Abstract: The present disclosure relates to coupler for connecting a drill pipe to a drill bit as well as methods for manufacturing the same. In particular, the present disclosure describes a coupler which includes a housing including a first connecting portion at a first end for connecting to a drill pipe, a base coupled to the housing and including a second connecting portion at a second end for connecting to a drill bit, and an intermediate component disposed between the base and the housing, wherein the coupler is configured for rotation about an axis during use, with the intermediate component allowing limited relative rotation between the housing and the base about the axis.

Abstract: A frac plug apparatus has a plug body that comprises a central bore and separable elements. The central bore extends axially through the plug body. The separable elements are joined by relatively weak bridging portions adapted to break in a controlled manner, the separable elements thereby forming an integral component comprised of the separable elements. The separable elements comprise a wedge element and an array of slip elements. The slip elements are joined to the wedge element by first bridging portions.

Abstract: A fluid coupling includes a first adapter having at least one seal groove in an inner diameter surface of the first adapter, and at least one interruption in the inner diameter surface adjacent to the at least one seal groove. The fluid coupling may include a second adapter having an outer diameter surface engaging with at least a portion of the inner diameter surface of the first adapter to form a conductor path between the first adapter and the second adapter. The fluid coupling may further include at least one seal disposed in the at least one seal groove to provide a sealed connection between the first adapter and the second adapter. The at least one interruption may be configured to interrupt the conductor path in a region around the at least one seal.

Abstract: A downhole apparatus for use in a tubular include a mandrel, a first slip, a cone, and a seal element. The mandrel, which can be permanent or temporary, has a first end shoulder. The first slip is disposed on the mandrel adjacent the first end shoulder, and the cone is disposed on the mandrel adjacent the first slip. The cone is movable relative to the first end shoulder to engage the first slip toward the tubular. The seal element is disposed on the mandrel adjacent the cone. At least a portion of the seal element is composed of a dissolvable metallic material and is expandable outward from the mandrel. The expanded portion of the seal element forms a metal seal against the tubular and seals off fluid communication in the annular space between the seal element and the tubular.

Abstract: A blowout preventer (BOP) and a seal anti-extrusion apparatus is provided for well control about a tubular such as a polish rod. Each of opposing ram blocks support a semi-circular primary seal and at least one downstream backup ring. An extrusion gap is formed between the ram block and the rod. The backup ring has profile that is axially compressible by the primary seal when activated, causing an inner diameter diminish, and closing the extrusion gap for improved sealing integrity of the primary seal.

Abstract: A downhole tool includes a mandrel and a deformable seal positioned around the mandrel to hold overpressure. An extrusion limiter is positioned around the mandrel, and adjacent to the deformable seal. The extrusion limiter includes a body, and grooves formed into the body that separate fins. The grooves have at least one portion formed at an acute angle relative to a circumferential line centered on the central axis of the extrusion limiter body. After the bending of the fins that occurs in use of the extrusion limiter, the gaps left by the grooves between the fins may be smaller than gaps left by straight grooves that are perpendicular to circumferential lines centered on the central axis of the body. The smaller gaps reduce extrusion of the deformable seal.

Abstract: An extrusion ring is attached at a mandrel end to a gage ring as well as a softer ring that is disposed between the extrusion ring and the mandrel. The softer ring acts as an extrusion barrier along the mandrel. On setting the softer ring protects a free end of an extrusion ring from contact with the sealing element by extending axially at least as far as the extrusion ring and preferably further. The sealing element being softer than the adjacent softer ring allows the extrusion ring to push the softer ring out past the end of the extrusion ring and allows the softer ring to fill a void space adjacent the free end of the extrusion ring and to the sealing element. Relative motion between the rings at the attachment location is prevented.

Abstract: In accordance with presently disclosed embodiments, a system and method for rotationally orienting two wellbore tool components on a tool string relative to each other is provided. The system may include an alignment sub that is simple to operate and allows for quick adjustments to the relative orientations of downhole tool components. The disclosed alignment sub may include a first tubular component on one side and a second tubular component on the other side, and these tubular components are coupled together. The disclosed alignment sub utilizes an axially deformable and variable length sleeve attached to the first tubular component and adjacent to a tip of the second tubular component. The sleeve may provide an appropriate standoff distance between the opposing tubular components while enabling the components to be rotated relative to each other up to at least one full rotation about an axis of the alignment sub.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to extrusion-resistant seals for an expandable tubular assembly. In one aspect, a seal assembly for creating a seal between a first tubular and a second tubular is provided. The seal assembly includes an annular member attached to the first tubular, the annular member having a groove formed on an outer surface of the annular member. The seal assembly further includes a seal member disposed in the groove, the seal member having one or more anti-extrusion bands. The seal member is configured to be expandable radially outward into contact with an inner wall of the second tubular by the application of an outwardly directed force supplied to an inner surface of the annular member. Additionally, the seal assembly includes a gap defined between the seal member and a side of the groove. In another aspect, a method of creating a seal between a first tubular and a second tubular is provided.

Abstract: A well pump assembly includes a pump and a motor that contains a dielectric motor lubricant and a pressure equalizer containing a bellows. The bellows has an interior in fluid communication with the motor lubricant and an exterior immersed in well fluid. The bellows is axially extendable and contractible in response to a pressure differential between the well fluid and the motor lubricant. A tube has a lower end secured to a tube port in the pressure equalizer housing and an upper end secured to a lower end of the bellows. The tube has a center line that makes at least one curved flexible bend between the tube upper end and the tube lower end to enable the tube to flex as the bellows extends and contracts.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sealing against a bore in a soil formation. The apparatus comprises an elongate central member having a resilient tubular seal member extending between first and second ends therearound, a longitudinally moveable plunger surrounding the central member having a first wedge engagable upon the first end of the seal member and a backing ring engaging upon the second end of the seal member. The plunger is axially movable along the central member to compress the seal member between plunger and the packing ring and to press the first end of the seal member in a radially outward direction. The method comprises a locating the apparatus at a desired location and axially moving the plunger towards a corresponding backing ring so as to compress the seal member between plunger and the packing ring and to press the seal member in a radially outward direction.

Abstract: A method for controlling fluid flow includes, deforming at least one deformable member disposed between two tubulars that are radially aligned with one another, at least one of the at least one deformable member is positioned between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet and regulating flow of fluid by deforming the at least one deformable member positioned between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet sufficiently to achieve a desired flow rate.

Abstract: A diffuser assembly has pairs of split rings rotationally locked to each other in an alternating array with other pairs of split rings where adjacent pairs are responsive to pressure differential to be biased toward a sliding sleeve or the surrounding housing in an alternating pattern. The split rings are made to have an interference initial fit to the sleeve or housing and the splits on adjacent rings are offset while a relation of a projection to a depression between adjacent rings prevents relative rotation to keep the desired circumferential offset in the splits between adjacent rings. End tapers can bias adjacent pairs in opposed directions responsive to applied differential pressure. The rings are preferably metallic and can have a coating to facilitate relative sliding and enhance durability.

Abstract: A back-up ring assembly for a wellbore packer that acts as an extrusion limiter for a packing element and engages the wellbore bore, also operating as a slip to anchor the packer in place. A wellbore packer includes a back-up ring that includes a gripping structure on its outer wall-contacting surface that acts both to back up the extrusion of the packing element and to engage the wellbore wall.

Abstract: A sealing assembly for a downhole device has first (12) and second sealing (22) components which are urged together to make up the assembly such that a first sealing surface (34) on the first component radially presses a lip member (44) on the second component to change the angle of a second sealing surface (45) in the connected assembly. The components are urged together by a driving member (60) which can have screw threads that cooperate with the first component. The lip may be annular and may be formed by an undercut or recess (42) radially inwardly or outwardly of the lip member, allowing the lip member to bend radially inwards into the recess, during insertion of the second sealing component into the first.

Abstract: A wellhead seal assembly that forms a metal-to-metal seal between inner and outer wellhead members and a face seal between inner wellhead members. The face seal is created by two opposing sealing surfaces on inner wellhead members that sealingly engage each other. The inner wellhead members that interact to form a face seal may be a casing hanger, bridging hanger, or lockdown hanger. A wicker profile formed on one of the opposing seal surfaces bites into the opposing seal surface in response to a load. The face seal is designed such that well pressure enhances the face seal.

Abstract: A downhole seal assembly comprises a base pipe upon which is mounted a seal element and a ring member, wherein the ring member is located adjacent an end region of the seal element. The ring member and seal element are adhered together with a bonding agent.

Abstract: A sealing apparatus for a downhole tool having a movable member (11) which moves relative to a housing, the sealing apparatus comprising: at least one sealing member having (10A) a first position in which the sealing member is spaced from the movable member and a second position in which the sealing member (10B) is in contact with the movable member (IB) to provide a sealing barrier; and switching means for switching the sealing member between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A seal assembly, method for sealing a seal assembly and a modular seal unit for a rotating control device for use in an offshore environment. The modular seal unit includes a first outer housing, a first seal housing lockable within the first outer housing, and a first sealing element disposed on a lower end of the first seal housing. The first sealing element includes a throughbore configured to receive a drill pipe, and a sealing surface configured to seal against the drill pipe. The modular seal unit also includes a first connector configured to couple the first seal housing to the first outer housing, and a second connector configured to couple the first seal housing to one selected from a second outer housing of a second modular seal unit or a running tool adapter.

Abstract: A downhole plug includes a body and an element system disposed about the body. The plug further includes a first and second back-up ring member having two or more tapered wedges. The tapered wedges are at least partially separated by two or more converging grooves. First and second cones are disposed adjacent the first and second back-up ring members.

Abstract: A casing hanger seal assembly is lowered into a pocket between a casing hanger and a wellhead housing while in a run-in position. The seal assembly has a metal-to-metal upper seal ring and an elastomeric and metal lower seal ring carried by and below the upper seal ring. The upper and lower seal rings are movable from a run-in position to a set position sealing between the sidewalls of the casing hanger and the wellhead housing by applying a downward force. The downward force required to move the lower seal ring to the set position is less than the downward force required to move the upper seal ring to the set position. A downward force applied to the upper seal ring after the lower seal ring has landed in the pocket transfers to the lower seal ring to cause the lower seal ring to move to the set position before the upper seal ring moves to the set position.

Abstract: A downhole retrievable dual directional isolation tool is provided. The down hole tool comprises a mandrel, a compressor concentric with the mandrel, and a packing element disposed around the mandrel, wherein a body section of the packing element is asymmetrical.

Abstract: An antiextrusion backup system includes an inner expandable backup ring having a first set of slots. An outer expandable backup ring having a second set of slots wherein the outer expandable back up ring is rotationally locked to the inner expandable backup ring to prevent an extrusion gap in an expanded condition of the backup rings. A method for operating within a tubular is also included.

Abstract: Backup rings are disposed on opposed sides of a sealing element. The backup rings are initially bow shaped in the run in position. Opposed ends of the bow shape are brought together to extend the extrusion barriers and compress the sealing element. The relative axial movement that brings the opposed ends of the bow shape together results in radially extending the bow shape. The bow shape is reformed into a teardrop shape that extends radially beyond a pinch location created by relative axial movement of adjacent support members coming closer together. A sealing element extends radially during the deployment of the extrusion barriers and is contained between them. The extension of the extrusion barriers allows conformance to surface irregularities in the surrounding tubular or wellbore wall.

Abstract: A seal assembly including a first tubular having a sealing surface and a seal element run with the first tubular and displaced from the surface. The seal element initially has a radial dimension that forms a radially innermost or outermost sealing dimension of the first tubular for enabling the first tubular to be sealed with a second tubular radially disposed with the first tubular. A mechanism is included that is triggerable for reconfiguring the radial dimension of the seal element. The sealing surface of the first tubular operative forms the radially innermost or outermost sealing dimension of the first tubular when the radial dimension of the seal element has been reconfigured for enabling the sealing surface of the first tubular to receive a second seal element. A method of sealing tubulars is also disclosed.

Abstract: A casing hanger seal assembly is lowered into a pocket between a casing hanger and a wellhead housing while in a run-in position. The seal assembly has a metal-to-metal upper seal ring and an elastomeric and metal lower seal ring carried by and below the upper seal ring. The upper and lower seal rings are movable from a run-in position to a set position sealing between the sidewalls of the casing hanger and the wellhead housing by applying a downward force. The downward force required to move the lower seal ring to the set position is less than the downward force required to move the upper seal ring to the set position. A downward force applied to the upper seal ring after the lower seal ring has landed in the pocket transfers to the lower seal ring to cause the lower seal ring to move to the set position before the upper seal ring moves to the set position.

Abstract: An annular sealing element to seal between metal surfaces for use in flanges, joints, packers and the like, located in oil and gas exploration and production equipment. The sealing element has inner and outer metal deformable surfaces joined at ends, defining an interior volume which is entirely filled with a plastic deformable material. The surfaces are arranged such that on compression of the element from the ends, the element will deform in a controlled manner on a cantilever principle. The volume of filler and the interior volume remain substantially equal during compression so that delamination does not occur. Thus the sealing element provides a seal combining the flexibility of elastomer seals with the integrity of a metal to metal seal.

Abstract: A seal assembly for use between wellbore tubulars employs an inner seal ring partially circumscribed by an outer seal ring. The seal rings are axially slidable with respect to one another and can be made from pliable inelastic materials such as graphite or a fluoropolymer. The seal rings contact one another along profiled surfaces that are angled such that by axially urging the seal rings towards one another produces a bulge in the seal assembly directed radially outwards and inwards. The bulging seal rings come into contact with opposing sides of the wellbore tubulars to define a sealing surface. Axial supports at opposing lateral ends of the seal rings maintain the seal between the tubulars.

Abstract: A wellhead system comprising an outer wellhead housing, an inner wellhead member, and an annulus therebetween. The inner wellhead member, such as a casing hanger, is adapted to land in the outer wellhead housing. The outer wellhead housing may comprise a wickers formed in a hardened metal inlay. Alternatively, or in addition to the wickers formed in the outer wellhead housing, wickers may be formed in a hardened metal inlay in the inner wellhead member. An annular metal seal may be disposed in the annulus and driven into the wickers to seal the annulus between the inner wellhead member and the outer wellhead housing and to axially restrain the seal within the annulus.

Abstract: A packing, interposed between respective ends of electric wire tubes serving as tubular members opposed to each other, includes a main body and an elastic member. The main body is inserted through inner-diameter-openings of the respective ends of the electric wire tubes, respectively. The elastic member is situated substantially at a center of the main body and the respective ends of the electric wire tubes are abutted against the elastic member. The electric wire tubes joined with each other through the packing are inserted into the body constituting the coupling. Then, grip portions of the body are forced into a grip case. The body is thereby decreased in diameter, and hence the electric wire tubes are fastened in a biting manner by the body.

Abstract: A wellhead seal assembly has a primary seal and a secondary seal, each seal forming a metal-to-metal seal between inner and outer wellhead members. A primary metal seal ring has inner and outer walls separated by a slot. A secondary metal seal is located below the seal ring and has a bottom portion that contacts an upward facing shoulder of a hanger. A primary energizing exerts downward force on the primary seal, causing a secondary energizing ring, located below the primary energizing ring, to energize the secondary seal. Once the secondary seal is energized, thus stopping downward movement of the (primary seal and secondary energizing ring, the primary energizing ring energizes the primary seal.

Abstract: A seal assembly for sealing an annular space between an inner and an outer pipe in a double-walled subsea pipeline which seal assembly comprises an annular member (1) and moveable blocking means (2, 3) and: (a) under normal operating conditions is in a non-sealing position which allows the passage of a gas through said seal assembly; and (b) is actuatable from a non-sealing position to a sealing position in response to the entry of liquid into said annular space.

Abstract: A sealing system between a tubular and a chassis. In some embodiments, the sealing system includes a sealing member and an outer ring. The sealing member is compressed between the chassis and the tubular. The sealing member has a temperature and comprises a resilient material that is expandable as the temperature increases and contractible as the temperature decreases. The outer ring is displaceable to close an annulus between an outer surface of the outer ring and the inner surface of the tubular by expansion of the sealing element, whereby the sealing member is prevented from extruding into the annulus. Further, the outer ring comprises a compliant material that is deformable under load from the sealing element as the sealing element expands.

Abstract: A self adjusting excluder sub includes a first subassembly; a second subassembly with respect to which the first subassembly is axially movable; and a support disposed at the second subassembly and when actuated being resiliently disposed against the first subassembly while being laterally movable relative to the first and second subassemblies jointly and method.

Abstract: A packer device includes an elastomeric packer element which is seated upon an inner sleeve that surrounds a central inner mandrel. The inner sleeve and the inner mandrel are oriented at an angle of departure with respect to the central axis of the tool, thereby providing a ramp assembly which helps to set the packer device. An anchor ring and a retaining ring are located on opposite axial sides of the packer element and contact the surrounding tubular member.

Abstract: A well casing assembly comprises a length of line having two packer/seal assemblies at the upper end thereof and two packer/seal assemblies at the lower end thereof. The lower end packer/seal assemblies are inverted relative to the upper end packer/seal assemblies. By appropriate design of the setting elements of the packer/seal assemblies, each is selected to have a different setting force. Accordingly, when the tool is set by longitudinal compression thereof, the packer/seal assemblies set in a pre-determined sequence. The packer/seal assemblies are preferably of the type in which an annular slip is expanded by means of a swage. Variations in the setting force may be obtained by variations in material characteristics and/or thickness or by variations in the swage ramp angle, or by any other suitable means.

Abstract: A method of sealing an annulus formed between a casing string and a surface in a well includes: positioning a seal element in the annulus, a swellable material of the seal element being positioned between the casing string and the surface; and flowing cement through a channel formed between the swellable material and the casing string. A method of sealing in a well includes the steps of: positioning an annular seal element comprising a swellable material in the well; and flowing cement into at least one channel formed longitudinally through the seal element. A method of sealing an annulus between two casing strings includes: providing multiple arcuate segments, each of the segments comprising a swellable material; and installing the segments in the annulus, each of the segments thereby occupying a respective circumferential portion of the annulus.

Abstract: A packer (80) for establishing sealing engagement with a surface disposed in a wellbore includes a packer mandrel (90) and a seal assembly (100, 102, 104) slidably disposed about the packer mandrel (90). The seal assembly (100, 102, 104) has a running position and a radially expanded sealing position. A piston (122) is slidably disposed about the packer mandrel (90) and operably associated with the seal assembly (100, 102, 104). A collet assembly 145 is disposed about the packer mandrel (90) and is releasably coupled to the piston (122) such that radially inwardly shifting at least portion of the collet assembly (145) decouples the collet assembly (145) from the piston (122) allowing the piston (122) to shift longitudinally relative to the packer mandrel (90) which operates the seal assembly (100, 102, 104) from the running position to the radially expanded sealing position, thereby setting the packer (80).

Abstract: A tubing string assembly is disclosed for fluid treatment of a wellbore. The tubing string can be used for staged wellbore fluid treatment where a selected segment of the wellbore is treated, while other segments are sealed off. The tubing string can also be used where a ported tubing string is required to be run in in a pressure tight condition and later is needed to be in an open-port condition.

Abstract: An annular seal device includes a mandrel, at least one cone axially moveable on the mandrel, at least one sealing element having a frustoconical outer surface and a frustoconical inner surface, at least one contact feature at the at least one cone and operably engageable with the at least one sealing element, and at least one of a blocking element and a resilient member at the mandrel, the at least one of a blocking element and a resilient member supporting a blocking surface in opposition to the at least one contact feature. The resilient member itself includes a tubular body having spring rings at axial ends thereof, and a plurality of beams extending spirally from one axial end to the other axial end.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a tubular seal apparatus. The seal apparatus includes, a first tubular positioned coaxially with a second tubular having an annular space therebetween, a frustoconical portion at the first tubular having a first end and a second end, such that a radial dimension of the annular space is larger at the first end than at the second end and a tubular seal positioned within the annular space. The seal apparatus further includes an urging member in operable communication with the tubular seal, the urging member is axially movable relative to the frustoconical portion such that movement of the urging member toward the second end of the frustoconical portion urges the tubular seal into sealing engagement with the frustoconical portion and causes diametrical deformation of the tubular seal to thereby sealingly engage with the second tubular.

Abstract: To provide a novel gland packing and a sealing apparatus comprising this, wherein the gland packing displays high and stable sealability for a stem and an inner wall surface of a stuffing box even for uses further requesting the movability (rotation and reciprocating movement), and further, gives excellent effects, such as decrease of moving resistance of a stem, shape stability, adaptability to a corroded and worn-out stem and stuffing box, function for receiving shafts, easiness of equipment, simplification of sealing structure, and compactness of a sealing apparatus.

Abstract: A pad plunger assembly, for use in gas well tubing, includes an elongated mandrel having opposite ends and a longitudinal axis extending between the opposite ends, a pair of opposite end members each attached to one of the opposite ends of the mandrel, and a seal-forming pad subassembly disposed about the mandrel and between the opposite end members thereon. The pad subassembly has an outer exterior surface of an annular concave configuration formed by opposite end portions of the outer exterior surface being disposed farther radially outwardly from the longitudinal axis of the mandrel than an intermediate portion of the outer exterior surface is disposed radially outwardly from the longitudinal axis of the mandrel such that a frictional seal which generates reduced friction is provided on the interior wall surface of the gas well tubing.

Abstract: A seal structure is provided for a downhole tool. In a described embodiment, a seal structure includes a seal support ring having at least one annular groove formed thereon and a longitudinal axis. At least one seal is included in the seal structure. The seal is disposed at least partially in the groove, and the seal is bonded to the ring. An annular recess is positioned longitudinally between opposing side walls of the groove. The recess may be formed in a body of the seal.

Abstract: A hydrostatically set packer is disclosed. The actuating piston is locked for run in by a lock sleeve and lock dog arrangement. When the desired depth is reached well pressure is built up to break a rupture disc to allow hydrostatic pressure to act on one side of a lock sleeve. The other side of the lock sleeve is exposed to a chamber under atmospheric or low pressure. Movement of the lock sleeve releases the lock dog allowing piston movement to set the packer. The lock sleeve has a labyrinth seal so that seal leakage below a predetermined level will not prematurely activate the piston lock and prematurely set the packer. A variety of designs for the labyrinth are described.

Abstract: A packer comprises an elastomeric member (2) which, in use, will deform radially when subjected to axial pressure. A plurality of steel fingers (3, 4) are vulcanized onto the elastomeric member (2). One end of each steel finger (3, 4) is accomodated in a recess in a bearing ring (5). The cross section of the fingers (3, 4) is generally wedge-shaped so that, when axial pressure is applied to the elastomeric member (2), the fingers (3, 4) pivot outwardly yet completely circumscribe the sealing member (2). The packer is particularly useful for applications where the packer must pass through a relatively narrow opening yet seal a relatively wide tubular.

Abstract: A seal stack includes one or more first seals that are adapted to seal in at least a first range of temperatures. The seal stack also includes a second seal that is adjacent to at least one of the first seals. The second seal is adapted to seal in at least a lower range of temperatures than the first range of temperatures.

Abstract: A high temperature and high pressure packer and method for sealing an annulus in a wellbore is provided. The packer can withstand temperatures up to 450° F. and differential pressures up to 15,000 psi. In one aspect, the packer comprises a body; and a sealing system disposed about the body including an element having an anti-extrusion ring at an end thereof, wherein the sealing system is compressible in length and expandable in outer diameter to seal the annulus.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides a seal assembly, or seal array, having a seal body and one or more non-extrusion end rings to prevent or minimize extrusion of the seal body between either the packer assembly and the casing or between the packer assembly and the gauge ring used to energize the seal assembly. More particularly, the end ring of the present invention has discrete deformable portions, which may be integrally encapsulated within a resilient cover or which may be provided as separate end ring members. The discrete deformable portions may further be provided with a deformable hinge portion formed therebetween.

Abstract: A sealing element system for a downhole packer reduces the tendency of the elements to extrude. Mechanical limits are provided to the amount of force that can be passed onto the uppermost and lowermost components of a sealing element system by providing a limit on the longitudinal compression available against a gauge ring. The gauge rings are roughened to also grab the uppermost and lowermost elements to fight the tendency to extrude. The uppermost and lowermost elements are configured with an external groove to control the way they deform into a sealing relationship with the tubing and casing so that extrusion into the gap is reduced.