Abstract: The present invention discloses apparatus and methods that can be used to sever a control line. One embodiment of the invention is a shear sub comprising a first member and a second member that are releasably attached to each other. The first and second members define a control line passageway. The control line passageway comprises a pair of shearing blades that are adapted to shear a control line during release of the first member from the second member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that comprises releasably securing a milling tool to a deflecting tool using a securing mechanism. The securing mechanism comprises a member that is adapted to be broken by milling action of the milling tool. In addition, in some arrangements, a protective mechanism protects abrasive inserts on a pilot mill of the milling tool.

Abstract: An explosive pipe cutter assembly (10, 10′) has a housing (20, 20′) which defines at its closed end a hemispherical shaped nose end (22, 22′) and contains a toroidal shaped charge (48) comprised of two half-charges (42). Toroidal shaped charge (48) has a seating surface (31) seated on a support shoulder (50, 50′) adjacent the closed end of the housing (20, 20′), and a trailing end which is engaged by a retaining ring (38) received in the open end (24, 24′) of the housing (20, 20′). Two juxtaposed half-liners (28) provide a liner having an apex (A) which is curved in longitudinal cross section to increase the mass of the metal formed into a penetrating jet by detonation of the shaped charge (48).

Abstract: A disconnect tool includes a housing that has a first segment and a second segment. A first collet is coupled to the first segment and has a first plurality of fingers, each of the first plurality of fingers is bendable between a first position in which the fingers engage the first segment and prevent relative sliding movement between the first and second segments and a second position in which the fingers do not engage the first segment and do not prevent relative sliding movement between the first and second segments. A first piston is positioned in the housing and has a third position wherein the piston engages and prevents the fingers from bending from the first position, and a fourth position wherein the piston does not engage and prevent the fingers from bending from the first position. The disconnect tool includes means for selectively retaining the first piston in the third position and means for moving the first piston from the third position to the fourth position.

Abstract: Double shearing rams designed for use in a standard ram-type blowout preventer used in oil and gas drilling and workover operations are disclosed. The double shearing rams include an upper shear ram and a mating lower shear ram. The upper shear ram includes an upper cutting blade and a lower guide blade vertically spaced to form a cavity therebetween. The cavity is sized to receive the lower ram's cutting blade in close fitting engagement when the rams are closed. The upper shear ram has a primary cutting edge formed on its leading edge and a secondary edge vertically and axially displaced from the primary cutting edge. During shearing operations, initial movement of the shear rams allows the upper shear ram's primary cutting edge to cooperate with the lower shear ram's cutting blade to make an initial shear of the member or members in the blowout preventer's bore.

Abstract: A brake mechanism for use with a perforating gun to prevent the explosive forces from causing recoil comprising a cylindrical body with openings permitting brake plugs to engage the well casing in response to pressure against an axially moving piston driven by the explosive force of the perforating gun and having a tapered side wall to drive the plugs against the casing. A bias spring disengages the axial piston and a retractive spring withdraws the plugs from engagement.

Abstract: Apparatus for perforating a section of liner intersecting a hydrocarbon-bearing formation comprises a length of tubing, the wall of the tubing defining a plurality of apertures, and perforating charges being located in the apertures. The tubing is adapted for mounting on the lower end of a length of production or test tubing such that the formation fluid may flow into the tubing and then directly into the production or test tubing. The charges disintegrate on detonation to leave the apertures unobstructed and to form light or small parts which may be swept out of the well by the formation fluid. Following detonation of the charges, the flow area of the tubing corresponds to the tubing internal diameter.

Abstract: Down hole assembly and method for forming a longitudinal window and a key-way in communication with the longitudinal window used in drilling multi-lateral well bores and for entry and reentry thereafter comprising, a first milling drill bit for milling the longitudinal window, a first whip stock having a guide surface, and orientation and positioning members located on the first whip stock for orienting and positioning tools to be used in forming the key-way in communication with the longitudinal window. A guide surface member is provided on the first whip stock member for guiding the first milling drill bit for milling a longitudinal window. A housing member for slidable mating with the first whip stock having a second drill bit member mounted in the housing member is provided for forming a down hole orientation key-way in communication with the longitudinally milled window.

Abstract: The apparatus of the invention is used for severing a metal conduit disposed in a borehole extending downward into the earth. The apparatus includes a body adapted to be lowered into the metal conduit to be severed. The body is formed by a surrounding wall defining an elongated chamber with a central axis and having a lower portion, an intermediate portion, and an upper portion. The lower portion defines a cavity with a plurality of apertures extending through the wall in a given plane at angularly spaced apart positions located 360° around the axis for providing passages from said cavity to the outside of the wall. A combustible charge is located in the intermediate portion, and a movable seal member is located in the cavity above the apertures and below the combustible charge.

Abstract: To separate relatively long upright pipes (13) which have a relatively large diameter, the lower end thereof being fixed in the ground, in particular of support legs (3) of an off-shore oil bore or conveying platform (100), a cutting unit is lowered down into the pipe (13) to a separation point. The cutting unit (40) acts gradually from the inside across the periphery to the internal periphery of the pipe (13) and cuts through the pipe (13) by removing metal. A bore tool head (60) is mounted upstream of the cutting unit (40), viewed from the lowering position, and is used to bore out material in the pipe such as ocean bed or concrete.

Abstract: A method for fracturing an underground formation surrounding an oil and/or gas well comprises positioning a fracturing tool in a selected orientation in the borehole and expanding the tool such that it exerts a circumferentially varying pressure against the borehole wall over a selected period of time thereby initiating in the surrounding formation one or more fractures which each intersect the borehole wall in a selected orientation and simultaneously injecting a proppant into the fracture(s).

Abstract: A ram assembly for positioning in opposed cavities in a body of a blowout preventer having a vertical bore includes a first ram and a second ram. The first and second rams are movable in the cavities along a central guideway axis and between an open position to permit passage of a tubular member through the bore and a closed position to shear the tubular member. A first and a second shear member are mounted on the first and second rams, respectively. Each shear member has a pair of shearing portions disposed on opposite sides of a blade axis. Each shearing portion has a first cutting edge inclined to the blade axis at a first angle and a second cutting edge inclined to the first cutting edge at a second angle. The cutting edges are arranged to shear the tubular member, and the first and second angles are related such that the tubular member is constrained between the shearing portions as the cutting edges shear the tubular member.

Abstract: A blade seal for a shearing blind ram designed for use in a standard ram-type blowout preventer used in oil and gas drilling operations is disclosed. The blowout preventer has a body with an axial bore, a pair of opposing bonnet assemblies and a pair of opposing rams laterally moveable within the bonnet assemblies by a pressurized fluid source to control flow of well fluids through the blowout preventer body axial bore. The blade seal includes a generally planar shaped central member that tapers from one end to the other and is constructed of rubber. A pair of metal caps are bonded to the lateral edges of the blade seal to aid in preventing extrusion. The lower face of the rubber central member includes a groove adjacent to the metal cap to aid in preventing extrusion of the rubber. A pair of the blade seals is used in the upper ram of the shearing blind ram assembly. The opposing lower ram has a upwardly facing surface that seals against the pair of blade seals after the pipe is sheared.

Abstract: The present invention provides a downhole cutting tool for cutting materials at a worksite in a wellbore. The cutting tool includes a cutting end that is adapted to discharge a high pressure fluid therefrom. A power unit in the tool includes a plurality of serially arranged pressure stages, wherein each such stage increases the fluid pressure above its preceding stage until the desired high pressure has been obtained. The high pressure fluid is discharged through the cutting end to effect cutting of a material. A pulsar in the tool is provided to pulse the fluid before it is discharged through the nozzle, which enables the use of lower pressure compared to the pressure required without pulsation of the fluid. A control unit controls the position and orientation of the cutting end relative to the material and may be programmed to cut the material according a predetermined pattern provided to the control unit.

Abstract: A perforating gun can be conveyed on tubing and fired while disconnected from the tubing. The gun is retained to a running tool at the lower end of the tubing in a locked position. Actuating a plunger by pressure, a weight bar or other techniques, breaks a rupture disc and allows use of hydrostatic pressure to stroke a piston and defeat the lock between the gun and the running tool. Upon exposure of ports on the gun to wellbore hydrostatic due to movement out of the running tool, the firing sequence in the gun is initiated. The weight of the gun, as well as hydrostatic or applied pressure in the wellbore, drives the perforating gun out of the running tool.

Abstract: A wellbore tubular patch for patching a hole in a wellbore has been invented, the tubular patch in certain aspects having an expandable top member having a hollow tubular body and a top end and a bottom end, an expandable bottom member having a hollow tubular body and a top end and a bottom end, an expandable outer sleeve in which is secured a portion of the bottom end of the expandable top member, and a portion of the top end of the expandable bottom member inserted into and held within expandable outer sleeve. A method for making a tubular patch for patching a hole in a tubular in an earth wellbore has been invented, the method in certain aspects including securing a portion of a bottom end of an expandable top member in an expandable outer sleeve, the expandable top member having a hollow tubular body and a top end, and securing a portion of a top end of an expandable bottom member within the expandable outer sleeve, the expandable bottom emmber having a hollow tubular body.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods of using provide convenient and economical forming of an opening through a tubular structure in a subterranean well. In a preferred embodiment, an apparatus has a whipstock wherein a receiver and a cutting device are operatively disposed. The receiver is capable of receiving a predetermined signal from a transmitter disposed within the tubular structure. The cutting device is activated to form the opening through the tubular structure a predetermined time interval after the signal is received.

Abstract: A perforating gun includes a guide, a first charge unit, a second charge unit and a linkage. The first and second charge units are coupled to the guide. The second charge unit is capable of being in a collapsed position for passing the second charge unit through a tubing and is capable of being in an expanded position for detonating the second charge unit. The linkage is connected to the second charge unit to communicate an applied force to cause the second charge unit to move the second charge unit along the guide toward the first charge unit when the second charge unit is at least partially in the expanded position.

Abstract: System for controlling oil well fires by blocking the production or drilling pipes. A box incorporating a movable piston is fitted around the pipe. The piston carries, on its forward end, a drilling cylinder (3), which can be brought to the pipe by a hydraulic piston-cylinder arrangement. Subsequently, the drilling cylinder drills through the pipe wall and after that the drilling cylinder or a separate plugging cylinder (4) is left in the drilled hole and blocks the fluid flow through the pipe. The process is remote controlled.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods of using provide convenient and economical forming of an opening through a tubular structure in a subterranean well. In a preferred embodiment, a milling guide has a guide profile formed thereon which is operative to guide a cutting tool to contact the tubular structure. An anchor portion of the milling guide grippingly engages the tubular structure to thereby axially and rotationally align the milling guide with the tubular structure. A hydraulic advance mechanism axially displaces the cutting tool relative to the milling guide.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for performing a desired operation in a wellbore. The system contains a downhole tool which includes a mobility platform that is electrically operated to move the downhole tool in the wellbore and an end work device to perform the desired work. The downhole tool also includes an imaging device to provide pictures of the downhole environment. The data from the downhole tool is communicated to a surface computer, which controls the operation of the tool and displays pictures of the tool environment. Novel tactile sensors for use as imaging devices are also provided. In an alternative embodiment the downhole tool is composed of a base unit and a detachable work unit. The work unit includes the mobility platform, imaging device and the end work device. The tool is conveyed into the wellbore by a conveying member.

Abstract: An apparatus for opening perforations in a casing string. The casing string has a special casing section defining a plurality of holes therethrough. Rupturable ceramic discs or inserts are disposed in said holes and retained therein. The ceramic discs or inserts are adapted to withstand the fluid differential pressures normally present in the wellbore but are rupturable in response to impact by a mild explosive charge. The explosive charge is provided by detonating a length of det-cord disposed in the casing string adjacent to the holes in the special casing section. A method of perforating using this apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A screen or filter assembly is described as well as improved methods of affixing such assemblies to a portion of an oil or gas production assembly. A nonrigid attachment for reversibly securing a tubular screen to a portion of a production string is disclosed which significantly reduces the risk of the connection between the screen and the production nipple from being broken. In a preferred embodiment, an end cap is described having a projecting lip which secures one end of the screen body to a perforated sub. A removable threaded retaining sleeve is used to secure the other end of the screen body to the perforated sub. A compression ring is associated with the threaded connector to assist in securing the screen body end. A pair of deformable rings are placed adjacent each of the screen body ends to absorb service loads. The screen assembly may be subjected to operational tensile and compressive stresses and thermal expansions and contractions without significant risk of connection failure.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods of using same provide ease of forming an opening through a laterally extending liner to thereby provide access to a portion of a parent wellbore across which the liner extends. In a preferred embodiment, a milling guide has a guide profile formed thereon for directing a cutting tool to contact the liner. The milling guide is cooperatively engageable with an anchor to axially and radially align the guide profile with a portion of the liner which extends across the parent wellbore.

Abstract: An in-pipe vehicle for carrying out at least one operation in a pipeline. The vehicle includes a train of modules interlinked by suspension units to allow serpentine movement through pipe bends. The vehicle train has its own internal power supply and drive mechanism in the modules. A detector module determines the presence of a service junction using magnetic field information. A manipulative module allows the vehicle to be temporarily wedged in the pipeline while providing rotational movement to facilitate the desired operation at the junction. This may include drilling and welding of a service pipe to the main using appropriate modules. A remote probe typically containing a magnetic field generator can be used to assist in service junction location by the vehicle.

Abstract: A method of delaying detonation of an explosive device within a subterranean well is provided which is convenient, economical and efficient in its use. In addition, the safety of such operations is enhanced by the construction of a firing head used in the method and engaged with the explosive device in the well. In one described embodiment, the firing head includes a piston reciprocably received in a fluid chamber, and an orifice for metering fluid from the chamber. When the firing head is engaged with the explosive device, weight is applied to the piston, thereby forcing fluid from the chamber through the orifice and producing a time delay. After the piston has traveled a predetermined distance relative to the chamber, its further displacement is relatively unrestricted and the weight drives the piston downwardly to cause detonation of the explosive device.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a completion riser joint (1) shearing by the shear ram of the blow-out preventer (BOP) (2), to be coupled, at its lower part, to the column hoist running tool and, at its upper part, to the completion riser column, the referred shearing completion riser joint (1) comprising upperly a riser bolt (3), connected at its lower portion to an access pipe (4) to the production column, shearing by the shear ram of the BOP (2), enveloped by hydraulic lines (5, 6) that allow the actuating of the column hoist running tool and the access to the annular, the referred pipe (4) being connected lowerly to a re-entry mandrel (8), which function is to allow the locking of the recovery tool (12) and, through it, allow the hydraulic continuity for actuating the unlocking function of the piping hoist and, following, its release, and lowerly to a riser box (9) on top of the piping hoist running tool.

Abstract: A well completion apparatus disposed in a wellbore having first and second tubings and a tool disposed in the second tubing. An inductive coupler has a male coil located in the first tubing and is configured to receive an input signal. A female coil in the inductive coupler is attached to the first tubing and is electrically connected to the tool for inductively coupling to the male coil. An output signal is induced in the female in response to the input signal received in the male coil, and the output signal is provided to activate the tool in response to the input signal.

Abstract: A stroke indicator has been invented for indicating that a movable inner member of an hydraulically activated wellbore tool or apparatus has moved, particularly that movement of such a member indicating that a stroke of the tool or apparatus has occurred. In one aspect such an indicator is used to indicate that the stroke of a wellbore tubular patch expander system has been completed. A tubular patch has been invented which includes two or more connected tubular patch members. A tubular patch system has been invented for patching operations which, in one aspect, is useful as a "through tubing" tubular patch system and has a body and a series of selectively expandable members which, once having passed through a tubular of a first diameter, are expandable in a tubular of a second diameter larger than the first diameter and then operable to expand a liner patch to seal a leak in the tubular of the second diameter.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting a hole through a plastic liner in a gas or other main comprises a body forming module of a train of modules adapted to travel through the main. The body has a radially movable platform carrying a cutter. The platform has four cams engaging four cams pivotally mounted on tie-bars. Advancing movement of the platform pushes the cams outwardly causing support legs to move outwardly and to cause four slave legs carried by the support legs to engage the plastic liner. Further advancing movement of the platform causes the cutter to engage the liner and also holds the support legs in their advanced position as noses on the cams traverse the faces of the cams.

Abstract: A method of severing a downhole pipe for forming a region in the well borehole devoid of downhole pipe for enhancing the performance of a perforating gun comprising the steps of: severing, at an angle, by a first cutting tool the downhole pipe to form an upper downhole pipe portion and a lower downhole pipe portion to form a sloped cut line; releasing potential energy stored in the upper downhole pipe portion and the lower downhole pipe portion; inserting a plug to seal an up-hole portion of the upper downhole pipe portion; cutting the up-hole portion via a second cutting tool above the plug into an upper piece and a lower piece; and, jettisoning the lower piece downwardly wherein as the lower piece jettisons downwardly the region in the well borehole devoid of downhole pipe is formed. Such method eliminates the need for: removing a well head; a crane or rig for raising a cut up-hole pipe; and, a pump for controlling the pressure of the well.

Abstract: An apparatus for perforating a wall, such as the casing wall of a well hole, taking a sample of the fluids which may be behind the wall, and subsequently sealing the perforation so formed in the wall, wherein the perforating portion, the sampling portion and the sealing portion are operably disposed in the apparatus, so as to permit all of the perforating, sampling and sealing functions to be carried out without substantial movement of the apparatus between functions.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods of using provide access to a portion of a parent wellbore that has been separated from the remainder of the parent wellbore by a lateral wellbore liner. In a preferred embodiment, an apparatus has a cutting device, which may be a torch, a housing containing the cutting device, and an anchoring structure to fix the axial, radial, and rotational position of the apparatus relative to the liner. A firing head may be utilized to activate the cutting device.

Abstract: A completions insertion and retrieval under pressure (CIRP) apparatus utilizes a snaplock connector to assemble uphole a tool string of any desired length prior to lowering the tool string into a wellbore for performing wellbore operations in the wellbore. The tool string could comprise a perforating gun string including a plurality of perforating guns interleaved with a corresponding plurality of snaplock connectors. The CIRP apparatus includes a winch housing connected to a lubricator, the lubricator being connected to a valve, the valve being connected to a connection apparatus, such as a deployment BOP or a snaplock operator, the connection apparatus being connected to a work string which extends into the wellbore.

Abstract: A device (10) for explosively cutting a pipe (40) having an inner circumference has a carrier member (12) having a circumference. A support structure, such as a spring steel band (20), is releasably carried on the carrier member (12) in a retracted configuration by an explosive bolt (24) and is biased towards an extended configuration. The retracted configuration facilitates insertion of the device into the pipe (40). A linear charge of explosive material, e.g., shock wave refractive tape (26), is secured to the support structure. When the bolt (24) is fired, the spring band (20) is released from the carrier member (12) and moves to the extended configuration in which the linear charge engages the interior of the pipe (40) to facilitate cutting the pipe. Initiation manifolds (42) mounted on the support structure receive an initiation signal and detonate the linear charge at both sides thereof.

Abstract: A perforating gun having a base structure made of a deformable material. The base structure includes support rings integrally attached to one another by connector portions. The capsule charges are mounted in corresponding support rings, and each support ring is adjustable by selective deformation of the base structure to face in one of a plurality of directions to provide a plurality of combinations of phasing patterns.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods of using the apparatus provide ease forming an opening from a first wellbore to a second wellbore, the first wellbore having a portion thereof which intersects the second wellbore. In a preferred embodiment, an apparatus has a cutting device disposed within a housing and a series of spaced apart nozzles directed radially outward from the housing. In another preferred embodiment, the apparatus is axially, rotationally, and radially alignable relative to the liner of the first wellbore. The cutting device is connected to the nozzles. The nozzles direct a discharge from the cutting device radially outward to cut into the tubular structure.

Abstract: A method for milling an opening in a tubular in a wellbore, the method comprising installing a mill guide in the tubular at a desired milling location, inserting milling apparatus through the tubular and through the mill guide so that the milling apparatus contacts the tubular at the desired milling location and contacts and is directed toward the tubular by the mill guide, and milling an opening in the tubular. In one aspect the method includes installing a whipstock in the tubular and disposing the mill guide adjacent the whipstock to protect a concave portion of the whipstock. In one aspect the method includes retrieving the mill guide from the wellbore and in another aspect includes retrieving the whipstock from the wellbore.

Abstract: A device for working the interior of pipes, with an outer casing, an inner casing which is axially displaceable therein, with a rotary head which carries a bracket for attaching a working apparatus, with respective gearing arrangements each actuated by a motor, one for rotating the rotary head and another for the axial motion of the inner casing, with media-bearing ducts and control and energy supply leads introduced into the outer casing, has the following particulars: The gearing arrangement for the axial motion of the inner casing, the motor actuating this gearing arrangement, the gearing arrangement for executing the rotation of the rotary head, as well as the motor actuating this gearing arrangement, form four subassemblies which can be preassembled separately from one another. A fifth preassemblable subassembly has facilities for forming interfaces for the passage of lines from the inner casing to the rotary head.

Abstract: A tubular patch system has been invented for patching operations which, in one aspect, is useful as a "through tubing" tubular patch system and has a body and a series of selectively expandable members which, once having passed through a tubular of a first diameter, are expandable in a tubular of a second diameter larger than the first diameter and then operable to expand a liner patch to seal a leak in the tubular of the second diameter. Such a system may be used in a tubular disposed within a wellbore or in a tubular on the earth surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for perforating a wall, such as the casing wall of a well hole, taking a sample of the fluids which may be behind the wall, and subsequently sealing the perforation so formed in the wall, wherein the perforating portion, the sampling portion and the sealing portion are operably disposed in the apparatus, so as to permit all of the perforating, sampling and sealing functions to be carried out without substantial movement of the apparatus between functions.

Abstract: An overshot cutter for suspension from coiled tubing that includes an elongate housing which includes a drive piston at the upper end with adjustable axial passage, an inner barrel there-below, and a cutter piston extending a collet cutter next below and finally a restrictor block; whereby the housing lower end is positioned down over a fish for hydraulic release of the drive piston to drive the inner barrel and cutter piston downward thereby to close the collet cutter within the restrictor block to cut the tubing below the fish.

Abstract: A sleeve member constructed of material, preferably aluminum metal, nonreactive with chemicals from a chemical cutter, including a ringed collar around its upper end, the ring collar secured to the upper end of the sleeve, and defining a base for hanging the sleeve within a bore of a steel riser positioned in as part of a wellhead assembly, the sleeve having an o.d. slightly smaller than the i.d. of the steel riser, and an internal bore of sufficient interior diameter so as to allow a chemical cutter to be positioned there within, the sleeve being of sufficient length to allow the entire chemical cutter to be positioned therein, while the chemical cutter is positioned within the wellhead assembly. The sleeve would further include a plurality of centralizers at its lower end, for maintaining the sleeve positioned equidistant at all points along its length between itself and the steel riser.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cutting a well casing and then capping the cut well casing are provided. A well casing cutting assembly having a tensioned wire cutting element may first be moved into position relative to the well casing and operated so that the cutting element reciprocates transversely (i.e., in saw-like fashion) while simultaneously being advanced forwardly into cutting relationship with the well casing. The cutting assembly is removed from the cut well casing and replaced with a well capping assembly having a shield enclosure and a thread cutting subassembly. The thread cutting subassembly includes an interiorly threaded pipe coupling which rigidly carries a normally open, remotely controlled valving assembly and is mounted to the shield enclosure so as to be capable of both rotational and vertical movements relative to the cut well casing.

Abstract: The invention provides that where a main underground pipeline or passageway (10) is lined by a lining tube which extends over the connection of a lateral pipe (12) with the main pipeline or passageway (10), the lateral connection can be readily located and the lining tube (44) cut to re-establish the connection, if such as a steel ball or other deposit, which is radiation detectable, is placed on the surface of the pipeline or passageway (10) at a predetermined distance (77) from the said lateral connection.

Abstract: A downhole chemical cutting tool for cutting downhole tubular goods and supporting the tubular goods within the well through a load bearing hub section in the tool. The tool comprises an elongated tool body having a upper head section which is adapted to be connected to a running string such as a string of coiled tubing capable of supporting large loads. The tool body comprises a propellent section and a cutting section. A chemical section is interposed between the propellant section and the cutting section and contains at least one chamber adapted to contain a chemical cutting agent. The cutting section is adapted to receive the chemical cutting agent and has an outer wall section which contains a plurality of transverse cutting ports arranged circumferentially of the cutting section.

Abstract: A tool and method for splitting an existing underground polymeric pipe into a plurality of strips and for expanding the strips and the surrounding ground to permit replacement of the existing polymeric pipe along its length from an entry excavation to an exit excavation without excavating entirely along the length. The tool includes a nose sized smaller than a minimum inside diameter of the existing polymeric pipe, a blade unit attached to the nose having a plurality of cutting blades extending therefrom radially outward about an imaginary central axis, each of the plurality of cutting blades having a forward opened "V" shaped cutting edge sized larger than a maximum outside diameter of the existing polymeric pipe for cutting the existing polymeric pipe into strips along the length thereof.

Abstract: A through tubing stripgun detonating charge assembly for well perforating activities, comprising an elongate explosive resistant retrievable perforating charge support strip having a perforating charge interlocking track situate along the length thereof. A plurality of explosive well casing perforating charges having support elements thereon are connected in supporting and selective positioning interlocking engagement with the perforating charge interlocking track for support of certain ones of a plurality of perforating charges in 180 degree phase oriented and adjustably positionable relation on the perforating charge support strip. The perforating charge strip is also provided with a plurality of perforating charge connectors in spaced relation along the length thereof for support of a plurality of perforating charges in 0 degree phase relation with the perforating charge support strip and in 90 degree phase orientation with each of the 180 degree phased perforating charges.

Abstract: A longitudinally slotted carrier having one end adapted for mounting on a tubing string, the carrier being nonplanar, with a slotted configuration and interior dimensions to enable capsule charge orientation at selected phases between 0 and 360 degrees. The carrier has a frangible seam that fractures upon detonation to form two retrievable strips, each supported by the tubing string for retrieval. The seam is a narrow bridge, formed by slotting the carrier, with a cross sectional area that shatters upon detonation of the shaped charges. The remaining cross sectional area of each strip is sufficient to assure retrieval after detonation. The strips are nonplanar, arcuate or a segment of a circle in cross section. When the capsule charges are arrayed around many phases, by attaching both from and rear portions of the capsule charges to the unslotted regions of the carrier, plural primer cords are used for detonation.

Abstract: Tool for slitting and laterally expanding underground steel gas mains and inserting replacement plastic piping into the spread apart pipeline has a forward end cylindrical portion mounting a single, rearwardly angled blade to make only one line of cut, and a conical pipe spreader portion at its rearward end. The conical spreader portion is eccentrically disposed with respect to the forward end cylindrical portion. A single roller type pipe slitter aligned with the fixed blade may be mounted on a removable extension of the forward end cylindrical portion, to initially groove and weaken the pipe along the intended line of cut. A pneumatically operated impact ram is attached to the rearward end of the tool, as is the leading end of the replacement piping, A wire cable pulls the tool through the underground pipe, thereby grooving, slitting and laterally expanding the pipe.