Abstract: Pipeline isolation tool for sealing extrusion gaps of up to about 20% or greater includes a pair of fenced barriers (60, 160) having overlapping segments (68/70, 168/170) for restraining a seal (40). The segments expand to a pipe wall before the seal to prevent transition of seal medium over the segments and form a support wall for the seal. The support wall may include a protection ring (200). Springs (80, 180) surround each fenced barrier for returning the support system to a relaxed position. Inner rings (90, 190) are provided on sealing element facing surfaces (64, 164) of the fenced barrier for supporting the segments. The inner rings define a smooth inner guiding surface (92, 192) for the seal. The guiding surface is tilted inwardly towards the seal for resisting the sealing element during expansion and for preventing an inside diameter of the seal from expanding outwardly when compressed.

Abstract: A downhole tool of this disclosure includes a set/reset ring located adjacent a gauge ring which is opposite at least one sealing member. The set/reset ring is arranged to move between an unset diameter at least equal to the unset diameter of the sealing member and a set diameter at least equal to the set diameter of the sealing member. The set/reset ring is like a coil spring having at least two full turns and, therefore, a 360° face surface when in its unset and set diameters. When a setting mandrel moves toward the sealing member, the sealing member moves to its set diameter and the set/reset ring moves into its set diameter. When the setting mandrel moves away from the sealing member, the sealing member returns to its unset diameter and the set/reset ring returns to its unset diameter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus according to which a backup ring is radially expanded to prevent, or at least reduce, extrusion of a sealing element. The backup ring includes an inner ring segment and an outer ring segment. The inner ring segment defines opposing first and second end portions. The outer ring segment defines opposing third and fourth end portions. The third end portion of the outer ring segment telescopically receives, and overlaps, the first end portion of the inner ring segment. Radially expanding the backup ring includes sliding the backup ring up an external tapered surface of a wedge ramp. Sliding the backup ring up the external tapered surface of the wedge ramp telescopes the first end portion of the inner ring segment outwardly from the third end portion of the outer ring segment.

Abstract: A length of coiled tubing is installed into a horizontal side-track wellbore. The coiled tubing has a pre-perforated section that defines perforations between a first end of the perforated section and a second end of the perforated section. The perforated section is positioned to align with a zone of interest within the horizontal side-track wellbore. A first isolation packer surrounds the length of coiled tubing. The first isolation packer is attached to the length of coiled tubing at the first end of the pre-perforated section. A second isolation packer surrounds the length of coiled tubing. The second isolation packer is attached to the length of coiled tubing at the second end of the pre-perforated section.

Abstract: An electrical submersible pump (“ESP”) has a seal member that carries a packer. A retainer initially retains the packer in a fixed axial position with the seal member as the ESP is lowered into a well conduit. The retainer is releasable after the packer has been set in the conduit in response to a thermal growth axial force on the seal member, enabling relative axial movement between the seal member and the packer. The seal member has annular seal rings that extend over an axial length on the tubular member that is greater than an axial length of the bore of the packer.

Abstract: A setting adapter assembly for setting a plug is provided, it comprises a setting body, a crossover sub, a shear ring connecting the setting body and the crossover sub temporarily, a rotating dog carrier at a lower end of the setting body, a plurality of rotating dogs accommodated in the rotating dog carrier; an inner mandrel, The rotating dogs are in their vertical position to compress the plug during a process of setting the plug, and during a process of withdrawing, the rotating dogs rotate 90 degrees into their horizontal position driven by the inner mandrel to allow the setting adapter assembly pass through the plug.

Abstract: A completion tool comprises a mandrel; a swellable element disposed about the mandrel; and a protective layer disposed on a surface of the swellable element and configured to inhibit diffusion of a downhole fluid to the swellable element; the protective layer comprising a degradable textile-based composite.

Abstract: A sealing device comprising an intermediate bushing, which is located between an outer sleeve and an inner member mounted therein so as to be movable relative thereto and which forms a gap seal, is designed in such a way that chambers that can be filled with a pressurized fluid are provided between the intermediate bushing and the adjacent outer sleeve.

Abstract: A rotating control device can include a latch assembly with a lock ring that permits displacement of an inner mandrel in one longitudinal direction, and prevents displacement of the inner mandrel in an opposite longitudinal direction. Another rotating control device can include a latch assembly and an equalization valve having an open configuration in which fluid communication is permitted between an exterior and an interior of the rotating control device through the equalization valve, the latch assembly changing from a latched to an unlatched configuration only when the equalization valve is in the open configuration. A method of installing a rotating control device can include releasing a running tool from the rotating control device by producing relative rotation between components of the running tool.

Abstract: A packer system includes a gauge ring, an expanding ring arranged adjacent to the gauge ring, a back-up ring, a packer element arranged adjacent to the back-up ring, and a support ring arranged between the back-up ring and the expanding ring. The support ring promotes radial outward expansion of the expanding ring.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a downhole expandable tubular to be expanded in a well downhole from a first outer diameter to a second outer diameter to abut against an inner face of a casing or borehole, the downhole expandable tubular having an outer face and a longitudinal extension and comprising at least one first circumferential edge and at least one second circumferential edge provided on the outer face and spaced apart in the longitudinal extension, wherein a sealing element and a split ring-shaped retaining element are arranged between the first and second circumferential edges, the split ring-shaped retaining element forming a back-up for the sealing element and wherein the split ring-shaped retaining element has more than one winding, so that when the expandable tubular is expanded from the first outer diameter to the second outer diameter, the split ring-shaped retaining element partly unwinds. Furthermore, the present invention relates to an annular barrier.

Abstract: A method for forming a flange collar constituting a cement foundation in a casing annulus, includes the steps of installing a casing section comprising an internal sleeve axially displaceable by a conveyed tool for opening a casing cementing outlet; the internal sleeve connected through radial bolts through axial-parallel slots through the casing wall to a casing-external sleeve, the casing-external sleeve abutting against a first edge of a deformable metal sleeve having its opposite, second end abutting axially against a radial shoulder on the casing section; using the drill pipe conveyed tool for axially displacing the internal sleeve thus forcing the external sleeve to deforming the metal sleeve to a radially extending flange collar radially extending across the casing annulus, and ejecting cement via the casing cementing outlet to the annulus, allowing the cement to distribute above the formed radially extending flange collar, and allowing the cement to settle in the annulus.

Abstract: Linear movement via a sliding mandrel configured to translate axially is converted into radial movement to compress a packer. The packer is configured to seal an item of oilfield equipment typically in a subsea environment. The packer may also be used to return or reverse the radial movement and/or the linear movement.

Abstract: A fluid saver tool for deploying in a wireline string comprises a main shaft having a concentric seat attached to a lower end of the main shaft and a variable-diameter piston assembly concentrically disposed on the main shaft and seated against the concentric seat. A concentric thrust bushing is installed on the main shaft in contact with an upper end of variable diameter piston opposite from the concentric seat. The tool enables the deployment operation to be accomplished with much less water, lower pump pressures and energy losses, and substantially less time required to complete the operation.

Abstract: A system including, a mineral extraction component, a conduit fitting coupled to the mineral extraction component, a floating seal insert disposed in the conduit fitting. The floating seal insert including a feature configured to tune a fluid dynamic characteristic along a liquid flow path through the conduit fitting and the floating seal insert. Furthermore, the fluid dynamic characteristic can be shockwaves, flow rate, turbulence, etc.

Abstract: A plug for isolating a wellbore. The plug can include a mandrel having a bore formed therethrough, at least one sealing element disposed about the mandrel, at least one slip disposed about the mandrel, at least one conical member disposed about the mandrel, and an insert disposed at least partially within the bore of the mandrel. The insert can include a body, at least one circumferential groove disposed on an outer surface of the body, wherein the at least one circumferential groove is adapted to retain an elastomeric seal, and at least one interface disposed on an end of the body for securing the insert into the mandrel. The body can also have a bore formed only partially therethrough or a bore formed completely therethrough with the body being adapted to receive an impediment that restricts fluid flow in at least one direction through the body. At least one of the body and the impediment can include one or more decomposable materials.

Abstract: An insert for a downhole plug for use in a wellbore is provided, comprising a body having a bore at least partially formed therethrough, wherein one or more threads are disposed on an outer surface of the body for engaging the plug; and at least one interface is disposed on an end of the body for connecting to a tool to screw the insert into at least a portion of the plug.

Abstract: An inflatable sleeve or packer includes a mandrel that extends along a longitudinal axis and a sealed inflatable jacket which is connected to the mandrel and selectively adopts a rest configuration or a maximum inflation configuration. The sleeve also includes a restraining sheath which covers the inflatable jacket and is at least partially formed by essentially inextensible fibers including peripheral fibers which each extend around the longitudinal axis, the peripheral fibers adopting a pleated configuration for the rest configuration of the jacket and a stretched configuration for the maximum inflation configuration thereof.

Abstract: A method and assembly for reducing a radial gap between radially proximate components including a setting member having a first dimension that partially defines the radial gap, the setting member including a circumferential groove extending radially from the first dimension, and a first toroid having a second dimension, the setting member operatively arranged to engage with the first toroid, wherein increasingly engaging the setting member with the first toroid enables a boundary dimension of the assembly to be extended toward the radial gap for reducing the radial gap, the circumferential groove operatively arranged to catch the first toroid when the setting member is fully engaged with the first toroid.

Abstract: A system and method facilitates actuation of an energized device, such as a packer. The technique provides an actuating force with a thermally expandable material located in a container. The thermally expandable material is operatively coupled with an element, such as a packer sealing element, via an actuator member. When the container and the thermally expandable material are positioned in a high heat environment, the thermally expandable material expands and actuates the element via the actuator member. In packer applications, the thermally expandable material may be used to continuously energize the packer sealing element and/or other components while the thermally expandable material is positioned in the high heat environment.

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 seal system selectively set between coaxial downhole tubulars seals between the tubulars; the system also locks the tubulars together to resist relative axial movement from thermal expansion. The seal system includes a seal element with a nose ring that couples a lock-down ring to both the inner and outer tubulars. Before inserting the seal system between the tubulars, the lock-down ring is disposed in a groove on the inner tubular. Setting the seal system drives a lower tip of the nose ring between the lock-down ring and inner tubular, thereby urging the lock-down ring radially outward. A portion of the lock-down ring remains in the groove, while an outer radial portion of the lock-down ring inserts into a profile on the outer tubular. Axial movement of a tubular transfers force to the other tubular through the lock-down ring, while a minimal amount of force transfers through the seal system.

Abstract: A seal assembly for use in a tubular includes a mandrel, a compressible seal member disposed around the mandrel, a first piston assembly in contact with a first end of the seal member, and a second piston assembly in contact with a second end of the seal member. The first piston assembly includes a piston head, and a piston extension sealing member integrally formed with the piston head, and extending at least partially between the mandrel and the compressible seal member. The compressible seal member forms a seal with the tubular when at least one of the piston assemblies is urged toward the compressible seal member.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally provide a packer for use within a conduit, such as casing, having non-extrusion rings. The non-extrusion ring is comprised of rigid segments, a support ring and an elastic matrix.

Abstract: A stuffing box for a polished rod used with a downhole pump uses injectable packing to provide a seal around the polished rod. The stuffing box has a chamber for receiving the packing. The chamber has an opening to allow the addition of packing to the chamber. The packing is maintained in a compacted condition by either injecting additional packing through the opening or adjusting the volume of the chamber.

Abstract: A wellhead seal assembly that forms a metal-to-metal seal between inner and outer wellhead members. A metal seal ring has inner and outer legs that are threaded to each other and separated by a slot and provide bi-directional sealing. The threaded connection provides a pathway for annular pressure into the slot. The inner and outer legs have inner and outer walls, respectively. Inner and outer legs have a soft metal inlay on their interior surfaces. Wickers may be located on the outer surface of the inner wellhead member and on the inner surface of the outer wellhead member. An energizing ring is moved into the slot to force the outer and inner walls of the seal into sealing engagement with the inner and outer wellhead members. The soft metal inlays deform onto the energizing ring. If present, wickers on the wellhead members embed into the walls of the seal ring.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a wellbore is provided. The apparatus comprises a mandrel, a sealing element carried on the mandrel, the sealing element being radially expandable from a first run-in diameter to a second set diameter in response to application of axial force on the sealing element, and an extrusion limiting assembly carried on the mandrel and proximate the sealing element. The extrusion limiting assembly comprises a plurality of separate segments and a first circumferential band that retains the plurality of segments in a ring shape and substantially covers an outer circumferential surface of the plurality of segments while in a run-in condition of the apparatus.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally provide a packer for use within a conduit, such as casing, having a non-extrusion ring. The non-extrusion ring is comprised of hard segments and an elastic matrix.

Abstract: A temperature activated actuator installed on a tubular to actuate an adjacent device may include one or more shape-memory alloy elements. The elements may be coupled between a first portion and a second portion of a device, or the elements may be coupled between the tubular and a portion of the device. The elements are activated by raising the temperature to a transition temperature to cause metallurgical phase transformation, causing the elements to shrink and displace at least a portion of the device. The actuator may be used, for example, to actuate a centralizer from a run-in mode to a deployed mode or, alternately, to actuate a packing member from a run-in mode to an isolating mode. A nickel-titanium alloy, for example, may be used as the shape-memory alloy material from which the shape-memory element is made.

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 release assembly 145 is disposed about the packer mandrel (90) and is releasably coupled to the piston (122) such that actuation of the release assembly (145) decouples the release assembly (145) from the piston (122) allowing the piston (122) to shift longitudinally relative to the packer mandrel (90) to operate the seal assembly (100, 102, 104) from the running position to the radially expanded sealing position, thereby setting the packer (80).

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally provide a packer for use within a conduit, such as casing, having a non-extrusion ring. The non-extrusion ring is comprised of hard segments and an elastic matrix.

Abstract: An expandable downhole seal includes a sealing portion and a deflecting portion adapted to move axially relative to each other to effect radial displacement of the sealing portion, wherein at least one of the sealing portion and the deflecting portion includes a swelling material. In use, radial expansion of the downhole seal may be achieved by the radial displacement of the sealing portion in combination with swelling of the swellable material. A support member is provided to support the sealing portion and deflecting portion.

Abstract: An anchoring device for tool is disclosed that can be positioned downhole and used in casing. The anchoring device can have an architecture that supports installation by running downhole and into engagement with a recess formed in the casing. The anchoring device can support the use of weak materials such as plastic.

Abstract: A well tool including swellable material and integrated fluid for initiating swelling. A well tool includes a swellable material and a reservoir for containing a fluid of a type which causes the swellable material to swell. A method of swelling a swellable material included in a well tool includes the steps of: positioning the well tool in a well; and then activating a fluid to cause swelling of the swellable material. A method of swelling a swellable material includes the steps of: providing the swellable material which is capable of swelling when contacted by a fluid; positioning the swellable material in an environment in which the swellable material is contacted by another fluid which does not cause the material to swell; and swelling the swellable material by contacting the swellable material with the first fluid while the swellable material remains in contact with the other fluid.

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: An inflatable sleeve or packer includes a mandrel that extends along a longitudinal axis and a sealed inflatable jacket which is connected to the mandrel and selectively adopts a rest configuration or a maximum inflation configuration. The sleeve also includes a restraining sheath which covers the inflatable jacket and is at least partially formed by essentially inextensible fibres including peripheral fibres which each extend around the longitudinal axis, the peripheral fibres adopting a pleated configuration for the rest configuration of the jacket and a stretched configuration for the maximum inflation configuration thereof.

Abstract: A seal assembly for a reciprocating shaft includes a body having a bore and a shaft adapted to move reciprocally within the body between an extended position extending from the body and a retracted position retracted within the body. The shaft has a first seal travel area which is in contact with a first seal during axial reciprocating movement of the shaft. The shaft has a second seal travel area which is in contact with a second seal during axial reciprocating movement of the shaft. The first seal travel area and the second seal travel area are axially spaced separate and distinct areas on the shaft. Damage to the exposed portion of the first seal travel area leading to a failure of the first circumferential seal, does not lead to failure of the second circumferential seal.

Abstract: A swellable packer with composite material end rings. A packer assembly includes at least one generally tubular seal element extending longitudinally between opposite ends thereof. At least one end ring is positioned proximate one of the seal element opposite ends. The end ring includes a nonmetal material. A method of constructing a packer assembly includes the steps of: chemically bonding at least one end ring to a base pipe; providing at least one generally tubular seal element which extends longitudinally between opposite ends thereof; and restricting longitudinal displacement of the seal element relative to the base pipe utilizing the end ring positioned at one of its opposite ends.

Abstract: An annular packer device, wherein the annular packer is expandable in an annulus between an inner body and an outer boundary, and wherein the annular packer is sealingly movable along at least one of the inner body and the outer boundary.

Abstract: The present invention is a packer for sealing an annular region in a wellbore. The packer includes a packing element which is held through bidirectional forces. The packer first comprises an inner mandrel. Disposed around the inner mandrel are three tubulars: (1) a top sleeve; (2) a bottom sleeve; and (3) a booster sleeve. A packing element is disposed circumferentially around the outer surface of the booster sleeve. The top sleeve and bottom sleeve each include an upper compression member which rides across the booster sleeve in order to compress the packing element. The packing element is expanded outward from the packer to engage a surrounding string of casing through compressive forces provided by the top and bottom sleeves. Thereafter, differential pressure applied above or below the packer acting on the packer element and booster sleeve may provide additional compression of the packer element.

Abstract: A high expansion packer or bridge plug is described. It features an external portion of a soft material that flows into spiral exterior leak paths formed when the sealing element is subjected to longitudinal compression. Preferably, the sealing element is an elastomer such as cured rubber, while the outer material is a soft uncured or somewhat cured rubber. The outer covering may itself be covered for protection when running in with such protective covering breaking or otherwise getting out of the way during the element compression process. As a result of compression, the soft material occupies the exterior helical or other leak paths for a sufficient length along the sealing element to withstand high differential pressures, without leakage.

Abstract: Present invention is a packer for sealing an annular region in a wellbore. The packer includes a packing element which is held through bi-directional forces. The packer first comprises an inner mandrel. Disposed around the inner mandrel are three tubulars: (1) a top sleeve; (2) a bottom sleeve; and (3) a booster sleeve. A packing element is disposed circumferentially around the outer surface of the booster sleeve. The top sleeve and bottom sleeve each include an upper compression member which rides across the booster sleeve in order to compress the packing element. The packing element is expanded outward from the packer to engage a surrounding string of casing through compressive forces provided by the top and bottom sleeves. Thereafter, differential pressure applied above or below the packer acting on the packer element and booster sleeve may provide additional compression of the packer element.

Abstract: A packing element, which is a composite structure, contains the sealing portion to minimize extrusion. The element is retained in tension when running in to minimize damage. In the preferred embodiment, a collapsing sleeve transfers setting force applied at one end, to the opposite end to avoid the problem of bunching up the element adjacent to where it is being compressed which could, if not addressed, result in insufficiently low sealing contact pressure in regions remote from where the pushing force is applied.

Abstract: A high pressure ring seal for tube assembly joints provides structural foundation ring having inside and outside circumferential channels between end rims. The channels and rims are separated by a web of integral ring material. This web is perforated by a plurality of apertures. As an integral coating within both channels and integrally tied through the web apertures is a coating of polymer sealant material. Inside and outside faces of the sealant are pressure equalized by vent apertures through the web apertures.

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 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 downhole packer in a well removably seals an annular space between an inner tube and an outer tube or well casing in a well bore. The packer provides a metal to metal tapered seal between a female sealing element having a tapered inner sealing surface and a male sealing element having a tapered outer sealing surface. Each sealing element has tubing welded to upper and lower faces as required to provide a resealable annular space that may be filled with corrosion resistant fluid under pressure. The pressure is then monitored to detect leaks. Repairs may be made by lifting out the tube, repairing the leak, and lowering the tube until the two sealing surfaces mate.

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.