Abstract: A packer device for forming a fluid seal between an inner tubular member and an outer tubular member. The packer device includes a swage assembly that is expandable from a reduced diameter condition to an expanded diameter condition and a substantially deformable packer element for contacting and forming a fluid seal against a surrounding tubular. The packer element radially surrounds the swage assembly and being moved outwardly into a sealing configuration when the swage assembly is moved to its expanded diameter condition.

Abstract: A packer has a swellable element and has end rings and compressible elements at each end of the swellable element. The packer may be first set using internal bore pressure to compress one of the compressible elements against one of the end rings with a first hydraulic setting mechanism. The packer may then be set a second time using annulus pressure to compress against the other compressible element with a second hydraulic setting mechanism. Either way, the compressible elements are compressed to expand out to the borehole and to limit extrusion of the swellable element outside the compressed elements.

Abstract: A method and assembly for reducing a radial gap between radially proximate components including a setting member having a first dimension that partially defines the radial gap, the setting member including a circumferential groove extending radially from the first dimension, and a first toroid having a second dimension, the setting member operatively arranged to engage with the first toroid, wherein increasingly engaging the setting member with the first toroid enables a boundary dimension of the assembly to be extended toward the radial gap for reducing the radial gap, the circumferential groove operatively arranged to catch the first toroid when the setting member is fully engaged with the first toroid.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus include tubing expanded to create a seal in an annulus surrounding the tubing. The tubing includes a sealing material selected to cause forming of undulations in a diameter of the tubing upon expansion of the tubing. Various factors of the sealing material such as deviations in its thickness influence sealing performance of the tubing with the sealing material.

Abstract: A lock assembly for a mechanically set packer for deep deployments is described. The lock housing wall has at least one bore for a rod piston that is selectively actuated when wellbore hydrostatic is allowed to reach on side of the piston. Movement of the piston, after breaking a shear pin, allows a c-ring to spring outwardly and out of a locking groove in the mandrel so that the mandrel can be string manipulated with respect to the housing to set the packer. Once unlocked the lock assembly remains defeated. The piston can be optionally exposed to hydrostatic and will unlock at a given depth without manipulation of the wellbore annulus pressure. Other mechanisms to admit wellbore hydrostatic to move the piston or to move the piston in general by other techniques are described.

Abstract: A method of setting and maintaining a tool in a set position for a period of time includes the following. Causing a component of a device to move relative to another component of the device, interengaging one or more features of at least one of the components with the another component, creating a set condition of a tool engaged with the component and the another component with the causing and interengaging. The method further includes dissolving at least the one or more features when removal of the tool is desired.

Abstract: This disclosure is related to downhole tool having an erosion resistant material metallurgically bonded to portions of the downhole tool. The downhole tool can have the erosion resistant material can be disposed on predetermined portions of inner and outer surfaces of the downhole tool. The disclosure is also related to a method of using the downhole tool described herein.

Abstract: A downhole apparatus and support assembly has a radially expanding portion comprising a swellable elastomeric material selected to increase in volume on exposure to at least one predetermined fluid, and the support assembly is operable to be deployed from a first retracted position to a second expanded condition. The support assembly comprises an inner surface arranged to face the radially expanding portion, and at least a portion of the inner surface is concave. The support assembly may be configured to direct a force from the swellable material to boost or energize a seal created between the radially expanding portion and a surrounding surface in use.

Abstract: A packer deployed well wall monitoring or transceiver assembly. The assembly may be particularly suited for use with swellable packers wherein the sensor or transceiver is delivered in a manner that substantially avoids damage thereto. Furthermore, the pre-deployment configuration of the assembly may enhance the deployment and reliability of the sensor in terms of formation monitoring over time. The deployment of the packer provides the energy required for the sensor or transceiver to contact the well wall. The packer elastomeric material provides or can be enhanced to provide isolation of the sensor or transceivers from extraneous borehole disturbances improving their signal to noise characteristics.

Abstract: A well system can include a generally tubular production string extending to a surface location. A production packer seals off an annulus external to the production string. A swellable packer is interconnected in the production string between the production packer and the surface location. A method of mitigating a leak in a generally tubular production string can include interconnecting a swellable packer in the production string, and the swellable packer swelling, and thereby increasingly restricting flow through an annulus surrounding the production string, in response to fluid leakage through a sidewall of the production string. Another method can include interconnecting a swellable packer in the production string, and the swellable packer swelling, and thereby increasingly restricting flow through an annulus surrounding the production string, in response to a flow of hydrocarbons into the annulus from an interior of the production string.

Abstract: A sealing assembly including a seal element at least partially formed from a shape memory material. The shape memory material urges the seal element to revert to an original shape upon exposure to a transition stimulus. The seal element is operatively arranged for sealing against a downhole structure when in the original shape. An interlock mechanism is included for holding the seal element in a deformed position in which the seal element is not able to seal against the downhole structure even after exposure to the transition stimulus. A method of setting a downhole sealing assembly is also included.

Abstract: A flow control device comprises a fluid pathway configured to provide fluid communication between an exterior of a wellbore tubular and an interior of the wellbore tubular, a flow restriction disposed in the fluid pathway, a one-way valve disposed in the fluid pathway to substantially block fluid flow from the interior of the wellbore tubular to the fluid pathway and to allow fluid flow from the fluid pathway to the interior of the wellbore tubular, and an inflatable seal disposed between an opening to the interior of the wellbore tubular and the fluid pathway, wherein the inflatable seal is configured to inflate to substantially block the fluid pathway in response to a fluid pressure differential between the interior of the wellbore tubular and the exterior of the wellbore tubular that exceeds a predefined threshold.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure pertain to a mandrel for a downhole tool that may include a body having a proximate end with a first outer diameter and a distal end with a second outer diameter; a first set of threads disposed on the distal end; and a transition region formed on the body between the proximate end and the distal end. In aspects, the mandrel may be made from filament wound composite material.

Abstract: Sealing devices for use in a wellbore to seal a leak path through an inner wall surface of the wellbore comprise a mandrel, an expandable element, and a shape deforming sealing element. Expansion or inflation of the expandable element moves the shape deforming sealing element from its run-in shape to its set shape. A stimulus, such as a change in temperature, acts upon the shape deforming sealing element facilitating the shape deforming sealing element changing shape. Removal of the stimulus causes the shape deforming sealing element to remain in the set shape. Thereafter, the mandrel and expandable element can be removed to leave only the shape deforming sealing element within the wellbore to seal the leak path.

Abstract: A wellbore packer for setting one or more packing elements in a borehole having an open hole section. The wellbore packer comprises a port-less mandrel configured with one or more packing elements and one or more setting mechanisms. The setting mechanism is responsive to a to a driving force and configured to set the packing elements in the borehole, wherein the driving force is not tubing string pressure.

Abstract: A setting apparatus for use on a downhole tool in a wellbore is described. The setting apparatus comprises an expandable member configured for axial expansion under fluid pressure wherein said expansion moves said downhole tool from an unset position to a set position. Generally, the fluid will be a gas generated downhole and can be generated near or in the expandable member.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for hydraulically presetting a metal-to-metal seal, which may be installed in an annular space between wellhead components. A hydraulic running tool may be landed on a first wellhead component and coupled to a second wellhead component, for example, via a hydraulic or mechanical coupling assembly. Fluid pressure may then be applied to the hydraulic running tool to move the components axially together, thereby setting the metal-to-metal seal (i.e., axially compressing and radially expanding the seal). A coupling may secure the wellhead components in place relative to one another, while fluid pressure is being applied so that the metal-to-metal seal remains in the set position after the hydraulic tool is removed.

Abstract: A downhole element to isolate or complete a wellbore includes a shape memory material including polyphenylene sulfide. The polyphenylene sulfide is the cure product of being cured at a temperature of about 200° C. to about 400° C., for a total time of less than or equal to 200 hours. The shape memory material is thermally activated between an actuated and unactuated shape, and the polyphenylene sulfide in the shape memory material is a closed cell foam, open cell foam, or solid.

Abstract: A swellable packer which includes a generally tubular mandrel having a central axis and an exterior cylindrical surface. The swellable packer further includes a swellable elastomeric body fixed to the exterior cylindrical surface of the mandrel, wherein the swellable elastomeric body includes a plurality of grooves and wherein the generally tubular elastomeric sleeve has a circumference and a thickness.

Abstract: A system in some embodiments includes a system, having a seal assembly, including an inner energizing ring, an outer energizing ring, a load ring disposed between the inner energizing ring and the outer energizing ring, a sealing element, and a lock ring. Further other embodiments provide a method of sealing, including rotating an inner energizing ring in a direction to move the inner energizing ring in a first axial direction to seat a seal, rotating an outer energizing ring in the direction to wedgingly engage and set a lock ring in a radial direction, and rotating a load ring in the direction to move the load ring in a second axial direction to set the lock ring.

Abstract: A packer (80) for establishing sealing engagement with a surface disposed in a wellbore includes a packer mandrel (90) and a seal assembly (100, 102, 104) slidably disposed about the packer mandrel (90). The seal assembly (100, 102, 104) has a running position and a radially expanded sealing position. A piston (122) is slidably disposed about the packer mandrel (90) and operably associated with the seal assembly (100, 102, 104). A release assembly 145 is disposed about the packer mandrel (90) and is releasably coupled to the piston (122) such that actuation of the release assembly (145) decouples the release assembly (145) from the piston (122) allowing the piston (122) to shift longitudinally relative to the packer mandrel (90) to operate the seal assembly (100, 102, 104) from the running position to the radially expanded sealing position, thereby setting the packer (80).

Abstract: A barrel slip for a packer assembly operable for use in a wellbore. The barrel slip includes a radially expandable barrel slip body having a first end and a second end. A substantially cylindrical directional gripping surface is disposed on an exterior of the barrel slip body proximate the first end. A substantially cylindrical non directional contact surface is disposed on the exterior of the barrel slip body proximate the second end. In a set configuration, radial expansion of the barrel slip body creates a gripping engagement between the directional gripping surface and the wellbore that opposes movement of the barrel slip body in a first direction. Also, in the set configuration, radial expansion of the barrel slip body creates a contact engagement between the non directional contact surface and the wellbore that diverts force acting on the barrel slip body in a second direction to the wellbore.

Abstract: A downhole tool having a throughbore is disclosed for use in a tubular located in a wellbore. The downhole tool has a sealing element configured to seal an annulus between the downhole tool and an inner wall of the tubular; at least one flow path formed in the downhole tool, wherein the flow path is configured to allow fluids in the annulus to flow past the sealing element when the sealing element is in a sealed position; and at least one valve in fluid communication with the flow path and configured to allow the fluids to flow through the flow path in a first direction while preventing the fluids from flowing through the flow path in a second direction. A guard may be installed proximate anchor elements. The guard extends radially beyond an outer diameter of the anchor elements when the anchor elements are in a retracted position.

Abstract: A system and method facilitates actuation of an energized device, such as a packer. The technique provides an actuating force with a thermally expandable material located in a container. The thermally expandable material is operatively coupled with an element, such as a packer sealing element, via an actuator member. When the container and the thermally expandable material are positioned in a high heat environment, the thermally expandable material expands and actuates the element via the actuator member. In packer applications, the thermally expandable material may be used to continuously energize the packer sealing element and/or other components while the thermally expandable material is positioned in the high heat environment.

Abstract: A packer tool has safety devices to prevent premature and reverse setting and release operations. The safety devices are independent of shear-pin safety systems. Confined annular segments prevent a setting actuator piston from moving absent tool-setting hydraulic pressure. The setting pressure first moves a cylinder in an opposite direction to unroof the segments allowing them to exit confinement and free the piston to set the packing and the anchor slips. Release safety pins extend radially inward from a packing-holder collar into short slots formed on a mandrel surface, preventing the mandrel from being turned. Previous set motion causes the pins to leave the slots thereby freeing the mandrel to turn only after the tool has been set. A third safety device comprises an expanded ring which is dragged by the release cone during release motion until it lodges in a circumferential groove in the mandrel, locking against reverse movement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a downhole system (100) for sealing an opening (2) in a wall of a well tubular structure in a borehole (4) downhole by means of a downhole tubular assembly (1), comprising the downhole tubular assembly comprising an expandable tubular part (5) having an inner face (6) and an unexpanded expandable tubular thickness in an unexpanded state, and a helical spring (7) having a helical inner diameter, a radial helical spring thickness and a helical outer diameter in an unexpanded state, the helical spring being arranged inside the expandable tubular part and substantially concentrically with the expandable tubular part, an expansion tool (9) for expanding the tubular assembly inside the well tubular structure (3) in one direction, the expansion tool comprising an expansion part having a diameter, and the expansion tool being arranged substantially on an axis which is concentric and longitudinal with the tubular assembly, and positioned in a first position, wherein the expandable tubu

Abstract: Arrangements and packer devices having anti-extrusion backup rings that are expanded radially outwardly by a setting mechanism that lies proximate the elastomeric packer element that is being protected against extrusion. The setting mechanism can be a slip assembly that has a radially expandable slip element.

Abstract: The casing stripper attachment secures the casing stripper within a housing, such as the bowl. The casing stripper rubber attaches to an attachment body for installation within the housing. The attachment body includes a base and an attachment lip. The base provides an outer surface for securing the attachment body and stripper rubber to the housing. The clamp secures the outer surface of the base with the housing. The stripper rubber fastens to the attachment lip of the attachment body to be secured within the bowl. The base of the present invention could attach to a drilling nipple that assists with inserting the casing into the well, a process known as running casing.

Abstract: Expandable seals have one or more conforming ribs to facilitate creation of a seal to a sealing surface disposed in the well. The conforming ribs comprise a core of material either capped, partially covered by, or entirely covered by a ring. The ring can be formed of a metal that is softer than the metallic core material of each rib. Suitable metals forming the rings include copper formed by metal spun methods. Disposed adjacent to the rings are one or more sealing elements. By moving the rings into the sealing surface during expansion of the expandable seals, the rings close the extrusion gaps between the internal surface of the casing and the expanded tubular member ribs. The rings better conform to the sealing surface of the casing, thereby facilitating the creation of the seal between this sealing surface and each of the sealing elements.

Abstract: A downhole sealing assembly comprises a sleeve adapted to be mounted on a tubular body disposable within a bore, the sleeve (12) including a swellable material and defining a sealing arrangement comprising inner and outer seals. Swelling of the material radially extends the inner seal into contact with the tubular body and extends the outer seal into contact with the bore. seals.

Abstract: The swelling rate of a swelling packer element or a conforming foam screen material is accelerated with heat. In one variation reactants that create an exothermic reaction plus a catalyst, if needed, are allowed to come into contact upon placement at the desired location. The heat accelerates the swelling process and cuts the time to when the next operation can commence downhole.

Abstract: A method of releasing a well packer can include applying a predetermined tension in a tubular string connected to the packer, and then reducing the tension, thereby retracting inward at least one slip of the packer. A well packer can include a generally tubular mandrel, at least one slip configured for gripping a well surface, the slip being extendable outward by engagement with a support surface, and a gripping device which permits displacement of the mandrel relative to the support surface in one direction, and which prevents displacement of the mandrel relative to the support surface in an opposite direction. A method of manufacturing a gripping device can include deforming a sleeve, thereby changing a diameter of the sleeve, aligning teeth on the sleeve across at least one slot in the sleeve, and heat treating the sleeve while the sleeve remains deformed and the teeth remain aligned.

Abstract: A wellbore tool, such as a cementing tool, configured for placement in a wellbore or drill string, and method of sealing the tool in the wellbore or drill string. The tool is lowered on a stem into the wellbore or drill string and contacts a downhole obstacle (the bit when lowered in a drill string), such that the downward pressure on the tool causes a shear pin to shear, resulting in upward movement of an outer sleeve relative to the central body of the tool. The outer sleeve, when upwardly displaced, pushes against a deformable sleeve, and the deformable sleeve then presses outwardly against the inner walls of the wellbore or drill string, sealing the tool therein. The deformable sleeve can be directed outwardly by contacting it during upward displacement of the outer sleeve with an angled surface of the central body.

Abstract: A wiper plug including a body having one or more wiping elements radially extending therefrom. An obstructing portion is disintegrable upon exposure to a selected fluid in order to permit fluid communication across the wiper plug when the obstructing portion is disintegrated. A method of using a wiper plug is also included.

Abstract: A method of providing a pig for assisting in the recovery of coiled tubing string from a pipeline including an attachment to the coiled tubing intermediate the ends of the coiled tubing string, one or more sealing cups which have a preferred sealing direction from the distal end of the coiled tubing string to the proximate end of the coiled tubing string, allowing flow past the sealing cups from the proximate end of the coiled tubing to the distal end of the coiled tubing with a check valve, providing for flow through the pig from the distal end of the coiled tubing to the proximate end of the coiled tubing with a predetermined pressure loss, and using the predetermined pressure loss to generate a force to assist in recovering the coiled tubing string from the pipeline.

Abstract: A composite frac plug (12) is formed of composite polymer materials, except for shear pins (52) and anchor cleats (96, 112) which are formed of metal. The composite materials provide for easy drilling of the frac plug (12) at the end of 5 fracturing operations. The frac plug (12) has an elastomeric ball seat (44) which sealing engages with a frac ball (18). A ratchet lock assembly (26) has a split ratchet ring (82) which moves over the mandrel (22) in a downward direction only, and prevents movement of the mandrel (22) downward within the ratchet ring (92). An anchor assembly (28) has slip bodies (92, 108) which are segmented and separately urge anchor cleats (96, 112) into 10 the interior surface of a well casing (136).

Abstract: A packing element comprising a tube having a longitudinal length. The tube includes a first end and a second end opposing the first end, an external portion including a plurality of circumferential ribs, and an internal portion opposing the external portion. The internal portion of the tube includes i) a central portion extending along a portion of the longitudinal length of the tube between the first end and second end of the tube, wherein the central portion includes a relief, ii) a first tapered portion radially tapering along the longitudinal length from the central portion towards the first end, and iii) a second tapered portion tapering along the longitudinal length from the central portion towards the second end.

Abstract: An offshore universal riser system may include a valve module which selectively permits and prevents fluid flow through a flow passage extending longitudinally through a riser string. An anchoring device may releasably secure the valve module in the passage. A method of constructing a riser system may include the steps of installing the valve module in the passage, and installing at least one annular seal module in the passage. The annular seal module may prevent fluid flow through an annular space between the riser string and a tubular string positioned in the passage. Drilling methods may include injecting relatively low density fluid compositions into the annular space, and selectively varying a restriction to flow through a subsea choke in a drilling fluid return line. The riser string, including housings for the various modules and external control systems, may be dimensioned for installation through a rotary table.

Abstract: A packer is provided for sealing an annular region in a wellbore. In one embodiment, the, packer includes a boosting assembly adapted to increase a pressure on the packing element in response to an increase in a pressure surrounding the packer, for example, an increase in the annulus pressure.

Abstract: A method for reverse circulating a tool upwardly through a wellbore, the method including: providing a manipulator tool including an upper end and a lower end, conveying the manipulator tool down hole to a position adjacent a downhole tool, using the manipulator tool to manipulate the downhole tool, and reversing fluid flow through the well to create a pressure differential about at least one of the manipulator tool and the downhole tool such that the at least one of the manipulator tool and the downhole tool is lifted upwardly through the wellbore. A manipulator tool for use in a reverse circulating method is also described as are a tool catcher, a tool catching assembly and a tool catching method.

Abstract: Systems and methods for replacing equipment at a wellsite, the wellsite having a subsea stripper installed proximate a subsea borehole. The system has at least one seal assembly portion, at least one seal replacement arm and an actuator. The seal assembly portion(s) is (are) positionable in the subsea stripper and replaceable therefrom. The seal assembly portion(s) has (have) a packer extendable within the subsea stripper to form a seal about the subsea stripper. The seal replacement arm(s) is (are) for replacing the seal assembly portion(s) through a door of the subsea stripper. The actuator is for remotely actuating the seal replacement arm(s) to engage the seal assembly portion(s) whereby the seal assembly portion(s) is (are) remotely replaceable.

Abstract: A downhole sealing system includes a reactive material provided on a tubular and including an oxidizable substance; and a sealing material, wherein the oxidizable substance oxidizes when in contact with the sealing material. Also included is a method of providing a seal in a downhole system.

Abstract: A downhole apparatus suitable for downhole application may include a mandrel; a packer element assembly disposed about the mandrel that comprises at least one packer element disposed about the mandrel; and a retaining shoe disposed about the mandrel and adjacent to a first packer element of the packer element assembly. The retaining shoe may be configured such that in an unset position at least a portion of the first packer element covers at least a portion of a retaining shoe distal surface.

Abstract: The techniques herein relate to a probe for forming a seal between a downhole tool and a wall of a wellbore. The probe includes a probe inlet extending from the downhole tool for fluid communication with a subterranean formation, a base positionable about the downhole tool about the probe inlet, a packer positionable on the base for forming a seal with the wellbore wall, and a raised packer support and/or packer stopper for supporting the packer as the packer is compressed against the wellbore wall. The packer may have an inlet channel extending therethrough for receiving the probe inlet. The raised packer support can extend from the base for supporting the packer, and the packer may have a support channel extending a distance therein for receiving the raised packer support. The packer stopper can extend from the base about a perimeter of the packer with an expansion gap defined therebetween.

Abstract: An apparatus for isolating at least a portion of a tubular for use in a wellbore comprising a first, inner tubular in the form of carrier tube and a second, outer tubular in the form of protective shroud, coupled to the carrier tube. One or more aperture is provided in a wall of the carrier tube for permitting fluid transfer through the tube and one or more aperture is provided to permit fluid transfer through the shroud. A sealing layer is disposed on a surface of the shroud, the sealing layer defining a first configuration permitting fluid flow through the apertures and, on exposure to a selected reactant, adopting a second configuration to restrict fluid flow through the apertures, the sealing layer adapted to return from the second configuration to the first configuration where concentration of the selected reactant falls below a selected threshold.

Abstract: A method of stimulating a subterranean formation using a tubular member with one or more burst disks therein.

Abstract: A mechanism configured for mechanical self-deployment in a well. The mechanism may be primarily an open or closed-cell polymer foam positioned downhole in a pre-compressed state. Subsequently, the mechanism may be released from a housing for self-deployment and engagement with a wall of the well. Such a mechanism may serve the conventional purpose of a downhole packer or other similar restriction devices. Additionally, due to the self-deploying nature of the device, multiple such devices may be linked in series based upon user-determined criteria at the time of application. Thus, a reduction in the number of trips in the well may generally be realized.

Abstract: A sealing device which has a housing with an outside diameter, a core inside the housing; at least two sealing segments in slidable engagement with the core to change the outside diameter of the sealing device on at least one position of the sealing device; and at least two wedges in slidable engagement with the core and the sealing segments to seal the sealing device against a casing.

Abstract: A barrel slip for a packer assembly operable for use in a wellbore. The barrel slip includes a radially expandable barrel slip body having a first end and a second end. A substantially cylindrical directional gripping surface is disposed on an exterior of the barrel slip body proximate the first end. A substantially cylindrical non directional contact surface is disposed on the exterior of the barrel slip body proximate the second end. In a set configuration, radial expansion of the barrel slip body creates a gripping engagement between the directional gripping surface and the wellbore that opposes movement of the barrel slip body in a first direction. Also, in the set configuration, radial expansion of the barrel slip body creates a contact engagement between the non directional contact surface and the wellbore that diverts force acting on the barrel slip body in a second direction to the wellbore.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an annular barrier for providing zone isolation between a first zone and a second zone in a borehole or a casing downhole, the annular barrier comprising a tubular part and an expandable element made of metal surrounding the tubular part, and the annular barrier having a circumference, a longitudinal extension and an outer face and further comprising an annular seal comprising a sealing material, the sealing material extending around the outer face of the annular barrier and having a bundle of strands wherein at least one strand comprises graphite and/or carbon.