Abstract: An annular seal system for sealing between a casing hanger and a wellhead housing, the system including an actuator ring having a rigid portion and a flexible portion, and a lockdown ring positioned adjacent the actuator ring. The annular seal system further includes a seal assembly capable of moving from a de-energized position to an energized position, wherein when the seal assembly is in the de-energized position there is defined a space between the seal assembly and the rigid portion of the actuator ring, and when the seal assembly is in the energized position the space is closed, the rigid portion of the actuator ring contacts a surface of the casing hanger, and the flexible portion of the actuator ring pushes the lockdown ring into engagement with the wellhead, the flexible portion of the actuator ring adapted to axially compress to allow positional variation between the lockdown ring and the wellhead housing.

Abstract: An isolation device for use with a casing gas separator. The device incorporates multiple cups, some upward-facing and others downward-facing. The downward-facing cup or cups seal against an internal surface of the casing gas separator to divert flow into the annulus of the separator and enable the separation process. The upward-facing cup or cups hold a pressurized fluid when the device is being located within the casing. Upon reaching the upper ports of the casing gas separator, the fluid releases into the annulus, allowing an operator to determine the location of the device and accurately place it within the casing gas separator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is shown for measuring diameter of sucker rods during reworking of an oil well. Diameters are compared to known data tables to determine if a sucker rod should be replaced. If undue wear has occurred to the guides, the sucker rod will be replaced. If wear is excessive, additions guides will be added to the replacement sucker rod.

Abstract: A polish rod seal comprising: a post with a bottom end, top part, and circumferential flange situated between the bottom end and top part; a collar that fits over the top part of the post, the collar having one or more internal channels into which O-rings are inserted and positioned between the collar and top part of the post; and a barrel with a bottom end and two internal bushings, each of which has one or more internal channels into which O-rings are inserted. The bottom end of the barrel screws into the top part of the post. A bracket is attached to the circumferential flange and secures the collar on the top part of the post while still allowing it to flex on the post. A polish rod extends through the post, collar and barrel and is in contact with the O-rings in the internal bushings.

Abstract: A compliant element has first and second sections which are separated by a gap. The first and second sections have respective surfaces opposing each other across the gap. The first and second sections are interconnected by flexure elements which are integral with the first and second sections and which extend across the gap. At least part of each flexure element extends obliquely across the gap. Movement of the sections towards and away from each other is accompanied by flexing of the flexure elements.

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: Systems and methods for replacing equipment at a wellsite, the wellsite having a subsea stripper installed proximate a subsea borehole. The system has at least one seal assembly portion, at least one seal replacement arm and an actuator. The seal assembly portion(s) is (are) positionable in the subsea stripper and replaceable therefrom. The seal assembly portion(s) has (have) a packer extendable within the subsea stripper to form a seal about the subsea stripper. The seal replacement arm(s) is (are) for replacing the seal assembly portion(s) through a door of the subsea stripper. The actuator is for remotely actuating the seal replacement arm(s) to engage the seal assembly portion(s) whereby the seal assembly portion(s) is (are) remotely replaceable.

Abstract: A self energizing structure can function as a centralizer or as a seal when allowed to spring out after a retainer is moved away from an overlying position for run in to protect the structure. Segments extend from a common base ring and are radially offset during run in. Alternating segments have landing surfaces on opposed ends such that on release of the structure the intervening segments land on such surfaces to form a cohesive single layer with all segments circumferentially aligned and against a surrounding tubular or the borehole wall. The structure is held retracted with a bi-directionally movable sleeve operable in a variety of ways from the surface. Internally the sleeve has splines to push the segments with the landing surfaces back so that the structure can collapse back into the sleeve for removal. Structures can be stacked and used as centralizers with alternating segments removed.

Abstract: A method of sealing annular space between an upright outer tube and an upright inner tube extending within the outer tube along an axial direction thereof involves pouring a liquid seal material into the annular space onto a support member fitted within the annular space between the outer tube and the inner tube in a manner substantially closing around the inner tube. The liquid seal material is poured in an amount sufficient to fill radial space between the inner tube and the outer tube fully around the inner tube, the liquid seal material is then cured to form an annular seal between the inner tube and the outer tube. The method is useful in sealing of the annular spacing between the surface and production casing of a gas well and installing a venting system to facilitate controlled venting of the annular space.

Abstract: A locking assembly for seals within inner and outer members. The locking assembly includes a segmented tube with an inner surface that is segmented into a plurality of pieces cut in radial or reversed angles to allow assembling segments in a circumferential groove machined in the internal diameter of a housing. The housing has an internal diameter that is smaller than the outside diameter of the segmented tube. The segments that make up the segmented tubing are locked into place within the housing via a bushing or locking ring that match a profile on the inner surface of the segmented tube to lockingly engage. The bushing and segmented tube retain a lower inner seal in place and support an upper inner seal. The segmented design of the segmented tube allows for smaller diameter members to be used and minimizes leak paths.

Abstract: A seal assembly between a wellhead housing having a bore and a casing hanger, has an inner seal leg for sealing against hanger and an outer seal leg for sealing against housing. An extension extends downward from outer seal leg and is connected to a nose ring having a downward facing shoulder that rests on the hanger shoulder to provide a reaction point for setting operations. A sealing surface on the seal legs is heat treated to obtain a lower localized yield strength to provide improved sealing while maintaining mechanical load capability.

Abstract: A seal assembly is inserted within an annulus between inner and outer coaxially disposed annular members having a common axis. The seal assembly includes a seal stack having a compliant element sandwiched between two anti-extrusion elements that contain the flow of the compliant element. The seal assembly also includes a sealing ring and a locking ring coupled to the sealing ring. The seal assembly also includes an energizing ring configured to be moved axially in a first direction by a ring tool to apply an axial force to the locking ring, which in turn acts on the sealing ring to radially deform the sealing ring into sealing engagement with the annular members. Continued axial movement of the locking ring in the first direction radially deforms the locking ring into locking engagement with the annular members.

Abstract: A technique for subsea intervention operations utilizes a retrievable dynamic seal assembly. The retrievable dynamic seal assembly is deployed toward a seabed and locked into place within a tubular member at a subsea installation. During deployment, the dynamic seal assembly is releasably locked to an intervention tool string coupled to a conveyance. Once the dynamic seal assembly is locked in place within the tubular, the tool string is released and the dynamic seal assembly maintains a seal against the conveyance during an intervention operation.

Abstract: A tubular hanger and tubular hanger seal are installed in a wellhead with a setting tool. The tubular hanger has a locking ring that is driven outward into engagement with a profile in the wellhead. The setting tool rotates a moveable member of the tubular hanger relative to the tubular hanger body so as to drive the moveable member to expand the locking ring outward to engage the profile in the wellhead. The moveable member may be wedged between the locking ring and the tubular hanger body. The setting tool enables the moveable member and the tubular hanger body to be rotated independently. The annulus between the tubular hanger and the wellhead may be sealed by a seal that has a plurality of sealing elements that are coupled together by a series of catches.

Abstract: A system in some embodiments includes a system, having a seal assembly, including an inner energizing ring, an outer energizing ring, a load ring disposed between the inner energizing ring and the outer energizing ring, a sealing element, and a lock ring. Further other embodiments provide a method of sealing, including rotating an inner energizing ring in a direction to move the inner energizing ring in a first axial direction to seat a seal, rotating an outer energizing ring in the direction to wedgingly engage and set a lock ring in a radial direction, and rotating a load ring in the direction to move the load ring in a second axial direction to set the lock ring.

Abstract: Sealing devices for use in a wellbore to seal a leak path through an inner wall surface of the wellbore comprise a mandrel, an expandable element, and a shape deforming sealing element. Expansion or inflation of the expandable element moves the shape deforming sealing element from its run-in shape to its set shape. A stimulus, such as a change in temperature, acts upon the shape deforming sealing element facilitating the shape deforming sealing element changing shape. Removal of the stimulus causes the shape deforming sealing element to remain in the set shape. Thereafter, the mandrel and expandable element can be removed to leave only the shape deforming sealing element within the wellbore to seal the leak path.

Abstract: A seal assembly for sealing between wellhead members in a wellhead, the assembly may include a seal element and a lockdown member. The seal assembly is attachable to either one of the wellhead members by coupling the lockdown member to a locking surface on the wellhead member. The lockdown member and locking surface may include corresponding profiles for mating engagement thereby preventing relative movement between the wellhead member and seal assembly.

Abstract: A configurable insert for a downhole tool. The configurable insert can have a body having a bore formed therethrough, at least one shear groove disposed on the body, wherein the body separates at the shear groove when exposed to a predetermined force, applied by a threadably engaged component therewith, at least one shoulder disposed within the bore, the shoulder formed by a transition between a larger inner diameter and a smaller inner diameter of the bore, wherein the shoulder is adapted to receive one or more impediments at least partially within the bore, and one or more threads disposed on an outer surface of the body for connecting the body to a downhole tool.

Abstract: A swelling packer is covered with a material that is preferably in a tubular form and slipped over the swelling element to be shrink fit with applied heat. The material is formulated to break down at temperatures slightly below the expected downhole temperatures so that ideally the packer has about 48 hours of swelling delay which is normally a time period long enough to allow it to be properly located without it swelling so much as to cause it to be damaged by running in. Various polymers can be used to make an imperious covering for run in that on the way starts to break down. Ideally the material for the cover disappears about the time of sealing or shortly thereafter.

Abstract: A reusable metal seal for a wellhead provides a metal-to-metal seal and includes upper and lower tapered sealing flanks which may be deflected by tapered wall surfaces on the wellhead engaging the taper sealing flanks, and the seal may have a plurality of annular relief grooves.

Abstract: A stuffing box apparatus for sealing between a polish rod in a hydrocarbon production well comprises a tubular housing arranged for connection to the well which has a bore therethrough to receive the polish rod. Sealing members are supported in the bore of the housing in an upper stack and a lower stack of smaller outer diameter separated by an intermediate bushing. An upper bushing compresses the upper stack against the intermediate bushing. The lower bushing fixes the lower stack against the bottom of the intermediate bushing. Each of the bushings includes a counter bore formed at one end which receives a wiper member arranged for sealing engagement between the bushing and the polish rod.

Abstract: A method of completing a well having a casing hanger set in a subsea wellhead housing includes attaching a running tool to a tubular bridging hanger. A metal-to-metal inner seal is attached to a lower exterior portion of the bridging hanger and a metal-to-metal outer seal is located on an upper exterior portion of the bridging hanger. The assembly is lowered into the well and the lower exterior portion of the bridging hanger is inserted into the casing hanger. The inner seal is wedged between the casing hanger and the bridging hanger in response to weight of the running string. The running tool is actuated to set the outer seal between the upper exterior portion of the bridging hanger and the wellhead housing. Then, a tubing hanger is landed and sealed in the interior of the bridging hanger.

Abstract: A seal assembly, for sealing between a stationary conduit and a rotating conduit, comprises an upper gland assembly, a washpipe, and a lower gland assembly. The upper gland assembly is operable to engage the stationary conduit. A washpipe partially disposed within the upper gland assembly. An upper seal member is disposed within the upper gland assembly around a periphery of the washpipe. An upper packing ring is engaged with the upper gland assembly so as to compress the upper seal member into sealing engagement with the washpipe. A lower gland assembly is disposed about the washpipe and operable to engage the rotating conduit. A lower seal member is disposed within the lower gland assembly and is compressed into sealing engagement with the washpipe by a lower packing ring that is engaged with the lower gland assembly. The engagement of the packing rings with their respective gland assemblies is independent of the engagement of the gland assemblies and the conduits.

Abstract: A seal includes a seal body having a bridge; at least one leg extending from the bridge; and at least one concentrated deformation area of the at least one leg, at least that area being at least one of polished and annealed after machining and method.

Abstract: A swelling packer is covered with a material that is preferably in a tubular form and slipped over the swelling element to be shrink fit with applied heat. The material is formulated to break down at temperatures slightly below the expected downhole temperatures so that ideally the packer has about 48 hours of swelling delay which is normally a time period long enough to allow it to be properly located without it swelling so much as to cause it to be damaged by running in. Various polymers can be used to make an imperious covering for run in that on the way starts to break down. Ideally the material for the cover disappears about the time of sealing or shortly thereafter.

Abstract: A high pressure energizable tube connector for a well comprising a tube; a first connector assembly comprising: a female profile disposed over the tube and a first ferrule disposed over the tube adjacent the female profile; a second connector assembly comprising: an inverted jam nut disposed over the tube and a second ferrule disposed over the tube adjacent the inverted jam nut, wherein the second ferrule extends along the tube in a direction opposite the first ferrule; a nipple comprising a test port, wherein the nipple is disposed over the tube between the first ferrule and the second ferrule; a primary seal formed by compressing the first ferrule into the female profile using a pressure from the test port; and a secondary seal formed by compressing the second ferrule into the inverted jam nut using the pressure from the test port.

Abstract: A self-energizing seal element includes at least one inside interference surface having a dimension smaller than an inside dimension of an annulus in which the seal is to be disposed in use, at least one outside interference surface having a dimension larger than an outside dimension of the annulus in which the seal is to be disposed in use, the at least one inside interference surface being axially offset from the at least one outside interference surface and at least one angular flange extending between the at least one outside interference surface and the at least one inside interference surface and method for sealing.

Abstract: A connector assembly (11) comprising a first hollow member which may be in the form of a first casing (13), and a second hollow member which may be in the form of a second casing (15). The first casing (13) has a first end (17) adapted to releasably retain a second end (21) of the second casing (15) therein. The connector assembly (11) further comprises a jacket (33) secured around a first outer portion adjacent the first end (17) of the first casing (13), and a second outer portion adjacent the second end (21) of the second casing (15). In use the jacket (33) bears against or is adjacent to a wall of a bore of a well. A sealed cavity (35) is defined between the jacket (33) and the outer portions of the casings (13, 15). When the connector (11) is assembled the cavity (33) is filled with a fluid and is in fluid communication with a vent (41).

Abstract: A downhole well tool having a component with a metal surface to which a sealing material is adhered is disclosed. The sealing material is bonded to the metal surface through the use of an energetic material disposed between the sealing material and the metal surface. Upon activation or initiation of the energetic material, the sealing material becomes bonded to the metal surface. A plastic layer may be disposed between the sealing material and the metal surface to facilitate bonding sealing material to the metal surface. The energetic material is used to bond the plastic layer to the metal surface and may be used to bond the plastic layer to the sealing material.

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: An insert seal unit includes a frustoconical body. A lower slip assembly is in operable communication with the body as is an upper slip. A seal element is in operable communication with each of the upper slip and the lower slip assembly.

Abstract: A disposable downhole tool includes an elongated body and a compression element. The compression element is disposed about the elongated body. The compression element includes at least one preconfigured division at disposal of the disposable downhole tool.

Abstract: The seal assembly 10 seal between a subsea wellhead housing 12 and a casing hanger 16. A metal seal body 20 includes fingers 32 and 34 and one or more elastomeric seals 38. An upper seal body 64 may include threads for engagement with the metal seal body. According the method of the invention, an initial elastomeric seal is first formed, and fluid pressure is applied from above to set the high temperature metal seal.

Abstract: A ram packer for a hydraulic blowout preventer is provided that includes a steel reinforced hard elastomeric body which has a recess in the packer face for receiving a replaceable wear insert having shoulders on the insert surfaces that are relieved. By relieving the shoulders of the configuration where they come into contact with the ram packer, a projection is created to make contact with the ram packer while leaving an elastomer flow pathway for the reservoir elastomer of the ram packer. The wear insert has a multi-sided insertion surface which corresponds to the recess in the packer surface. This projection does not inhibit rotation of the wear insert, but is a spacer to hold a portion of the insert, particularly the shoulders, away from the back of the ram packer, where the shoulders can engage the back of the ram packer and inhibit the elastomer flow. The wear insert may be made of various materials according to the service in which used.

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 seal for a radially expansible conduit connection is disclosed. The seal includes a first sealing surface disposed proximal to an end of a male portion of the connection and a corresponding second sealing surface disposed proximal to an end of a female portion of the connection. The first and said second sealing surfaces are substantially opposite each other upon connection of the male and female portions. The seal includes a first clearance surface proximal to the first sealing surface and a second clearance surface proximal to the second sealing surface. The first and second clearance surfaces are substantially opposite each other upon connection of the male and female portions.

Abstract: A stripper/packer includes first and second packing elements, which are interchangeable to alleviate inventory concerns. The upper actuating hydraulic piston is the same diameter as the lower piston, which allows the operator to utilize the same amount of pressure to maintain a seal during transition between packing elements. Both packing elements are separately actuated from the lower side allowing the wellbore pressure to assist the seal.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for setting an annular seal in an annular space formed between a large diameter tubular and a small diameter tubular extending into the large diameter tubular. The device comprises a carrier block suitable to be located at a position in the large diameter tubular proximate said annular space, the carrier block being provided with a carrier ring axially movable relative to the carrier block between a first position and a second position and arranged to axially move the annular seal into the annular space upon movement of the carrier ring from the first to the second position thereof, and further comprising an explosive charge arranged to move the carrier ring from the first position to the second position thereof and a detonator for selectively detonating the explosive charge.

Abstract: Multi-piece seals of this invention include an annular seal body that is formed from an elastomeric energizing material, and that has a static seal surface along one surface and a contacting surface along another surface. A remaining seal portion in the form of a seal jacket or seal cap is connected to the seal body along the contacting surface to provide a dynamic sealing surface thereto. The seal jacket or cap is formed from a material that is different from the seal body and, more Specifically, from a material that displays improved wear resistance when compared to the seal body. A preferred seal jacket or cap material is a composite construction including a nonelastomeric polymer fabric that is impregnated with an elastomeric material. The seal jacket or cap is configured to connect with the seal body by mechanical attachment means independent of chemical cross-linked bonding. Multi-piece seals of this invention can be formed from two components, e.g.

Abstract: Internal and external metal-to-metal radially interfering seals are provided for an annular chamber. Typically, an annular chamber is used in tubular goods to be part of the hydraulic control circuitry, such as for operating subsurface equipment such as a subsurface safety valve. Resilient seals are eliminated and sealing reliability is enhanced by a design which features metal-to-metal seals internally and externally, preferably assembled by an external two-step thread. The radial interference seal, which is internally disposed, is constructed so as to be incapable of experiencing tensile loads. This reinforces joint integrity by minimizing stresses on thin components.

Abstract: Internal and external metal-to-metal radially interfering seals are provided for an annular chamber. Typically, an annular chamber is used in tubular goods to be part of the hydraulic control circuitry, such as for operating subsurface equipment such as a subsurface safety valve. Resilient seals are eliminated and sealing reliability is enhanced by a design which features metal-to-metal seals internally and externally, preferably assembled by an external two-step thread. The radial interference seal, which is internally disposed, is constructed so as to be incapable of experiencing tensile loads. This reinforces joint integrity by minimizing stresses on thin components.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and device for sealing the entrance of an elongated element (1) into the lower end of an offshore tube (8), --including the steps of arranging a plug-like device (2) on the element, --pulling a predetermined length of the element into the tube, --and fixing the plug on the element surface at the bellmouth entrance (7) of the tube, the outer diameter of the plug being somewhat smaller than the inner diameter of the tube. Expandable foam is injected to a space (11,12) between the outer surface of the plug (2) and the inner surface of the tube (8), --in order to substantially fill said space.The foam is supplied to the space (11,12) from at least one foam container (15) placed inside the plug, --via ducts (13,14) within the plug. The foam container (15) is operated from a drive gas cartridge (16) also arranged within the plug (2) and is operable by an ROV.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for installing a metal annular seal (54) between the outer rough surface of a casing member (11) which has had a portion thereof cutaway with a remaining portion projecting upwardly from the upper end of a casing head (12). A slip installation tool (18) mounted on the upper end of the casing head (12) carries a slip assembly which includes segmented slips (42), a bushing (22), and a cam member (42). The slip installation tool (18) secures the slips (40) about the outer rough surface of the casing (11) as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 with bushing (22) acting as a supporting base or foundation to oppose the forces from the camming action because of support from lock down screws (24). After mounting of the slip assembly about the casing (11), the installation tool (18) is removed, and the metal seal (54), formed of a relatively soft metal material, is mounted over the extending end of the casing (11). Positioning of the tubing head (50) on the casing head (12) as shown in FIGS.

Abstract: A tool for clamping against the interior of a chimney flue having a scissors jack mechanism for adjustably clamping into various size chimneys. A seal plate for sliding over the shaft of the clamping device and for tightly sealing against the interior chimney flue walls. A cleaning brush mechanism affixed to the end of a tubular member, sized to slide over the clamping shaft for cleaning the interior of a chimney.