Abstract: A propellant assembly for fracturing a formation around a well includes a propellant and a detonating cord wrapped around the propellant, the detonating cord to ignite the propellant upon detonation of the detonating cord. Alternatively, the propellant can include a substantially central axial bore, with the propellant having a plurality of axial slots extending radially outwardly from the axial bore toward the outer surface of the propellant. A detonating cord is arranged within the axial bore of the propellant.

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: A carrier for at least one shaped charge, the carrier being disposable in use within an oil, gas, water or steam well bore. The carrier comprises a housing at least partially formed from a composite material which is non-frangible in normal use. The composite material component of the housing is arranged substantially to contain debris created within the carrier as a result of firing of the at least one shaped charge. The housing may be entirely of composite material or may comprise in inner metallic housing and an outer overwrap of composite material.

Abstract: An expander is provided for radially expanding a tubular element, the expander having an axially forward direction and being provided with thrust means for exerting a thrust force to the expander to move the expander in axially forward direction through the tubular element. The expander comprises an adjustable cone having an expander surface tapering radially inward in the axially forward direction, the adjustable cone being movable between a radially expanded mode and a radially collapsed mode. The expander further comprises adjusting means for moving the adjustable cone from the collapsed mode to the expanded mode by the action of said thrust force exerted to the thrust means.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus and method for expanding a tubular. In one aspect, embodiments of the prevent invention provide an expander tool having at least two expansion members radially extendable from the expander tool into contact with a surrounding inside surface of the tubular, the at least two expansion members radially extendable at different times and axially spaced after radially extending. In another aspect, embodiments include a method for isolating a first portion of a wellbore from a second portion of a wellbore comprising locating an expandable tubular within the wellbore between the first and second portions, the expandable tubular having a weakened portion therein, isolating the first portion from the second portion of the wellbore, and expanding the expandable tubular proximate to the weakened portion to sever the expandable tubular.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for use in perforating a well having a plurality of explosive charges. Each explosive charge is adapted to generate a perforation tunnel in the formation adjacent to the well. In one embodiment, explosive charges are oriented to create perforation tunnels that converge at a location within the formation in order to create a fracture initiation plane capable of mitigating or avoiding hydraulic fracturing complications.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for abrasive jet fluid cutting. An abrasive jet fluid cutting nozzle assembly comprises a hose 49 for receiving an abrasive jet cutting fluid; a helix/spring 40 rotatably attached inside the high pressure hose 49; and a nozzle 46 connected to the hose 49. The helix/spring 40 is tapered such that the turn ratio of the helix 40 varies from the proximate end to the distal end. The rotation of the helix 40 creates a vortex and increases the pressure of an abrasive jet cutting fluid as it passes from the proximate end to the distal end. The disclosed subject matter further includes a system and method for using the abrasive jet fluid cutting nozzle assembly.

Abstract: Radially expanding a tubular such as a liner or casing, especially in a downward direction. The apparatus includes at least one driver device such as a piston that is typically fluid-actuated, and an expander device is attached to the or each driver device. Actuation of the or each driver device causes movement of the expander device to expand the tubular. One or more anchoring devices, which may be radially offset, are used to substantially prevent the tubular from moving during expansion thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for down hole cutting of pipe, such as casing and other tubular goods, and plugging and abandonment of wells, without the need for a drilling or work over rig. An adjustable stand is provided for supporting and stabilizing a power swivel, and for axially positioning the power swivel relative to a well to be abandoned. An optional work deck is also provided to allow personnel to access the well. The adjustable stand and work deck of the present invention can be easily adapted to a wide range of working environments.

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 riser control device, particularly designed to be used in connection with spool or horizontal production trees (12) for wells in sub-sea oil and gas installations. Within a housing (1,2) of the device is provided, in opposed direction, radially movable pair of rams (6) for isolating (sealing off) the well and simultaniously, in opposed direction a radially movable pair of shear blades (7) for cutting off an intervention string or the like. The rams (6) and blades (7) are driven by means of a vertically disposed actuator (8,9,23) integrated in the housing (1, 2). The actuator may be in the form of a hydralically driven annular piston (23)/annular chamber (29,30) device, which via piston rods (14) and translation beams (8) transforms the movement of the piston (23) to open or close the rams (6) and shear blades (7).

Abstract: A technique is provided for controlling actuation of a well component. A resistance device is deployed in a tool string and connected to a well tool to be actuated. The resistance device comprises a deformable body and a deforming member that move relative to one another during actuation of the well tool. Deformation of the deforming member provides constant resistance and consequent control over component actuation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for perforating a landfill gas well in situ. The invention allows for improved recovery of gas from a gas well without the danger of explosion.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, methods and devices for selectively firing a gun train formed of a plurality of guns. Conventionally, the guns each include a detonator assembly that detonates upon receiving a firing signal transmitted by a surface source. In one embodiment of the present invention, an operator provided in the gun train selectively couples one or more of the guns to the signal transmission medium. The operator has an safe state wherein the operator isolates the gun from the firing signal and an armed state wherein the operator enable the transmission of the firing signal to the gun. A control signal is used to move operator between the safe state and the armed state. In some embodiments, two or more guns are each provided with a separate operator. In other embodiments, one operator can selectively engage two or more guns.

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 system and method for perforating and fracturing enables sealing device on a working string to be actuated to substantially block passage of fluids through the wellbore. Without removing the working string from the wellbore, the working string is released from the sealing device, the wellbore is perforated, and the wellbore pressurized up-hole of the sealing device to fracture the wellbore.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for coupling a tubular member to a preexisting structure.

Abstract: A well bore fluid recovery system and method is disclosed for recovering a column of well bore fluid within a stand of casing before cutting the casing. The recovery system relates to a system for preventing fluids from being spilled when casing is being finished for a well bore. After being run the casing must be cut and finished at an appropriate level to install rig equipment such as blow out preventers along with other equipment. However, because of earlier operations, the entire length of casing is typically filled with drilling fluid. Depending on conditions, the length of casing which is to be cut and removed may therefore over a 100-foot (27.4 meter) column of drilling fluid therein. The drilling fluid in this section must be properly drained before the casing is cut and removed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for severing a wellbore tubular, the apparatus, in certain aspects, including: a first member movable toward a tubular to be severed; a second member with a second blade disposed opposite to the first member and movable toward the tubular; a first blade on the first member having a projection projecting from a center of a blade body with point structure on the projection for puncturing the tubular and cutting surfaces on the projection for cutting the tubular; and cutting surfaces, as needed, on the blade body adjacent the projection for cutting the tubular.

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 is to an electric initiator to initiate an explosive booster within the output subassembly.

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: A perforating apparatus (100) includes a plurality of shaped charges (102) each having a case, an initiation end and a discharge end. A detonating cord (116) is operably associated with the initiation ends of the shaped charges (102). An energy absorbing charge holder (104) has a detonating cord receiving area to receive the detonating cord therein (116). The energy absorbing charge holder (104) also has a plurality of charge receiving locations that closely receive the shaped charges (102) therein such that upon detonation of the shaped charges (102), energy is transferred from the cases of the shaped charges (102) to the energy absorbing charge holder (104), thereby reducing fragmentation of the cases.

Abstract: A perforating apparatus (100) includes a plurality of shaped charges (102) each having a case, an initiation end and a discharge end. A detonating cord (116) is operably associated with the initiation ends of the shaped charges (102). An energy absorbing charge holder (104) has a gas expansion region and a detonating cord receiving area to receive the detonating cord therein (116). The energy absorbing charge holder (104) also has a plurality of charge receiving locations that closely receive the shaped charges (102) therein such that upon detonation of the shaped charges (102), energy is transferred from the cases of the shaped charges (102) to the energy absorbing charge holder (104), thereby reducing fragmentation of the cases.

Abstract: An adapter is provided for holding and mounting a shaped charge having a non-standard size into a standard loading tube of a hollow carrier gun. The adapter may include a housing assembly having an interior bore to hold a relatively small shaped charge and an exterior surface sized for mounting in a standard loading tube via a standard jacket. Alternatively, the adapter may include an improved jacket having interior ribs for supporting a relatively small shaped charge and an exterior surface for mounting the shaped charge in a standard loading tube of a relatively large gun.

Abstract: A long, well tool which effectively performs as an integral part of a typical coiled tubing string and accordingly can be ran continuously into a pressurized wellbore with the same deployment equipment as used with known coiled tubing. The tool is comprised of a plurality of elements (e.g. perforating charges or logging sensors such as hydrophones, geophones, gamma ray sensors, gravity sensors, etc.) fixed at spaced, known distances from each other within a flexible housing, e.g. a length of coiled tubing.

Abstract: A tool and a method for sealing a casing or a wellbore according to which a device is supported on a mandrel and expands into engagement with the casing or the wellbore. An explosive cutter is also supported on the mandrel and is adapted to explode to cut the mandrel and the device and release the engagement.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods allow a downhole anchor device to be cut, released, and retrieved using a single one-trip cutter and removal assembly. The assembly preferably includes a cutter head recessed behind an anchor latch. The latch is landed to the anchor device to be removed and the cutter head is extended therefrom and activated. Once cut by the cutter head, the anchor device is retrieved upon a distal end of the assembly.

Abstract: A downhole mill includes a plurality of cutters extending generally radially from a center region to a gage diameter, wherein the plurality of cutters includes a first serrated cutter blade having a plurality of peaks and valleys along its length. The plurality of cutters includes a second serrated cutter blade having a plurality of peaks and valleys along its length. The plurality of cutters includes a non-serrated cutter blade positioned upon the cutting face between the first serrated cutter blade and the second serrated cutter blade, wherein the peaks of the first serrated cutter blade is radially aligned with the valleys of the second serrated cutter blade. A pump-off sub configured to release a downhole mill includes a dovetail connection maintained by a c-ring in an expanded state.

Abstract: A downhole abrading tool having a body with a first end for connection to a drill string, a cutting end, a drilling fluid passageway, a restrictor disposed within drilling fluid passageway, and an indicator chamber is disclosed. Upon exposure of the indicator chamber to a well environment due to excessive wear on the cutting end, the restrictor is actuated. Actuation of the restrictor restricts the flow of drilling fluid from the drilling fluid passageway into the well environment. The restriction of flow of drilling fluid from the drilling fluid passageway causes a pressure increase in the drilling fluid flowing through the well that can detected by an operator of the downhole abrading tool. The pressure increase provides an indication to the operator of excessive wear on the cutting end of the downhole abrading tool so that the downhole abrading tool can be removed from the well and replaced.

Abstract: A downhole abrading tool has a body with a first end for connection to a drill string, a cutting end, an exterior surface, a drilling fluid passageway, a valve, and a chamber. Upon exposure of the chamber to a wellbore fluid pressure due to excessive wear on the cutting end, the valve opens. The opening of the valve permits drilling fluid to flow from the drilling fluid passageway, through the exterior surface and into the wellbore. The flow of drilling fluid through the exterior surface causes a pressure drop that is detected at the surface by an operator of the downhole abrading tool. The valve movement may also cause the release of taggants, or indicators, into the drilling fluid that may also be detected by the operator, either visually or with the aid of detection equipment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for forming wellbores and in a single trip for also performing multistage wellbore treatments. The disclosed apparatus comprises a bore forming apparatus in the form of a hydraulic drilling motor and bit; a well treatment apparatus in the form of a jetting tool and means for controlling flow to the jetting tool and drilling motor.

Abstract: A perforating gun assembly (60) for creating communication paths for fluid between a formation (64) and a cased wellbore (66) includes a housing (84), a detonator (86) positioned within the housing (84) and a detonating cord (90) operably associated with the detonator (86). The perforating gun assembly (60) also includes one or more substantially axially oriented collections (92, 94, 96, 98) of shaped charges. Each of the shaped charges in the collections (92, 94, 96, 98) is operably associated with the detonating cord (90). In addition, adjacent shaped charges in each collection (92, 94, 96, 98) of shaped charges are oriented to converge toward one another such that upon detonation, the shaped charges in each collection (92, 94, 96, 98) form jets that interact with one another to create perforation cavities in the formation (64).

Abstract: A technique is provided to facilitate fluid flow and pressure control in a well with an interventionless flow valve system. The valve system is coupled to a well component string deployed downhole in a wellbore. The valve system controls flow and pressure between an interior and exterior of the string and comprises a valve controlled by an activation device. The activation device is responsive to a unique pressure and time signal transmitted downhole.

Abstract: A method for assembling a stackable perforating gun system inside a well bore is provided that includes attaching a first gun section of the stackable perforating gun system to a tracking assembly, and transporting the first gun section within the well bore using the tracking assembly. The method also includes disengaging the first gun section from the tracking assembly; retrieving the tracking assembly to the surface; attaching a second gun section of the stackable perforating gun system to the tracking assembly; transporting the second gun section within the well bore using the tracking assembly; and coupling the second gun section with the first gun section using the tracking assembly.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device and method for externally perforating a well-bore casing. The perforating apparatus is attached to the outside of the casing itself and is conveyed along with the casing when it is inserted into the well bore. The perforation is accomplished using two groups of charges which are contained in protective pressure chambers which are arranged radially around the outside of the wellbore casing. The pressure chambers form longitudinally extending ribs which conveniently serve to center the casing within the well bore. One group of charges is aimed inward in order to perforate the casing. A second group is aimed outward in order to perforate the formation. In an alternative embodiment, only one group of bi-directional charges is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device and method for externally perforating a well-bore casing. The perforating apparatus is attached to the outside of the casing itself and is conveyed along with the casing when it is inserted into the well bore. The perforation is accomplished using two groups of charges which are contained in protective pressure chambers which are arranged radially around the outside of the wellbore casing. The pressure chambers form longitudinally extending ribs which conveniently serve to center the casing within the well bore. One group of charges is aimed inward in order to perforate the casing. A second group is aimed outward in order to perforate the formation. In an alternative embodiment, only one group of bi-directional charges is provided.

Abstract: A technique that is usable with a subterranean well includes communicating a wireless stimulus downhole in the well and actuating a casing conveyed tool in response to the communication.

Abstract: A method and system of forming a lateral wellbore in a time and trip saving manner using a mill/drill to locate and place a casing window. In one aspect of the invention, a lateral wellbore is drilled with liner which is subsequently left in the lateral wellbore to line the sides thereof. In another aspect, the mill/drill is rotated with a rotary steerable system and in another aspect, the mill/drill is rotated with a downhole motor or a drill stem.

Abstract: This method relates to the fields of mining, specifically oil, gas and hydro-geological industries and is intended for relief of tangential stress which originates in well side areas of producing formation from underground pressure by means of cutting vertical slot-shaped seats in well side zones of producing formation. The determined task is solved by introducing essential changes into the known method of constructing slot-like key seats from the well wall inside the rock consisting of generation of hydro-abrasive jet, its transportation to the perforator's nozzle, which is lowered into the well inside the casing pipe and directed towards the rock, and the nozzle's travel along the surface of the forming seat.

Abstract: An improved shear/seal ram assembly used in ram-type BOPs is disclosed. The disclosed invention is a unique shear/seal ram assembly in which rail seal actuators attached to or integrally formed in a planar surface of one shear blade mate with and slide within corresponding rail guide grooves formed in a planar surface of a second shear blade. As the shear blades move over each other, the rail seal actuators slide within the rail guide grooves, eventually coming into contact with a seal actuator plate of a unique blade-to-blade seal assembly placed within a shear blade seal groove. Continued movement of the shear blades over each other causes the rail seal actuators to compress, or “energize,” the blade-to-blade seal of the blade-to-blade seal assembly, thereby providing a pressure tight seal between the shear blade assemblies.

Abstract: A short radius exit from a window milled in casing is possible using a whipstock with a sloping surface in excess of 3.5° and a window mill whose diameter is reduced to a percentage generally below about 95% of the casing inside diameter in a mono-bore or non-through tubing application. The system provides a greater flexibility in choosing the window location and eliminates having to penetrate adjacent formations as compared to previous techniques using a longer exit radius. The decrease in mill diameter, as compared to previous techniques, limits stresses on the milling equipment to minimize equipment failures during window milling and subsequent drilling of the lateral.

Abstract: A hands-free connection system is provided for coupling downhole tools for use in well operations. The connection system includes two downhole tools connectable together in threaded engagement. The connection system further includes a compressible locking sleeve positioned between the coupled downhole tools for maintaining the tools in threaded engagement and in a predetermined alignment for deployment downhole.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, apparatus, and system to shear a tubular member disposed in a well and seal the wellbore using a unique blade seal. In at least one embodiment, the blade seal is adapted to interface with opposing rams in a blowout preventer. The blade seal uses a combination of arcuate surfaces with a common centerpoint to interface with corresponding surfaces in a ram block of a ram. The blade seal retains sealing capabilities used for wells and at the same time reduces the forces on the ram body to reduce failures from overpressurization. Further, the blade seal can be used in existing blowout preventers bodies that heretofore have been overstressed by prior art designs.

Abstract: The side tracking system includes a window mill having a full diameter cutting surface and a reduced diameter tapered cutting surface and a whipstock having a ramp engaging the reduced diameter cutting surface. The materials of the whipstock have a first cutablity and the materials of the casing have a second cutability. The reduced diameter cutting surface contacts the whipstock ramp at a first contact area and the full diameter cutting surface contacts the wall of the casing at a second contact area. As weight is applied to the mill, there is a first contact stress at the first contact area and a second contact stress at the second contact area. A cutability ratio is the first cutability divided by the second cutability and a contact stress ratio is the first contact stress divided by the second contact stress. The mill cuts the casing rather than the whipstock by maintaining the product of the cutability ratio and the contact stress ratio less than one.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting openings in a wall of a well. The apparatus includes a mandrel with a jetting sleeve slidably disposed about the mandrel. The mandrel has a plurality of slots defined therein and the jetting sleeve has a plurality of jetting openings aligned with the slots so that fluid will pass through the mandrel, the slots in the mandrel, and the jetting openings. The jetting nozzles are received in the jetting openings and travel in the slots in the mandrel. The flow of jetting fluid through the mandrel causes the jetting sleeve to move on the mandrel so that slots may be cut in the wall of the well.

Abstract: A back-off tool for use in a tubular member disposed inside a wellbore. The back-off tool includes a housing and at least one sonic wave generator mounted within the housing. The sonic wave generator is configured to generate a plurality of sonic waves.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for radially expanding a tubular such as a drill pipe, liner, casing or the like. The apparatus includes at least one driver device such as a piston that is typically fluid-actuated, and an expander device is attached to the or each driver device. Actuation of the or each driver device causes movement of the expander device to expand the tubular. In certain embodiments, one or more anchoring devices are used to substantially prevent the tubular from moving during expansion thereof.

Abstract: A perforating gun assembly (110) for creating communication paths for fluid between a formation (114) and a cased wellbore (116) includes a housing, a detonator and a detonating cord (136). The perforating gun assembly (110) includes one or more substantially axially oriented collections of shaped charges (122, 124, 126) each of which is operably associated with the detonating cord (136). A perforation (152, 154) is formed in the formation (114) as a result of the interaction of jets (141, 142) formed upon the detonation of at least two shaped charges (122, 126) that create a weakened region (148) in the formation (114) followed by the detonation of at least one shaped charge (124) that forms a jet (150) that penetrated through the weakened region (148).

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for pumping operations that may be used to form perforations in the casing of a well, clean perforations and drill drain holes through perforations. A plunger is placed in a reference perforation and the pumping operations may be performed through a nozzle at a known location with respect to the reference perforation. The nozzle may be attached to a flexible hose to drill a drain hole or may be inserted in a body on the bottom of a tubing string. Addition apparatus and method are provided to insure that the plunger or plungers are maintained in a reference perforation or perforations when pumping operations are carried out through tubing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in severing casing as it is pulled from a wellbore. In one aspect, the apparatus, includes a clamping assembly, a drilling assembly and a cutting assembly. The apparatus is disposed at the end of a telescopic arm, with the components being remotely operated by personnel using a control panel. The apparatus is positioned adjacent casing and clamped thereto. Thereafter, the apparatus drills a hole completely through the casing for the insertion of a retention pin. The apparatus then severs the casing.