Abstract: A watermelon mill has a smaller dimension for run in and a larger one for reaming out the window made by a window mill and passes through a smaller drift and then gets larger for more effective widening of the window. The cutters are preferably tungsten carbide or polycrystalline diamond inserts and they are mounted to blades that are ramped outwardly by a cone upon relative movement between the two. The body can be in multiple pieces that are rotationally locked and movable relative to each other longitudinally. Actuation to the larger dimension can be by setting down weight or by fluid pressure with the dimension getting smaller as a return spring allows the cutters to retract upon removal of applied pressure.

Abstract: Electronic time delay apparatuses and methods of use are disclosed. An explosive or propellant system, which may be configured as a well perforating system includes an electronic time delay assembly comprising an input subassembly, an electronic time delay circuit, and an output subassembly. The input subassembly is activated by an external stimulus, wherein an element is displaced to activate an electronic time delay circuit. The electronic time delay circuit comprises a time delay device coupled with a voltage firing circuit. The electronic time delay circuit counts a time delay, and, upon completion, raises a voltage until a threshold firing voltage is exceeded. Upon exceeding the threshold firing voltage, a voltage trigger switch will break down to transfer energy to an electric initiator to initiate an explosive booster within the output subassembly.

Abstract: An apparatus that is usable with a well includes a perforating system that is adapted to be fired downhole in the well. The perforating system includes a component, which includes an alloy that has a negative corrosion potential and is unable to passivate, or self-protect, while deployed in the well. The component is adapted to disintegrate to form substantially no debris in response to the firing of the perforating system.

Abstract: An assembly that is usable with a well includes a base pipe, a screen and at least one perforating charge. The base pipe includes at least one radial port to communicate well fluid, and the base pipe has an outer surface. The screen is mounted to the base pipe and is adapted to at least partially surround the base pipe. The radial port(s) of the base pipe are covered by the screen. The perforating charge(s) are mounted to the outer surface of the base pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in deployment of downhole tools is disclosed. Preferably, 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. A preferred 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 downhole tool deployment apparatus is disclosed, which preferably includes at least an in-ground well casing, a depth determination device providing a hermetically sealed electronics compartment, tool attachment portions, and a first flow through core. The depth determination device 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 depth determination device within the well casing. A preferred 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 perforating gun having a charge case with a boss element partially circumscribing Optionally the pair of bosses may be included that are substantially symmetric about the axis of the charge case. Forming a shaped charge with such a charge case allows for gun strips to be formed with increased web material between adjacent shape charges in the gun strips. The increased web material provides for a more structurally sound gun tube, especially when dealing with high density charges. Notches may be provided in the gun tube on the outer radius of the holes formed to receive the shape charges, the notches are to be aligned with the bosses on the outer periphery of the shaped charge case. This also may orient the charge cases so they are pre-aligned for ready connection to an associated detonation cord.

Abstract: Method and system for use in a subsurface formation traversed by a wellbore. An energized fluid, which when subjected to a low pressure environment liberates or releases gas from solution, is disposed in the formation. Reduced pressure in a region of the wellbore below pressure in the surrounding formation liberates a gas in the energized fluid near a tunnel created in the formation.

Abstract: A system and method for cutting windows for lateral wellbore drilling. A method of cutting a window through a sidewall structure for drilling a lateral wellbore through the window includes the steps of: providing an internal profile in the sidewall structure; then installing the sidewall structure in a parent wellbore; and then cutting the window through the sidewall structure, the cutting step including engaging a cutting tool with the internal profile. The cutting step may include resisting lateral displacement of the cutting tool due to engagement between the cutting tool and the internal profile.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in deployment of downhole tools is disclosed. Preferably, 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. A preferred 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 well liner segment for use in hydrocarbon recovery processes. An elongate, typically cylindrical outer liner member, and an inner elongate liner member concentrically located therewithin is provided. Hydrocarbon upgrading catalyst is provided in the interstitial space between the two members. The outer liner members may be threadably coupled together. A slidable seal is provided between the outer liner and the inner liner to accommodated differential thermal growth between the two liners. A process for use of well liner segments having hydrocarbon upgrader catalyst pre-installed therein, is also provided, as is a method for manufacture of a well liner segment.

Abstract: The present application is directed to an apparatus for forming one or more holes in a wellbore casing, the apparatus comprising a deflector assembly and a drive assembly to drive said deflector assembly, wherein the deflector assembly may be optionally assembled at a surface of the wellbore prior to casing hole formation, and to methods employing the apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for forming and sealing a hole in the sidewall of a borehole are provided. The method may include conveying a carrier into the borehole, forming the hole in the sidewall using a bit, and sealing at least a portion of the hole by leaving at least a portion of the bit in the hole. An apparatus includes a carrier conveyable into the borehole, and a bit disposed on the carrier that forms the hole in a sidewall, the bit including a sealing portion that seals at least a portion of the hole.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for forming and sealing a hole in a sidewall of a borehole are provided. The method may include conveying a bit and a sealer into the borehole using a carrier, forming a hole in the sidewall using the bit, and introducing a sealant from the sealer to the hole along a surface portion of the bit. An apparatus includes a carrier conveyable into the borehole, a bit disposed on the carrier that forms the hole in a sidewall, and a sealer operable to introduce a sealant to the hole along a surface portion of the bit.

Abstract: A completion method delivers cement to an open hole below a cemented casing. A gun or guns are run below a liner and a hanger and advanced into the cement before it sets up. With the gun and the liner surrounded in cement up to close to the hanger that supports the liner to the already cemented casing, the cement is allowed to set around the gun with no tubular surrounding the gun. The gun carries extra shot to enhance the perforation and can be fluid filled with clean fluid. Prior well cleaning such as with brine circulation is now limited to the region of the hanger and above. Production flow is through the perforations into the gun body allowing any residue of the explosive charge used to perforate to flow to surface.

Abstract: A downhole oilfield completion method is provided. The method comprises determining a surge profile for a wellbore and assembling a downhole completion tool having an interior surge volume and comprising a surge attenuation system operable to reduce a surge of the downhole completion tool based at least in part on the surge profile. The method also comprises running the downhole completion tool into the wellbore and surging the wellbore by admitting wellbore fluid into the interior surge volume, the surge reduced at least in part by the surge attenuation system.

Abstract: A one-trip system for use in a subterranean well includes a tubing hanger, a production tubing, a perforating gun assembly and a screen assembly. The tubing hanger is adapted to be mounted to one of a well in the well casing near the earth's surface. The production tubing is sealingly attached to the tubing hanger, and the perforating gun assembly is coupled to the production tubing. The tubing hanger, production tubing, perforating gun assembly and screen assembly are adapted to be run downhole as a unit. Once the unit is positioned downhole the screen assembly is adapted to be moved relative to the production tubing by a riglessly-deployed continuous medium that is deployed through the production tubing from the surface of the well.

Abstract: Casing cutter for severing multiple tubulars in a well bore has a pair of cutter blades pivotally mounted on a support body. The blades are pivotally mounted for gradual movement outside of the support body when downward force is applied to proximate ends of the cutter blades. The support body is rotated inside the innermost of the multiple tubulars, while the cutter blades sever the tubulars of progressively increasing diameter. Should the cutter blades or pivotal connections become unusable, the tool body can be rotated about the vertical axis and secured to a downhole string by the opposite end. A substitute pair of cutter blades are then engaged on the tool body and operated to cut the casings similar to the first set of the cutter blades.

Abstract: The present application relates to a downhole perforating system having a cemented-in lower completion including one or more orienting nipples, each orienting nipple having a recess key, and one or more lines or tools carried on the exterior of the lower completion and oriented relative to the recess key. The downhole perforating system also includes a perforating string having one or more blank sections oriented relative to an orienting key that is brought into alignment with the recess key when the perforating string is landed in the orienting nipple. Upon landing, the perforating string can be fired without damaging the lines or tools outside the lower completion.

Abstract: A system (100) for selective activation of explosive devices (126, 128, 130, 132) includes a surface controller (102), a downhole controller (106) operable to communicate bidirectionally with the surface controller over a first communication link (108) and a plurality of downhole remote units (114, 116, 118, 120) operable to communicate bidirectionally with the downhole controller (106) over a second communication link (112). One or more sensors (162) are operably associated with the downhole controller (106) and one of the explosive devices (126, 128, 130, 132) is operably associated with each of the downhole remote units (114, 116, 118, 120) such that, responsive to a detonation event, the sensors (162) detect the intensity level of the detonation which is communicated from the downhole controller (106) to the surface control (102) over the first communication link (108).

Abstract: A carrier tube for use in a wellbore perforating gun has inner and outer layers selected from materials of different, comparative physical properties. The inner layer has a higher compressive strength, and the outer layer has a higher yield strength. The inner layer enables the tube to withstand wellbore compressive pressures, which may, depending upon the material selected, include relatively high pressures, while the outer layer contains any fragments of the inner layer that result upon detonation of the gun. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: An improved perforating apparatus that creates drain holes in well tubing without the use of explosives. A hydraulically-activated apparatus created from machined metal pipes and solid metal bars that form four main sections, a hollow metal pipe 10, hollow metal chamber 11, wedge holder 12, and a wedge stop 13. A drive disc 14, drive wedge 15, piston 16, metal button 17, shear screws 19, and wedge holder O-rings 20, a drive disc O-ring 21, a piston O-ring 30, and a wedge stop O-ring 31 complete and seal the apparatus. When perforating apparatus reaches a location to be perforated, an impact bar is manually-dropped into tubing string and hits top of the apparatus. The force of well fluid pressure on a drive disc 14 within the apparatus forces drive wedge 15 inside drive holder 12 to impact piston 16. Impact on piston 16 expels button 17 through well tubing, creating a drain hole.

Abstract: A perforating system connection sub comprising a vent valve for providing fluid flow communication through the connection sub wall. The vent valve is selectively opened and may include a frangible member. The frangible member is rupterable by the shock wave produced by ignition of an associated detonation cord.

Abstract: The permeability of the cement annulus surrounding a casing is measured by locating a tool inside the casing, placing a probe of the tool in contact with the cement annulus, measuring the change of pressure in the probe over time, where the change in pressure over time is a function of among other things, the initial probe pressure, the formation pressure, and the permeability, and using the measured change over time to determine an estimated permeability. The estimated permeability is useful in determining whether carbon dioxide can be effectively sequestered in the formation below or at the depth of measurement without significant leakage through the cement annulus.

Abstract: A lock for a perforating gun system comprising, a housing, a cylinder formed in the housing, a piston assembly disposed within the cylinder, and anchoring arms coupled with the piston assembly. Detonation of the shaped charges of an associated perforating gun produces a pressure surge which is communicated to a surface of the piston assembly. Appropriate movement of the piston assembly outwardly rotates the anchoring arms into anchoring engagement with an associated tubular. Thus the pressure from the detonation event will anchor a perforating system within its associated tubular.

Abstract: A perforating gun and one or more volume-receiving surge canisters can be actuated at a time delay after perforation for creating a dynamic underbalance condition to aid in directing debris out of the perforations and fractures and into the wellbore. A timer and triggering device actuate one or more canisters in parallel or series after a pre-determined time delay or delays which can be related to wellbore conditions following perforation. Use of propellant-type perforating gun further benefits from favorable propellant burn conditions for forming perforations and followed thereafter by a perforation-cleaning underbalance pressure conditions characterized by one or more of an increased rate of change depression of the pressure in the adjacent annulus, a greater magnitude of pressure depression and a longer duration of underbalance.

Abstract: A tubing punch and setting tool (TPST), operating on a single run for improved well bore intervention. The tool includes a setting tool for connecting to and setting a reference tool in a tubing string, a punch tool for punching holes in the tubing string wall, and actuation means to trigger the sequencing of the setting tool and the punch tool. The tool can be run on wireline, e-line or coiled tubing and allows a reference tool to be run and set on the same trip as punching holes in the tubing string. An embodiment is described wherein the reference tool is an anchor tool. With the distance known accurately between the anchor tool and the punched holes, a shortened retrofit gas lift straddle can be deployed.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in deployment of downhole tools is disclosed. Preferably, 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. A preferred 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 well treatment tool, comprising: a tool body; a clamping system for locating the tool body in a well; a positioning system for orienting the tool body in the well axially and azimuthally; a reservoir system comprising at least one fluid reservoir in the tool body; and a pumping system for pumping fluid from the reservoir to a region of the well to be treated. The treatment tool can also re-established the isolation performance of the casing, when modified (by drilling) for the treatment. The treatment tool is normally conveyed and controlled via the mean of an electrical wireline cable.

Abstract: A blowout preventer (BOP) is provided in which one of the BOP rams is formed with an extended central bore sealing section to seal across the central bore in a central bore closing position when the polish rod is not present. The ram bores of the BOP are sized to accommodate this extended central bore sealing section in any of the open, sealing or central bore closing positions. The front ends of the BOP rams may be adapted to carry elastomeric or thermoplastic seals to seal against the polish rod or against each other. The central bore seals for the extended central bore sealing section may be formed with elastomeric or thermoplastic seals. In the case of thermoplastic seals, the rams and ram bores are adapted to ensure that the thermoplastic seals are compressed outwardly, to seal the ram bores, or are lifted upwardly, to seal the central bore.

Abstract: Method and system for use in a subsurface formation traversed by a wellbore. An energized fluid, which when subjected to a low pressure environment liberates or releases gas from solution, is disposed in the formation. Reduced pressure in a region of the wellbore below pressure in the surrounding formation liberates a gas in the energized fluid near a tunnel created in the formation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for isolating formation zones preferably with a memory based material formed into an expansion element, with an outer diameter larger than a borehole, adjacent to a radially telescoping perforation element, converting the memory based expansion element to a stable, smaller, run-in diameter, running it into the borehole, then allowing the memory based material to expand and seal against the borehole wall. Expansion can be enhanced by expanding a mandrel on which the expansion element is formed. The expansion element separates two or more groups of outwardly radially telescoping perforation elements, to isolate formation zones and allow the perforation elements to access the isolated zones.

Abstract: An apparatus that is usable with a well includes a perforating system that is adapted to be fired downhole in the well. The perforating system includes a component, which includes an alloy that has a negative corrosion potential and is unable to passivate, or self-protect, while deployed in the well. The component is adapted to disintegrate to form substantially no debris in response to the firing of the perforating system.

Abstract: An integrated sandface completion tool that can be positioned within a wellbore in a single trip and a method of providing a sandface completion in a wellbore. An embodiment of the integrated sandface completion tool includes a casing section having a casing wall, at least one explosive charge connected to the casing wall, and a screen assembly connected within the casing section forming a screen-casing annulus, the screen assembly having openings formed along a portion thereof and a port in selective communication with the screen-casing annulus. The method includes the steps of positioning the integrated completion tool in the wellbore, detonating the explosive charge and packing the screen-casing annulus with a material.

Abstract: A system for injecting a substance into the annular space surrounding a well tubular with an assembly to be inserted into a well tubular. The assembly includes a cutting part capable of making a hole through a well tubular; a substance chamber for storage of the substance and a substance injecting part capable of injecting the substance into the annular space. The system includes a cutting part having a chamber with a first end and a second end and having a wall surrounding the chamber and including at least one entrance for substance at the first end and including an exit for delivery through the well tubular and into the annular space at the second end.

Abstract: A perforating system and method for wellbore perforating. The system comprises a perforating string having a perforating gun with shaped charges, a communication module for receiving detonation signals, and a controller associated with each perforating gun. The module receives surface signals for gun detonation and wirelessly transmits the signals to selected guns via the associated controllers.

Abstract: A bottom hole assembly used for making a window in a tubular is modified to reduce tool joint stress in a connection above the topmost watermelon mill. A protrusion is located between the topmost watermelon mill and the next threaded joint uphole. Preferably, the protrusion height is not greater than the outside dimension of the largest watermelon mill. Preferably, the protrusion is located below the upset area in the tubular where the threaded joint is made up and about ? the distance downhole from the threads to the next adjacent watermelon mill.

Abstract: A completion assembly having a force transfer apparatus to assist in the release of a loaded member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for using that apparatus to orient a perforating gun or system to minimize or eliminate the damage which may be caused to exterior control conduits, conductors or devices, or to adjacent interior well control lines, conduits or tubing by attaching the perforating system to a device which has a resilient cam or guide which engages a slot formed on the interior of a specially fabricated tubular member attached at a spaced distance from the perforating systems blast and which is so oriented as to permit the attachment of the lines or conduits or devices in the opposite radial direction from the blast of the perforating system.

Abstract: A drill bit or milling tool includes a bit body on which a plurality of cutting elements are disposed. At least some of the plurality of cutting elements include a diamond table and a superabrasive material non-reactive with iron-based materials disposed over at least a portion of an exterior surface of the diamond table. The diamond table is suitable for drilling through a subterranean formation and the non-reactive superabrasive material is suitable for drilling through a casing or casing-associated component comprising an iron-based material and disposed within the subterranean formation. The diamond table may comprise a PDC and the non-reactive superabrasive material may comprise cubic boron nitride.

Abstract: An underbalanced perforating system is disclosed for use in openhole completions to maximize the wellbore and matrix cleanup efficiency, to connect natural fracture patterns, and/or to enable application of new drilling fluid technology in difficult subsurface environments. The perforating system can be used for any hydrocarbon bearing formations with any lithology.

Abstract: An improved perforation gun includes an outer gun barrel, which is used in conjunction with an inner movable charge carrier or an inner movable sleeve to trap virtually all of the debris created by the firing of the perforation gun. The charge carrier has a plurality of explosive charges initially aligned with complementary, pre-existing holes in the wall of the charge carrier, which are initially aligned with complementary, pre-existing scalloped sections of the outer gun barrel.

Abstract: A well treatment system of the present invention includes a housing forming a sealed surge chamber, and a surge charge disposed within the sealed surge chamber, wherein the surge charge is adapted upon activation to penetrate the housing and to not penetrate material exterior of the housing. Fluid communication is created between the surge chamber and the wellbore when the housing is penetrated by the surge charge. The penetration permits wellbore fluid to flow quickly into the surge chamber. Fluid flow into the surge chamber may enhance a surge of flow from the formation into the wellbore.

Abstract: A weight spacer apparatus has a carrier which is tubular in shape and a spacer tube which is also tubular in shape for insertion into the carrier. The weight spacer apparatus also has a plurality of weight bars which may be inserted into the spacer tube after the spacer tube is inserted into the carrier and which are also removable from the spacer tube. In one embodiment, a weight tray is inserted into the spacer tube for receiving the weight bars, and the weight tray may be fabricated from half-round tubing with a welded plate to cover the diametric opening. In another embodiment, a center plate is attached inside the spacer tube along the length of the spacer tube to divide the spacer tube into first and second compartments.

Abstract: A perforating safety system. A perforating safety system includes a detonation transfer interrupter with a device which decreases an axial separation between detonation transfer components after installation of the interrupter in the well. Another perforating safety system includes a perforating gun and firing head installed together in the well, and an interrupter having a device which increases a separation between detonation transfer components in the well to thereby prevent transfer of detonation from the firing head to the perforating gun. Yet another perforating safety system includes a firing head positioned at a distal end of a perforating assembly when installed in the well, and an interrupter having a device which decreases a separation between detonation transfer components after installation of the interrupter in the well.

Abstract: An expandable tubular member.

Abstract: The present application is directed to an apparatus for forming one or more holes in a wellbore casing, the apparatus comprising a deflector assembly and a drive assembly to drive said deflector assembly, wherein the deflector assembly may be optionally assembled at a surface of the wellbore prior to casing hole formation, and to methods employing the apparatus.

Abstract: A downhole tool used in the pressure isolation of adjacent subterranean formations. The downhole tool may comprise flow restriction devices along the outer circumference for impeding flow along the length of the tool. The tool may further comprise a perforating gun and an accumulator. Impeding flow along the length of the tool provides a dynamic flow restriction within the wellbore that precludes fluid flowing from one subterranean zone to an adjacent zone.

Abstract: An internally rotating nozzle for facilitating drilling through a subterranean formation is rotatably mounted internally within a housing connected to a hose for receiving high pressure fluid. The rotor includes at least two tangential jets oriented off of center for ejecting fluid to generate torque and rotate the rotor and cut a substantially cylindrical tunnel in the subterranean formation.

Abstract: Multiple wellbores are interconnected utilizing a deflection device having a guide layer of lower hardness than the body of the deflection device, and a cutting tool having a guide portion and being operative to cut through the deflection device guide layer and a tubular structure lining a wellbore.