Abstract: A depth control system for maintaining a tubing conveyed tool in a desired location in a cased wellbore during wellbore operations performed with the tool includes a bottom hole assembly carried by a tubing, the bottom hole assembly including a tool and an anchoring device. A method for maintaining a tool at a desired depth in a cased wellbore while performing wellbore operations with the tool includes the steps of conveying a tool and an anchoring device on a tubing to a desired depth in a wellbore having a casing, operating the tool to perform a wellbore operation and actuating the anchoring device to engage the casing and maintain the tool at the desired depth.

Abstract: The tubular cutter disclosed herein is useful for severing downhole tubulars and comprises a drive system, a pivoting system, a cutting head, and a cutting member. Cutting is accomplished by rotatingly actuating the cutting head with an associated motor, and then radially extending the cutting blade away from the cutting head. In one embodiment, the cutting head includes a cutting member that pivotally extends from the cutting head upon rotation of the cutting head.

Abstract: The pipe cutter disclosed herein is useful for severing downhole tubulars and comprises a drive system, a pivoting system, a cutting head, and a cutting member. Cutting is accomplished by rotatingly actuating the cutting head with an associated motor, and then radially extending the cutting blades away from the cutting head. In one embodiment, the cutting head includes a cutting member that pivotally extends from the cutting head upon rotation of the cutting head.

Abstract: A debris catching device for downhole milling features modular debris receptacles that are held in the housing in a manner that facilitates stacking and a generally undulating flow path to facilitate dropping of the debris into the receptacles as the remaining fluid travels up the tool for ultimate screening before the fluid exits the tool to flow up to the surface or in a reverse circulation pattern back to the mill below the debris catcher. The modules can also be aligned with flapper valves at the top of each module to prevent debris in the tool from falling to the mill if circulation is turned off. The mill is configured to have an off-center return path preferably as large as the passage through the mill body to aid circulation and cutting performance.

Abstract: A milling assembly can be delivered downhole on wireline. Once at the desired location, a processor extends centralizing and driving wheels to initially position the assembly. The assembly has a cutter end with one or more mills or cutters that can be selectively radially extended. The entire cutter end can be rotated in an arcuate manner over a predetermined range. One or more cutter can be extended at a time and driven. The wheels are driven either in an uphole or downhole direction at the same time the arcuate motion can take place. Using a processor, different shapes in a surrounding tubular can be made such as windows for laterals, a plurality of openings for production or interior locator surfaces to properly position subsequent equipment with respect to openings already made by the device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for down hole abrasive jet-fluid cutting, the apparatus includes a jet-fluid nozzle and a high pressure pump capable of delivering a high-pressure abrasive fluid mixture to the jet-fluid nozzle, an abrasive fluid mixing unit capable of maintaining and providing a coherent abrasive fluid mixture, a tube to deliver the high pressure coherent abrasive mixture down hole to the jet-fluid nozzle, a jetting shoe adapted to receive the jet-fluid nozzle and directing abrasive jet-fluid mixture towards a work piece, a jetting shoe controlling unit that manipulates the jetting shoe along a vertical and horizontal axis and a central processing unit having a memory unit capable of storing profile generation data for cutting a predefined shape or window profile in the work piece and coordinating the operation of various subsystems.

Abstract: An embodiment of a cutting tool positionable in a tubular for creating a cut in a tubular includes a body securable within the tubular and a cutting head having a nozzle for discharging a pressurized cutting fluid, wherein the cutting head is rotationally and axially moveable relative to the body. The cutting tool may further include one or more of a positioning mechanism, a linear actuator in connection with the cutting head, a rotary actuator in connection with the cutting head, a cutting fluid pump, a mechanism for mixing a fluid and an abrasive to form the abrasive cutting fluid, and reservoirs for storing the abrasive cutting fluid or for storing a fluid and the abrasive separately.

Abstract: A sidetracking system has a pair of serially connected mills (8, 9), each having a plurality of circumferentially arranged blades having a tapered cutting portion (82, 93) thereon for cutting a window in a casing and then sidetracking in a formation. A whipstock has at least three axially spaced ramps, each ramp being interspaced by a substantially axially extending portion. Each of the ramps has the same angle of inclination to a longitudinal axis and the distance between the ramps is the same as the distance between the tapered portions on the mills (8, 9) so that when, in operation, load is shared between both mills. The mills have a button (83, 93) of hardened material located on the tapered cutting portions so that the button abrades the whipstock ramps (31, 32, 33).

Abstract: A method of cutting through a tubular, in particular, a casing at a selected location in a wellbore using a remotely controlled electrically powered cutting tool that comprises (a) a tool body, (b) a cutting head provided with a cutting means, the cutting head pivotally mounted on the tool body at or near the lower end thereof, and (c) an electrically actuatable means for pivoting the cutting head with respect to the tool body, the method comprising the steps of: passing the cutting tool to the selected location in the wellbore with the longitudinal axis of the cutting head aligned with the longitudinal axis of the tool body; pivoting the cutting head with respect to the tool body to a position where the cutting means of the cutting head is adjacent the wall of the tubular; and actuating the cutting means to cut through the tubular of the wellbore.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for down hole abrasive jet-fluid cutting, the apparatus includes a jet-fluid nozzle and a high pressure pump capable of delivering a high-pressure abrasive fluid mixture to the jet-fluid nozzle, an abrasive fluid mixing unit capable of maintaining and providing a coherent abrasive fluid mixture, a tube to deliver the high pressure coherent abrasive mixture down hole to the jet-fluid nozzle, a jetting shoe adapted to receive the jet-fluid nozzle and directing abrasive jet-fluid mixture towards a work piece, a jetting shoe controlling unit that manipulates the jetting shoe along a vertical and horizontal axis and a central processing unit having a memory unit capable of storing profile generation data for cutting a predefined shape or window profile in the work piece and coordinating the operation of various subsystems.

Abstract: A technique is provided for performing a well treatment operation. A completion assembly is constructed with a tubular member designed to maintain pressure integrity above a given well treatment zone. The completion assembly and a service tool can be moved downhole for well treatment operations in one or more well zones. A converter tool is utilized to selectively form openings through a wall of the tubular member to enable flow following completion of the well treatment in a lower zone.

Abstract: The casing cutter disclosed herein is useful for severing downhole tubulars and comprises a body, a cutting head, cutting blades, and actuators for operating the cutting head and cutting blades. Cutting is accomplished by rotatingly actuating the cutting head with an associated motor, and then radially extending the cutting blades away from the cutting head. In one embodiment, the cutting head includes a cutting member that pivotally extends from the cutting head upon rotation of the cutting head. In another embodiment, cutting members extend from the cutting head due to centrifugal forces associated with rotating the cutting head.

Abstract: A wellhead removal tool features a rotary cutter run by a Moyno type progressive cavity pump that is powered by fluid pumped through it. The stator of the motor has a gripping device with a series of collets or slip inserts that have grip features that face outwardly. A support shoulder on the grip assembly cooperates with a j-slot connection to the stator to allow a cone to be moved under the collets to push them into a grip position below or in a selected portion of the wellhead where the grip will not damage the wellhead internal components. Fluid pumped through the downhole motor causes the casing cutter blades to extend and rotate to cut the casing. The grip allows the wellhead to be lifted away from the casing for recovery from the sea bed to surface. The grip can be retracted by use of the j-slot to allow the tool to be removed from the wellhead.

Abstract: A method is provided that allows the operator to re-enter a primary wellbore from a lateral wellbore after the lateral wellbore has been completed. The method generally comprises the steps of locating a cutting device such as a milling bit adjacent a tubular such as a liner within a wellbore, rotating the milling bit while maintaining an axial position of the milling bit relative to the liner to initiate an opening, and rotating and axially advancing the milling bit to complete the opening. In addition, a bottom hole assembly that facilitates re-entry into the primary wellbore from a lateral wellbore is provided. The bottom hole assembly generally includes a drill collar or other heavy pipe structure, and a mill. The mill has a body and cutting structures. The cutting structures apply lateral force against a surrounding pipe to form an initial lip through the wall of the pipe.

Abstract: The casing cutter disclosed herein is useful for severing downhole tubulars and comprises a body, a cutting head, cutting blades, and actuators for operating the cutting head and cutting blades. Cutting is accomplished by rotatingly actuating the cutting head with an associated motor, and then radially extending the cutting blades away from the cutting head. In one embodiment, the cutting head includes a cutting member that pivotally extends from the cutting head upon rotation of the cutting head. In another embodiment, cutting members extend from the cutting head due to centrifugal forces associated with rotating the cutting head.

Abstract: A downhole perforator assembly (10) for establishing communication between the interior of a tubular string (18) and a surrounding annulus (24) includes a downhole power unit (100) having a power unit housing (150) and a moveable shaft (130) and a downhole perforator (260) having a perforator housing (262), a mandrel (278) slidably positioned within the perforator housing (262) and a penetrator (288) radially outwardly extendable from the perforator housing (262). The power unit housing (150) is operably associated with the perforator housing (262) and the moveable shaft (130) operably associated with the mandrel (278) such that when the downhole power unit (100) is activated and the moveable shaft (130) is longitudinally shifted relative to the power unit housing (150), the mandrel (278) is longitudinally shifted relative to the perforator housing (262) and at least a portion of the penetrator (288) is extended radially outwardly from the perforator housing (262).

Abstract: Casing window milling assemblies include a conically-shaped section disposed along the tubular of the assembly. This conically-shaped section is a non-cutting portion that is preferably tapered toward the mill head. The conically-shaped section may be part of a flex-joint section of the assembly. Alternatively, the conically-shaped section may be its own sub-assembly secured above the flex-joint. In still another embodiment, the conically-shaped tapered section may be part of the upper mill section of the casing window milling assembly. In one embodiment, the conically-shaped section is disposed along the upper mill section below one or more secondary mills such as a reaming mill and a honing mill.

Abstract: An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member.

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: An apparatus for radially expanding and plastically deforming a tubular member.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of determining the point at which a tubular is stuck within another tubular or a wellbore by applying a tensile or torsional force to the stuck tubular and measuring the response of various locations within the tubular. In addition, the apparatus may be combined with a cutting tool to separate the free portion of the tubular from the stuck portion.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for providing a pathway for fluid communication through a tubing-retrievable subsurface safety valve (TRSSV). The method and apparatus are designed to be deployed within a hydrocarbon wellbore after the TRSSV has failed. The apparatus is a milling tool that is run into the wellbore and landed within the TRSSV. The milling tool comprises a housing system, a cutting system, a drive system, and an actuating system. In operation, the milling tool is landed within the housing of the TRSSV. Thereafter, the actuating system is initiated. The actuating system actuates the drive system, which in turn drives the cutting system. In one arrangement, the cutting system includes blades for shaving the pressure containing body of the TRSSV, thereby forming a pathway for fluid communication between a hydraulic fluid line and a bore of the safety valve.

Abstract: A mill assembly includes a shaft; a lead mill secured to a first end of the shaft, the lead mill including a first body having a plurality of first blades and a plurality of first cutters having substantially cylindrical bodies secured to the plurality of first blades; and a second mill secured to the shaft a selected distance from the lead mill, the second mill including a second body having a plurality of second blades and a plurality of second cutters having substantially cylindrical bodies secured to the plurality of blades.

Abstract: Diameter based tracking for a window milling system. A window cutting system includes a cutting assembly with multiple cutting faces for cutting the window; and a diverter for guiding displacement of the cutting assembly relative to the window, the diverter including multiple separate guide paths for the respective multiple cutting faces. A method of cutting a window includes the steps of: positioning a diverter in a tubular string, the diverter including multiple separate guide paths for respective multiple cutting faces of a cutting assembly; and then contacting the guide paths with the cutting faces to thereby form the window. Another method of cutting a window includes the step of: positioning a diverter in the tubular string, the diverter including multiple separate guide paths for respective multiple cutting faces of a cutting assembly, with each of the guide paths providing a separate wear surface for the respective cutting face.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for milling and/or broaching within a wellbore. A flexible broach runs into the wellbore and is located adjacent a portion of the wellbore to be broached. The broach reciprocates axially within the wellbore and removes at least part of the portion to be broached. Weight may be coupled to the broach, thereby applying a resultant side load for broaching an offset portion of the wellbore. The broach comprises a flexible member that may be a bare cable. When an abrasive material is disposed on an outer surface of the flexible member, the flexible member may be a cable, a continuous rod, or pressurized coiled tubing. Alternatively, sleeves positioned on the flexible member may have an abrasive material on their outer surface. A rotational mill that is either coupled to the broach or run in separately from the broach can further mill the wellbore.

Abstract: A technique is provided to form perforations in a wellbore. The formation of perforations is carefully controlled by a perforating device to create a series of sequential perforations in a desired arrangement. The perforating device is lowered to a desired location in the wellbore and then moved incrementally to enable sequential perforations in the desired arrangement.

Abstract: Cutting apparatus having a ram axis gear tube (32) equipped with internal threads engageable with external threads (48) of a main shaft (42). A tool can be fixed to the main shaft (42). The external threads (48) of the main shaft (42) are formed on external splines (44). A main shaft rotation gear (46) has internal splines (41) mating with the external splines (44) of the main shaft (42). Rotation of the ram axis gear tube 32 thus causes the main shaft (42) to move axially via the internal and external threads. Rotation of the main shaft rotation gear (46) causes rotation of the main shaft (42). The tool fixed to the main shaft (42) can thus undergo axial and rotational movements. A motor (74) can be coupled to main shaft (42) and a motor shaft (63) extended through the ram axis gear tube (32) and the main shaft (42). The motor shaft (63) can drive a linear gear (68) of a cross slide assembly (24) and thus radially move a tool fixed to the cross slide assembly (24).

Abstract: A pipe breaking assembly is shown with a modular design that allows a user to more economically purchase a single base unit that is adaptable using a number of elements. Combinations of elements such as blade portions and expander cones, etc. allow the modular assembly to be tailored to a variety of job conditions. A pipe breaking assembly is shown that includes a particular configuration where a blade portion is located in front of a shortened expander cone. The shortened expander cone provides a lower contact area that in turn reduces friction.

Abstract: A downhole tool for use in the removal of burrs or other unwanted material from an inner surface of a pipeline, well casing or other tubular. The tool has a plurality of milling elements, which may be biased against the surface or retracted from the surface to disengage the tool from the tubular. A drop ball mechanism with a fluid by-pass is described for disengaging the milling elements.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for providing a pathway for fluid communication through a tubing-retrievable subsurface safety valve (TRSSV). The method and apparatus are designed to be deployed within a hydrocarbon wellbore after the TRSSV has failed. The apparatus is a milling tool that is run into the wellbore and landed within the TRSSV. The milling tool comprises a housing system, a cutting system, a drive system, and an actuating system. In operation, the milling tool is landed within the housing of the TRSSV. Thereafter, the actuating system is initiated. The actuating system actuates the drive system, which in turn drives the cutting system. In one arrangement, the cutting system includes blades for shaving the pressure containing body of the TRSSV, thereby forming a pathway for fluid communication between a hydraulic fluid line and a bore of the safety valve.

Abstract: A device for a hydraulic cutting tool (30) for cutting of at least one pipe (16, 18, 20) or tubular object beneath a water floor (10), wherein the cutting is carried out from a surface facility (2). The cutting tool (30) is anchored in a pressure tight manner in the pipe (16), whereupon pressurised gas (86) is pumped into a pipe section (80) immediately below the cutting tool (30). With this, liquid (8), and eventually pressurised gas (86), will flow out of the pipe section (80) via a short drain pipe (66) through the cutting tool (30), so as to create a gas filled pipe volume (90) comprising the relevant cutting depth (32) in the pipe section (80). The invention differs from prior art by the outflowing liquid being led onwards up to the surface facility (2) via a drain line (92). The upper end portion of the drain line (92) is connected to at least one adjustable choke device (102, 104).

Abstract: A method of providing a downhole seal, such as a packer, in a drilled bore between inner tubing and outer tubing comprises: providing an intermediate tubing section defining a seal arrangement for engaging with the inner tubing; and radially plastically deforming the intermediate tubing section downhole to form an annular extension. The extension creates a sealing contact with the outer tubing.

Abstract: A downhole tool (1) for providing the dual role of cleaning and milling within a wellbore casing or liner is described. In an embodiment scraper blades (6) are mounted on a body (2) together with a milling sleeve (4). Additionally, a centralizer sleeve (3) is incorporated as is a filter and/or junk basket for collecting debris is dislodged from the casing or liner during the cleaning and milling operation. The milling sleeve (4) can be locked onto the body (2) while the cleaning members e.g. scraper blades (6) may be free floating around the tool (1).

Abstract: A subsea well casing cutting tool for use as part of a well abandonment procedure, the casing cutting tool deployable from a vessel located at a water surface, where in certain embodiments the casing cutting tool comprises a casing gripper; a rotary cutter drive assembly; a rotary cutter; a rotating fluid union that allows high volume water to be fed to the rotating cutting assembly below the drive motor for purposes of extending the cutting blades; and a third party casing hanger removal tool wherein the casing cutting drive assembly forms an interface between the third party rotary casing cutter, an existing subsea casing, and a work class ROV. 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 of meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A section mill is positioned below an exit guide in a drill string assembly used to mill a section of steel casing below the whipstock and which as the section mill moves down and mills along the section of casing, causes the whipstock to be lowered down adjacent the milled-out casing and allows the drill bit and drill string to be run along the surface of the exit guide and into the earth formation. Alternatively, the section mill is positioned above the exit guide in a drill string assembly after the section mill has milled out in an appropriate length of the steel casing, the tubing string pulls both the section mill and the exit guide up to a position where the exit guide is adjacent the area of formation which has been exposed by milling along the steel casing.

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.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for horizontally drilling in wells utilizing a shoe assembly at the down hole end of upset tubing. The shoe assembly includes a fixed section and a rotatable section suspended below the fixed section. An electric motor and associated batteries and a gyroscope carried on the rotatable section enable an operator on the surface to selectively rotate and position the rotatable section to any desired angular location for drilling a hole in the well casing. After one or more holes have been cut in the casing, a drill assembly can be removed from the upset tubing and be replaced by a high pressure blaster nozzle to bore into the formation zones. The gyroscope enables the operator to accurately position the rotatable section to the same locations at which the holes have been cut. The drill assembly includes an electric motor with an associated battery, flexible drive shaft, and a hole saw.

Abstract: A section mill for casings used in oil wells to cut predetermined portions for repair purposes. An elongated cylindrical assembly is inserted through the casing and it includes at least two spaced apart apertures with one blade member pivotally mounted within each aperture. First and second coaxially disposed tubular shaft assemblies with teethed portions to coact with the blades to selectively move them between two extreme position upon the application of a pressurized fluid. The fluid needs to overcome the spring biased applied to the shaft assemblies. The first set of blades is stopped and slidably rotates in contact with the internal surface of the casing. The second set cuts through the casing with one end and sections the casing with the other end. After wearing off, the first set of blades continues the sectioning work.

Abstract: In connection with a method and a tool for preparing a well for the production of hydrocarbons, it is aimed at perforating a casing portion (26) and working surrounding sediment (80) in a channel-forming manner. For this purpose the tool comprises a drilling means for drilling transverse holes through the casing wall when the tool (10), which is arranged to be raised/lowered and rotated about its longitudinal axis, shared by the casing (26), is placed in a fixed position within the well, through which transverse hole (40) and into surrounding sediment a jetting hose means (42,42a) is arranged to jet/dig its way in a channel-forming manner. The drilling and jetting hose means also have inactive stand-by positions protectively retracted within the tool housing (10a), from and into which they may successively be pushed forward into active working positions and again be withdrawn, as a channel (44) is completed in the sediment (80).

Abstract: This invention relates to a whipstock casing milling system and, more particularly, to such a system in which a window mill is secured to a whipstock so that the system may be run into a well, set and operated to open a window in a casing during a single trip. The milling system of the present invention comprises a protrusion (B) provided on the whipface of the whipstock wherein the protrusion (B) forms an extension of a relatively steep ramp surface (45) of the whipface so as to reduce damage to said surface (45) at a juncture (A) of said surface (45) with a relatively shallow ramp surface or parallel surface (46) during use of the system. The protrusion (B) thereby avoids an undercutting of a casing and a thinning of the whipstock.

Abstract: A tubular cutting tool includes two or more sets of electrically actuated retractable anchoring legs mounted at longitudinally spaced apart locations and an electrically driven rotary cutting head with a retractable cutting blade. The anchoring legs can be arranged such that they are capable of compensating for variations in the internal radii of the tubular to be cut, thereby ensuring that the cutting tool is clamped rigidly in position.

Abstract: A system for perforating a well includes a perforating gun 10 and a swivel 12 suspended from a wireline 50. An orientation sub 14 is provided above the gun 10 and a rotational latching mechanism 90 rotationally connects the wireline to the perforating gun in one direction, while allowing the swivel to rotationally disconnect the gun from the wireline in an opposing direction. According to the method of the invention, the gun may be lowered in the well from the wireline to a depth greater than the desired firing depth until the gun is rotated to its desired azimuthal position, and the gun then raised by the wireline to the desired firing depth with a rotational latching and swivel mechanisms maintaining the gun at its desired azimuthal position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method used for sealing a wellbore. The apparatus includes a swelling elastomer disposed around an outer surface of the tubular body. The swelling elastomer is isolated from wellbore fluid in an annulus. However, upon the application of an outwardly directed force to an inner surface of the tubular body, the tubular body expands radially outward causing the swelling elastomer to contact the wellbore while exposing the swelling elastomer to an activating agent via the one or more apertures, thereby causing the swelling elastomer to create a pressure energized seal with one or more adjacent surfaces in the wellbore.

Abstract: A tubing expander (10) comprises a body (12) carrying a plurality of radially movable piston-mounted rollers (24) and associated sleeves (16) mounted about the body (12) and being radially supported by the rollers (12). The expander (10) is positioned in a length of cubing of a first diameter, the pistons (28) extended, and the expander (10) rotated such that the sleeves (16) roll around the inner surface of the tubing and expand the tubing to a larger second diameter.

Abstract: A downhole system includes a deflector with a reaction surface that is engageable to a mill. The deflector is coupled to a motion mechanism that is activable to move the deflector generally along a longitudinal direction. During operation, the mill is engaged to a surrounding downhole structure, and the mill is rotated. As the mill cuts an opening in the downhole structure, the motion mechanism moves the deflector, which allows the mill to move with the deflector. A smooth motion is provided by the motion mechanism to enable a more accurate cutting of the downhole structure (e.g., casing or liner).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for expanding a lower string of casing into frictional contact with an upper string of casing, and thereby hanging the lower string of casing onto the upper string of casing is provided. The apparatus essentially defines a lower string of casing having a scribe placed into the top end thereof. The lower string of casing is run into the wellbore, and positioned so that the top end overlaps with the bottom end of an upper string of casing already cemented into the wellbore. The top end of the lower casing string is expanded below the depth of the scribe into frictional contact with the upper string of casing. At the same time, or shortly thereafter, the top end of the upper string of casing is expanded. As the portion of the lower casing string having the scribe is expanded, the casing severs into upper and lower portions. The upper portion can then be removed from the wellbore, leaving a lower string of casing expanded into frictional engagement with an upper string of casing.

Abstract: Apparatus providing at least one high pressure fluid cutting jet and methods employing same. A gas generator powered by a combustible propellant supplies pressurized gas to propel a fluid through at least one nozzle to form a cutting jet suitable for cutting materials such as structural elements. Furthermore, nozzles may be configured to rotate in order to circumferentially sever a tubular structural element. Two or more fluid cutting jets may be configured to intersect, and may be configured to intersect proximate to at least a portion of the periphery of the tubular structural element to be severed.

Abstract: A structure is positioned on the outer surface of a casing or liner to enable cutting the casing in substantially any azimuth over a given length of casing without damaging the structure. After placing the casing in a wellbore, the position of the structure on the casing may be determined with reference to an orienting slot in an indexing coupling. Thereafter, a non-colliding region on the casing may be identified for cutting the casing.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for severing the mandrel of an anchor device such as a packer to release the packer and remove it from a well. A cutter locator profile above the packer assembly and a cutter locator element on the cutting tool are located so as to precisely position the cutting element at a desired location on the packer mandrel. Once the mandrel is severed, the packer assembly can elongate to release the expansion mechanism. Then, the packer assembly can be pulled upwardly to release the packer, and to remove it from the well. A cutting tool can be lowered through production tubing to sever the mandrel, followed by pulling the packer with the production tubing. Alternatively, a cutting tool can be lowered on a workstring and latched to the upper end of the packer assembly, followed by severing the mandrel and pulling the packer with the workstring.

Abstract: A tool for making a cut inside a downhole tool, including a housing adapted to move in the downhole tool, a plurality of openings in a wall of the housing that provides a passage from inside the housing to an exterior of the housing, a plurality of cutters disposed in the housing that are adapted to protrude from the plurality of openings to the exterior of the housing, wherein the plurality of cutters provides 360 degree cutting regardless of the orientation of the tool, and an actuation mechanism adapted to force the plurality of cutters to protrude through the plurality of openings.