Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080296021 | Perforating Torch Apparatus and Method - In cutting a downhole pipe in proximity to a closure in the pipe, the pipe is first perforated. A perforating torch is positioned with a pipe in proximity to the closure. The perforating torch produces cutting fluids in a first radial direction and produces an opening in the pipe, which cutting fluids produce a reaction force opposite to the first radial direction. This reaction force drives the perforating torch into contact with the pipe, anchoring it against any pressure wave produced by the cutting fluids and reflected off of the closure. Once the pipe is opened, a cutting torch is operated to sever the pipe. Any pressure wave generated by the cutting torch is vented through the opening. | 12-04-2008 |
20100175879 | Perforating torch apparatus and method - A method of perforating a downhole pipe by cutting at a location within the pipe in a radial direction toward the pipe, producing a determined reaction force, and using the determined reaction force to enhance the cutting of the pipe. The method may include continuing cutting in the radial direction to create an opening in the pipe, and attenuating a pressure wave through the opening. | 07-15-2010 |
20100218952 | Method and apparatus to remove a downhole drill collar from a well bore - A method of severing a drill string or other tubular string that includes lowering a torch into the drill string, positioning the torch at a joint in the drill string, such that the joint may have a pin component engaged with a box component, igniting the torch to produce cutting fluids, and directing the cutting fluids into the joint in a direction that is along a length of the drill string to cut the joint. | 09-02-2010 |
20110120731 | Tool Positioning and Latching System - A system and method for positioning a tool within a wellbore are described herein. The interior surface of a tubular string is provided with one or more pluralities of grooves, each defining a selected profile. A tool is lowered into the tubular string, having a blade in communication therewith. The blade includes a plurality of protruding members thereon, which define a profile complementary to at least one of the selected profiles formed by one of the pluralities of grooves. A biasing member in communication with the blade continually biases the blade toward the interior surface of the tubular string to cause the profile of the blade to engage within the corresponding complementary profile of the tubular string. Positioning a tool in this manner is especially advantageous for locating a cutting tool at a precise location to sever a tubular segment at a joint, releasing tensile forces from the joint. | 05-26-2011 |
20110132223 | Non-explosive power source for actuating a subsurface tool - A power source for actuating a subsurface tool is described herein, the power source comprising thermite in a quantity sufficient to generate a thermite reaction, and a polymer disposed in association with the thermite. The polymer produces a gas when the thermite reaction occurs, the gas slowing the thermite reaction. The slowed thermite reaction enables a continuous pressure to be provided to the subsurface tool over a period of time, providing superior actuation over a conventional explosive power charge, through a non-explosive reaction. | 06-09-2011 |
20110303407 | Consumable downhole tools - A downhole tool having a body or structural component comprises a material that is at least partially consumed when exposed to heat and a source of oxygen. The material may comprise a metal, such as magnesium, which is converted to magnesium oxide when exposed to heat and a source of oxygen. The downhole tool may further comprise a torch with a fuel load that produces the heat and source of oxygen when burned. The fuel load may comprise a flammable, non-explosive solid, such as thermite. | 12-15-2011 |
20120006547 | Severing of downhole tubing with associated cable - Methods for severing a tubular string having a cable in association therewith can include lowering a cutting apparatus into the tubular string and actuating the cutting apparatus to form a cut in the tubular string and sever the cable. Severing the cable in this manner can be performed through a single actuation of a single cutting apparatus, enabling at least a portion of the tubular string to be subsequently severed and retrieved, unimpeded by the cable. | 01-12-2012 |
20120031626 | Consumable Downhole Tools - A method of removing a downhole tool from a wellbore comprising contacting the tool with a heat source wherein the tool comprises at least one load-bearing component comprising a thermally degradable material. A method of reducing the structural integrity of a downhole tool comprising fabricating the load-bearing components of the tool from a thermally degradable material. A method of removing a downhole tool comprising mechanically milling and/or drilling the tool from a wellbore wherein the tool comprises at least one load bearing component comprising a phenolic resin wherein the phenolic resin comprises a rosole, a novalac or combinations thereof. | 02-09-2012 |
20120055666 | Consumable downhole tools - A downhole tool having a body or structural component comprises a material that is at least partially consumed when exposed to heat and a source of oxygen. The material may comprise a metal, such as magnesium, which is converted to magnesium oxide when exposed to heat and a source of oxygen. The downhole tool may further comprise a torch with a fuel load that produces the heat and source of oxygen when burned. The fuel load may comprise a flammable, non-explosive solid, such as thermite. | 03-08-2012 |
20120199340 | CONSUMABLE DOWNHOLE TOOL - A torch apparatus for consuming a material having a fuel load that produces heat and a source of oxygen when burned, and a plurality of slots having interstitial spaces therebetween for allowing longitudinal flow of fluid along the torch apparatus without interfering with the flow of fluid through the slots. The slots are oriented such that the heat and source of oxygen are provided to a material that is at least partially consumed when exposed to heat and oxygen, to thereby cause destruction of an object containing the material or disengagement of the object such that it falls into the wellbore. | 08-09-2012 |
20120199351 | METHOD FOR REMOVING A CONSUMABLE DOWNHOLE TOOL - A method for providing a torch apparatus into a well bore for providing heat to a material that includes the step of inserting the torch apparatus into the well bore, such that a plurality of slots along the torch apparatus are oriented to provide the heat and a source of oxygen to the material. The method further includes igniting a fuel load of the torch apparatus to provide the heat and the source of oxygen through the plurality of slots to the material so that the portion of the material is at least partially consumed. The interstitial spaces between the plurality of slots allow longitudinal flow of heat and the source of oxygen along the torch apparatus without interfering with the flow of heat and the source of oxygen through the slots. | 08-09-2012 |
20120216701 | Non-explosive power source for actuating a subsurface tool - A power source for applying a force to an object includes thermite in a quantity sufficient to generate a thermite reaction, and a gas producing substance disposed in association with the thermite. The gas producing substance produces a gas when the thermite reaction. The thermite reaction, the gas, or combinations thereof provide a force to the object. | 08-30-2012 |
20140000877 | Systems and methods for monitoring a wellbore and actuating a downhole device | 01-02-2014 |
20140262270 | MODULATED FORMATION PERFORATING APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR FLUIDIC JETTING, DRILLING SERVICES OR OTHER FORMATION PENETRATION REQUIREMENTS - Apparatus, systems, and methods, for perforating a downhole object while minimizing collateral damage to other objects, include use of a perforating device having a body, at least one fuel source having a characteristic that produces a selected mass flow rate, a selected burn rate, or combinations thereof, and an initiator for reacting the fuel to project a force through at least one port in the body. Characteristics of the at least one fuel source can include use of differing fuel types, shapes, and placement to achieve the desired mass flow rate or burn rate, and thus, a controlled force from the apparatus. An anchor or similar orienting device can be used to control the direction and position from which the force exits the apparatus. Openings formed in downhole objects can include a chamfered profile for facilitating future orientation or for injecting or removing substances from a formation. | 09-18-2014 |
20140262328 | Apparatus and methods for overcoming an obstruction in a wellbore - Apparatus and methods for penetrating a downhole target within a wellbore include providing a body with a longitudinal axis, a first end, and a second end into a wellbore, the body having a nozzle at the first end. The nozzle is adapted to project a medium, such as molten thermite, in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis, such as in a downhole direction. An initiation source is usable to consume a fuel load associated with the body to cause projection of the medium in a direction generally parallel to the axis of the wellbore, to affect an obstruction in the wellbore. A series of such apparatus can be used in succession, such that the actuation of each preceding apparatus enhances the effect of each subsequent apparatus on the obstruction. | 09-18-2014 |