum diameter. It is then deflated so the device can then be moved to another location and reused. The bladder is formed from a flexible impervious material having integral reinforcing fibers. It is initially formed in a fully expanded configuration over a convoluted mandrel and a removable cylindrical shell. When the shell is removed vacuum or external pressure draws the bladder against the mandrel. The bladder is overmolded with a resilient cover to hold it in reduced form until pressurized. The bladder cover prevents the bladder from kinking during the expansion.

Abstract: A recess shoe system includes a recess shoe an insert sleeve disposed radially inwardly adjacent of the recess shoe in a portion of the recess shoe. The insert sleeve includes a ring and a plurality of fingers extending from the ring, the fingers being radially outwardly deflectable in response to a radially outwardly directed force. The force is generated by a swage in a swaging position acting on an inside dimension of the insert sleeve, and the insert sleeve is radially inwardly retractable when the radially outwardly directed force is removed such that the fingers of the insert sleeve define a tubular structure having an outside dimension smaller than an outside dimension of the swage in the swaging position and method.