Abstract: A section of casing within a wellbore is milled. After milling the section of the wellbore, the section of the wellbore is underreamed through to a next layer of casing. A setting fluid is squeezed into the section. The setting fluid penetrates micro-channels exposed by the milling and underreaming. A scab liner is installed over the section. The scab liner is secured within the wellbore.

Abstract: A plug and perforation system includes a plug that is configured to isolate formation zones within a wellbore that has a casing. The plug includes a flow control subassembly, an anchoring subassembly, and a sealing device. The flow control subassembly a valve assembly. The valve assembly includes a housing, a valve chamber inside the housing, a valve seat, and a valve element inside the valve chamber. In some embodiments, the valve element is secured to the housing with a frangible matrix that is manufactured as a unitary part with the valve element and the housing. The frangible matrix is designed to fail under a predetermined shearing load to allow the valve element to be pushed into the valve seat. In other embodiments, the valve element is retained by one or more shear pins or shearable threads.

Abstract: A perforating gun with one or more centralizing charge tube inserts and, optionally, an orienting centralizer, used in oil and gas completions operations. A gun string including the perforating gun and one or more additional perforating guns substantially identical to the perforating gun.

Abstract: Some implementations of the present disclosure provide a laser drilling tool assembly comprising: (i) a body that includes: a first segment configured to receive an input beam from a laser source and couple the input beam to provide an irradiation beam to irradiate a downhole target, and a second segment housing one or more purging pipes; and (ii) a tool head that includes: a retractable nozzle; and one or more optical sensing elements mounted on the retractable nozzle, wherein when the downhole target is being irradiated by the irradiation beam, the retractable nozzle is extended towards the downhole target such that the one or more optical sensing elements are positioned closer to the downhole target.

Abstract: An apparatus for punching holes in a casing comprises an elongate casing extending between first and second ends having a plurality of punches adapted to be selectably extended therefrom, the casing having a piston cavity therein, the first end of the casing being in fluidic communication with a pressurized fluid source, a slidable piston contained within the cavity separating the cavity into extension and retraction cavities wherein the extension cavity is operable to pressurize a rear surface of the plurality of punches and the retraction cavity is operable to pressurize a front surface of the plurality of punches and a valve assembly adapted to selectably connect the pressurized fluid source with the extension or retraction cavities so as to extend or retract the punches.

Abstract: The invention provides a downhole tool for cutting a wellbore casing. The downhole tool comprises a gripping mechanism for gripping a section of wellbore casing and a cutting mechanism configured to cut the casing. The grip mechanism is configured to grip a range of casing diameters.

Abstract: A single-trip cut and pull system for a wellbore including a cutter, a power section, and an anchor selectively actuable independently of the power section; a method for cutting and pulling casing in a single run including running a cut and pull system on a string to a target depth, rotating a cutter of the cut and pull system to cut a casing section, and actuating an anchor of the cut and pull system after cutting the casing section; and a method for cutting and pulling casing in a single run including running a cut and pull system on a string to a target depth, rotating a cutter of the cut and pull system by rotating the string to cut a casing section, and pulling the cut casing in the single run.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a drill bit having a frangible drive shaft, a thread cutting surface formed on an outer surface of the drill bit, a conical swage formed on the drill bit, the conical swage having a conical shape, and a seal plug coupled to the drill bit, the seal plug removable from the drill bit. A method includes penetrating an inner surface and an outer surface of the casing with a drill point of the drill bit thereby forming a hole, threadingly engaging the seal plug with the hole wall, disengaging the seal plug from a drive shaft of the drill bit assembly, retracting the drill bit assembly through the seal plug, and engaging an outer surface of a conical swage with an inner surface of the seal plug and radially expanding the seal plug as the conical swage is retracted through the hole wall, thereby sealing the hole.

Abstract: A sub connects a gun string to a hydraulically activated setting tool for setting an auxiliary tool in a well. The sub includes a housing that prevents a well fluid from entering inside the housing; a plug that covers a hole made in a wall of the housing; and an explosive mechanism located inside the housing and configured to break the plug to open the hole to achieve fluid communication between an outside and the inside of the sub.

Abstract: A downhole cutting tool is operable, when deployed, to create a cut through a wall of a tubular member, for example a downhole casing, tubing or drill pipe. The downhole cutting tool comprises a tool head assembly, comprising a tubular body, which provides a housing, which houses a cutting member, a first anchor located downstream of the cutting member and a second anchor member located upstream of the cutting member.

Abstract: A detonator activated wireline release tool is provided for use in geological well operations that enables the wireline cable to be easily released from tool string equipment upon activation of a detonator housed within the release tool. The release tool has a wireline subassembly portion that is connected to a tool string subassembly portion during assembly. It is sometimes necessary to disconnect the wireline subassembly from the tool string subassembly at a time when accessing the either is not physically possible. Such release is achieved by sending an electronic signal that detonates an explosive load which actuates a latch through an expansion chamber. The latch shifts and allows the finger flanges previously connecting the subassemblies to disengage, thus releasing the subassemblies.

Abstract: A method and system for location a collar. A method for locating a collar may comprise disposing a logging tool within a plurality of concentric pipes in a wellbore, measuring one or more wellbore parameters, creating a corrosion detection tool log from the measuring one or more wellbore parameters, processing the corrosion detection tool log to determine a location and a position of a plurality of collars on the concentric pipes, and adjusting the corrosion detection tool log to account for the location and position of the plurality of collars. A system for locating a collar may comprise a conveyance line, a logging tool, and an information handling system. The information handling system may be capable to measure one or more wellbore parameters, create a corrosion detection tool log from the measuring one or more wellbore parameters, and document the location and the position of the plurality of collars.

Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, systems and methods for safely, and cost-effectively activating a mechanical perforator using a pyrotechnic initiated hydrostatic activating mechanism. The mechanism includes a piston connected to a power rod. The piston is activated by the rupturing of a disc, which separates a first chamber from a second chamber containing the piston. Upon rupturing of the disc, wellbore fluids fill the second chamber forcing the piston to move from a first position to a second position, which causes activation of the mechanical perforator. The first chamber may optionally be filled with a pressurized gas, such as nitrogen or air, to add a boost assist to activation of the piston.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for conducting multiple successive same-location firings of a number of shaped charges carried by a perforating gun that is lowered into the wellbore and precisely positioned by engagement with a landing base assembly that includes a through-tubing retrievable bridge plug to which is secured a receiving member that matingly engages a perforating gun assembly that includes a mating guide member secured to the downhole end of the perforating gun and a rotating head member attached to the opposite upper end of the gun, the rotating head member configured for attachment to the downhole end of a length of coiled tubing for lowering the gun assembly and permitting its axial rotation and downward vertical movement into a final secure, but releasably engaged position with the fixed landing base assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a downhole operational tool for moving a tool part between a retracted position and a projected position in a well. The downhole operational tool comprises a tool body having an axial extension; the tool part being movable perpendicularly to the axial extension between the retracted position and the projected position; a projection actuator configured to project the tool part from the tool body by means of hydraulics, the projection actuator comprising an actuator housing and a projection piston configured to slide inside the actuator housing, the tool part being connected with the projection piston; and a retraction actuator comprising a spring element configured to retract the tool part into the tool body, the retraction actuator being connected with the projection piston so that when the projection actuator projects the tool part, the spring element is compressed. The spring element is arranged outside the actuator housing.

Abstract: Methods and systems for depth and radial orientation detection are provided. Methods for determining the depth or radial orientation of one or more downhole components include the steps of providing a target mass and a using a detection device for detecting the depth and/or orientation of the target mass. In some cases, the target mass is initially nonradioactive and then, after installing the target mass downhole, it may be irradiated to form a relatively short-lived radioactive target mass, which may then be detected with a radiation detector. In this way, the target mass acts as a depth or radial orientation marker. Where the target mass is situated downhole in a known radial relationship to another downhole component, the radial orientation of the other downhole component may be deduced once the radial orientation of the target mass is determined. Advantages include higher accuracies and reduced health, safety, and environmental risks.

Abstract: A system for emptying a gravity separated crude oil including a flexible bag storing the crude oil arranged within a protection structure, the protection structure including a bottom element forming the lower section of the protection structure, the flexible bag being connected to a flange that is connected to the protection structure, and includes at least one fluid conduit providing fluid communication between the flexible bag and outside the protection structure. A first outlet pipe is arranged inside the flexible bag near the bottom element and is connected to and in fluid communication with the at least one fluid conduit. A perforated tube surrounding the outlet pipe provides an annulus fluid passage, water is supplied to the structure volume, and the crude oil is emptied through the at least one fluid conduit, through the perforations in the perforated tube, through the annulus fluid passage to the first outlet pipe.

Abstract: A downhole tool including a body coupled to a stabilizer and an underreamer. The stabilizer may include a blade that moves from a retracted position to an expanded position. The underreamer may include a cutter block that moves from a retracted position to an expanded position. The underreamer is positioned above the stabilizer, and a distance between an outer surface of the cutter block and a central longitudinal axis of the body may be greater than a distance between an outer surface of the blade and the central longitudinal axis when the blade and cutter block are in the expanded positions.

Abstract: Autonomous wellbore devices with orientation-regulating structures are disclosed, including systems and methods using the same. The autonomous wellbore devices include a wellbore tool, a control structure, and an orientation-regulating structure. The wellbore tool is configured to autonomously perform a downhole operation within a wellbore conduit that extends within a subterranean formation. The control structure is programmed to determine that an actuation criterion has been satisfied and to provide an actuation signal to the wellbore tool. The orientation-regulating structure is configured to regulate a cross-sectional orientation of the wellbore tool while the autonomous wellbore device is being conveyed autonomously within the wellbore conduit.

Abstract: A downhole tool includes a housing. A magnet, an inductor, and a piston are positioned within the housing. The piston moves from a first position to a second position in response to a pressure of a fluid in the housing increasing. A distance between the magnet and the inductor varies when the piston moves, thereby causing the inductor to generate power.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for activating and deactivating a GS-tool (2) having grippers (22), tool housing (32), spindle (22), and main spring (50) arranged to pre-tension the gripper (44) towards a deactivated position as the GS-tool (2) is displaceable in a wellbore (10) in the ground. The method includes the steps of coupling the spindle (22) of the GS-tool (2) to an actuator mandrel (12) of an actuator (4); arranging an activating sleeve between the tool housing (32) and an actuator housing (14); and displacing the actuator mandrel (12) and thereby the spindle (22) relative to the tool housing (32) in a direction from the GS-tool (2) until the grippers (44) have reached activated positions by overcoming the force from the main spring (5). A GS-tool for implementing the method is also described.

Abstract: A quick connection for coiled tubing run tools eases the assembly and disassembly while deploying such tools. The quick connection utilizes a locking collet and an inner mandrel with locking sleeve system. Such a quick connection does not require perfect alignment between mating pieces.

Abstract: The invention is a sealing assembly for equipment with movable shafts—such as coaxial and side port swivels, hydraulic swivels, and rotary control devices—that prevents the loss of a high pressure fluid through the clearance existing between a housing and the shaft. The invention is disclosed in the context of a coaxial swivel that conducts high pressure fluid from a stationary first conduit to a rotating second conduit that has dynamic runout, and may be misaligned relative to the first conduit.

Abstract: A system can include multiple explosive assemblies, each assembly comprising an outer housing, an explosive component rotatable relative to the housing, and a selective firing module which causes detonation of the component in response to a predetermined signal. A method can include assembling multiple explosive assemblies at a location remote from a well, installing a selective firing module, an electrical detonator and an explosive component in a connector, and connecting the connector to an outer housing, and then transporting the assemblies from the remote location to the well. A well perforating method can include assembling multiple perforating guns, each gun comprising a gun body, a perforating charge, and a selective firing module which causes detonation of the charge in response to a predetermined signal. The guns are installed in a wellbore, with the charge of each gun rotating relative to the respective gun body.

Abstract: A system can include multiple explosive assemblies, each assembly comprising an outer housing, an explosive component rotatable relative to the housing, and a selective firing module which causes detonation of the component in response to a predetermined signal. A method can include assembling multiple explosive assemblies at a location remote from a well, installing a selective firing module, an electrical detonator and an explosive component in a connector, and connecting the connector to an outer housing, and then transporting the assemblies from the remote location to the well. A well perforating method can include assembling multiple perforating guns, each gun comprising a gun body, a perforating charge, and a selective firing module which causes detonation of the charge in response to a predetermined signal. The guns are installed in a wellbore, with the charge of each gun rotating relative to the respective gun body.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in controlling first and second downhole tools includes a first cyclical indexing mechanism associated with a first downhole tool, and a second cyclical indexing mechanism associated with a second downhole tool, wherein the first indexing mechanism defines at least three sequential indexing positions within a cycle and the second indexing mechanism defines at least two sequential indexing positions within a cycle. The apparatus includes at least one actuator for actuating the first and second indexing mechanisms in response to a common stimulus to cause said first and second indexing mechanisms to advance between respective indexing positions so as to permit co-ordination of the operational states of the associated first and second downhole tools. The apparatus may be used for controlling first and second under reamers or for controlling an under reamer and a corresponding stabilizer.

Abstract: Proposed devices provide for a jetting process of formation critical areas after opening up a column, increasing a perforator's punch power and reliability, significantly preventing accidents. A hydro-mechanical piercing-type perforator includes a casing containing a hydraulic cylinder with a pusher, an operating tool radially movable and capable of interaction with the pusher. The tool is designed as a puncher, placed on a piston (plunger), mounted in a camera. The tool includes at least one through hydraulic channel and a jet. The camera is hydraulically connected with the cylinder. A proposed method for operating the perforator includes supplying a working fluid to the perforator through the column, creating pressure of the working fluid for an extension mechanism actuating the tool, extending the tool by applying the pressure through a piston rod system, to the piston with the puncher, and applying pressure to the piston through the hydraulic cylinder to the chamber.

Abstract: A tool assembly and method for completing a well are provided. The tool includes debris relief features that enable use in solids-laden environments, for example in the presence of sand. Forward and reverse circulation pathways to the isolated interval are present to allow clearing of debris from the wellbore annulus while the sealing device remains set against the wellbore.

Abstract: A boring element of a ground boring device includes a housing having a receptacle, a transmitter arranged in the receptacle of the housing and supported in the receptacle for movement in a longitudinal-axial direction of the boring element, and a front buffer connecting the transmitter with the housing. The transmitter moves towards a rear in the receptacle as a result of a deformation of the front buffer, when a rear percussive impulse is applied to the boring element, without the transmitter coming directly into contact with another part of the boring element.

Abstract: A device for drilling a hole in a well tubular and for subsequent injection of a fluid or fluid mixture into an annular space or formation surrounding the well tubular. The device comprises a housing and a drill bit assembly arranged inside the housing. In the drill bit assembly, a drill bit with cutting edges and grooves extending along its outside surface, is arranged. The device further comprises rotation means being capable of rotating the drill bit assembly and a fluid supply for supplying a fluid or fluid mixture to the grooves of the rotating drill bit. A seal is surrounding the drill bit and capable of sealing the device against the inner surface of the well tubular.

Abstract: A geological perforating tool (gun) shape charges disposed at an angle that provides an improvement over other known embodiments by accurately securing the charges in the tool to facilitate reliable, reproducible focus of the shaped charges. Charges are disposed on metal strips fitted into slots that are precision cut at predetermined angles in a tool barrel circumference.

Abstract: There are provided high power laser perforation, hydraulic fracturing systems, tools and methods for the stimulation and recovery of energy sources, such as hydrocarbons, from a formation. These systems, tools and methods provide predetermined laser beam energy patterns, to provide for the down hole volumetric removal of custom geometries of materials, sealing of perforations, reperorations, refractures and other downhole actives.

Abstract: Systems and methods for stimulating a plurality of zones of a subterranean formation to increase production of reservoir fluids therefrom. The subterranean formation contains a well that includes a liner that defines a liner conduit, and the systems and methods include stimulating the plurality of zones with a stimulation assembly that is present within the liner conduit without requiring removal of the stimulation assembly from the liner conduit. The stimulation assembly includes a perforation device, which is configured to selectively form one or more perforations in a plurality of portions of the liner, and a resettable sealing device, which is configured to fluidly isolate the plurality of portions of the liner from a plurality of respective downhole portions of the liner. The fluid isolation provides for selective introduction of a stimulant fluid to a selected zone of the subterranean formation that is associated with a corresponding portion of the liner.

Abstract: Certain aspects and features of the present invention are directed to a safety joint that can be disposed in a wellbore through a fluid-producing formation. The safety joint can include a body configured to be disposed in the wellbore, a primary retention mechanism, a secondary retention mechanism, and a time delay mechanism. The primary retention mechanism can be coupled to the body and can prevent the actuation of the safety joint. The secondary retention mechanism can be coupled to the body and can prevent the actuation of the safety joint in response to the primary retention mechanism allowing the actuation of the safety joint. The time delay mechanism can generate a time delay between the primary retention mechanism allowing the actuation of the safety joint and the secondary retention mechanism preventing the actuation of the safety joint.

Abstract: Systems and methods for secondary sealing of a perforation present within a wellbore casing associated with a primary sealing agent. The wellbore casing defines a casing conduit present within a wellbore that extends between a surface region and a subterranean formation. The systems and methods include a sealing apparatus that retains a charge of sealing material with a secondary sealing agent and is conveyed within the casing conduit to within a threshold distance of the perforation. The systems and methods further include selectively releasing the charge of sealing material from the sealing apparatus, such as by a release mechanism, to deliver the charge of sealing material to the perforation, to supplement the primary sealing agent (and/or a seal formed thereby), and/or to decrease a flow rate of a fluid from the casing conduit through the perforation.

Abstract: A plug and shoot assembly including a perforating gun to perforate a subterranean wellbore, a setting tool to install a plug within the wellbore, and an adapter configured to connect to each of the perforating gun and the setting tool. The adapter includes a single outer housing, the outer housing further including a first end to directly connect to the perforating gun, a second end to directly connect to the setting tool, and an internal passage extending between the first and second ends of the outer housing. In addition, the adapter includes a diode housing disposed within the internal passage and configured to receive a diode member, and an internal contact assembly also disposed within the internal passage. The internal contact assembly is configured to route an electrical signal to cause the setting tool to install a plug within the wellbore.

Abstract: A downhole cutting tool having a jetted top bushing. The cutting tool has a plurality of blades which rotate from a first, retracted position to a second, extended position. In this extended position, cutting surfaces on the blades contact the tubular wall, and rotation of the cutting tool enables cutting through the tubular. The blades are rotated by an internal piston which pushes down on portions of the blades in response to fluid flow through the tool. A plurality of fluid outlets or jets are positioned above (uphole from) the blades, whereby a portion of the fluid being pumped downhole flows out of the jets, into the annulus and onto the blades, keeping them clean and enhancing lifting of cuttings to the surface. The fluid outlet flow area may be easily changed, without disassembly of the cutting tool, by changing jets to different flow areas, or blanked off if desired.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are presented for a “disappearing” perforator gun assembly. In a preferred method of perforating a well casing, inserted into the well casing is a tubing conveyed perforator having an outer tubular made from a metallic glass alloy having high strength and low impact resistance. An inner structure is positioned within the outer tubular and holds one or more explosive charges. Upon detonating the explosive charges, the outer tubular is fragmented. The inner structure is preferably also substantially destroyed upon detonation of the one or more explosive charges. For example, the inner structure can be made from a combustible material, corrodible, dissolvable, etc., material. A disintegration-enhancing material is optionally positioned between the outer tubular and the inner structure. Additional embodiments are presented having gun housings which dematerialize upon detonation of the charges.

Abstract: A downhole tools deployment apparatus is disclosed. In an embodiment, the apparatus includes at least an in-ground well casing, a housing providing a hermetically sealed electronics compartment, a tool attachment portion, and a first flow through core. The housing is preferably configured for sliding communication with the well casing. The hermetically sealed electronics compartment secures a processor and a location sensing system, which communicates with the processor while interacting exclusively with features of the well casing to determine the location of the housing within the well casing. The embodiment further includes a well plug affixed to the tool attachment portion, the well plug includes a second flow through core capped with a core plug with a core plug release mechanism, which upon activation provides separation between the second flow through core and the core plug, allowing material to flow through said first and second flow through cores.

Abstract: A system and method for forming a cavern in a formation beyond a cased wellbore utilizes a locator to position a perforating gun in the wellbore for forming axially aligned, spaced-apart perforations through the casing. The locator has a stationary portion, run in and anchored in the wellbore below a zone of interest. The perforating guns have a moveable portion of the locator at a downhole end and are run in and coupled with the stationary portion. Where two or more guns are used to form the perforations, the guns are indexed relative to one another for forming the offset perforations. The guns are tripped from the wellbore and a wash tool having a moveable portion of the locator at a downhole end is run in and coupled in the wellbore. The locator acts to delimit a reciprocation of the wash tool along the space-apart perforations for delivering a non-abrasive fluid therethrough for forming the cavern.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method of using the apparatus for surface confirmation of opening of downhole ports in a downhole environment. The apparatus includes a tubular region that has an inner diameter. The tubular region includes at least two production ports and at least one non-production port. The non-production port includes a housing that has at least one chemical tracer. The apparatus also includes a cutter operable for opening the production ports and non-production port. The apparatus further includes a launcher for launching the cutter and a receiver for receiving the cutter.

Abstract: The lowside of a casing joint is protected from wear while milling a casing exit for a lateral borehole. The casing joint is coupled to a casing string and is made of a material that is softer than that of the casing string. A whipstock assembly is arranged within the casing joint and has a deflector surface operable to direct a drilling assembly into a sidewall of the casing joint to create the casing exit. A wear sleeve is coupled to and extends axially from the whipstock assembly, the wear sleeve defining a throat that extends axially along the axial length of the wear sleeve and transitions into the deflector surface. The axial length of the wear sleeve extends beyond a point of contact where the drilling assembly would otherwise engage the lowside of the casing joint.

Abstract: A method of determining an azimuthal orientation of a well tool relative to a line in a well can include connecting at least one acoustic source to the well tool, the acoustic source having a known azimuthal orientation relative to the well tool, and detecting at least one acoustic signal transmitted from the acoustic source to an acoustic sensor, the acoustic sensor having a known azimuthal orientation relative to the line. A system for determining an azimuthal orientation of one or more lines relative to a well tool in a wellbore can include at least one acoustic source having a known azimuthal orientation relative to the well tool, and an optical waveguide connected to a distributed acoustic sensing instrumentation, the waveguide having a known azimuthal orientation relative to the lines, and in which the distributed acoustic sensing instrumentation detects acoustic signals transmitted from the acoustic source to the waveguide.

Abstract: An insert for perforating a subterranean formation sealingly engages a port in a production casing run into a wellbore intersecting the formation. The insert has a core where in a first mode it prevents fluid passage through the insert, and a second mode where the core disengages from the insert upon a treatment fluid reaching a threshold pressure in the casing, and ejects from the insert as a projectile to initiate and contribute to the fracture and stimulation of the formation by the pressurized treatment fluid exiting the port. The insert has a chamber which is filled with a gel that prevents wellbore cement from setting and is covered by a perforated debris shield that permits the equalization of pressure between the chamber and the annulus between the casing and wellbore.

Abstract: In some general aspects, methods for intersecting a first, cased well bore include drilling a second well bore that has a distal end proximal to the first, cased well bore to be intersected, disposing a mill guiding device in the second well bore near a casing of the first, cased well bore, the mill guiding device being configured to direct a mill of a milling assembly away from a central axis of the second well bore and towards the first, cased well bore, inserting the milling assembly into the second well bore, operating the mill of the mill assembly and guiding the milling assembly along the mill guide and into the casing of the first well bore, and removing material from the casing of the first well bore until the first, cased well bore and the second well bore are fluidly connected.

Abstract: An apparatus for flowing a tool string along a wellbore tubular may include a flow restrictor having a diametrically expanded position and a diametrically retracted position. The flow restrictor may include at least one sealing element that sealingly engages the wellbore tubular when in the diametrically expanded position. The apparatus also includes an actuator configured to move the at least one sealing element to at least a position intermediate of the open and the closed position. The actuator may be responsive to a control signal that is generated locally or transmitted from a remote location.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for producing fluids from a wellbore wherein fluids may be communicated through an aperture in a wall of the wellbore. A laser can then be used to seal the aperture in the wall of the wellbore. The wall of the wellbore may include a casing, and the laser can be used to seal the aperture in the wall of the wellbore by fusing apertures in the casing shut. Fusing the aperture in the casing can involve heating the casing such that opposite sides of the aperture fuse together or can involve selectively laser sintering fusible powders. The wall of the wellbore can be an open hole and using a laser to seal the aperture can include sealing the aperture in side surfaces of the open hole by glazing the surface of hole extending into a subterranean formation.

Abstract: A device is associated with a downhole tool to control the weight that can be set down on the tool while the tool is operating. A shroud is secured to the string that supports the tool with interior modular biasing components that for run in extend the tool past the shroud. Upon encountering a support for the tool, further set down weight compresses the biasing components for a predetermined stroke length delineated by the shroud landing on a support. If the tool is a mill, its operation takes place under the biasing force as the mill advances into the piece being cut or milled under a predetermined pressure. When the mill reaches full extension form the shroud the process can be repeated until the milling is complete. The shroud also centralizes the mill during milling.

Abstract: A method for treating a well includes positioning a seat within the well that is capable of catching an obstruction which will prevent flow of fluid downstream of the seat. According to one embodiment of the invention, the seat is formed by expanding a sleeve with a ring positioned around its periphery or as a subsequent step in the process. As the sleeve is expanded over the ring, the seat is formed. Once the seat is formed, an obstruction in the form of a ball or dart is dropped down to the seat. In another embodiment the sleeve acts as a stop for a secondary valve seat which catches the obstruction. The casing uphole of the seat is perforated so that fluid under pressure will enter the formation surrounding the perforations. The process is particularly useful for fracing a formation in a horizontal well where numerous stages are required to complete the stimulation of the well. There is also potential application in vertical wells.

Abstract: Systems and methods of managing cuttings and debris resulting from milling a casing exit are disclosed. An exemplary milling system includes a mill arranged within a shroud and configured to translate axially with respect to the shroud once detached therefrom, a guide block is coupled to a distal end of the mill and supports the mill while the mill forms the casing exit. A guide support arranged within the shroud defining one or more longitudinal channels configured to accumulate cuttings and debris. The shroud defines a plurality of perforations arranged as first and second axial perforation sets, and a sleeve is arranged therein and defines one or more piston guides that align one or more pistons with either the first or second axial perforation sets, depending on the amount of cuttings and debris.