| Entries |
| Document | Title | Date |
|---|
| 20080196904 | WIRELINE ENTRY SUB - A wireline entry sub includes a body having an upper end, a lower end and a longitudinal, center axis therebetween, the body adapted for connection below a top drive to a wellbore string of tubulars; a slot on the body open a depth from a body outer surface to at least the longitudinal center axis; a wireline entry port extending through the body from the slot to open adjacent the lower end; and means for facilitating rig up of the wireline entry sub. | 08-21-2008 |
| 20080202771 | Subterranean Well Tool Including a Locking Seal Healing System - A well tool with multi-stage remedial system improves the durability of a subterranean well tool having an expanded elastomeric member, such as a packer, for use inside a tubular member. The well tool with multi-stage remedial system has a plurality of mandrel members shiftable within the tubular member for anchoring and for setting the seal system. A floating tandem mounted annularly around the lower mandrel members has one end (upon shifting) proximate an end of the seal system, and the floating tandem has an opening to ambient bottom-hole-pressure of the subterranean well. A locking tandem is interposed with the floating tandem and at least one of the lower mandrel members. The floating tandem and the locking tandem together assist in abating elastomeric member extrusion under high temperature, high pressure environments as well as other conditions lending to failure within the well. | 08-28-2008 |
| 20080223588 | WELL TOOL HAVING ENHANCED PACKING ELEMENT ASSEMBLY - A well tool having an enhanced performance packing element assembly. A well tool includes a packing element assembly for sealingly engaging a surface, the assembly including a packing element having at least one circumferential variation. Another well tool includes a packing element assembly including a packing element and a backup ring, the packing element being configured to bias the backup ring into contact with a surface opposite a circumferential portion of the backup ring, while another circumferential portion does not contact the surface. A method of setting a well tool includes providing a packing element assembly with multiple packing elements, and setting the well tool by squeezing fluid from between the packing elements via a gap, and then closing off the gap. | 09-18-2008 |
| 20080230235 | DOWNHOLE BRIDGE PLUG OR PACKER SETTING ASSEMBLY AND METHOD - Disclosed herein is a method of elongating a setting time of a bridge plug or packer. The method includes, positioning the bridge plug or packer in a desired position within a wellbore, partially setting the bridge plug or packer with a first hydraulic pressure, controlling remotely a rate of application of a second hydraulic pressure, and completing the setting of the bridge plug or packer with the second hydraulic pressure, the second hydraulic pressure being greater than the first hydraulic pressure. | 09-25-2008 |
| 20080230236 | Packing element and method - A packing element includes a mandrel, at least one seal member having a Chevron shape and composed of a metal material, and an energizer in operable communication with the at least one seal member and a method for packing a tubular. | 09-25-2008 |
| 20080236844 | Packer setting device for high-hydrostatic applications - A packer setting device provides a buffered setting mechanism as a substantially incompressible fluid is selectively flowed into a compressible fluid chamber to compress a compressible fluid. This fluid transfer causes movement of a setting sleeve so that an associated packer device is set within a wellbore. | 10-02-2008 |
| 20080251261 | LINER TOP PACKER SEAL ASSEMBLY AND METHOD - Disclosed herein is a method of sealing a liner top packer to a tubular The method includes, positioning the liner top packer within a tubular and moving a sleeve of the liner top packer in a first axial direction thereby radially deforming a first deformable metal member and a second deformable metal member. The method further includes sealably engaging the radially deformed first deformable metal member with a tubular and sealably engaging the radially deformed second deformable metal member with the first deformable metal member and a body of the liner top packer. | 10-16-2008 |
| 20080302543 | Expandable packer system - The expandable casing packing element systems for cased and open-hole wellbores include an expandable casing member having a sealing device comprising a sealing element disposed between at least two retainer rings. In one embodiment, both retainer rings have flat cross-sections and the sealing element is forced radially outward by the expansion of the expandable casing against the two retainer rings such that the sealing element protrudes outwardly beyond the retainer rings and engages the wall of a wellbore in three locations. In another embodiment, both of the two retainer rings include flares that extend outwardly from the body of the expandable casing to which they are attached. As the expandable casing is expanded, the flares are forced inward to compress the sealing element which is then extruded radially outward through a gap between the two retainer rings to engage and seal off the wellbore. | 12-11-2008 |
| 20080308282 | Hydraulic coiled tubing retrievable bridge plug - A zonal isolation device comprises a packer assembly and an internal setting mechanism operable to actuate the packer assembly from an unset position to a set position, wherein the zonal isolation device is resettable and retrievable. Another zonal isolation device comprises a packer assembly, a setting mechanism operable to actuate the packer assembly from an unset position to a set position in response to hydraulic pressure alone, and a locking mechanism operable to lock and unlock the packer assembly from the set position in response to hydraulic pressure alone. A method for setting a zonal isolation device within a well bore comprises running the zonal isolation device in an unset position within the well bore on a work string, applying a differential pressure between the work string and the well bore, and actuating the zonal isolation device to a set position in response to the differential pressure alone. | 12-18-2008 |
| 20080308283 | Annular Packer Device - 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. | 12-18-2008 |
| 20080308284 | ELASTOMERIC ELEMENT INSTALLATION TOOL AND METHOD - Disclosed herein is a method of installing an elastomeric element onto a tubular. The method includes, positioning the elastomeric element onto a radially expandable member, radially expanding the radially expandable member and the elastomeric element installed thereon, positioning a tubular coaxially with the radially expandable member, and axially urging the elastomeric element off the radially expandable member thereby allowing the elastomeric element to be positioned coaxially about an outer perimetrical surface of the tubular. | 12-18-2008 |
| 20080314600 | Well Treatment Device, Method and System - System, devices, and methods are described relating to the treatment (e.g., perforating, fracturing, foam stimulation, acid treatment, cement treatment, etc.) of well-bores (e.g., cased oil and/or gas wells). In at least one example, a method is provided for treatment of a region in a well, the method comprising: positioning, in a well-bore, a packer above the region of the well-bore, fixing, below the region, an expansion packer, treating the region, the treatment fixing the packer, moving the expansion packer, and moving the packer after the moving of the expansion packer. | 12-25-2008 |
| 20090044957 | Fracturing plug convertible to a bridge plug - A tool that is easily convertible from a frac plug to a bridge plug is disclosed. The tool comprises a mandrel with a mule shoe connected to the lower end thereof. A closing ball is disposed in a cavity defined by the mule shoe. The mandrel is threaded to receive a plug at or near the upper end thereof to convert the frac plug to a bridge plug. | 02-19-2009 |
| 20090044958 | Sealing device - A sealing device is disclosed for separating sections inside an elongate hole with at least one duct extending inside and along the hole. In at least one embodiment, the sealing device includes a first portion which is arranged, in use of the sealing device, to surround the duct and fit substantially tightly against the same, and a flexible cup-shaped second portion, which is arranged to surround the first portion and be resilient radially outwards to seal, in use, against the hole. Moreover, in at least one embodiment, a method is disclosed for separating sections in an elongate hole with a duct extending inside and along the hole. A sealing device is slipped onto the duct at the intended level so that the sealing device after installation forms a cup shape around the duct. The duct (and the sealing device are inserted into the hole, and the duct and the sealing device are installed at the intended level. | 02-19-2009 |
| 20090056956 | Packing Element Booster - A packer is provided for sealing an annular region in a wellbore. In one embodiment, the, packer includes a boosting assembly adapted to increase a pressure on the packing element in response to an increase in a pressure surrounding the packer, for example, an increase in the annulus pressure. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090065219 | METHOD AND A DEVICE FOR SETTING A CASING - A method and a device for setting a casing ( | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090084559 | WELL PACKING - Annular packer ( | 04-02-2009 |
| 20090101364 | WELLBORE ZONAL ISOLATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A method of completing a wellbore includes the steps of connecting an isolation tool to a conveyance, the isolation tool including a tubular base member having an internal bore and an outer housing forming a first chamber and a second chamber separated by a wall; the first chamber having a first inlet port in communication with the internal bore and a first outlet port formed through the housing; the second chamber having first inlet port in communication with the internal bore and a second outlet port formed through the housing; a first material disposed in the first chamber; and a second material disposed in the second chamber; running the conveyance into the wellbore, an annulus formed between the isolation tool and sidewall of the wellbore; and activating the isolation tool to form a barrier to fluid flow in the annulus. | 04-23-2009 |
| 20090126947 | SWELLABLE MATERIAL AND METHOD - A swellable material seal includes a quantity of swellable material disposed in a geometric configuration; and a plurality of openings in the material to enhance wettability thereof by a swelling fluid and method. | 05-21-2009 |
| 20090133884 | PRESSURE ENERGIZED SEAL - A seal for use in sealing on a wellhead assembly, where the seal is pressure energized and comprises an annular element having an inverted portion on its outer portion along its length. The seal may further include upper and lower ring members sandwiching the element between the ring members. The seal is formable by adjoining the open surfaces of two “W” shaped annular seals along their edges thereby forming an element responsive to pressure. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090145614 | Apparatus for Controlling Slip Deployment in a Downhole Device - An apparatus for use in a well. The apparatus comprises a mandrel containing a radial shoulder, a sub member concentrically disposed about the mandrel, and an upper slip, concentrically disposed about the mandrel, for engaging the well. The apparatus further comprises an upper cone abutting an underside of the upper slip, and wherein the upper cone is disposed about the mandrel, and an elastomer operatively associated with the upper cone, and wherein the elastomer is disposed about the mandrel. The apparatus further includes a lower slip, concentrically disposed about the mandrel, for engaging with the internal portion of the well, and lower cone abutting an underside of the lower slip, and wherein the lower cone is disposed about the mandrel, and wherein the lower cone is operatively associated with the elastomer. The apparatus further contains a first alignment member selectively connecting the sub with the upper slip, and wherein the first alignment pin is selected to shear at a first predetermined force. | 06-11-2009 |
| 20090159299 | Dual-stage valve straddle packer for selective stimulation of wells - A straddle packer which, when in place during a fracing or well stimulation service, isolates the fracing zone from zones in the wellbore above and below the fracing zone, and which when run into the wellbore provides an open passageway from below the packer to the tubing string, relieving built up fluid pressure below the tool and permitting insertion at relatively high speeds. | 06-25-2009 |
| 20090166046 | System and Method for Dynamic Sealing Of a Drill String - A system and a method are described for a dynamic seal around a drill stem that moves into or out of water carrying, drilling fluid carrying or hydrocarbon carrying wells. The sealing arrangement ( | 07-02-2009 |
| 20090200042 | RADIALLY SUPPORTED SEAL AND METHOD - A seal includes a mandrel having a plurality of radially directed openings therethrough; a plurality of members disposed within the openings and radially displacable therein; and an element disposed about the mandrel and radially displacable by the plurality of members and method. | 08-13-2009 |
| 20090200043 | VENTED PACKER ELEMENT FOR DOWNWELL PACKING SYSTEM - A packer system for a wellbore includes a tubular member and a packer element mounted on the tubular member. The packer element is formed of a swellable polymeric material, the packer element having a radially-outward external surface, the surface including a plurality of radially-inwardly extending recesses formed therein. The recesses provide additional surface area that can contact a swelling fluid, thereby increasing the swelling rate of the packer element. | 08-13-2009 |
| 20090205841 | DOWNWELL SYSTEM WITH ACTIVATABLE SWELLABLE PACKER - A packer system for a wellbore includes a tubular member and a packer element having an inner layer that circumferentially overlies the tubular member and an outer layer that circumferentially overlies the inner layer. The inner layer includes an elastomer that swells upon contact with a swelling fluid. The outer layer includes a material that provides at least a partial barrier to the swelling fluid. | 08-20-2009 |
| 20090205842 | ON-SITE ASSEMBLABLE PACKER ELEMENT FOR DOWNWELL PACKING SYSTEM - A packer system for a wellbore includes: a tubular member; a packer element mounted on the tubular member and formed of a swellable polymeric material; and a securing unit that is configured to enable the position of the packer element to be adjusted relative to the tubular member when the securing unit is in an unsecured condition, but secures the packer element in place when the securing unit is in a secured condition. | 08-20-2009 |
| 20090205843 | EXPANDABLE PACKER - Methods and apparatus include tubing expanded to create a seal in an annulus surrounding the tubing. The tubing includes a sealing material selected to cause forming of undulations in a diameter of the tubing upon expansion of the tubing. Various factors of the sealing material such as deviations in its thickness influence sealing performance of the tubing with the sealing material. | 08-20-2009 |
| 20090211769 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR SETTING ONE OR MORE PACKERS IN A WELL BORE - Apparatus and methods for setting one or more packers in a well bore are provided. The illustrated examples allow for setting of a plurality of downhole packers in a short period of time and without using a wash string, wash cups, or other setting tool that is subject to mechanical failure. | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090211770 | Elongated Sealing Member for Downhole Tool - A downhole apparatus is described comprising a body and a sealing arrangement located on the body. The body has a longitudinal axis and the sealing arrangement comprises at least one elongated sealing member with an axis of elongation extending around the longitudinal axis. The sealing member comprises a material selected to expand on exposure to at least one predetermined fluid, such as a hydrocarbon or aqueous fluid encountered in a wellbore. A method of forming the apparatus and methods of use are described. Embodiments of the invention relate to wellbore packers. | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090218107 | Reservoir Tool for Packer Setting - An external casing packer with a packer element is fashioned from materials that physically expand (“swell”) in response to contact by an appropriate swelling fluid. In preferred embodiments, the packer element is fashioned of a swellable elastomer, and the swelling fluid is an oil or water-based fluid that is effective to swell the particular elastomer used. | 09-03-2009 |
| 20090229838 | Large Bore Packer and Methods of Setting Same - Devices and methods for setting a packer inside a wellbore with little appreciable reduction of the useable area of the wellbore. The outer casing or liner of the wellbore contains one or more integrated casing coupler joints having an increased diameter chamber portion. A large bore packing element is carried within the increased diameter chamber portion. The packing element may be selectively actuated to form a seal against an interior tubular member. Because the packing element is located within the chamber portion of the casing coupler, the packer may be set while saving useable cross-sectional area within the casing. | 09-17-2009 |
| 20090242214 | Wellbore anchor and isolation system - Downhole tools for anchoring and isolating at least one zone in a wellbore are disclosed. The downhole tools comprise a mandrel having an upper end, a lower end, an outer wall surface, and a longitudinal bore disposed therethrough having an axis. One or more anchors are disposed through the outer wall surface of the mandrel. Each of the anchors has a retracted position and an extended position. An isolation element is disposed along the outer wall surface of the mandrel. The isolation element may cover the anchors or be disposed, above, below, or around the anchors. Engagement of the isolation element with the inner wall surface of the wellbore to isolate at least one zone of the wellbore may be accomplished by piercing the isolation element to permit wellbore fluid to contact a swellable material contained within the isolation element, or by pumping fluid into the isolation element. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090242215 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PACKING - Disclosed herein are sealing assemblies which include a mandrel; an inner element formed around the mandrel; an outer element formed around the inner element; and a plurality of slats arranged between the inner and outer elements. The slats have a friction-reducing agent on the surface of the slats. Also disclosed herein are methods for zonal isolation within a wellbore. The methods include providing a mandrel; providing an inner element formed around the mandrel; providing an outer element formed around the inner element; providing a plurality of slats arranged between the inner and outer elements; and axially compressing the inner element and the outer element to radially expand the inner element and outer element. The slats have a friction-reducing agent on their surface. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090250228 | WELL PACKERS AND CONTROL LINE MANAGEMENT - An example of a wellbore tool assembly includes a mandrel having an outer surface and a longitudinal bore; a tubular, swellable seal member having opposing ends and an inner surface defining a bore between the opposing ends, the seal member encircling a portion of the mandrel; an operable downhole element carried with the mandrel; and a control line connected to the operable downhole element, the control line extending from the downhole element between the outer surface of the mandrel and the inner surface of the seal member to the other side of the seal member from the downhole element. | 10-08-2009 |
| 20090255690 | Multi-Piece Packing Element Containment System - Methods and devices for retaining a packer element in a set condition within a wellbore and for preventing or minimizing extrusion of the packer element after setting. A packer device includes a plurality of deformable packer elements which radially surround a packer mandrel. One or more of the packer elements is contained against axial extrusion using a packer containment system. The packer containment system includes a flexible metal backup ring, which partially encases the packer element by substantially covering at least one axial side and a portion of the exterior radial surface of the packer element. The packer containment system also includes a plurality of annular support rings, or “petal rings” which have petal-shaped radial protuberances with slots between them. | 10-15-2009 |
| 20090255691 | PERMANENT PACKER USING A SLURRY INFLATION MEDIUM - A system for forming a seal in a wellbore includes a slurry source, an expandable inflatable element, and a filter. The slurry may contain particles entrained in a fluid carrier. The filter may be configured to separate the particles from the fluid carrier to form a relatively solid body in the inflatable element. The system may include a pump configured to pressurize the slurry. The pump may flow the slurry from a surface location or from a location in the wellbore. The source may be a bailer configured to receive a pressurized fluid from the pump. The system may use a hydraulic disconnect that conveys the slurry from the source to the inflatable element. The hydraulic disconnect may be configured to disconnect the source from the inflatable element upon a predetermined pressure being reached in the inflatable element. The particles may be formed of a compressible material. | 10-15-2009 |
| 20090255692 | Zero-Relaxation Packer Setting Lock System - A packer mandrel is radially surrounded by an axially compressible packer element and a backing ring. A setting sleeve arrangement also surrounds the packer mandrel adjacent the packer element. A hydraulic locking mechanism is used to secure the setting sleeve arrangement against the packer element. The hydraulic locking mechanism includes an expansible fluid-sealed chamber that is defined between the setting sleeve and the central packer mandrel. | 10-15-2009 |
| 20090260835 | System and Method for Controlling Placement and Flow at Multiple Gravel Pack Zones in a Wellbore - A technique utilizes a tool to selectively shift flow control devices in a variety of well applications. In one application, the tool is delivered downhole via coiled tubing to selectively deliver treatment fluid and shift valves in a combined well treatment and sand control well system. The tool also can be used to carry a jetting device that can be employed to deliver a non-solids fluid to a desired region of a wellbore. | 10-22-2009 |
| 20090272545 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USE OF PRESSURE ACTUATED COLLAPSING CAPSULES SUSPENDED IN A THERMALLY EXPANDING FLUID IN A SUBTERRANEAN CONTAINMENT SPACE - Systems and methods for use of pressure actuated collapsing capsules suspended in a thermally expanding fluid in a subterranean containment space are herein disclosed. According to one embodiment, a system comprises a subterranean pressured fluid receiving containment space located in a wellbore of a subterranean well and a pressured operating fluid filling at least a portion of the containment space. The pressured operating fluid comprises a mixture of substantially incompressible liquid and pressure actuated collapsing capsules. At least a portion of the pressure actuated collapsing capsules implode as pressure in the containment space exceeds a predetermined limit. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090272546 | DOWNHOLE APPARATUS WITH A SWELLABLE SEAL - A downhole apparatus for location on a tubular, an assembly, and a method of use are described. The apparatus comprising a body with a throughbore configured to receive a tubular, and at least one swellable member that comprises a material selected to expand upon exposure to at least one predetermined fluid. The swellable member is arranged to provide a seal between the body and a tubular on which it is located during use, for example in a micro-annulus between the body and the tubular. Advantageously, the apparatus may be configured such that the body is moveable on the tubular before expansion, which may permit the apparatus to be slipped or slid onto the tubular into its desired location. The apparatus may be configured to rotate on a tubular, or slide on the tubular. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090272547 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR A DOWNHOLE EXCAVATION IN A WELLBORE - The method and apparatus can create excavation cavities suitable for drilling multilateral wellbores through the excavation using a kick-off. One embodiment of the method comprises isolating a wellbore at a determined location, excavating a downhole cavity in a wellbore above the determined location, and removing the apparatus for isolating the wellbore and the apparatus for excavating the downhole cavity from the wellbore to provide full access to the wellbore and the excavation cavity. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090277651 | High Circulation Rate Packer and Setting Method for Same - A high circulation rate packer ( | 11-12-2009 |
| 20090277652 | Swellable Packer Having a Cable Conduit - The present invention provides an apparatus and assembly for creating a seal in a wellbore around a cable or line. The assembly includes a longitudinal body and a swellable portion which comprises a material selected to increase in volume on exposure to at least one triggering fluid. The swellable portion has a formation open to the longitudinal surface which provides a pathway for a cable or line to extend through the swellable portion, and an insert of swellable material. In an embodiment of the invention, the insert partly or fully encloses or encapsulates the cable or line. An aspect of the invention is characterised by the provision of a formation which is open to an outer longitudinal surface of the body. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20090283280 | HYDRAULIC OPEN HOLE PACKER - 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. | 11-19-2009 |
| 20090294137 | WELLBORE PACKER - A wellbore packer having a setting mechanism adapted to apply an axial force along a force path; a seal member connected with the setting mechanism along the force path, the seal member set in response to the application of the axial force; a slip connected with the setting mechanism downstream of the seal member along the force path, the slip set in response to the application of the axial force; and an assembly adapted to transfer the axial force around the intervening seal member to the slip. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090308619 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MODIFYING FLOW - Disclosed herein are apparatuses and methods for packing off or choking a radial flow port through a tubular. In some embodiments, the apparatuses and methods comprise a support element and a polymeric element surrounding the support element. The polymeric element closes or chokes the radial flow port when contacted with the tubular. | 12-17-2009 |
| 20090308620 | Method for Removing a Sealing Plug from a Well - A method for removing a sealing plug from a casing or a wellbore according to which a sealing plug is adapted to expand into engagement with the casing or the wellbore. A wireless signal is sent to the plug to cause the plug to lose its structural integrity and fall to the bottom of the wellbore. | 12-17-2009 |
| 20100012330 | Interventionless Set Packer and Setting Method for Same | 01-21-2010 |
| 20100025049 | SWELLING DELAY COVER FOR A PACKER - 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. | 02-04-2010 |
| 20100051294 | Swellable packer with fluid supply - A downhole apparatus, such as a wellbore packer, is provided with a swellable member and a fluid supply assembly. The fluid supply assembly is to receive fluid and expose the swellable member to the fluid to cause expansion of the swellable member, and comprises a support structure for supporting the swellable member on the body. In a preferred embodiment, the support structure defines a chamber and is configured to allow fluid to flow and access the swellable member. A method of use and method of sealing a wellbore is described. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20100051295 | SWELLABLE PACKER CONSTRUCTION FOR CONTINUOUS OR SEGMENTED TUBING - A swellable packer construction for continuous or segmented tubing. A method of constructing a swellable packer on a continuous tubular string includes the steps of: attaching a swellable seal material to the tubular string to thereby form the packer; and then wrapping the tubular string with the packer on a spool. A swellable packer includes a tubular body portion for incorporation into a tubular string, and a seal material wrapped about the body portion, the seal material being swellable in response to contact with a fluid. A method of constructing a swellable packer for a tubular string includes the steps of: wrapping a seal material about a tubular body portion to thereby form the packer; and then swelling the seal material in response to contact with a fluid. A continuous tubular string includes a seal material attached to a body portion of the tubular string to thereby form a swellable packer; and the packer wrapped with the tubular string on a spool. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20100071912 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PLUGGING A DOWNHOLE WELLBORE - A method for plugging a downhole wellbore including, running an anchor and swellable seal disposed at a mandrel within the downhole wellbore, setting the anchor within the downhole wellbore, releasing the anchor and the swellable seal, and swelling the swellable seal into contact with another downhole structure | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100071913 | WELL BORE CONTROL VALVE - The well bore control valve comprises a housing ( | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100078180 | Expandable packer system - The expandable casing packing element systems for cased and open-hole wellbores include an expandable casing member having a sealing device comprising a sealing element disposed between at least two retainer rings. In one embodiment, both retainer rings have flat cross-sections and the sealing element is forced radially outward by the expansion of the expandable casing against the two retainer rings such that the sealing element protrudes outwardly beyond the retainer rings and engages the wall of a wellbore in three locations. In another embodiment, both of the two retainer rings include flares that extend outwardly from the body of the expandable casing to which they are attached. As the expandable casing is expanded, the flares are forced inward to compress the sealing element which is then extruded radially outward through a gap between the two retainer rings to engage and seal off the wellbore. | 04-01-2010 |
| 20100089595 | Staging tool seal arrangement for gas wells - A staging tool arrangement for gas well production assistance, comprising an elongated staging tool having an elongated upper portion and an elongated lower portion. The upper portion has a sliding relationship with the lower portion thereof. A displaceable annular seal is arranged about the lower portion. A displaceable enclosure is arranged on the elongated lower portion so as to slidably expose and to slidably enclose the annular seal. | 04-15-2010 |
| 20100101807 | DOWNHOLE APPARATUS WITH PACKER CUP AND SLIP - A downhole apparatus and for use in a well bore and associated method are disclosed. The downhole apparatus includes a center mandrel. A slip means is disposed on the mandrel. The slip means can include teeth or the like for grippingly engaging the well bore when in a set position. A packer cup is also disposed on the mandrel. The packer cup is provided for sealing an annulus between the mandrel and the well bore. The packer cup is slidable relative to the mandrel, and can be controlled to slide along the mandrel in order to move the slip to the set position. Also disclosed is a downhole assembly that includes a downhole tool and a setting apparatus. The setting apparatus can be used for lowering the downhole apparatus to a desired setting depth and then releasing the downhole apparatus. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100122820 | Seal Arrangement for Expandable Tubulars - An expandable tubular includes a tubular body and a sealing arrangement disposed on an external surface of the tubular body. The sealing arrangement includes a plurality of seals having a corrugation. A method of manufacturing a sealing arrangement for an expandable tubular includes arranging a plurality of seals about the circumference of an expandable tubular and forming corrugations in the plurality of seals such that the effective length of the plurality of seals is at least 5 percent greater than the circumference of the expandable tubular. | 05-20-2010 |
| 20100122821 | Packer System With Reduced Friction During Actuation - A technique involves a packer formed as an expandable packer with an internal expandable bladder. A mechanical structure is deployed around the expandable bladder, and an anti-extrusion layer is located between the internal, expandable bladder and the mechanical structure. A separate protective layer is positioned between the internal, expandable bladder and the mechanical structure to reduce friction. | 05-20-2010 |
| 20100122822 | Single Packer Structure for use in a Wellbore - A technique involves collecting formation fluids through a single packer having at least one drain located within the single packer. The single packer is designed with an outer flexible skin and one or more drains coupled to the outer flexible skin. A mandrel is positioned within the outer flexible skin, and an expansion mechanism is provided to control expansion of the outer flexible skin to selectively create sealing engagement with a surrounding wall. | 05-20-2010 |
| 20100126735 | Use of Swellable Material in an Annular Seal Element to Prevent Leakage in a Subterranean Well - 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. | 05-27-2010 |
| 20100126736 | Bi-Directional Annulus Seal - A wellhead seal assembly forms a metal-to-metal seal between inner and outer wellhead members. A metal seal ring has inner and outer walls separated by a slot. A lock ring has grooves for locking the inner wellhead member to the outer wellhead member during installation. An energizing ring has a C-ring captured on its inner surface. When the energizing ring is moved further into the slot, the C-ring is forced from its pocket and engages the surface of the inner wellhead member, locking the seal assembly to the inner wellhead member. | 05-27-2010 |
| 20100132960 | DRILLABLE BRIDGE PLUG FOR HIGH PRESSURE AND HIGH TEMPERATURE ENVIRONMENTS - A drillable bridge plug includes a mandrel having external splines disposed on an outer surface of the mandrel, a sealing element disposed around the mandrel, an upper cone disposed around the mandrel proximate an upper end of the sealing element, and a lower cone disposed around the mandrel proximate the lower end of the sealing element, wherein an inner surface of the lower cone comprises internal splines configured to engage the external splines. The drillable bridge plug also includes an upper and a lower slip assembly disposed around the mandrel, and an upper and lower ring assembly each including a first segmented barrier ring, a second segmented barrier ring, and a back-up ring disposed proximate sealing element. A method of setting the drillable bridge plug and a method of removing the drillable bridge plug are disclosed. | 06-03-2010 |
| 20100139929 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ZONAL ISOLATION - Disclosed herein is a completion device for a wellbore, that includes at least an elastomer circumferentially disposed around a tubular, the elastomer having a main sealing segment and at least one activation segment axially extending from the main sealing segment at opposing ends, wherein each activation segment has an exposed end; and an impermeable membrane circumferentially encasing the elastomer and configured to prevent an influx of wellbore fluids into the elastomer except at the exposed ends. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100139930 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO SEAL USING A SWELLABLE MATERIAL - The invention is a sealing system, such as a packer, that is used in a wellbore to seal against an exterior surface, such as a casing or open wellbore. The sealing system includes a swellable material that swells from an unexpanded state to an expanded state thereby creating a seal when the swellable material comes into contact with a triggering fluid. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100147536 | VARIABLE RADIUS ANNULAR AND RAM PACKING UNIT AND METHOD - A packing unit to seal a wellbore, the packing unit including at least one rotatable cam having a cam axis disposed about an axis of the wellbore, wherein the at least one rotatable cam is rotatable about the cam axis, the at least one rotatable cam comprising a seal recess formed in an outer periphery of the at least one rotatable cam, wherein the packing unit sealingly engages a tool in the wellbore by rotation of the at least one rotatable cam, bringing the seal recess into sealing contact with the tool. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100147537 | MULTILATERAL EXPANDABLE SEAL - A system for sealingly engaging multiple downhole tubulars that includes a first downhole tubular comprising an end for receiving a second downhole tubular; a guide assembly disposed on an end of the second tubular; and a swellable seal disposed on an outer surface of the guide assembly, wherein after the first tubular receives the second tubular, the swellable seal is activated to form an expanded circumferential seal between the first tubular and the second tubular is disclosed. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100147538 | Packer Setting Device for High Hydrostatic Applications - A packer setting device provides a buffered setting mechanism as a substantially incompressible fluid is selectively flowed into a compressible fluid chamber to compress a compressible fluid. This fluid transfer causes movement of a setting sleeve so that an s associated packer device is set within a wellbore. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100155086 | Method and Device with Biasing Force for Sealing a Well - Methods and devices with biasing force for sealing a well. Such a device is a blowout preventer has a body including a cavity having first and second recesses, a ram block configured to move inside the cavity, a top seat provided in the first recess and configured to seal the well when the ram block is closed, a wear plate provided in the second recess and configured to contact the ram block when the ram block moves inside the cavity over the wear plate, and a biasing element provided inside the cavity and configured to apply a biasing force on at least one of the top seat, the ram block or the wear plate to increase the sealing of the well. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100163252 | METHOD AND COMPOSITION FOR ZONAL ISOLATION OF A WELL - The invention provides a system comprising: a tubular containing a first surface comprising a coating made of a first swellable material coating said first surface, wherein said coating has a second surface and said first swellable material is able to swell in contact with a first fluid on said second surface; and a composition made of a settable material and a second swellable material able to swell in contact with a second fluid. The invention also discloses the method associated with the use of such a system. | 07-01-2010 |
| 20100163253 | DUAL ISOLATION MECHANISM OF CEMENTATION PORT - An apparatus for providing fluid communication includes a housing having a port; an inner sleeve adapted to seal the port; and a seal sleeve adapted to seal the port, wherein the seal sleeve is disposed between the inner sleeve and the housing and is movable with the inner sleeve to seal the port. In another embodiment, the port is sealed using a metal to metal seal. | 07-01-2010 |
| 20100163254 | Device For Sealing Off A Well And A Pipe And A Fitting Method - The invention relates in particular to a device for sealing off a well or a pipe, that comprises a tubular sleeve that can be radially expanded by an inflating fluid, in order to press hermetically against the wall of the well or pipe, which sleeve is connected to end members, at least one of which comprises an annular skirt directed towards this sleeve. It is characterized essentially in that the skirt wall has a number of through-holes therein and in that the material of the sleeve surrounds said skirt in such a way as to cover its outside and inside faces, sealing said holes and leaving no gaps. | 07-01-2010 |
| 20100170682 | INFLATABLE PACKER ASSEMBLY - Conventional formation evaluation with dual inflatable packers includes the steps of pressurizing the packers so as to isolate an annular portion of the borehole wall, collecting one or more samples of formation fluid via the isolated portion of the borehole wall, and depressurizing the packers so as to permit movement of the mandrel within the borehole. A sampling method and apparatus that utilize one or more of the following to advantage is provided: restricting deformation of the packers during inflation using an annular bracing assembly; actively retracting the packers using ambient borehole pressure; and substantially centralizing the mandrel intermediate the packers so as to resist buckling of the mandrel. | 07-08-2010 |
| 20100181080 | EXPANDABLE DOWNHOLE TOOLS AND METHODS OF USING AND MANUFACTURING SAME - An expandable downhole tool is disclosed that employs naturally occurring organic matter as the expandable material. The expandable material is located within an enclosure formed in part by an impermeable element, which may form a hydraulic seal, and a permeable membrane that permits fluids present in the wellbore to pass and interact with the organic matter. The heat and fluids present within the wellbore may cause the expandable matter to swell, and thus causing the enclosure to swell and possibly form a hydraulic seal against a wellbore or inner annulus. The expandable tool may be used as packer, plug, or other downhole tool, among others. Methods of manufacturing and using such tools are also disclosed. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100186970 | Support assembly - A support assembly for a deformable sealing element of a downhole tool, such as a packer or a bridge plug. The assembly comprises a first and a second support device. The first and the second support devices each comprise at least one support member which support member includes a plurality of segments located on an outer surface thereof, the segments being arranged such that when moved radially outwardly they maintain a continuous surface abutting the respective end of the sealing element. A downhole tool having a deformable sealing element and including a support assembly for a deformable sealing element is described. | 07-29-2010 |
| 20100193200 | DOWNHOLE PRESSURE BARRIER AND METHOD FOR COMMUNICATION LINES - A technique enables sealing of downhole components by providing a downhole pressure barrier for communication lines. The system comprises a communication line cementing sub that may be coupled into a tubing string. The cementing sub comprises a flow passage, a radially protruding region, a first connector, and a second connector. The first connector is generally disposed on a first longitudinal end of the radially protruding region, and the second connector is disposed on a second longitudinal end of the radially protruding region. Additionally, a passageway extends through the radially protruding region from the first connector to the second connector. The first and second connectors enable routing of a communication line through the radially protruding region. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100206588 | SEAL SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system in some embodiments includes a tool for setting an annular seal, including an inner body, wherein the inner body is configured to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the tool and is configured to bias a retaining ring, a first outer body coaxial with the longitudinal axis and configured to couple to a portion of a mineral resource system, and a second outer body coaxial with the longitudinal axis, wherein the second outer body is coupled to the first outer body, and the second outer body is configured to move along the longitudinal axis to bias the annular seal. | 08-19-2010 |
| 20100206589 | METHOD OF CREATING AN ANNULAR SEAL AROUND A TUBULAR ELEMENT - A method is disclosed of creating an annular seal around a tubular element for use in a wellbore. The method comprises providing at least one seal layer of a flexible sealing material susceptible to swelling upon contact with a selected fluid, the seal layer having a first edge and a second edge, and helically winding each seal layer around the tubular element so that the first and second edges extend opposite each other along the tubular element and so that the first and second edges seal relative to each other upon swelling of the flexible sealing material. The tubular element is lowered into the wellbore, and the selected fluid is allowed to contact each seal layer so as to induce swelling of the flexible sealing material whereby the first and second edges seal relative to each other. | 08-19-2010 |
| 20100236794 | Downhole sealing devices having a shape-memory material and methods of manufacturing and using same - Sealing devices such as packers comprise a shape-memory material having a compressed run-in position or shape and an original expanded position or shape. The shape-memory material may comprise a polyurethane foam material held in the compressed run-in position by an adhesion material that is dissolvable by a fluid. The fluid may be a wellbore fluid already present in the wellbore or a fluid pumped down the wellbore after the sealing device is disposed within the wellbore. The fluid may also be a production fluid from the well. Upon being contacted by the fluid, the adhesion material dissolves and the shape-memory material expands to its original expanded position or shape, thereby sealing and dividing the annulus of the wellbore. | 09-23-2010 |
| 20100243276 | DOWNHOLE SWELLABLE SEALING SYSTEM AND METHOD - Disclosed herein is a downhole tubular sealing system. The system includes, a tubular runnable in a downhole wellbore, a swellable seal disposed at the tubular that is sealable with the downhole wellbore when swelled, and at least one releasable member in operable communication with the tubular and the swellable seal. The at least one releasable member configured to longitudinally fix the swellable seal to the tubular when nonreleased and to longitudinally disengage the swellable seal from the tubular when released. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100243277 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR RUNNING LINERS IN EXTENDED REACH WELLS - A method of lining a wellbore includes deploying the liner into the wellbore using a workstring and a setting tool; engaging the setting tool with a casing or liner previously installed in the wellbore; and pressurizing a chamber formed between a seal of the setting tool and a shoe of the liner, thereby driving the liner further into the wellbore, wherein reactionary force is transferred to the previously installed casing or liner by the engaged setting tool. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100263880 | DOWNHOLE SEAL - A downhole seal comprises a seal body having a swellable material configured to swell upon exposure to a swelling activator to establish a seal within a wellbore, and at least one protection element configured to protect at least a portion of the seal body when the downhole seal is translated within a wellbore. The protection element defines a reaming element configured to ream a portion of the wellbore while the downhole seal is translated therethrough. | 10-21-2010 |
| 20100276162 | Metal Annulus Seal - A wellhead seal assembly forms a metal-to-metal seal between inner and outer wellhead members. A metal seal ring has inner and outer walls separated by a slot. An energizing ring has a C-ring captured on its outer surface. When the energizing ring is moved further into the slot, the C-ring is forced from its pocket and engages a profile on the seal ring, locking the energizing ring to the seal assembly. | 11-04-2010 |
| 20100288511 | System and Method for Enhancing Packer Operation and Longevity - A technique improves the formation of dependable seals along wellbores. A packer is constructed with a plurality of elastomeric layers and an internal mechanical layer that extend between mechanical extremities. One or more of a variety of features can be added to, or used in conjunction with, the packer to reduce wear and the potential for detrimental damage during use of the packer. | 11-18-2010 |
| 20100288512 | ROLLING BRIDGE THROUGH TUBING BRIDGE PLUG - A bridge plug assembly having a mandrel and an annular flexible member that is selectively fashioned into a volute that extends radially outward from the mandrel for isolating a portion of a tubular. In an example, a web member is provided that runs between the flexible member and the mandrel, and exits an end of the flexible member. Pulling the web member inverts an end of the flexible member rolling the sidewall of the flexible member into a volute. In another embodiment, upper and lower series of collars circumscribe the mandrel that when pushed towards one another axially squeeze the flexible member therebetween to outwardly bulge the flexible member into contact with a tubular. Continued force applied to the collars causes the flexible member to roll into a volute. | 11-18-2010 |
| 20100288513 | Non-Metallic Mandrel and Element System - A non-metallic element system is provided as part of a downhole tool that can effectively seal or pack-off an annulus under elevated temperatures. The element system can also resist high differential pressures without sacrificing performance or suffering mechanical degradation, and is considerably faster to drill-up than a conventional element system. In one aspect, the composite material comprises an epoxy blend reinforced with glass fibers stacked layer upon layer at about 30 to about 70 degrees. In another aspect, a mandrel is formed of a non-metallic polymeric composite material. A downhole tool, such as a bridge plug, frac-plug, or packer, is also provided. The tool comprises a support ring having one or more wedges, an expansion ring, and a sealing member positioned with the expansion ring. | 11-18-2010 |
| 20100288514 | WELL PACKING - Annular packer ( | 11-18-2010 |
| 20100294516 | Anti-Extrusion Packer System - A technique enables control over anti-extrusion layer movement during packer inflation. A packer employs a packer nipple having an exterior which uniquely engages distinct layers of the packer. The exterior comprises a plurality of distinct retention features, and each retention feature is designed to engage a specific layer of the packer. An individual retention feature can be uniquely designed to secure an anti-extrusion layer. | 11-25-2010 |
| 20100300705 | METAL-TO-METAL SEAL WITH TRAVEL SEAL BANDS - 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 walls separated by a slot. The exterior surfaces of the outer and inner walls contain a soft metal inlay. A wicker profile with a slick area is 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 slick area on the wellhead members. The wickers on the wellhead members embed into the walls of the seal ring. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100307770 | CONTAMINANT EXCLUDING JUNCTION AND METHOD - A junction selective contaminant exclusion tool includes a tubular positionable within the junction and having an opening through a wall thereof, a material disposed on an outside surface of the tubular, the material being capable of increasing a radial dimension between a surface of the material in contact with the tubular and an opposite surface of the material upon exposure to a selected species. A method for excluding selected contaminants from a wellbore junction is also disclosed. The method includes: disposing a junction at a wellbore casing window; disposing a tubular member having at least one opening through a wall thereof at the junction, the tubular member including an exclusion material thereon capable of existing in a first configuration and a second configuration, the second configuration obtainable upon exposure to a selected species; and exposing the material to the selected species. | 12-09-2010 |
| 20100307771 | SEALING ASSEMBLY - A downhole sealing assembly ( | 12-09-2010 |
| 20100307772 | SOLID RUBBER PACKER FOR A ROTATING CONTROL DEVICE - A seal assembly for use with a rotating control head is provided. The seal assembly includes a rotatable member and a cavity formed between the rotatable member and a tubular radially inwardly disposed from the rotatable member. The cavity having a first surface and a second surface. The seal assembly further includes a seal member having a first end and a second end disposed between the first surface and the second surface of the cavity and sealable with the tubular between the first and the second ends due to deformation of the seal member. | 12-09-2010 |
| 20100307773 | METHOD AND AN APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING A WELL BARRIER - The disclosure relates to a method for controlling a well barrier ( | 12-09-2010 |
| 20100307774 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR ISOLATING A SECTION OF A WELLBORE - The present disclosure relates to a device and a method for isolating a section of a wellbore, the device including a straddle packer ( | 12-09-2010 |
| 20100314134 | Swellable Apparatus and Method of Forming - A swellable apparatus for filling a space in oil or gas apparatus and method of forming an apparatus is described. The apparatus comprises a hydrocarbon swellable body formed from an elastomeric material selected to expand on exposure to a hydrocarbon fluid such as EPDM. The swellable body has a first surface which is exposed to a hydrocarbon fluid, a first (inner) portion, and a second portion disposed between the first portion and the surface. The first portion comprises a fluid permeability structure which differs from the fluid permeability structure of the second portion. In one embodiment, the cross-linking density of an outer portion of the body is greater than the cross-linking density of an inner portion of the body. | 12-16-2010 |
| 20100314135 | Subterranean Well Tool including a Locking Seal Healing System - A well tool with multi-stage remedial system improves the durability of a subterranean well tool having an expanded elastomeric member, such as a packer, for use inside a tubular member. The well tool with multi-stage remedial system has a plurality of mandrel members shiftable within the tubular member for anchoring and for setting the seal system. A floating tandem mounted annularly around the lower mandrel members has one end (upon shifting) proximate an end of the seal system, and the floating tandem has an opening to ambient bottom-hole-pressure of the subterranean well. A locking tandem is interposed with the floating tandem and at least one of the lower mandrel members. The floating tandem and the locking tandem together assist in abating elastomeric member extrusion under high temperature, high pressure environments as well as other conditions lending to failure within the well. | 12-16-2010 |
| 20100326675 | High-Pressure/High Temperature Packer Seal - 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. | 12-30-2010 |
| 20110005779 | COMPOSITE DOWNHOLE TOOL WITH REDUCED SLIP VOLUME - A single bidirectional slip for a downhole tool reduces the volume of metal and allows an increased drill up speed. A dual sealing element system, with one sealing element above and one below the bi-directional slip, provides boost forces going through the sealing elements to the slip. The wickers of the slip can be separated by a substantially flat circumference section for placing a band around the slip to improve fracturing uniformity. The wickers can have any of a variety of configurations, including orientations axially away from the central portion of the slip and orientations axially toward the central portion of the slip. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20110017475 | Nitinol Spring Through Tubing Bridge Plug - A bridge plug assembly that can be set in a wellbore tubular using wellbore pressure to form a pressure differential on a piston that actuates sliding members. A resilient member, such as a spring, is compressed from a downhole pressure differential. The bridge plug assembly can be removed by equalizing pressure across the piston and the spring. The spring can expand and re-stow the expanded plug. The plug can be formed from a nickel titanium alloy flexible member that can be selectively radially expanded so its outer surface sealingly engages a surrounding tubular. The percentage of weight of nickel can range up to about 40 to about 58%, 55% or to about 60%. | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110030976 | TUBULAR ACTUATOR, SYSTEM AND METHOD - A tubular actuating system includes, a tubular, a plurality of same plugs runnable within the tubular, a sleeve disposed at the tubular, and at least one slide that is movably disposed at the sleeve between at least a first position and a second position, the at least one slide is configured to be seatingly engagable with a first of the plurality of same plugs when in the first position and seatingly engagable with a second of the plurality of same plugs when in the second position. | 02-10-2011 |
| 20110036597 | Fiber Reinforced Packer - A technique enables construction of a simplified inflatable packer. An inflatable packer is constructed with a packer reinforcement layer having at least one fiber layer. The fiber layers provide both mechanical and anti-extrusion qualities in a relatively simple and small package. Depending on the desired application, the inflatable packer also comprises an inner bladder layer and other potential layers, such as an outer seal layer. Mechanical extremities are used to secure longitudinal ends of the various packer layers, including the packer reinforcement layer. | 02-17-2011 |
| 20110048744 | Expandable Gage Ring - A gage ring assembly to provide support to an anti-extrusion containment ring in a packer device including a compression ring and a plurality of interlocking arcuate segments which form a substantially unbroken support wall when in a set condition. A first set of segments each have a wedge-shaped body that is wider at a proximal axial end than it is at its distal axial end. A second set of segments preferably each have a wedge-shaped body wider at its distal axial end than it is at its proximal axial end. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110056706 | LONGITUDINALLY SPLIT SWELLABLE PACKER AND METHOD - A swellable packer ( | 03-10-2011 |
| 20110067890 | WELLBORE FLUID TREATMENT PROCESS AND INSTALLATION - A method for isolating a perforated interval of a well, the well including a casing liner having a wall with a plurality of perforations therethrough forming the perforated interval, the method comprising: providing a tool including a tubular body including an inner diameter and an outer surface, a first open end and a second open end, the first and second open ends providing access to the inner diameter; and a sealing element to isolate a mid region of the outer surface from the first open end and the second open end; positioning the tool in the well with the tubular first open end adjacent and above an uppermost perforation of the perforated interval and the second open end adjacent and below a lowermost perforation of the perforated interval; and installing the tool in the well with the sealing element sealing between the tubular body and the casing wall above the uppermost perforation of the perforated interval and below the lowermost perforation of the perforated interval to isolate fluid flow between the perforations and the inner diameter. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110073328 | Actuation Assembly and Method for Actuating a Downhole Tool - An actuation assembly ( | 03-31-2011 |
| 20110073329 | Compression Assembly and Method for Actuating Downhole Packing Elements - A compression assembly ( | 03-31-2011 |
| 20110073330 | EARTH-BORING TOOLS HAVING EXPANDABLE MEMBERS AND RELATED METHODS - Expandable apparatus for use in subterranean boreholes include a tubular body having at least one opening and at least one member positioned within the at least one opening. The member is configured to move between a retracted position and an extended position. A sleeve member including a constricted portion may be disposed in the tubular body and may selectively retain the at least one member in the retracted position. In some embodiments, the sleeve member may be biased in an initial position. Methods of moving a member of an expandable apparatus include repeating retracting and expanding of the member. Methods of triggering an expandable apparatus include forming a constriction in a fluid flow path extending through a sleeve member to move the sleeve member in a downhole direction responsive to fluid flow. | 03-31-2011 |
| 20110083861 | WELL TOOL INCLUDING SWELLABLE MATERIAL AND INTEGRATED FLUID FOR INITIATING SWELLING - 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. | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110088916 | METHOD FOR SEALING AN ANNULAR SPACE IN A WELLBORE - The present invention relates to a method for providing one or more seals in an annular space between a well tubular and the surrounding formation or between pipes of a wellbore system for providing sectioning thereof. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110094755 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INITIATING ANNULAR OBSTRUCTION IN A SUBSURFACE WELL - The present invention is directed to systems and methods for initiating annular obstructions in wells used in, or in support of, enhanced oil recovery operations—particularly enhanced oil recovery (EOR) efforts involving steam injection (e.g., steam flooding). In at least some instances, system and method embodiments of the present invention utilize one or more passively-activated annular obstruction devices (and/or hybrid active/passive devices) for inducing annular obstruction, wherein the associated passive or hybrid activation is at least partially controlled by thermal means such that it can be deemed to be thermally-directed or thermally-controlled. Such thermally-directed passive activation can afford considerably more control over the annular obstruction process and, correspondingly, over the overall steam injection into the formation and associated reservoir—thereby providing more efficient recovery of hydrocarbons. | 04-28-2011 |
| 20110094756 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INITIATING ANNULAR OBSTRUCTION IN A SUBSURFACE WELL - The present invention is directed to systems and methods for initiating annular obstructions in wells used in, or in support of, enhanced oil recovery operations—particularly enhanced oil recovery (EOR) efforts involving steam injection (e.g., steam flooding). In at least some instances, system and method embodiments of the present invention utilize one or more passively-activated annular obstruction devices (and/or hybrid active/passive devices) for inducing annular obstruction, wherein the associated passive or hybrid activation is at least partially controlled by thermal means such that it can be deemed to be thermally-directed or thermally-controlled. Such thermally-directed passive activation can afford considerably more control over the annular obstruction process and, correspondingly, over the overall steam injection into the formation and associated reservoir—thereby providing more efficient recovery of hydrocarbons. | 04-28-2011 |
| 20110094757 | SEALING APPARATUS FOR A DOWNHOLE TOOL - An apparatus and a method to seal and prevent leakage within a downhole tool are disclosed herein. The apparatus includes a first body portion having a first fluid flow path formed therethrough and a second body portion having a second fluid flow path formed therethrough. The second body portion is movable between a first position and a second position with respect to the first body portion. The apparatus further includes a stopper connected to the second body portion and disposed within the first body portion. When the second body portion is in the first position, the stopper sealingly engages the first fluid flow path, and when the second body portion is in the second position, the stopper sealingly disengages from the first fluid flow path. | 04-28-2011 |
| 20110100648 | IMPROVED ACTIVATION DEVICE - A device for activating a downhole tool is described. The device comprises a first elongate member defining a toothed surface portion, a second elongate member defining a toothed surface portion and at least one pinion arrangement The/each pinion arrangement engages the toothed surface portions of the first and second members such that movement of one member in a first direction results in movement of the other member in a second direction, opposite the first direction. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110100649 | ISOLATION TOOL - A method of isolating a section of pipe includes the steps of locating a seal unit having two seal elements in a pipe via a penetration in the pipe, such as a branch or tee. The seal unit is then positioned in the pipe downstream of the penetration. The seal elements are activated using a primary activation mechanism to engage the pipe wall and then maintained in an activated condition using a secondary activation mechanism. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110120733 | FUNCTIONALLY GRADED SWELLABLE PACKERS - A swellable packer including a tubular member and a swellable element. The tubular member is disposable on a mandrel configured to be deployed into a wellbore. The swellable element is disposed around the tubular member, and has segments of different cross link densities, with the segments configured to provide a varying cross link density in the swelleable element along a thickness of the swellable element, an azimuth of the swellable element, or both. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110120734 | RAM Blowout Preventer Stroke Limiting and Method - Method and blowout preventer for sealing a well. The blowout preventer includes a body having first and second chambers, the first chamber extending substantially perpendicular to and intersecting the second chamber; first and second ram blocks configured to move within the first chamber to seal a first region of the second chamber from a second region of the second chamber; first and second rods connected to the first and second ram blocks, respectively, and configured to extend along the first chamber; first and second bonnets partially covering first and second rods, respectively, the bonnets being detachably attached to the body; and first and second stroke limiting devices configured to pierce through end parts of the first and second bonnets and limit a stroke of the first and second rods by a predetermined amount. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110132626 | WELLSITE SYSTEMS UTILIZING DEPLOYABLE STRUCTURE - An apparatus for deploying an instrument usable with a well comprises at least one reversibly expandable structure, at least one actuator operable to change a perimeter dimension of the at least one reversibly expandable structure, at least one instrument disposed interior of the at least one reversibly expandable structure, and having an axial dimension, and tractoring fluid disposed between the at least one reversibly expandable structure and the at least one instrument. The apparatus is operable to perform at least one of exerting thrust to convey the at least one instrument with respect to at least one adjacent surface, creating compensating pressure between the at least one instrument and the at least one adjacent surface, and sealing between the at least one instrument and the at least one adjacent surface. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110139465 | PACKING TUBE ISOLATION DEVICE - A packing tube isolation assembly, which includes a first conduit, a second conduit, and a sealing member. The first conduit extends substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of a tube disposable in a wellbore and has an opening defined in the first conduit. The second conduit fluidly connects to an annulus of the wellbore and to the opening of the first conduit, and is disposed at an angle with respect to the first conduit. The sealing member is disposed adjacent the second conduit and is configured to move into and substantially obstruct the second conduit when the second conduit is at least partially packed with a gravel slurry. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110139466 | ULTRA HIGH TEMPERATURE PACKER BY HIGH-TEMPERATURE ELASTOMERIC POLYMERS - A high temperature downhole packer including a tubular member, an annular and longitudinally movable ring, and a packer. The tubular member has a stop located on an outer diameter thereof. The annular and longitudinally movable ring is disposed around the outer diameter of the tubular member. The packer element is disposed between the stop and the ring. The packer element includes a high temperature elastomeric polymer having a first storage modulus from about 1,000 MPa to about 10,000 MPa at a first temperature between about −100° C. and about 175° C., and a second storage modulus from about 1 MPa to about 1000 MPa at a second temperature ranging from about 175° C. to about 475° C. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110147013 | Retrieval Method For Opposed Slip Type Packers - A method is provided which releases and retrieves an opposed slip downhole tool by reducing the compressive forces on the sealing elements prior to unsetting the slip assemblies. Further, the method does so without damaging the slip assemblies. The method provides for the retrieval of the entire downhole tool including all of its component parts, requiring but a single trip within the wellbore. When the tool is to be retrieved, the sealing element is disengaged from the casing by relaxing the compression forces on the sealing element. Then the slip assemblies are disengaged from the casing such that the slip assemblies are no longer in gripping engagement with the casing. The tool is then retrieved from the wellbore. The step of disengaging the sealing assembly can be performed by radially contracting the sealing element with or without longitudinally expanding the sealing element. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110147014 | CONTROL SWELLING OF SWELLABLE PACKER BY PRE-STRAINING THE SWELLABLE PACKER ELEMENT - A swellable packer including a first retainer, a second retainer, a swellable element, a piston, and a piston lock. The second retainer is spaced axially apart from the first retainer. The swellable element is at least partially disposed between and fixed to the first and second retainers. The piston is fixed to the second retainer and configured to move the second retainer from a first position in which the swellable element is unstrained, to a second position in which the swellable element is strained. The piston lock is configured to releasably fix the second retainer in the second position. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110147015 | Seal Bore for High Expansion Bridge Plugs - One or more pup joints are provided in a tubular string at one or more predetermined locations. The seal bores are recessed to protect them from passing tool until needed as a sealing location for a packer or bridge plug having a metal-to-metal seal that is radially extended into sealing contact with the seal bore surface. The seal surface can be recessed to protect it from passing tools. A coating or sleeve can be fit to the sealing surface that is penetrated by the sealing element of the packer or bridge plug for the metal to metal seal. The presence of the protective sleeve can also enhance the metal to metal seal by abutting the sealing element on opposed sides after the sealing element penetrates through the sleeve. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110168411 | TUBULAR EXPANSION TOOL AND METHOD - A downhole hydraulically powered tool ( | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110168412 | Large Bore Packer and Methods of Setting Same - Devices and methods for setting a packer inside a wellbore with little appreciable reduction of the useable area of the wellbore. The outer casing or liner of the wellbore contains one or more integrated casing coupler joints having an increased diameter chamber portion. A large bore packing element is carried within the increased diameter chamber portion. The packing element may be selectively actuated to form a seal against an interior tubular member. Because the packing element is located within the chamber portion of the casing coupler, the packer may be set while saving useable cross-sectional area within the casing. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110174506 | Wellhead Annulus Seal Assembly - A ring like seal assembly for a wellhead assembly that seals between a pair of coaxial tubulars. The seal assembly includes a spring member for exerting an axial force on the seal. The spring member projects from an end of the seal assembly substantially parallel to the axis of the seal assembly and is compressed when installing the seal assembly between the tubulars. Compressing the spring member maintains an axial force on the seal assembly to keep the seal assembly radially deformed so that it can maintain sealing contact with both coaxial tubulars. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110180275 | Bi-Metallic Annular Seal and Wellhead System Incorporating Same - A wellhead seal assembly that forms a metal-to-metal seal between inner and outer wellhead members. A bi-metallic U-shaped seal with legs having a low yield metal on the outer portions. During installation of the seal assembly, the legs of the seal are forced outward against the surfaces of the wellhead members, by pressurization of a interim non-metallic seal which forces a wedge into the U-shaped seal, causing localized yielding of the low yield metal to fill defects on wellhead member surfaces. | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110186308 | ASYMMETRIC SEAL AND METHOD - A seal including a contact area; and two arms extending in opposite directions from the contact area, the seal when set exhibiting an asymmetric cross section. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110203810 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR HYDRAULICALLY PRESETTING A METAL SEAL - A system and method is provided for hydraulically presetting a metal-to-metal seal, which may be installed in an annular space between wellhead components. A hydraulic running tool may be landed on a first wellhead component and coupled to a second wellhead component, for example, via a hydraulic or mechanical coupling assembly. Fluid pressure may then be applied to the hydraulic running tool to move the components axially together, thereby setting the metal-to-metal seal (i.e., axially compressing and radially expanding the seal). A coupling may secure the wellhead components in place relative to one another, while fluid pressure is being applied so that the metal-to-metal seal remains in the set position after the hydraulic tool is removed. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110209881 | Pressure-Activated Valve for Hybrid Coiled Tubing Jointed Tubing Tool String - Embodiments of the hybrid tool string include coiled tubing and jointed tubing, as well as a means typically located at the connection of the coiled and jointed tubing for sealing the fluid flowpath through the bore of the hybrid tool string. Embodiments of the hybrid tool string may use a pressure-activated valve tool attached in series between the coiled tubing and the jointed tubing, which allows for sealing of the bore by application of pressure. Embodiments of the pressure-activated valve tool may use a flapper in conjunction with a sleeve to seal the bore. The novel hybrid tool string may be used to service a well. | 09-01-2011 |
| 20110247835 | Sequenced packing element system - 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. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110253393 | SWELLABLE DOWNHOLE DEVICE OF SUBSTANTIALLY CONSTANT PROFILE - A swellable packer device upon exposure to brine in a well. The device may be swellable to a substantially constant profile in spite of significant fluctuations in brine concentrations. Thus, the likelihood of packer failure due to under-swelling or over-swelling is reduced. Indeed, the packer may be employed for long-term operations or isolations ranging from a couple of weeks to twenty years or more without undue concern over packer failure from under or over swelling. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110253394 | MODIFYING EXPANSION FORCES BY ADDING COMPRESSION - A method for expanding a tubular in a borehole, the tubular having upper and lower ends, the system comprises a) applying a compressive load to the upper end of the tubular and b) expanding the tubular by moving an expansion device relative to the tubular while maintaining the compressive load. Step a) may include resting a weight on the upper end of the tubular or applying hydraulic pressure to the upper end of the tubular. The lower end of the tubular may engage the formation before step b) or as a result of step b). | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110259611 | MECHANICALLY DEPLOYABLE WELL ISOLATION MECHANISM - A mechanism configured for mechanical self-deployment in a well. The mechanism may be primarily an open or closed-cell polymer foam positioned downhole in a pre-compressed state. Subsequently, the mechanism may be released from a housing for self-deployment and engagement with a wall of the well. Such a mechanism may serve the conventional purpose of a downhole packer or other similar restriction devices. Additionally, due to the self-deploying nature of the device, multiple such devices may be linked in series based upon user-determined criteria at the time of application. Thus, a reduction in the number of trips in the well may generally be realized. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110259612 | WELLBORE PRESSURE CONTROL WITH SEGREGATED FLUID COLUMNS - A method of controlling pressure in a wellbore can include placing a barrier substance in the wellbore while a fluid is present in the wellbore, and flowing another fluid into the wellbore while the first fluid and the barrier substance are in the wellbore. The first and second fluids may have different densities. Another method can include circulating a fluid through a tubular string and an annulus formed between the tubular string and the wellbore, then partially withdrawing the tubular string from the wellbore, then placing a barrier substance in the wellbore, then partially withdrawing the tubular string from the wellbore and then flowing another fluid into the wellbore. A well system can include at least two fluids in a wellbore, the fluids having different densities, and a barrier substance separating the fluids. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110278023 | ASSEMBLY FOR CONTROLLING ANNULI BETWEEN TUBULARS - The present application is directed to an assembly for controlling an annulus between tubulars. The assembly comprising a first annular member securable to the outer tubular; a second annular member securable to the first annular member; wherein each of the first and second annular members have eccentric bores therethrough. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110284247 | RESIN SEALANT FOR ZONAL ISOLATION AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING SAME - Epoxy-based, temperature specific zonal isolation compositions are disclosed and methods for isolating zones in borehole of oil and gas wells using the compositions, where the composition is adjusted for use in high-temperature, mid-temperature and low-temperature applications. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110284248 | FOAM RESIN SEALANT FOR ZONAL ISOLATION AND METHODS FOR MAKING AND USING SAME - Foamable epoxy-based zonal isolation sealing compositions are disclosed and methods for isolating zones in borehole of oil and gas wells using the compositions. The foam nature of the cured seals provide sufficient compressibility and resiliency to be used with expandable tubing without substantial loss in sealant integrity and in squeeze operations. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110297400 | Expandable Packer Construction - A technique involves a packer formed as an expandable packer with an internal expandable bladder. The expandable bladder is formed with a section that is radially enlarged relative to an axial end of the expandable bladder when the bladder is in a relaxed state. The bladder configuration enables use of a reduced expansion ratio while still allowing expansion of the packer to a desired large diameter. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110308818 | Sealing Arrangement, And Corresponding Method - A sealing arrangement and method for dynamic sealing around a drill stem ( | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110308819 | HYDRAULICALY FRACTURABLE DOWNHOLE VALVE ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR USING SAME - Hydraulically fracturable downhole valve assembly and methods for using same are provided. The method can include setting a downhole tool in the wellbore. The downhole tool can include a body having a bore formed therethrough, and one or more sealing members disposed therein. The one or more sealing members can include an annular base and a curved surface having an upper face and a lower face, wherein one or more first radii define the upper face, and one or more second radii define the lower face, and wherein, at any point on the curved surface, the first radius is greater than the second radius. The sealing members can be disposed within the bore of the tool using one or more annular sealing devices disposed about the one or more sealing members. The method can also include fracturing the one or more sealing members using pump pressure, formation pressure, percussion, explosion, or a combination thereof. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110308820 | Downhole Apparatus with Packer Cup and Slip - A downhole apparatus and assembly for use in a well bore and associated method are disclosed. The downhole apparatus includes a mandrel, a first slip, and a second slip, both slips being disposed on the mandrel. The slips are configured to grippingly engaging the well bore when in a set position. A packer cup is also disposed on the mandrel. The packer cup is provided for sealing an annulus between the mandrel and the well bore. The packer cup is slidable relative to the mandrel, and can be controlled to slide along the mandrel in order to move the slip to the set position. The downhole assembly includes a downhole tool and a setting apparatus. The setting apparatus can be used to lower the downhole apparatus to a desired setting depth and then to release the downhole apparatus. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110315403 | BOTTOM HOLE ASSEMBLY COMPRISING FLOW THROUGH SETTING TOOL AND FRAC PLUG - A bottom hole assembly comprising a hydraulic setting tool, a frac plug, and usually also an adapter for connecting the frac plug to the setting tool. The setting tool, adapter, and frac plug, all include continuous flow passages that allow fluid to be circulated in the well ahead of the plug as the bottom hole assembly is advanced. This removes debris present in the well and prevents the frac plug from becoming lodged in the well in other than the desired location. The setting tool includes a bypass feature that signals reliably when the plug has been successfully deployed. The bypass assembly comprises sliding members with bypass ports that can become aligned only when the collar on the frac plug has advanced far enough to ensure complete deployment of the frac plug. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110315404 | Lubricating Seal for Use with a Tubular - Sealing elements have lubricating seal profiles for communicating fluid between the sealing elements and the sealed drill string tubular or other oilfield component while the sealed drill string tubular or other oilfield component rotates or moves vertically relative to the seal elements. The same fluid used for drilling may also be used for seal lubrication, such as water, drilling fluid or mud, well bore fluid or other liquid or gas. The sealing elements may be disposed with a seal housing, which may be positioned with a marine riser, or subsea without a marine riser. The seal housing may prevent rotation of the seal elements with the sealed drill string tubular or other oilfield component. Alternatively, the seal housing may be an RCD that allows the sealing elements to rotate. The lubricating seal profiles include a wave pattern, a saw-tooth high film pattern, a downwardly inclined passageway pattern, an upwardly inclined passageway pattern, and a combined upwardly and downwardly inclined passageway pattern. In one embodiment, a stripper rubber seal element may have a lubricating seal profile on the inwardly facing bore surfaces of both its nose and throat sections for sealing with drill string tubulars and other oilfield components having different diameters. Dual seals with two annular spaced apart sealing surfaces, with or without lubricating seal profiles, may seal with a drill string tubular or other oilfield component. In another embodiment, differential pressures across two seal elements may be managed by filling the cavity between the two sealing elements with cuttings-free drilling fluid, mud, water, coolant, lubricant or inert gas at desired amounts of pressure. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20110315405 | WELL TOOLS UTILIZING SWELLABLE MATERIALS ACTIVATED ON DEMAND - A well tool includes a generally tubular mandrel with a flow passage extending longitudinally through the mandrel, and a flow controller which initially prevents a fluid from contacting a swellable material, but which permits the fluid to contact the material in response to manipulation of pressure in the flow passage. Another well tool includes a swellable material, a generally tubular mandrel, and a conduit wrapped circumferentially about the mandrel, the conduit containing a fluid which, upon contact with the swellable material, causes the material to swell. A method of actuating a well tool in a well includes manipulating pressure in a flow passage extending through a tubular string, thereby opening at least one flow control device of the well tool which selectively permits fluid communication between a reservoir of the well tool and a swellable material of the well tool, whereby a fluid in the reservoir contacts the swellable material. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20120000676 | MITIGATING LEAKS IN PRODUCTION TUBULARS - A well system can include a generally tubular production string extending to a surface location. A production packer seals off an annulus external to the production string. A swellable packer is interconnected in the production string between the production packer and the surface location. A method of mitigating a leak in a generally tubular production string can include interconnecting a swellable packer in the production string, and the swellable packer swelling, and thereby increasingly restricting flow through an annulus surrounding the production string, in response to fluid leakage through a sidewall of the production string. Another method can include interconnecting a swellable packer in the production string, and the swellable packer swelling, and thereby increasingly restricting flow through an annulus surrounding the production string, in response to a flow of hydrocarbons into the annulus from an interior of the production string. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20120006569 | DRILL STRING/ANNULUS SEALING WITH SWELLABLE MATERIALS - A well system can include a drill string having a drill bit at an end thereof, and a swellable seal exposed to fluid in an annulus external to the drill string. The swellable seal can include a swellable material which swells in response to the fluid comprising a predetermined activating agent. A method of preventing undesired release of fluid from a wellbore can include displacing a drill string through the wellbore, thereby drilling the wellbore, and installing in the wellbore a swellable seal which, in response to the fluid comprising a predetermined activating agent, reduces flow through an annulus formed radially between the drill string and the wellbore. Another well system can include a swellable seal carried into a wellbore on a drill string, with the swellable seal including a swellable material which swells in response to a fluid in the wellbore comprising a predetermined activating agent. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120012342 | Downhole Packer Having Tandem Packer Elements for Isolating Frac Zones - A tandem packer seals a wellbore annulus with first and second seals. The packer has a body defining a bore therethrough and has a shoulder disposed on the body. A compressible element is disposed on the body adjacent the shoulder. A piston is movably disposed on the body adjacent the compressible element and is activated by fluid pressure communicated through a port in the packer's bore. When actuated, the piston fits between the compressible element and the body to initially expand it outward. With further fluid pressure, the piston compresses the compressible element against the shoulder to expand the element radially outward and produce a first seal with a surrounding surface. A swellable element also disposed on the body is swellable in the presence of an agent and expands radially outward to produce a second seal with the surrounding surface. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120012343 | Downhole Packer Having Swellable Sleeve - A packer seals a wellbore annulus. The packer has a body defining a bore therethrough and has a swellable element disposed on the body. An expander movably disposed on the body adjacent the swellable element is actuated by fluid pressure communicated through a port in the body's bore. When actuated, the expander fits between the swellable element and the body to expand the swellable element radially outward an initial expansion amount. While downhole, the swellable element swells in the presence of an agent downhole and expands radially outward a subsequent expansion amount to produce a seal with a surrounding surface. With further fluid pressure, the expander can also compress the swellable element to further increase the expansion amount of the swellable element. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120037382 | Running Tool - An embodiment of a running tool for setting and testing a packoff seal of a well pipe hanger has an elongated stem having an axial passage, a body, a cam, a cam tail, a stem engagement element, and a piston. A method of setting and testing a packoff seal comprises rotating the stem relative to the body to a delivery position, thereby disengaging the engaging element from the stem. The stem moves axially downward relative to the body to land the packoff. The engagement element reengages the stem in a landing position. Fluid pressure is applied to the axial passage to set and seal the packoff, thereby moving the running tool to a set position. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120043095 | DUAL PACKER FOR A HORIZONTAL WELL - A dual packer for at least partially defining a production zone in a wellbore, the dual packer including a packer body having an up-hole side and a down-hole side. A first through bore and a second through bore each extend through the packer body from the up-hole side to the down-hole side. A first piping extends from the down-hole side of the first through bore and includes a perforated sub adjacent the down-hole side of the packer body. A second piping extends from the down-hole side of the second through bore and is communicably connected to the first piping down-hole of the first perforated sub. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120061104 | DOWNHOLE TOOL SEAL ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD OF SEALING A DOWNHOLE TUBULAR - A downhole tool includes, a body having a recess, a first seal bore, a second seal bore, and a tool disposed at the body that is responsive to differential pressure across a piston. The downhole tool is configured to allow a differential pressure to form across the piston in response to a first plug sealing to and located at the first seal bore by the recess and preventive of forming a pressure differential across the piston in response to a second plug sealing to and located at the second seal bore by the recess. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120061105 | Single piece packer extrusion limiter ring - 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. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120067597 | WELLHEAD SEAL DEVICE TO SEAL CASING - A wellhead seal device forms metal seals in an annular space between inner and outer tubular members such as a rough casing held within aligned casing and tubing heads. An annular metal sealing sleeve has a lower portion seated in the annular space, and an upper portion which forms an inner sealing annulus adjacent the outer wall of the inner tubular member. A metal seal ring and a wedge ring are located in the inner sealing annulus. A retaining ring is retained by the upper portion above the wedge ring. Threaded seal energizing members extend through the retaining ring to push downwardly on the wedge ring and compress the metal seal ring radially inwardly to form a metal seal to the inner tubular member and thus seal the inner sealing annulus. The lower portion of the annular metal sealing sleeve may seal to the casing head and to the casing. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120073834 | Friction Bite with Swellable Elastomer Elements - A friction-enhancing material is applied to an outer surface of a swellable element of a downhole tool. The friction-enhancing material helps prevent axial extrusion of the elastomer of the swellable element. The friction-enhancing material may include particles, a mesh, and wickers, among other kinds of friction-enhancing material, and may be disposed on or embedded in all or a portion of an outer surface of the swellable element. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120073835 | ORIENTABLE ECCENTRIC DOWNHOLE ASSEMBLY - An assembly employing multiple eccentric devices about a mandrel. The assembly is configured such that at least one of the eccentric devices is adjustably orientable relative another. Thus, for example, where the devices are packers disposed about completions tubing, the adjustable orientation may be utilized to ensure enough clearance is available for downhole advancement of the assembly. As such, the assembly may remain eccentric in nature without concern over damage during positioning, particularly to a communication line running to actuatable implements of equipment coupled to the completions assembly. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120080202 | Downhole Apparatus with Packer Cup and Slip - A downhole apparatus and for use in a well bore and associated method are disclosed. The downhole apparatus includes a center mandrel. A slip means is disposed on the mandrel. The slip means can include teeth or the like for grippingly engaging the well bore when in a set position. A retractable packer cup is also disposed on the mandrel. The retractable packer cup is provided for sealing an annulus between the mandrel and the well bore. The retractable packer cup is slidable relative to the mandrel, and can be controlled to slide along the mandrel in order to move the slip to the set position. Also disclosed is a downhole assembly that includes a downhole tool and a setting apparatus. The setting apparatus can be used for lowering the downhole apparatus to a desired setting depth and then releasing the downhole apparatus. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120085554 | Seal with Enhanced Nose Ring - 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 lock ring is retained within interior portion of the nose ring. An upward facing shoulder formed on an upper portion of nose ring contacts the lower surface of the inner seal leg. The shoulder prevents the downward deflection of the inner leg and eliminates buckling due to Poisson effect from the resulting axial force due to growth of the seal legs during setting operations. The shoulder thus prevents crooked or twisted setting of the seal to prevent plastic strain in the seal. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120090857 | Swellable Member, Swell Controlling Arrangement and Method of Controlling Swelling of a Swellable Member - A swell controlling arrangement includes a swellable member configured to swell upon exposure to a swell inducing fluid, and an acidic material that is configured to form an acidic environment. The swell controlling arrangement is configured to preferentially expose the swellable member to the acidic environment when the swellable member and the acidic material are exposed to the swell inducing fluid. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120090858 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ISOLATING AND TREATING DISCRETE ZONES WITHIN A WELLBORE - Methods and apparatus for conducting fracturing operations using a wellbore fracturing assembly are described. The assembly may be mechanically set and released from a wellbore using a coiled tubing string. The assembly may include a pair of spaced apart packers for straddling the area of interest, an injection port disposed between the packers for injecting fracturing fluid into the area of interest, and an anchor for securing the assembly in the wellbore. At least one of the packers includes a pressure balanced mandrel. After conducting the fracturing operation, the assembly may be relocated to another area of interest to conduct another fracturing operation. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120103634 | Ring Member for a Swellable Downhole Packer - A ring member for a downhole apparatus includes a swellable material selected to increase in volume on exposure to at least one triggering fluid. The ring member is configured to cooperate with a swellable member disposed on a body of the apparatus, and may function as a gauge ring or a retaining member. The ring member is secured to the apparatus via a coupling arrangement which couples the body to an adjacent well string section. The ring member is threaded into the well string. Alternately, the ring member may be disposed over an upstanding formation such as a coupling sleeve by clamping. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120118585 | DUAL METAL SEAL SYSTEM - 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. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120125640 | SWELLABLE PACKER HAVING THERMAL COMPENSATION - A swellable packer for use in a subterranean well can include a seal element with a swellable material which contracts in response to temperature decrease, and a temperature compensator which applies increased force to the seal element in response to temperature decrease. A method of compensating for thermal contraction of a swellable material in a subterranean well can include a temperature of the swellable material increasing in response to installing the swellable material in the well, and a temperature compensator applying an increased force in response to a temperature decrease occurring after the temperature increasing step. A well tool for use in a subterranean well can include a swellable material and a temperature compensator which applies an increased force when the swellable material contracts. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120125641 | MODULAR HYDRAULIC PACKER-AND-PORT SYSTEM - Modular hydraulic packer-and-port system and corresponding methods of operation. The system may be installed for temporary, semi-permanent, or permanent deployments. The system and method may provide for hydraulic isolation of target zones in a well while allowing pass-through tubes to the target zones for taking samples, inserting monitoring sensors, and the like. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120125642 | CONVERTIBLE MULTI-FUNCTION DOWNHOLE ISOLATION TOOL AND RELATED METHODS - A downhole isolation tool adapted to be converted in the field into any one of a bridge plug, ball drop plug, or a caged ball plug. The components used to assemble the tool, such as the mandrel, slips, and conversion adapters and accessories, are constructed primarily of non-metallic material. Through use of the disclosed isolation tool, drillout time is greatly reduced. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120138315 | Downhole Seal - A downhole seal ( | 06-07-2012 |
| 20120145412 | EXTENDING LINES THROUGH, AND PREVENTING EXTRUSION OF, SEAL ELEMENTS OF PACKER ASSEMBLIES - A packer assembly can include an annular seal element and an end ring including leaves formed on a body of the end ring, whereby the leaves are biased radially outward when the seal element extends radially outward. A method of sealing an annulus in a subterranean well can include positioning a circumferential series of leaves radially outwardly overlying an annular seal element of a packer assembly, and the leaves pivoting radially outward in response to swelling of the seal element. Another packer assembly can include an annular seal element which swells in response to contact with a selected fluid in the well, and an end ring including an end ring body with a removable portion being engaged with the end ring body via interlocking profiles. | 06-14-2012 |
| 20120145413 | Downhole Apparatus and Method - A downhole apparatus, such as a wellbore packer, is provided with a swellable member and a fluid supply assembly. The fluid supply assembly is to receive fluid and expose the swellable member to the fluid to cause expansion of the swellable member, and comprises a support structure for supporting the swellable member on the body. In a preferred embodiment, the support structure defines a chamber and is configured to allow fluid to flow and access the swellable member. A method of use and method of sealing a wellbore is described. | 06-14-2012 |
| 20120145414 | Downhole Apparatus and Method - A downhole apparatus, such as a wellbore packer, is provided with a swellable member and a fluid supply assembly. The fluid supply assembly is to receive fluid and expose the swellable member to the fluid to cause expansion of the swellable member, and comprises a support structure for supporting the swellable member on the body. In a preferred embodiment, the support structure defines a chamber and is configured to allow fluid to flow and access the swellable member. A method of use and method of sealing a wellbore is described. | 06-14-2012 |
| 20120160521 | INTERVENTIONLESS SET PACKER AND SETTING METHOD FOR SAME | 06-28-2012 |
| 20120160522 | DOWNHOLE PACKER TOOL WITH DUMMY SLIPS - A packer tool having simple and reliable setting and release systems comprising three or more slips evenly distributed around a mandrel. Each slip comprises two members with gripping teeth which, except for one slip, typically have the capacity to grip a well casing in opposite axial directions. The remaining slip has only one member with teeth able to grip the casing, the other slip member has dummy teeth with nil gripping capacity. The latter teeth have blunt or rounded edges and are not slanted in a selective gripping direction as the sharper teeth of the other slip members. | 06-28-2012 |
| 20120160523 | DOWNHOLE PACKER TOOL WITH SAFETY SYSTEMS FOR PREVENTING UNDUE SET AND RELEASE OPERATIONS - A packer tool has safety devices to prevent premature and reverse setting and release operations. The safety devices are independent of shear-pin safety systems. Confined annular segments prevent a setting actuator piston from moving absent tool-setting hydraulic pressure. The setting pressure first moves a cylinder in an opposite direction to unroof the segments allowing them to exit confinement and free the piston to set the packing and the anchor slips. Release safety pins extend radially inward from a packing-holder collar into short slots formed on a mandrel surface, preventing the mandrel from being turned. Previous set motion causes the pins to leave the slots thereby freeing the mandrel to turn only after the tool has been set. A third safety device comprises an expanded ring which is dragged by the release cone during release motion until it lodges in a circumferential groove in the mandrel, locking against reverse movement. | 06-28-2012 |
| 20120160524 | COMPLETION ASSEMBLY AND A METHOD FOR STIMULATING, SEGMENTING AND CONTROLLING ERD WELLS - The invention relates to an assembly to be run with a well tubular having openings provided in the wall and for being arranged in a well bore and thereby forming a space between said tubing and the well bore surface. The assembly comprising: first fluid control means and second fluid control means being provided in another opening in said well tubular. The assembly further having a set of packers for sealing of the space between said tubing and the well bore surface, said set of packers being positioned such that a part the tubular having both first and second fluid control means is located between the set of packers. The first fluid control means is adapted such that it is capable of blocking fluid flow from the interior of said well tubular to said space between said tubing and the well bore surface. The second fluid control means is adapted such that it is capable of blocking fluid flow from said space between said tubing and the well bore surface to the interior of said well tubular. | 06-28-2012 |
| 20120175134 | OILFIELD APPARATUS AND METHOD COMPRISING SWELLABLE ELASTOMERS - The subject disclosure discloses apparatus and methods that are particularly suited for creating a seal in a borehole annulus. More particularly, the subject disclosure discloses a seal with enhanced sealing capability. In one embodiment the subject disclosure discloses a reinforced and permanent swellable packer device. | 07-12-2012 |
| 20120175135 | PACKER DEPLOYED FORMATION SENSOR - A packer deployed well wall monitoring or transceiver assembly. The assembly may be particularly suited for use with swellable packers wherein the sensor or transceiver is delivered in a manner that substantially avoids damage thereto. Furthermore, the pre-deployment configuration of the assembly may enhance the deployment and reliability of the sensor in terms of formation monitoring over time. The deployment of the packer provides the energy required for the sensor or transceiver to contact the well wall. The packer elastomeric material provides or can be enhanced to provide isolation of the sensor or transceivers from extraneous borehole disturbances improving their signal to noise characteristics. | 07-12-2012 |
| 20120181049 | Electrically Engaged, Hydraulically Set Downhole Devices - In one aspect, the disclosure provides a method of performing a wellbore operation that in one embodiment includes providing a device comprising a material that expands from an original shape to an expanded shape when a selected charge is applied to material, placing the device in the original shape in a wellbore, applying the selected charge to the material to expand the material and to cause a pressure differential across the device in the wellbore and supplying a fluid into the device to set the device in the wellbore. | 07-19-2012 |
| 20120181050 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SETTING A PACKER - A hydraulically set packer assembly actuated over an electronic line. The assembly includes a hydraulic packer setting mechanism that serves as an intensifier that is activated by way of an electronic trigger. As such, the trigger may be electronically coupled to an electronic line that is conventionally available for surface communications between surface equipment and a downhole gauge. The gauge generally present for monitoring well conditions such as pressure. Thus, a separate dedicated hydraulic or other powering line need not be outfitted as part of the assembly. Once more, for sake of gauge and well monitoring integrity, communications with the setting mechanism may be severed upon setting of the packer. | 07-19-2012 |
| 20120186830 | PACKER ASSEMBLY - Packer assemblies capable of providing desired load-bearing performance and of being retrieved from a bore in a subterranean formation are described. A packer assembly can include a wedge that can respond to a force in a downhole direction by un-supporting the slip. The unsupported slip is configured to disengage from a casing string, allowing the packer assembly to be removed from the bore. The wedge can include a collet to allow the wedge to separate from the slip to prevent slip re-setting. | 07-26-2012 |
| 20120217025 | METAL EXPANDABLE ELEMENT BACK-UP RING FOR HIGH PRESSURE/HIGH TEMPERATURE PACKER - An expandable backup ring includes an outer surface, an inner surface having a plurality of protrusions projecting radially inwardly, and a plurality of segments, the segments defined by a plurality of outer surface cuts. The plurality of outer surface cuts extends radially inwardly from the outer surface and partially into each of the plurality of protrusions. | 08-30-2012 |
| 20120227986 | TEMPERATURE DEPENDENT SWELLING OF A SWELLABLE MATERIAL - A swellable packer can include a material which swells when contacted with a swelling fluid, and a barrier comprising a highly crystalline polymer which is substantially impermeable to the swelling fluid. A method of controlling swelling of a material can include positioning the material and a barrier in a well, the barrier preventing contact between the material and a swelling fluid, the barrier comprising a polymer, and increasing a permeability of the barrier to the swelling fluid in response to the barrier polymer being heated to its crystallization temperature. A well system can include a material which swells in response to contact with a hydrocarbon gas, and a barrier which comprises a crystalline polymer, the polymer being substantially impermeable to the hydrocarbon gas, whereby the polymer initially prevents swelling of the material, but the polymer becomes increasingly permeable to the hydrocarbon gas when heated to its crystallization temperature. | 09-13-2012 |
| 20120227987 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SEALING A WELLBORE - Methods and apparatuses for sealing a wellbore are provided. A seal assembly carried by a pair of opposing ram blocks of a blowout preventer is provided. The seal assembly includes a pair of seals carried by the pair of opposing ram blocks and a plurality of inserts carried by the pair of seals. The inserts include an upper body and a lower body with a rib therebetween. The upper and lower bodies each have an extended tip on a seal end thereof and a tip receptacle on a leading face thereof for receiving the extended tip. The extended tips are positionable in the tip receptacle of an adjacent inserts whereby an extrusion of a seal therebetween is restricted. | 09-13-2012 |
| 20120227988 | Metal Annulus Seal - A wellhead seal assembly forms a metal-to-metal seal between inner and outer wellhead members. A metal seal ring has inner and outer walls separated by a slot. An energizing ring has a C-ring captured on its outer surface. When the energizing ring is moved further into the slot, the C-ring is forced from its pocket and engages a profile on the seal ring, locking the energizing ring to the seal assembly. | 09-13-2012 |
| 20120241175 | Positionless Expanding Lock Ring For Subsea Annulus Seals For Lockdown - Wellhead assemblies, seal assemblies, and methods of locking down an annulus seal disposed within an annulus between outer and inner wellhead members, are provided. A seal assembly is positioned in an annulus. An energizing member is axially translated downward to energize an annulus seal element and outwardly radially compress a high-strength lockdown member into contact with an inner diameter surface of a wellhead member. The wellhead member can include a set of wickers. During compression, the outer diameter surface of the lockdown member is plastically deformed onto the set of wickers. | 09-27-2012 |
| 20120247788 | SEAL WITH BELLOWS STYLE NOSE RING - 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 has a downward facing shoulder that rests on an upward facing shoulder formed on a nose ring. Connection connects seal ring to the nose ring with a lower portion of the nose ring resting on the upward facing shoulder of the casing hanger. Bellows are formed on the nose ring to increase lockdown capacity. Bellows have an inner surface that faces an outer profile of the hanger, and an outer surface on the bellow that faces the bore of the housing. When the bellows are axially collapsed, they expand radially outward and contract radially inward into the bore of the housing and the outer profile of the hanger. | 10-04-2012 |
| 20120247789 | A FLUID COMPOSITION FOR USE IN INFLATABLE BAG PLUGGING OF AN EARTH BORE HOLE - A fluid composition for inflating a bag or bladder used in plugging earth drill or bore holes. The fluid composition comprises: a hydrocarbon gas or hydrocarbon gas blend; a carrier; and an emulsifier. In preferred embodiments the hydrocarbon gas comprises butane or propane; the carrier comprises water; and the emulsifier comprises a carbomer, such as a cross-linked polyacrylic polymer, and/or coconut diethanolamide. An aerosol dispenser may supply the fluid composition as foam to the bag. | 10-04-2012 |
| 20120267123 | EXPANDABLE PACKER - Methods and apparatus include tubing expanded to create a seal in an annulus surrounding the tubing. The tubing includes a sealing material selected to cause forming of undulations in a diameter of the tubing upon expansion of the tubing. Various factors of the sealing material such as deviations in its thickness influence sealing performance of the tubing with the sealing material. | 10-25-2012 |
| 20120292053 | Easy Drill Slip with Degradable Materials - Slip elements for a bridge plug include an inner body portion that is substantially formed of a material that is degradable by dissolution in response to a dissolving fluid and a hardened, resilient, radially outer contact portion. The outer contact portion includes a plurality of openings that function as stress risers. The inner body portion may be formed of magnesium powder. | 11-22-2012 |
| 20120292054 | OFFSHORE UNIVERSAL RISER SYSTEM - An offshore universal riser system may include a valve module which selectively permits and prevents fluid flow through a flow passage extending longitudinally through a riser string. An anchoring device may releasably secure the valve module in the passage. A method of constructing a riser system may include the steps of installing the valve module in the passage, and installing at least one annular seal module in the passage. The annular seal module may prevent fluid flow through an annular space between the riser string and a tubular string positioned in the passage. Drilling methods may include injecting relatively low density fluid compositions into the annular space, and selectively varying a restriction to flow through a subsea choke in a drilling fluid return line. The riser string, including housings for the various modules and external control systems, may be dimensioned for installation through a rotary table. | 11-22-2012 |
| 20120298380 | Annular isolation with tension-set external mechanical casing (EMC) packer - An apparatus comprising a first casing string comprising one or more profiled seats furrowed into the first casing string's inner casing wall, a second casing string comprising an upper casing joint, a lower casing joint, and a tension-set external mechanical casing (EMC) packer positioned between the upper casing joint and the lower casing joint, wherein the tension-set EMC packer comprises a mandrel that is attached to the upper casing joint and to the lower casing joint, wherein the second casing string is disposed within the first casing string such that a casing casing annulus (CCA) is formed between the first casing string's inside diameter (ID) and the second casing string's outside diameter (OD), and wherein the recessed seats are positioned below the tension-set EMC packer prior to any engagement of the tension-set EMC packer with the first casing string. | 11-29-2012 |
| 20120312559 | EXPANDABLE SEAL WITH CONFORMING RIBS - Expandable seals have one or more conforming ribs to facilitate creation of a seal to a sealing surface disposed in the well. The conforming ribs comprise a core of material either capped, partially covered by, or entirely covered by a ring. The ring can be formed of a metal that is softer than the metallic core material of each rib. Suitable metals forming the rings include copper formed by metal spun methods. Disposed adjacent to the rings are one or more sealing elements. By moving the rings into the sealing surface during expansion of the expandable seals, the rings close the extrusion gaps between the internal surface of the casing and the expanded tubular member ribs. The rings better conform to the sealing surface of the casing, thereby facilitating the creation of the seal between this sealing surface and each of the sealing elements. | 12-13-2012 |
| 20120312560 | SEALING APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR FORMING A SEAL IN A SUBTERRANEAN WELLBORE - Disclosed are apparatuses useful for forming a seal in a subterranean wellbore and methods for using the disclosed apparatuses for forming a seal in a wellbore. The apparatus is a part of a system that provides a wellbore seal that is capable of communicating the status of the applied seal to the user | 12-13-2012 |
| 20120312561 | TUBULAR ASSEMBLY - The present invention relates to a downhole tubular assembly for sealing an opening in a well tubular structure in a borehole downhole, comprising a first tubular part made of metal having an inner face, an inner diameter, an outer diameter and a first length in an unexpanded state, and a second tubular part having an outer face, an outer diameter and a second length, being arranged inside the first tubular part in an unexpanded state. Furthermore, the invention relates to a downhole system for sealing an opening in a well tubular structure in a borehole. Moreover, the invention relates to a method of sealing an opening in a well tubular structure in a borehole downhole and to a manufacturing method for manufacturing a downhole tubular assembly. | 12-13-2012 |
| 20120318532 | Temperature Resistant Downhole Elastomeric Device - An elastomeric-based device configured for use in high temperature downhole environments exceeding about 400° F. The device includes a carbon nanotube mesh configured to dissipate heat relative elastomeric portions thereof so as to provide temperature resistance. Thus, a majority of modulus strength of the elastomeric portions may be maintained along with device functionality even upon exposure to such temperatures. Further, the mesh may also be configured to mimic the modulus character of elastomeric portions to allow a cohesive compliance to the device as a whole. Thus, isolation packers and other expansive downhole devices may particularly benefit from such combined material configurations as detailed herein. | 12-20-2012 |
| 20130008672 | Annulus Seal Utilizing Energized Discrete Soft Interfacial Sealing Elements - A seal assembly for sealing an annulus between inner and outer wellhead members comprises an energizer ring having inner and outer legs separated by a slot, formed of a high strength elastic material and having a central axis and an inner diameter seal ring formed of an inelastic material located on an inner side of the inner leg for creating a seal between the inner wellhead member the energizer. An outer diameter seal ring formed of an inelastic material is located on an outer side of the outer leg for creating a seal between the energizer and the outer wellhead member. The seal assembly may have an initial radial dimension from inner surface of the inner diameter seal ring to an outer surface of the outer diameter seal ring that is adapted to be greater than a radial width of the annulus, causing the legs to deflect towards each other when inserted in the annulus. | 01-10-2013 |
| 20130008673 | Covered Retaining Shoe Configurations for Use in a Downhole Tool - A downhole apparatus suitable for downhole application may include a mandrel; a packer element assembly disposed about the mandrel that comprises at least one packer element disposed about the mandrel; and a retaining shoe disposed about the mandrel and adjacent to a first packer element of the packer element assembly. The retaining shoe may be configured such that in an unset position at least a portion of the first packer element covers at least a portion of a retaining shoe distal surface. | 01-10-2013 |
| 20130014959 | Remotely Activated Downhole Apparatus and MethodsAANM Tips; Timothy RatherAACI MontgomeryAAST TXAACO USAAGP Tips; Timothy Rather Montgomery TX USAANM Longbottom; James R.AACI MagnoliaAAST TXAACO USAAGP Longbottom; James R. Magnolia TX USAANM Covington; Ricky LayneAACI FriscoAAST TXAACO USAAGP Covington; Ricky Layne Frisco TX USAANM Fripp; MichaelAACI CarrolltonAAST TXAACO USAAGP Fripp; Michael Carrollton TX USAANM Helms; LonnieAACI DuncanAAST OKAACO USAAGP Helms; Lonnie Duncan OK USAANM Acosta; FrankAACI DuncanAAST OKAACO USAAGP Acosta; Frank Duncan OK USAANM Budler; NicholasAACI MarlowAAST OKAACO USAAGP Budler; Nicholas Marlow OK USAANM Key; JohnAACI ComancheAAST OKAACO USAAGP Key; John Comanche OK US - An apparatus includes an impervious body, a sealing element, an energy source, and a trigger. The impervious body is configured to prevent passage of fluid therethrough. The sealing element is disposed about the impervious body. The energy source is operationally connected to the sealing element. The trigger is configured to transfer energy from the energy source to the sealing element. The trigger is activated, at least in part, by receiving a signal transmitted through the impervious body. | 01-17-2013 |
| 20130025887 | DEGRADABLE LAYER FOR TEMPORARILY PROTECTING A SEAL - A packer arrangement for forming a seal between an inner member and an outer tubular string in a borehole includes an outer tubular string member having a chamber portion; and a packer device disposed at least partially within the chamber portion and including a sealing element for forming a seal against an inner member, the packer device including a degradable layer, the degradable layer temporarily and at least partially protecting the sealing element and method of establishing a seal. | 01-31-2013 |
| 20130043049 | APPARATUS FOR SEALING OFF A PART OF A WALL IN A SECTION DRILLED INTO AN EARTH FORMATION, AND A METHOD FOR APPLYING THE APPARATUS - The invention relates to an apparatus for sealing off a part of a wall ( | 02-21-2013 |
| 20130048313 | DOWNHOLE TOOL AND METHOD OF USE - Embodiments of the disclosure pertain to a composite member for a downhole tool that may include a resilient portion; and a deformable portion integral to the resilient portion and configured with a plurality of spiral grooves formed therein. The deformable portion may include a first material. A second material may be formed around the deformable portion. | 02-28-2013 |
| 20130048314 | DOWNHOLE TOOL AND METHOD OF USE - Embodiments of the disclosure pertain to a metal slip for a downhole tool that may include a slip body; an outer surface comprising gripping elements; and an inner surface configured for receiving a mandrel. In aspects, slip body may include at least one hole formed therein, and a buoyant material may be disposed in the hole. | 02-28-2013 |
| 20130056227 | SWELL-BASED INFLATION PACKER - An isolation packer. The packer is both an inflation packer and swell-based. That is, an outer shell or bladder may be utilized in conjunction with internal swell material. In advance of inflation, a void or cavity may be disposed between the inner surface of the shell and an outer surface of the swell material. Thus, fluid inflation of this void may result in an inflation that becomes swell-material filled until the void is eliminated leaving behind a more unitary and swollen packer of enhanced reliability. | 03-07-2013 |
| 20130056228 | Annular Seal for Expanded Pipe with One Way Flow Feature - The seal has a base ring that expands with the underlying supporting tubular. Extending from the base ring is a pleated structure with segments folded over each other so that the run in shape is small and up against the supporting tubular for run in. The pleated segments can have internal stiffeners that also add a bias radially outwardly when the structure is freed to move in that direction. A retaining band keeps the assembly retracted until tubular expansion defeats the band to allow the unitary structure to move out radially to the wellbore or surrounding tubular. The pleated portion unfolds and spans outwardly from the base ring to retain pressure differential in one direction while allowing fluid flow in the opposite direction. The assembly can be attached to a swage device so that pressure from above into the set seal can drive one or more swage members to expand a tubular. | 03-07-2013 |
| 20130092400 | Apparatus and Method for Providing Wellbore Isolation - An actuatable wellbore isolation assembly comprising a housing generally defining an axial flowbore and comprising a mandrel portion, a first end portion, and a second end portion, a radially expandable isolating member positioned circumferentially about a portion of the housing, a sliding sleeve circumferentially positioned about a portion of the mandrel of the cylindrical housing, the sliding sleeve being movable from, a first position in which the sliding sleeve retains the expandable isolating member in a narrower non-expanded conformation to a second position in which the sliding sleeve does not retain the expandable isolating member in the narrower non-expanded conformation, and an actuator assemblage configured to selectively allow movement of the sliding sleeve from the first position to the second position. | 04-18-2013 |
| 20130092401 | Method and Flexible Bodies for Subterrain Sealing - A method is for sealing a conduit in a sub terrain well bore, where a fluid is present in the well bore. The method comprises the steps of introducing flexible bodies at a position higher in the well bore than the intended position for the seal and being in fluid contact with the intended position for the seal, the flexible bodies having a density that is higher than the fluid in the well bore, allowing the flexible bodies to settle at the intended position for the sealing, and allowing the flexible bodies to consolidate to form a sealing plug in the conduit. Flexible bodies are for use in the method and a method is for introduction of the flexible bodies. | 04-18-2013 |
| 20130126190 | ION EXCHANGE METHOD OF SWELLABLE PACKER DEPLOYMENT - A downhole article includes an ion exchange polymer; and a composition that includes an elastomer and an absorbent material. A method of maintaining expandability of a downhole article includes disposing a downhole article comprising an elastomer, absorbent material, and an ion exchange material in a borehole, the ion exchange material comprising host ions; and exchanging fluid ions in a fluid with host ions from the ion exchange material to maintain the expandability of the downhole article. | 05-23-2013 |
| 20130126191 | INFLATABLE PACKER ASSEMBLY - Conventional formation evaluation with dual inflatable packers includes the steps of pressurizing the packers so as to isolate an annular portion of the borehole wall, collecting one or more samples of formation fluid via the isolated portion of the borehole wall, and depressurizing the packers so as to permit movement of the mandrel within the borehole. A sampling method and apparatus that utilize one or more of the following to advantage is provided: restricting deformation of the packers during inflation using an annular bracing assembly; actively retracting the packers using ambient borehole pressure; and substantially centralizing the mandrel intermediate the packers so as to resist buckling of the mandrel. | 05-23-2013 |
| 20130140041 | SELECTIVELY DISENGAGABLE SEALING SYSTEM - 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. | 06-06-2013 |
| 20130140042 | SEAL WITH BELLOWS STYLE NOSE RING AND RADIALLY DRIVABLE LOCK RINGS - A seal assembly between a wellhead housing having a bore and a casing hanger, has an inner seal leg for sealing against a hanger and an outer seal leg for sealing against the housing. A bellows style portion is formed on a nose ring carried by the seal assembly to increase lockdown capacity. The bellows style portion has an inner surface that faces an outer profile of the hanger, and an outer surface that faces the bore of the housing. Inner and outer lock rings are disposed on the bellows style portion. When the bellows style portion is axially collapsed, it radially expands into the bore of the housing and the outer profile of the hanger, and urges the inner and outer lock rings into engagement with the outer profile of the hanger and the bore of the housing. | 06-06-2013 |
| 20130140043 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTAINING BOREHOLE FLUID - Embodiments of the disclosure relate to directing a flow from a borehole termination structure. Embodiments include a device for containing fluid flow from a borehole. The device includes an engagement body and a sealing member located within a cavity of the engagement body. The cavity is configured to receive a portion of a borehole termination structure extending from the borehole and to direct fluid from the borehole into a fluid conduit. The sealing member has a changeable shape configured to surround the borehole termination structure and to form a seal between an outer surface of the borehole termination structure and an inner surface of the body of the containment assembly based on the borehole termination structure being positioned within the cavity. | 06-06-2013 |
| 20130146311 | Selective Set Module for Multi String Packers - In order to overcome the need to completely disassemble a dual or even possibly a multiple string packer on the rig floor and avoid the delays and potential for failure that such a rebuild entails, a dual string packer may be provided with a crossover module located such that fluid communication may be provided from any tubular bore to the internal shifting chamber without completely disassembling the dual string packer. an indexing cassette may be attached to the through tubing mandrels at or near the bottom or lower end of the dual string packer. | 06-13-2013 |
| 20130146312 | SELF-INHIBITED SWELL PACKER COMPOUND - A downhole sealant includes a composition that includes a polymer; an absorbent material; a primary crosslink network including primary bonds between chains of the polymer; and a secondary crosslink network which is transient. A method of regulating the swell rate of the downhole sealant includes disposing a downhole sealant comprising a polymer and an absorbent material in a borehole; maintaining a primary crosslink network of the polymer; and decomposing a secondary crosslink network of the absorbent material in response to a condition to regulate the swell rate of the downhole sealant. | 06-13-2013 |
| 20130161029 | HYDRODYNAMIC JOURNAL BEARING FLOW CONTROL BUSHING FOR A ROTATING CONTROL DEVICE - A rotating control device comprises an outer housing having a bore for receiving a tubular member. An inner housing and a piston assembly are rotatably disposed within the outer housing. An annular sealing assembly is disposed between the piston assembly and the inner housing so that axial movement of the piston assembly moves the annular sealing assembly into sealing engagement with the inner housing and the tubular member. A plurality of bearings is disposed between the inner housing and the outer housing. At least one of the plurality of bearings is a hydrodynamic journal bearing. | 06-27-2013 |
| 20130175053 | DOWNHOLE PLUG DROP TOOL - A plug drop tool, including a body defining a chamber, a plug initially housed in the chamber and a member disposed with the body. The member is actuatable for selectively enabling communication between the chamber and an annulus at least partially defined by the body. The plug is movable into the annulus when the communication is enabled. | 07-11-2013 |
| 20130175054 | SEALING MECHANISM FOR SUBSEA CAPPING SYSTEM - A sealing mechanism is provided. In one embodiment, a system includes a connector configured to couple one or more flow-control valves to equipment installed at a well and an isolation sleeve configured to be retained by the connector. The isolation sleeve may include a seal and a hydraulically actuated piston disposed adjacent one another about a body of the isolation sleeve such that actuation of the piston engages the seal. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed. | 07-11-2013 |
| 20130175055 | Sealing Mechanism for Subsea Capping System - Sealing mechanisms are provided. In one embodiment, a system includes a connector configured to couple one or more flow-control valves to equipment installed at a well and an isolation sleeve configured to be retained by the connector. The isolation sleeve may include a seal and a hydraulically actuated piston disposed adjacent one another about a body of the isolation sleeve such that actuation of the piston engages the seal. The isolation sleeve may also include a mechanically driven actuator ring, where the actuator ring energizes a seal against the bore of a tubing hanger. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed. | 07-11-2013 |
| 20130175056 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR INJECTING PACKING INTO STUFFING BOXES FOR RECIPROCATING RODS - 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. | 07-11-2013 |
| 20130180732 | Multiple Ramp Compression Packer - Systems and methods for remotely setting a downhole device. The system includes a base pipe having inner and outer radial surfaces and defining one or more pressure ports extending between the inner and outer radial surfaces. An internal sleeve is arranged against the inner radial surface and slidable between a closed position, where the internal sleeve covers the one or more pressure ports, and an open position, where the one or more pressure ports are exposed to an interior of the base pipe. A trigger housing is disposed about the base pipe and defines an atmospheric chamber in fluid communication with the one or more pressure ports. A piston port cover is disposed within the atmospheric chamber and moveable between blocking and exposed positions. A wellbore device is used to engage and move the internal sleeve into the open position by applying predetermined axial force to the internal sleeve. | 07-18-2013 |
| 20130180733 | SEAL RING BACKUP DEVICES AND METHODS FOR PREVENTING EXTRUSION - The present invention relates to seal ring back-up devices suitable for use on glands in sealing systems. In particular, the present invention relates to seal ring back-up devices that have been designed to fit into essentially all types of glands and close extrusion gaps. Some embodiments of the present invention provide a seal ring back-up device having an annular body having an inner diameter, an outer diameter, and a scarf cut; and where the annular body is configured to fit a gland and engage a seal ring. | 07-18-2013 |
| 20130180734 | Packing Element with Full Mechanical Circumferential Support - A packer device for forming a fluid seal between an inner tubular member and an outer tubular member. The packer device includes a swage assembly that is expandable from a reduced diameter condition to an expanded diameter condition and a substantially deformable packer element for contacting and forming a fluid seal against a surrounding tubular. The packer element radially surrounds the swage assembly and being moved outwardly into a sealing configuration when the swage assembly is moved to its expanded diameter condition | 07-18-2013 |
| 20130180735 | COMPLETIONS FLUID LOSS CONTROL SYSTEM - A completions fluid loss control system for incorporation into upper completion hardware. The system allows for the avoidance of a dedicated intermediate completion installation in advance of upper completion delivery to a lower completion at a formation interface. The system includes a unique cup packer and flow regulation arrangement such that annular fluid thereabove may be isolated away from space below the system while at the same time allowing annular fluid therebelow to bypass the system. As such, the upper completion may be advanced toward the installed lower completion while maintaining well control at the noted formation interface. | 07-18-2013 |
| 20130180736 | DRILL PIPE - The present invention relates to an expansion device to be inserted in a casing or well tubular structure for expanding an annular barrier downhole. The annular barrier comprises a tubular structure for mounting as part of the well tubular structure, an expandable sleeve surrounding the tubular structure, and a connection part connecting the expandable sleeve with the tubular structure. The tubular structure has an opening and two projecting elements decreasing an inner diameter of the tubular structure. The expansion device comprises a tubular part extending between a first and a second end part, the tubular part comprising at least one opening arranged between the first and the second end; an inner face surrounding an inner space; and an outer face. Furthermore, the expansion device comprises at least a first and second sealing element sealingly connected to the outer face of the tubular part. | 07-18-2013 |
| 20130192853 | WELLBORE PACKER BACK-UP RING ASSEMBLY, PACKER AND METHOD - 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 single structure that acts both to back up the extrusion of the packing element and to engage the wellbore wall. For example, the structure is a back-up ring that includes a gripping structure on its outer wall-contacting surface. The wellbore packer includes: a mandrel, a deformable packing element surrounding the mandrel and adapted to be radially expanded out from the mandrel, the deformable packing element including an end; a back-up ring surrounding the mandrel and positioned adjacent the end of the deformable packing element, the back-up ring having an inner facing annular surface and an outer facing annular surface defining an outer diameter across the back-up ring, the back-up ring being expandable to increase the outer diameter to expand out from the mandrel along-side the deformable packing element and the outer facing annular surface including a gripping structure for biting into a constraining surface in a well. | 08-01-2013 |
| 20130199801 | WELLHEAD CONNECTOR AND METHOD OF USING SAME - The techniques herein relate to a blowout preventer a wellhead of a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation. The blowout preventer includes a housing having a bore therethrough, a segment carrier positionable in the housing, and a piston. The segment carrier includes a carrier ring for receiving the mandrel and a plurality of segments pivotally movable radially thereabout. The piston is operatively connectable to the plurality of segments and actuatable for moving the plurality of segments between a disengaged and an engaged position about the mandrel. | 08-08-2013 |
| 20130199802 | BLOWOUT PREVENTER AND METHOD OF USING SAME - The techniques herein relate to a blowout preventer a tubular of a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation. The blowout preventer includes a housing having a bore therethrough, a segment carrier positionable in the housing, and a piston. The segment carrier includes a carrier ring for receiving the tubular and a plurality of segments pivotally movable radially thereabout. The piston is operatively connectable to the plurality of segments and actuatable for moving the plurality of segments between a disengaged and an engaged position about the tubular. | 08-08-2013 |
| 20130206427 | SEAL ASSEMBLY AND METHOD - A seal assembly ( | 08-15-2013 |
| 20130220642 | Expandable Tubing Run Through Production Tubing and Into Open Hole - Disclosed is a downhole completion assembly for sealing and supporting an open hole section of a wellbore. One downhole completion system includes a sealing structure movable between a contracted configuration and an expanded configuration, wherein, when in the contracted configuration, the sealing structure is able to axially traverse production tubing extended within a wellbore, a conveyance device coupled to the sealing structure and configured to transport the sealing structure through the production tubing and to an open hole section of the wellbore, and a deployment device operably connected to the sealing structure and configured to radially expand the sealing structure from the contracted configuration to the expanded configuration when the sealing structure is arranged in the open hole section. | 08-29-2013 |
| 20130220643 | Expandable Tubing Run Through Production Tubing and Into Open Hole - Disclosed is a downhole completion assembly for sealing and supporting an open hole section of a wellbore. The system may include a sealing structure movable between contracted and expanded configurations, a truss structure also movable between contracted and expanded configurations, wherein, when in their respective contracted configurations, the sealing and truss structures are each able to axially traverse production tubing extended within a wellbore, a conveyance device operably coupled to the sealing and truss structures and configured to transport the sealing and truss structures in their respective contracted configurations through the production tubing and to an open hole section of the wellbore, and a deployment device operably connected to the sealing and truss structures and configured to radially expand the sealing and truss structures from their respective contracted configurations to their respective expanded configurations. | 08-29-2013 |
| 20130220644 | Enhanced Expandable Tubing Run Through Production Tubing and Into Open Hole - Disclosed is a downhole completion assembly for sealing and supporting an open hole section of a wellbore and filtering fluids passing therethrough. One system includes a sealing structure arranged within the open hole section and being movable between a contracted configuration and an expanded configuration, the sealing structure having one or more perforations defined therein, and a filter device arranged about the sealing structure so as to radially overlap the one or more perforations, the filter device being configured to screen fluids passing through the one or more perforations. | 08-29-2013 |
| 20130233572 | External Casing Packer and Method of Performing Cementing Job - A packer that includes a mandrel, primary and secondary opening seats attached to an interior of the mandrel, a landing seat attached to the interior of the mandrel, a packer element attached to an exterior of the mandrel, and a closing seat attached to the interior of the mandrel. The secondary opening seat may be between the primary opening seat and the landing seat, and the primary opening seat may be between the closing seat and the secondary opening seat. The primary opening seat engages an opening plug and moves from a first position covering an opening to a second position not covering the opening, and the secondary opening seat engages the primary opening seat and moves from a first position covering a port to a second position not covering the port. | 09-12-2013 |
| 20130233573 | DEACTIVATION OF PACKER WITH SAFETY JOINT - A packer deactivation system can include a packer and a safety joint. Activation of the safety joint can prevent setting of the packer. A method for use with a subterranean well can include activating a safety joint in the well, and deactivating a packer connected to the safety joint, in response to the safety joint activating. Another packer deactivation system can include a safety joint and a packer drag block locking mechanism. Activation of the safety joint can operate the drag block locking mechanism, thereby preventing a drag block from displacing in a certain direction relative to a mandrel of a packer. | 09-12-2013 |
| 20130233574 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SETTING A WELLBORE PACKER - A wellbore packer for setting one or more packing elements in a borehole having an open hole section. The wellbore packer comprises a port-less mandrel configured with one or more packing elements and one or more setting mechanisms. The setting mechanism is responsive to a to a driving force and configured to set the packing elements in the borehole, wherein the driving force is not tubing string pressure. | 09-12-2013 |
| 20130248209 | HIGH PRESSURE TIE BACK RECEPTACLE AND SEAL ASSEMBLY - A tie back assembly and method of use is presented. In one method, a tie back seal mandrel is inserted into a tie back receptacle. Both the inner surface of the tie back receptacle and the outer surface of the seal mandrel are tapered to cooperate when mated. A seal assembly forms an annular seal between the tapered surfaces when the mandrel is inserted into the receptacle. Preferably the seal assembly has a burst seal and a collapse seal carried on one of the tapered surfaces, where the seals are spaced apart longitudinally. The seals are positioned at locations along the tapered surfaces to provide adequate wall thickness for support at pressure. Hydrostatic fluid in the wellbore increases the force necessary to withdraw the seal mandrel dues to creation of a lower pressure zone between the spaced apart seals. | 09-26-2013 |
| 20130269956 | Expandable Annular Isolator - A tubular has an exterior sealing element disposed in a recess. A swage passes through the tubular to increase its drift dimension from a location above the seal to below the seal. The interior projection that initially defined the exterior wall recess where the seal is located is expanded to the new drift dimension of the balance of the tubular. Extending members that are initially embedded in the seal while extending from the tubular wall that defines the recess move out during the expansion to engage the surrounding tubular to act as extrusion barriers and to aid in the fixation of the seal while being able to penetrate the wall of the surrounding tubular in so doing. | 10-17-2013 |
| 20130277068 | PACKER, SEALING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF SEALING - A sealing system includes, a body, at least one swellable member in operable communication with the body configured to swell into sealing engagement with a structure proximate the body, and at least one shape memory member in operable communication with the body and configured to increase at least one dimension thereof in response to exposure to transition stimulus to cause the at least one shape memory member to contact both the body and the structure, the at least one shape memory member also configured to support the at least one swellable member against pressure urging it to move relative to at least one of the body and the structure. | 10-24-2013 |
| 20130277069 | Swellable Downhole Apparatus and Support Assembly - A downhole apparatus and support assembly is described. The downhole apparatus has a radially expanding portion comprising a swellable elastomeric material selected to increase in volume on exposure to at least one predetermined fluid, and the support assembly is operable to be deployed from a first retracted position to a second expanded condition. The support assembly comprises an inner surface arranged to face the radially expanding portion, and at least a portion of the inner surface is concave. In another aspect the support assembly is configured to direct a force from the swellable material to boost or energize a seal created between the radially expanding portion and a surrounding surface in use. | 10-24-2013 |
| 20130292138 | Seal Stem - In one embodiment, the sealing apparatus includes a mandrel having at least two portions, a first portion having a seal ring disposed on an exterior surface and a second portion without a seal ring disposed on an exterior surface. In one embodiment, the seal ring is disposed around the first portion. In another embodiment, the burst and collapse integrity of the first portion is substantially the same as the second portion. | 11-07-2013 |
| 20130292139 | CABLE BYPASS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLED ENTRY OF A TUBING STRING AND A CABLE ADJACENT THERETO - A system and method is provided for the controlled entry of a tubing string, and cable adjacent thereto, into a wellbore. A stationary housing is fit to a wellhead and has a bore in communication with the wellbore. The cable can be laterally displaced from the bore into a cable access formed into the side wall of the stationary housing for fitting a sealing assembly to the bore and engages a sealing surface therein. The sealing assembly seals tubulars passing therethrough. The cable access interrupts the sealing surface. A cable bypass sub is fit to the cable access and permits the cable to extend sealingly from above the sealing surface to the wellbore wherein the cable bypasses the sealing assembly and sealing surface. A seal reconstitutes the interrupted portion of the sealing surface at the cable access. | 11-07-2013 |
| 20130299200 | Wellbore Tools and Methods - A straddle packer tool for setting against a constraining wall includes: a drag assembly with a locking mechanism for locking a position of the drag assembly relative to the constraining wall; a mandrel installed in and axially moveable through an inner bore of the drag assembly; and a packing element housing including a first annular packing element and a second annular packing element spaced from the first annular packing element, the packing element housing positioned between a stop shoulder on the mandrel and the drag assembly, the packing element being settable to expand the first annular packing element and the second annular packing element by compression between the drag assembly and the stop shoulder. A valve sub including a pressure actuated piston is also described and may be operated to open using the straddle packer tool. | 11-14-2013 |
| 20130299201 | Apparatus And Method For Plugging Blowouts - A system for plugging an oil well comprises a hollow drill string. A connecting device having an upper surface, a side surface, and a lower surface having a recess is loosely situated around the drill string. A first skirt has a plurality of first rods that are each pivotally connected to the upper surface. A second skirt has a plurality of second rods that are each pivotally connected to the lower surface. A first fastening ring is configured to selectively allow the first skirt to transition from a closed position to an open position. A second fastening ring is configured to selectively allow the second skirt to transition from a closed position to an open position. A stop having a beveled edge is secured to the drill string. The recess is configured to allow the connecting device to mate with the stop's beveled edge. | 11-14-2013 |
| 20130306330 | Slip-Deployed Anti-Extrusion Backup Ring - Arrangements and packer devices having anti-extrusion backup rings that are expanded radially outwardly by a setting mechanism that lies proximate the elastomeric packer element that is being protected against extrusion. The setting mechanism can be a slip assembly that has a radially expandable slip element. | 11-21-2013 |
| 20130306331 | PACKING ELEMENT BACKUP SYSTEM - Downhole tool packing element systems comprise a sealing element having a support system. The support system can include one or more of a first spacer ring, a second spacer ring, a third spacer ring, a mesh ring, and one or more petal rings. One or more of these components can be disposed at one or both of the upper end and/or lower end of the sealing element. When compressed, the sealing element is moved radially outward to engage an inner wall surface of a wellbore due to compressive forces of the one or more spacer ring(s), mesh ring, and/or petal ring(s). In certain embodiments, the lower end of one or more of the mesh ring(s) and/or petal ring(s) rotate outwardly toward the casing and, in certain embodiments, engage the casing to facilitate creation of the seal. | 11-21-2013 |
| 20130306332 | Apparatus And Method For Plugging Blowouts - A system for plugging an oil well after a blowout comprises a hollow drill string. A connecting device is loosely situated around the string. The connecting device has an upper surface, a side surface and a lower surface having a recess. An inflatable bladder comprises an impermeable material. A skirt has a plurality of rods, each of which are pivotally connected to the lower surface. The first fastening ring is configured to selectively allow the bladder to transition from an unfilled state to a filled state. A second fastening ring is configured to selectively allow the skirt to transition from a closed position to an open position. A stop having a beveled edge is secured to the drill string. The recess is configured to allow the connecting device to mate with the stop beveled edge. | 11-21-2013 |
| 20130319694 | DOWNHOLE PORTED SHIFTING SLEEVE - A pump assembly for recovering hydrocarbons from downhole wells. The pump assembly comprising a seating surface adapted to sealingly engage an interior surface of a first circumferential seal means situated within production tubing when said pump assembly is in a downhole operative position. A downhole ported sleeve is further provided and comprises a first port means and a second port means. The ported sleeve is adapted to move within a seal sub comprising a lower seal means and an upper seal means. The first port means is positioned between the lower seal means and the upper seal means when the pump assembly is removed from the well, thereby preventing pressurized fluids and/or gases from reaching surface. A method for sealing a well upon removal of a pump is further disclosed. | 12-05-2013 |
| 20130319695 | DOWNHOLE ISOLATION TOOL HAVING A PORTED SLIDING SLEEVE - A downhole isolation tool for insertion in a wellbore, for allowing, when a ported sliding sleeve thereof is slidably positioned in a first position and when coupled to a lower end of said pump apparatus, fluids within a hydrocarbon formation to be drawn through such tool and allowed to pass to the pump apparatus for pumping uphole, and when such sliding sleeve is positioned in a second position and decoupled from said lower end of the pump assembly, for preventing said fluids from passing therethrough and uphole. | 12-05-2013 |
| 20130333901 | DOWNHOLE SEAL ELEMENT OF CHANGING ELONGATION PROPERTIES - An isolation device with seal element having substantial elongation properties at a time of setting and insubstantial elongation properties at time of drill out. That is, the seal element may be constructed of materials that are geared toward providing effective temporary sealing, for example to support stimulation operations. The seal is also tailored to change elongation properties over time such that upon sufficient exposure to downhole conditions the elongation properties may be substantially reduced. Thus, drillable removal of the device and seal element may be readily attained without undue concern over stretchable tearing of the element leading to an accumulation of large debris left behind in the well. | 12-19-2013 |
| 20130341051 | METAL TO METAL PACKOFF FOR USE IN A WELLHEAD ASSEMBLY - A wellhead assembly having an inner tubular insertable into an outer tubular. A packoff is provided on an outer surface of the inner tubular for sealing between the inner and outer tubulars. The packoff includes an energizing ring, a U-shaped seal member, and a nut for retaining the seal member against the energizing ring. The seal member includes legs that are spaced apart by interaction with the energizing ring. The outer tubular has a bore wall that is profiled so that when the inner tubular is inserted into the outer tubular, an outer leg of the seal member is spaced radially outward from the bore wall until the inner tubular is landed in the outer tubular. When the inner tubular member is landed, a portion of the bore wall adjacent the outer leg tapers radially inward into sealing contact with the outer leg of the seal member. | 12-26-2013 |
| 20130341052 | SEAL ELEMENT GUIDE - A pressure control apparatus and methodology related to a drilling operation has a housing such as, for example, a bearing assembly configured to engage an item of oilfield equipment being delivered through the oilfield pressure control apparatus. The housing has an upper and/or a lower portion with a seal element coupled to the upper and/or lower portion and configured to seal around the item of oilfield equipment. A guide is coupled proximate the seal element. The guide is configured to support and/or limit lateral deflection of the seal element during the lateral deflection of the seal element created by movement of the item of oilfield equipment. | 12-26-2013 |
| 20140014374 | SWELLABLE PACKER - A packer that is usable with a well includes a tubular inner core and a swellable body that is mounted to the core and is adapted to swell in the presence of a triggering agent to form an annular seal in the well. The swellable body longitudinally extends between first and second ends of the body and includes a first region that is located between the first and second ends of the swellable body to swell at a first rate and at least a second region that is located closer to one of the first and second ends than the first region to swell at a second rate less than the first rate. | 01-16-2014 |
| 20140020911 | DOWNHOLE TOOL SYSTEM AND METHOD RELATED THERETO - A slip and cone assembly for a downhole tool that includes a composite slip having a one-piece configuration and having at least two grooves disposed therein; and a cone having a first end configured for engagement with the composite slip, wherein the composite slip and the cone are configured for application of a load therebetween that results in a fracture in material between the at least two grooves. | 01-23-2014 |
| 20140020912 | Reclosable Multi Zone Isolation Tool and Method for Use Thereof - An apparatus for isolating a first zone from a second zone in a subterranean wellbore. The apparatus includes an outer tubular and an inner tubular disposed within the outer tubular forming an annular flow path therebetween that is in fluid communication with the first zone. The inner tubular defines a central flow path that is in fluid communication with the second zone. A sleeve having at least one seal is positioned in the annular flow path and is axially movable relative to the inner and outer tubulars between a closed position wherein the seal engages the inner tubular and an open position wherein the seal engages the outer tubular. A mandrel is slidably disposed within the inner tubular and is coupled to the sleeve. The mandrel is operable to shift the sleeve between the open position and the closed position responsive to changes in pressure within the central flow path. | 01-23-2014 |
| 20140027129 | ANNULAR SEALING IN A ROTATING CONTROL DEVICE - An annular seal having a sealing member and method for use is provided for sealing an item of oilfield equipment. The annular seal has an inner diameter for receiving the item of oilfield equipment and a frame. The seal member is contiguous with the frame. The annular seal is configured for durability, in that it resists wear, inversion, increases lubricity, enables tightness, and/or otherwise generally increases endurance, toughness, and/or permanence. | 01-30-2014 |
| 20140034336 | Methods and Systems for Treating a Wellbore - A completion assembly for treating a wellbore. The completion assembly can include a tubular member having a bore formed axially therethrough and a port formed radially therethrough. An annulus can be disposed radially outward from the tubular member and the port can provide fluid communication between the annulus and the bore. A packer can be coupled to the tubular member and adapted to isolate first and second portions of the annulus. A seal bore can be coupled to the tubular member such that the port is disposed axially between the packer and the seal bore. A straddle seal can be adapted to contact the packer and the seal bore to prevent fluid flow between the annulus and the bore. The straddle seal can be run into the wellbore with the completion assembly in a single trip. | 02-06-2014 |
| 20140034337 | CAPPING STACK AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A WELLBORE - The invention discloses a system and method for controlling a wellbore. The method comprises the steps of: providing a capping stack comprising a number of releasable modules, each module having a size and weight within predetermined limits, wherein said modules include at least one ram type blow out preventer module, and wherein said modules include a connector module for connecting the capping stack to an attachment point of the wellbore; transporting said modules by cargo airplane to a location near the wellbore; interconnecting the modules to provide the capping stack; and connecting the capping stack to the attachment point of the wellbore. | 02-06-2014 |
| 20140054048 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENHANCED SEALING OF WELL TUBULARS - A well isolation includes a radially expandable sealing element that engages an interior wall of the wellbore tubular and a radially expandable expansion cone in telescopic relationship with the sealing element. The expansion cone expands the sealing element and a swage telescopically engages and expands the expansion cone. | 02-27-2014 |
| 20140054049 | EXPANDABLE PACKER - Methods and apparatus include tubing expanded to create a seal in an annulus surrounding the tubing. The tubing includes a sealing material selected to cause forming of undulations in a diameter of the tubing upon expansion of the tubing. Various factors of the sealing material such as deviations in its thickness influence sealing performance of the tubing with the sealing material. | 02-27-2014 |
| 20140069661 | ANNULUS SEAL WITH STEPPED ENERGIZING RING - A wellhead seal assembly that forms a metal-to-metal seal between inner and outer wellhead members. A seal member has inner and outer walls separated by a slot, where the slot has an upper portion that is wider than a lower portion of the slot. An energizing ring having an upper end portion and a nose is moved into the slot, where the upper end portion has a greater cross-sectional thickness than the nose. As the energizing ring is moved into the slot, the nose of the energizing ring engages the lower portion of the slot to form a lock against the walls of the inner and outer wellhead members, and the upper end portion of the energizing ring engages the upper portion of the slot to form a seal against the walls of the inner and outer wellhead members. | 03-13-2014 |
| 20140076584 | EXPENDABLE MECHANICAL RELEASE PACKER PLUG FOR HEAVY MUD - An apparatus and method for plugging a well during subterranean operations is disclosed. Specifically, a mechanical release packer plug assembly is disclosed. In an illustrative embodiment, the mechanical release packer plug assembly includes a debris chamber and is releasably engaged with a packer of a suitable packer assembly. The present invention finds particular application in completions that use heavy mud for completion fluids. | 03-20-2014 |
| 20140090857 | FLOW CONTROL DEVICES ON EXPANDABLE TUBING RUN THROUGH PRODUCTION TUBING AND INTO OPEN HOLE - Disclosed is a downhole completion assembly for sealing and supporting an open hole section of a wellbore and providing flow control through the downhole completion assembly. One downhole completion system includes a first sealing structure arranged within an open hole section of a wellbore and being movable between a contracted configuration and an expanded configuration, a second sealing structure arranged axially adjacent the first sealing structure and also being movable between a contracted configuration and an expanded configuration, and a flow control device arranged between the first and second sealing structures and configured to provide a flow path for fluids to communicate between a surrounding subterranean formation and an interior of the downhole completion system. | 04-03-2014 |
| 20140096979 | PACKER ASSEMBLY WITH ENHANCED SEALING LAYER SHAPE - A packer assembly with an enhanced sealing layer is provided. The packer assembly may have an outer bladder with drains. The packer assembly may further have an inflatable inner packer disposed inside the outer bladder such that inflation of the inner packer causes the outer bladder to expand. End pieces may be coupled to the inner bladder and the outer bladder, and flowlines may be in fluid communication with the drains and the end pieces. A piston ring may reinforce the packer assembly. The piston ring may have three or more passive pistons which expand with the packer assembly during testing. | 04-10-2014 |
| 20140102725 | SEAL ASSEMBLY - 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. | 04-17-2014 |
| 20140102726 | Controlled Swell-Rate Swellable Packer and Method - A controlled swell-rate swellable packer comprises a mandrel, a sealing element, and a jacket. The sealing element is disposed about at least a portion of the mandrel, and the jacket covers at least a portion of an outer surface of the sealing element. The jacket comprises a substantially impermeable material with respect to a swelling agent that is configured to cause the sealing element to swell. | 04-17-2014 |
| 20140102727 | PACKER CUP FOR SEALING IN MULTIPLE WELLBORE SIZES ECCENTRICALLY - The present invention generally relates to a packer for creating a seal in an annular area. In one aspect, a packer cup for use in a wellbore is provided. The packer cup includes a base and a first seal segment having a first end and a second end. The first end of the first seal segment is attached to the base. The packer cup further includes a second seal segment that is spaced apart from the base. The second seal segment is attached to the second end of the first seal segment, wherein each seal segment is configured to move from a retracted shape to an expanded shape upon activation of the respective seal segment. In another aspect, a method for creating a seal between a tubular and a wellbore is provided. In a further aspect, a packer is provided. | 04-17-2014 |
| 20140102728 | Controlled Swell-Rate Swellable Packer and Method - A controlled swell-rate swellable packer comprises a mandrel; a sealing element, and a jacket. The sealing element is disposed about at least a portion of the mandrel, and the jacket covers at least a portion of an outer surface of the sealing element. The jacket is configured to substantially prevent fluid communication between a fluid disposed outside of the jacket and the portion of the outer surface of the sealing element covered by the jacket. | 04-17-2014 |
| 20140116732 | System and Method for Activating a Down Hole Tool - Systems and methods for setting a down hole tool include a base pipe having an interior and defining a port that communicates with a pressure chamber positioned outside of the base pipe. A sleeve is positioned in the interior to substantially block the port and to prevent substantial fluid communication between the interior and the pressure chamber. The sleeve includes a first portion having a first shear resistance for resisting movement of the first portion with respect to the base pipe. The sleeve also includes a second portion having a second shear resistance for resisting movement of the second portion with respect to the first portion. Movement of the first portion with respect to the base pipe in response to overcoming the first shear resistance exposes the port to permit fluid communication between the interior and the pressure chamber for setting the down hole tool. | 05-01-2014 |
| 20140124222 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR STRIPPING SOLIDS AND FLUIDS FROM A STRING USED IN DRILLING OR SERVICING WELLS - An apparatus and method is provided for stripping solids and fluids from a string used in the drilling or servicing of a well when the string is removed from the well. The apparatus can comprise two or more pivotally connected arcuate body portions that can be enclosed around the string in a clamshell fashion. The apparatus can further comprise a seal disposed therein to provide a toroidal sealing member around the string when the apparatus encloses the string. A quick release latch mechanism is provided on the apparatus for easy and quick installation on, and removal from, the string. Handles on the apparatus allow personnel to hold the apparatus in a stationary position as the string passes through the apparatus when being raised from the well. In so doing, the sealing member strips solids and fluids from the string. | 05-08-2014 |
| 20140131054 | SLOTTED METAL SEAL - A seal for sealing an annulus between an outer tubular wellhead member and an inner tubular wellhead member is described. In embodiments, the seal is an annular sealing ring that has a plurality of circumferentially spaced apart sealing ring grooves extending at least from a first end to a second end of the sealing surface of at least one of the wellhead members. When the seal is energized, fouling on the sealing surface is urged toward and then through the slot, axially away from the sealing surface. | 05-15-2014 |
| 20140138101 | WELLBORE TOOL WITH INDEXING MECHANISM AND METHOD - A wellbore tool, a wellbore fluid treatment string and a method with an indexing mechanism including a crown ratchet sleeve. The indexing mechanism can be shifted through one or more inactive positions before finally shifting into an active condition. The indexing mechanism is particularly useful with a plug that lands in a seat to impart an axially directed force on the mechanism before passing through the seat. | 05-22-2014 |
| 20140144653 | Annulus Mounted Potential Energy Driven Setting Tool - An actuator and method for setting a subterranean tool uses an externally mounted actuator on a tubular string that is operably engaged to the tool to be actuated. At the desired location for actuation a signal is given to a valve assembly. The opening of the valve releases the pressurized compressible fluid against a floating piston. The piston drives viscous fluid ahead of itself through the now open valve that in turn drives an actuating piston whose movement sets the tool. The triggering mechanism to open the valve can be a variety of methods including an acoustic signal, a vibration signal, a change in magnetic field, or elastic deformation of the tubular wall adjacent the valve assembly. | 05-29-2014 |
| 20140151070 | Packer Setting Tool - A setting tool comprises a centralizer section, a latching section configured to selectively engage the packer, and a setting section configured to provide a setting force to the packer through the setting sleeve. The centralizer section is configured to centralize a setting sleeve within a packer, and the centralizer section is configured to control the rate at which the setting sleeve engages the packer. | 06-05-2014 |
| 20140166316 | FABRICATION AND USE OF WELL-BASED OBSTRUCTION FORMING OBJECT - An apparatus that is usable within a well includes a string and an object. The object is adapted to be communicated into the well through a passageway of the string to form an obstruction downhole in the well. The object includes an inner core; a layer to surround the inner core; and a structure to extend from the layer to support the inner core while the layer is being formed to position the inner core with respect to the layer. | 06-19-2014 |
| 20140166317 | MILLABLE BRIDGE PLUG SYSTEM - A millable bridge plug system includes a mandrel having an upper portion and a lower portion, a shearing member attached at said upper portion of the mandrel, a sealing member, ring members, cone assemblies, slip devices, and a cap member at a lower portion of the mandrel. The shear member and the cap member are modular so that one bridge plug interchangeably connects to another bridge plug. The shear members are compatible with cap members of other bridge plugs. The shear member and the cap member further include a locking mechanism for rotational engagement by protrusions on the cap member being fit into the shear member and a locking mechanism for triggering a spring loaded lock into a groove on the cap member. | 06-19-2014 |
| 20140166318 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR RETRIEVING A WELL PACKER - A method of releasing a well packer can include applying a predetermined tension in a tubular string connected to the packer, and then reducing the tension, thereby retracting inward at least one slip of the packer. A well packer can include a generally tubular mandrel, at least one slip configured for gripping a well surface, the slip being extendable outward by engagement with a support surface, and a gripping device which permits displacement of the mandrel relative to the support surface in one direction, and which prevents displacement of the mandrel relative to the support surface in an opposite direction. A method of manufacturing a gripping device can include deforming a sleeve, thereby changing a diameter of the sleeve, aligning teeth on the sleeve across at least one slot in the sleeve, and heat treating the sleeve while the sleeve remains deformed and the teeth remain aligned. | 06-19-2014 |
| 20140174764 | Annulus Seal Utilizing Energized Discrete Soft Interfacial Sealing Elements - A seal assembly for sealing an annulus between inner and outer wellhead members includes an energizer ring formed of a high strength elastic material having inner and outer legs. An annular inner recess with grooves on its base is formed on an inward facing surface of the inner leg. An inner diameter seal ring formed of an inelastic material engages the grooves of the inner recess. An annular outer recess with grooves on its base is formed on an outward facing surface of the outer leg. An outer diameter seal ring formed of an inelastic material engages the grooves of the outer recess. When the energizer ring is coaxially inserted in the annulus, the inner diameter seal ring is compressively and permanently deformed into sealing contact with the inner wellhead member, and the outer diameter seal ring is compressively and permanently deformed into sealing contact with the outer wellhead member. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140196914 | APPARATUS AND METHOD OF ZONAL ISOLATION - Methods and apparatus include an expandable packer having a tubing expanded to create a seal in an annulus surrounding the tubing. The tubing includes a non-uniform outer surface configured to cause formation of undulations in a diameter of the tubing upon expansion of the tubing. A plurality of expandable packers may be connected to a tubular string to isolate multiple zones in a wellbore. A production tubular equipped with multiple expandable packers may be installed in the tubular string. The expandable packers may also include non-uniform outer surfaces configured to form undulations upon expansion. The combination of tubular string and production tubular may be used in an enhanced oil recovery application such as injecting steam into a formation to enhance production. | 07-17-2014 |
| 20140209327 | SINGLE TRIP COMPLETION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A method includes in a single trip running a completion system having an internal bore into a wellbore that penetrates a formation zone, the completion system having an upper completion connected to a lower completion, setting an isolation packer forming a barrier above the formation zone, displacing the annulus fluid above the set isolation packer and then setting an upper packer thereby providing a completion barrier above the set isolation packer. The annulus fluid may be displaced prior to setting an upper completion packer. | 07-31-2014 |
| 20140216763 | Debris Anti-Compaction System for Ball Valves - A wellbore ball valve includes a ball-type valve closure having an interior, central bore. A lower ball carrying assembly defines a first annular, sealing seat surface in contact with and adapted to seal with the exterior of the valve closure. The first seat surface defines a first through hole. An upper assembly defines a second annular seat surface in contact with the exterior of the valve closure. The second seat surface defines a second through hole. The second through hole is shaped differently from the first through hole in that it at least partially overlaps with the central bore while the first through hole is sealed from the central bore. | 08-07-2014 |
| 20140216764 | Hydraulic Set Packer with Piston to Annulus Communication - A hydraulically set packer has a mandrel with an internal bore and a port communicating the internal bore outside the mandrel. A packing element disposed on the mandrel can be compressed by a piston to engage the borehole. The piston is disposed on the mandrel on a first side of the packing element and moves against the packing element when tubing pressure is communicated into a first piston chamber via the mandrel's port. To increase the setting forces, a sleeve disposed between the packing element and the mandrel defines a space communicating an opposite side of the packing element with a second pressure chamber of the piston. During high pressure operations, high pressure on the first side of the packing element acts with high pressure on the first side of the piston, increasing the pistons movement from a high pressure region to a low pressure region. | 08-07-2014 |
| 20140238699 | WELLHEAD ANNULUS SEAL HAVING A WICKERED SURFACE - An annular seal for use in a wellhead assembly has inner and outer legs that each extend in a direction that is generally parallel with an axis of the seal to define an annular space therebetween. Wickers are provided on an outer surface of the seal, so that when the seal is energized and the legs are urged radially apart from one another, the wickers engage with a mating surface of a downhole tubular. Embedding the wickers into the tubular creates a flow barrier across the interface between the seal and the tubular. The wickers deform the surface of the tubular, which creates a lock down force that opposes relative axial movement of the tubular. | 08-28-2014 |
| 20140238700 | Resettable Packer Assembly and Methods of Using the Same - A wellbore servicing tool comprising a mandrel generally defining an axial flowbore and comprising a threaded exterior surface, an upper housing generally comprising a threaded interior surface, wherein the upper housing is movably positioned about the mandrel such that the threaded exterior surface at least partially engages the threaded interior surface, a packer element exhibiting radial expansion upon being longitudinally compressed, wherein the packer element is movably positioned about the mandrel generally downward relative to the upper housing, and a lower housing movably positioned about the mandrel, wherein the wellbore servicing tool is selectively transitionable from an unset configuration to a set configuration or from the unset configuration to the set configuration upon rotation of the upper housing with respect to the mandrel. | 08-28-2014 |
| 20140238701 | MILL DIVERTER HAVING A SWELLABLE MATERIAL FOR PREVENTING FLUID FLOW PAST THE MATERIAL - A method of preventing fluid flow past a tapered face of a mill diverter in a wellbore comprises: positioning the mill diverter in the wellbore, wherein the mill diverter comprises: a body; the tapered face, wherein the tapered face is located at one end of the body; and a swellable material, wherein the swellable material: is positioned circumferentially around the body of the mill diverter adjacent to the tapered face; swells in the presence of a swelling fluid; and prevents substantially all of a fluid from flowing past the swellable material after the swellable material has swelled; and causing or allowing the swellable material to swell. The swellable material can also prevent a loss of pressure in the wellbore above the swellable material or prevent a first fluid having a first density from mixing with a second fluid having a second density after the swellable material has swelled. | 08-28-2014 |
| 20140251640 | Extended Length Packer with Timed Setting - A device and method to control the rate of radial expansion of a compressible sealing element on a packer over the longitudinal length of the sealing element. By varying the rate of compression of the element, the rate of radial expansion of the corresponding portions of the element may also be controlled. Additionally, the rate of radial expansion may also be controlled by controlling the direction and amount of radial expansion along the length of the sealing by reinforcing certain portions of the sealing element while decreasing the rigidity of the reinforcement for other portions. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20140251641 | EXPANDABLE AND DEGRADABLE DOWNHOLE HYDRAULIC REGULATING ASSEMBLY - A hydraulic regulating mechanism for disposal in a well. The mechanism includes a degradable metal based element and a swellable component for hydraulic regulation. The mechanism is configured for ease of setting and removal by allowing degrading of the metal based element upon exposure of certain downhole conditions to trigger shrinking of the swellable component. Further, the swellable component may be initially set by exposure to downhole conditions as well. Ultimately, a mechanism is provided which may effectively regulate high pressure applications downhole and yet, as a practical matter, be removed via a displacement or drill out that may take less than 15 to 30 minutes to achieve. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20140262349 | Weight Setting Indicator - The present invention generally relates to a weight setting indicator which is used to indicate that an applied force to a tool achieved or exceeded a predetermined amount. In one aspect, a packer actuator for use with a packer is provided. The packer actuator includes a body with a recess. The packer actuator further includes a dog assembly disposed in the recess of the body. The dog assembly is configured to set the packer when a force is applied to the packer actuator. The packer actuator also includes a setting indicator disposed in the recess adjacent an end of the dog assembly. The setting indicator is configured to move from a pre-set position to a post-set position when the force is applied to the packer actuator, wherein the setting indicator is plastically deformed in the post-set position. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140262350 | Double Compression Set Packer - A device and method allow a longer sealing element to be used on a packer or other downhole tool while providing an increase in the total amount of setting force that can be used and providing for more uniform or balanced setting of the sealing element. The packer may be first set using internal bore pressure to radially expand one end of the sealing element with a first hydraulic setting mechanism. The packer may then be set a second time using annulus pressure to continue the radial expansion of the sealing element with a second hydraulic setting mechanism. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140262351 | Split Foldback Rings with Anti-Hooping Band - A device and method prevent damage to an anti-extrusion device on a tool, such as a plug or a packer, prior to and during setting of the tool. Typically, the upper or outer edges of the anti-extrusion device are relatively delicate. A reinforcing band on the device's sheath strengthens or armors the upper or outer edge of the anti-extrusion device so the anti-extrusion device may be protected while running the tool into the well or casing. Longitudinal slots on the sheath allow the sheath to expand at least partially with the expansion of the sealing element, while the reinforcing band resists expansion of the distal edge of the sheath. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140262352 | Cable By-Pass for Spooled Cables - A downhole tool with a swellable mantle is configured for insertion of a cable into a longitudinal slit in the mantle. An arcuate groove is formed in an outer surface of the mantle corresponding to a displacement caused by the inserted cable, so that the displacement is counteracted and the outer surface of the mantle remains smooth. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140299332 | Packer Assembly Having Barrel Slips that Divert Axial Loading to the Wellbore - A barrel slip for a packer assembly operable for use in a wellbore. The barrel slip includes a radially expandable barrel slip body having a first end and a second end. A substantially cylindrical directional gripping surface is disposed on an exterior of the barrel slip body proximate the first end. A substantially cylindrical non directional contact surface is disposed on the exterior of the barrel slip body proximate the second end. In a set configuration, radial expansion of the barrel slip body creates a gripping engagement between the directional gripping surface and the wellbore that opposes movement of the barrel slip body in a first direction. Also, in the set configuration, radial expansion of the barrel slip body creates a contact engagement between the non directional contact surface and the wellbore that diverts force acting on the barrel slip body in a second direction to the wellbore. | 10-09-2014 |
| 20140299333 | APPLYING WELLBORE LINING - Application of a photocurable lining to a downhole fixed surface surrounding the axis of a wellbore is carried out by skimming an applicator over the downhole surface while delivering a porous tape impregnated with a photocurable liquid composition between the applicator and the downhole surface so that the tape lies on the downhole surface and directing light of wavelength in a range from 100 nm to 1500 nm onto the curable composition impregnating the tape so as to initiate curing of the composition and thereby attach the tape to the downhole surface. | 10-09-2014 |
| 20140299334 | SEALING MATERIAL FOR ANNULAR BARRIERS - The present invention relates to an annular barrier for providing zone isolation between a first zone and a second zone in a borehole or a casing downhole, the annular barrier comprising a tubular part and an expandable element made of metal surrounding the tubular part, and the annular barrier having a circumference, a longitudinal extension and an outer face and further comprising an annular seal comprising a sealing material, the sealing material extending around the outer face of the annular barrier and having a bundle of strands wherein at least one strand comprises graphite and/or carbon. | 10-09-2014 |
| 20140318817 | Probe Packer and Method of Using Same - The techniques herein relate to a probe for forming a seal between a downhole tool and a wall of a wellbore. The probe includes a probe inlet extending from the downhole tool for fluid communication with a subterranean formation, a base positionable about the downhole tool about the probe inlet, a packer positionable on the base for forming a seal with the wellbore wall, and a raised packer support and/or packer stopper for supporting the packer as the packer is compressed against the wellbore wall. The packer may have an inlet channel extending therethrough for receiving the probe inlet. The raised packer support can extend from the base for supporting the packer, and the packer may have a support channel extending a distance therein for receiving the raised packer support. The packer stopper can extend from the base about a perimeter of the packer with an expansion gap defined therebetween. | 10-30-2014 |
| 20140332239 | EXPANDABLE PACKING ELEMENT AND CARTRIDGE - A packing element comprising a tube having a longitudinal length. The tube includes a first end and a second end opposing the first end, an external portion including a plurality of circumferential ribs, and an internal portion opposing the external portion. The internal portion of the tube includes i) a central portion extending along a portion of the longitudinal length of the tube between the first end and second end of the tube, wherein the central portion includes a relief, ii) a first tapered portion radially tapering along the longitudinal length from the central portion towards the first end, and iii) a second tapered portion tapering along the longitudinal length from the central portion towards the second end. | 11-13-2014 |
| 20140338925 | WIPER PLUG HAVING DISINTEGRABLE FLOW PASSAGE OBSTRUCTING PORTION AND METHOD OF USING SAME - A wiper plug including a body having one or more wiping elements radially extending therefrom. An obstructing portion is disintegrable upon exposure to a selected fluid in order to permit fluid communication across the wiper plug when the obstructing portion is disintegrated. A method of using a wiper plug is also included. | 11-20-2014 |
| 20140338926 | Recovery Type Pipeline Service Pig - A method of providing a pig for assisting in the recovery of coiled tubing string from a pipeline including an attachment to the coiled tubing intermediate the ends of the coiled tubing string, one or more sealing cups which have a preferred sealing direction from the distal end of the coiled tubing string to the proximate end of the coiled tubing string, allowing flow past the sealing cups from the proximate end of the coiled tubing to the distal end of the coiled tubing with a check valve, providing for flow through the pig from the distal end of the coiled tubing to the proximate end of the coiled tubing with a predetermined pressure loss, and using the predetermined pressure loss to generate a force to assist in recovering the coiled tubing string from the pipeline. | 11-20-2014 |
| 20140352983 | DOWNHOLE SEALING ASSEMBLY WITH SWELLABLE SEAL - A downhole sealing assembly comprises a sleeve adapted to be mounted on a tubular body disposable within a bore, the sleeve ( | 12-04-2014 |
| 20140367123 | DOWNHOLE TUBULAR SYSTEM AND ASSEMBLY FOR SEALING AN OPENING - The present invention relates to a downhole system ( | 12-18-2014 |
| 20150034339 | SELF-SETTING DOWNHOLE TOOL - A setting apparatus for use on a downhole tool in a wellbore is described. The setting apparatus comprises an expandable member configured for axial expansion under fluid pressure wherein said expansion moves said downhole tool from an unset position to a set position. Generally, the fluid will be a gas generated downhole and can be generated near or in the expandable member. | 02-05-2015 |
| 20150053429 | METHOD OF USING A DOWNHOLE TOOL WITH EROSION RESISTANT LAYER - This disclosure is related to downhole tool having an erosion resistant material metallurgically bonded to portions of the downhole tool. The downhole tool can have the erosion resistant material can be disposed on predetermined portions of inner and outer surfaces of the downhole tool. The disclosure is also related to a method of using the downhole tool described herein. | 02-26-2015 |
| 20150060088 | Packer Having Swellable and Compressible Elements - A packer has a swellable element and has end rings and compressible elements at each end of the swellable element. The packer may be first set using internal bore pressure to compress one of the compressible elements against one of the end rings with a first hydraulic setting mechanism. The packer may then be set a second time using annulus pressure to compress against the other compressible element with a second hydraulic setting mechanism. Either way, the compressible elements are compressed to expand out to the borehole and to limit extrusion of the swellable element outside the compressed elements. | 03-05-2015 |
| 20150068773 | Dual-Flow Valve Assembly - A valve assembly connectable between first and second downhole components that each have first and second internal flowpaths. The valve assembly comprises a first valve operable to selectively fluidly couple the first internal flowpaths of the first and second downhole components, as well as a second valve operable to selectively fluidly couple the second internal flowpaths of the first and second downhole components. | 03-12-2015 |
| 20150068774 | ANNULAR BARRIER WITH A SEAL - The present invention relates to a downhole annular barrier ( | 03-12-2015 |
| 20150075816 | SEGMENTED RING ASSEMBLY - A technique that is usable with a well includes deploying a segmented ring assembly in the well; and disposing the segmented ring assembly between a first element fixed in place in the well and a second unfixed element. The technique includes using the second element to compress the assembly to produce radially and tangentially acting forces on segments of the assembly. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150075817 | SWELLABLE PACKER WITH ENHANCED ANCHORING AND/OR SEALING CAPABILITY - A swellable packer for use with a subterranean well can include a swellable seal having a circumferentially extending recess formed on a surface of the seal. Another swellable packer can include a swellable seal having a helically extending recess formed in the seal. A method of constructing a swellable packer can include forming a circumferentially extending recess on a surface of a swellable seal. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150075818 | PIPE PROVIDED WITH A CRIMPED METAL ELEMENT, AND CORRESPONDING PROCESS - A pipe designed to be placed within a well for producing a fluid of interest, a pipe onto the outer face whereof is crimped a tubular metal element, wherein:
| 03-19-2015 |
| 20150075819 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DUAL INSTRUMENT INSTALLATION IN A WELLBORE - An apparatus for installing two sensing instruments and cables inside of a single tubing string in a wellbore for monitoring well conditions at two different locations includes an upper sensor attached to an inner sleeve seated at a first location in a ported outer sleeve in the tubing string. The upper sensor is allowed to be in pressure communication with the exterior of the tubing string at the first location. A second lower sensor is deployed on a pump down cup (PDC) assembly to a lower depth in the outer sleeve to allow fluid pressures to be monitored at a second location in the wellbore. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150083440 | Rotatably-Actuated Fluid Treatment System Using Coiled Tubing - A system for treating a formation of a borehole having casing has a sleeve, a motor, and a packer. The sleeve is disposed on the casing in the borehole and has a port communicating out of the sleeve. An insert disposed in the sleeve is movable in the sleeve from closed to opened position relative to the port. The motor is deployed in the casing with coiled tubing and is operable to impart rotation. The packer is operatively coupled to the motor. In response to the rotation imparted by the motor, the packer sets in the insert of the sleeve and moves the insert to the opened condition. | 03-26-2015 |
| 20150090465 | WELLBORE PACKER, METHOD AND TUBING STRING - A wellbore packer for setting one or more packing elements in a borehole having an open hole section. The wellbore packer comprises a port-less mandrel configured with one or more packing elements and one or more setting mechanisms. The setting mechanism is responsive to a driving force and configured to set the packing elements in the borehole, wherein the driving force is not tubing string pressure. Where packers are set by annular pressure, a method for setting a plurality of such packers may include sequentially operating the packers. A mechanism may be provided for the packers to allow sequential operation thereof. | 04-02-2015 |
| 20150101830 | LOCK RING AND PACKOFF FOR WELLHEAD - A packoff and a locking assembly installed in a bore of a wellhead component are provided. In one embodiment, a packoff includes inner and outer annular seals and an energizing ring shaped to be wedged between the inner and outer annular seals so as to apply a radially inward biasing force on the inner annular seal and a radially outward biasing force on the outer annular seal. In another embodiment, a locking assembly includes a lock ring that extends into a recess in a wall of the bore of the wellhead component and an actuator radially disposed between an inner component within the bore and the lock ring to retain the lock ring within the recess. The actuator can have an interference fit with the inner component to inhibit movement of the actuator between the lock ring and the inner component. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed. | 04-16-2015 |
| 20150101831 | Apparatus & Methods for Sealing Around the Opening to an Underground Borehole - Apparatus useful for providing a liquid-tight seal around an opening formed in the earth's surface of an underground borehole includes a clamp and at least one platform. The clamp is configured to engage a wall extending around the borehole and the platform is configured to extend outwardly from the clamp over the earth's surface adjacent to the borehole. | 04-16-2015 |
| 20150101832 | FORMING INCLUSIONS IN SELECTED AZIMUTHAL ORIENTATIONS FROM A CASING SECTION - A method of forming multiple inclusions into a subterranean formation can include initiating the inclusions into the formation, the inclusions extending outwardly in respective multiple azimuthal orientations from a casing section, and flowing fluid into each of the inclusions individually, thereby extending the inclusions into the formation one at a time. A system for initiating inclusions outwardly into a subterranean formation from a wellbore can include a casing section having multiple flow channels therein, each of the flow channels being in communication with a respective one of multiple openings formed between adjacent pairs of circumferentially extendable longitudinally extending portions of the casing section. Another system can include a casing section, and an injection tool which engages the casing section and selectively directs fluid into each of the inclusions individually, whereby the inclusions are extended into the formation one at a time. | 04-16-2015 |
| 20150107859 | Expansion Control Device For A Packer Body And Also A Piping Tool, Method And Use For Controlling The Expansion Of The Packer Body - This invention relates to an expansion-control device ( | 04-23-2015 |
| 20150107860 | FORMATION TESTER TOOL ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF USE - A formation tester tool can include a longitudinal probe drill collar having a surface, a formation probe assembly located within the probe drill collar, the formation probe assembly including a piston reciprocal between a retracted position and an extended position beyond the probe drill collar surface, the piston being slidingly retained within a chamber, a seal pad located at an end of the piston, the seal pad including an outer surface defining a partial cylindrical surface. The piston includes an outer surface having non-circular cross-sectional shape and the chamber includes an inner surface having a non-circular shape similar to the shape of the piston outer surface. The formation tester tool can include interchangeable draw down assemblies and a flow bore having a curving path. | 04-23-2015 |
| 20150114670 | WELLHEAD ABANDONMENT CAP - A cap for sealing a wellhead assembly of a subterranean well and suspending well assets (e.g., tubing, rods, etc.) therefrom within the well to facilitate production at the well after a period of abandonment. For instance, a decompletion process may be performed on a particular well to be temporarily abandoned which may include disconnecting a pumpjack (e.g., horsehead unit, pumping unit, etc.) from a wellhead of the well, breaking (e.g., disconnecting) the wellhead at the first flange (e.g., closest to ground level) to leave a casing head of the wellhead exposed, and/or the like. Ends of a tubing string and a rod string disposed within the subterranean well may be respectively secured within portions of the disclosed cap. The cap may then be placed and secured over the exposed casing head to limit entry of foreign objects and debris into the well. | 04-30-2015 |
| 20150122511 | BRIDGE PLUG TOOL - A bridge plug tool for use in a well, comprising: a tool body ( | 05-07-2015 |
| 20150129242 | SEALING ANNULAR GAPS IN A WELL - A well tool for sealing against a wall of well includes an elongate mandrel. A seal assembly encircles the mandrel and can change between an unset state and an axially compressed set state. The seal assembly includes an annular elastomer seal element configured to radially deform into contact with the wall of the well in the set state. An annular anti-extrusion ring is included to compress the seal element and form a containing space with a garter spring embedded in the seal element. The garter spring is embedded in the seal element adjacent the axial end of the seal element and configured to span the gap between the anti-extrusion ring and the wall of the well in the set state. The containing space can prevent the seal element from excessive deformation. | 05-14-2015 |
| 20150129243 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR HYDRAULICALLY PRESETTING A METAL SEAL - A system and method is provided for hydraulically presetting a metal-to-metal seal, which may be installed in an annular space between wellhead components. A hydraulic running tool may be landed on a first wellhead component and coupled to a second wellhead component, for example, via a hydraulic or mechanical coupling assembly. Fluid pressure may then be applied to the hydraulic running tool to move the components axially together, thereby setting the metal-to-metal seal (i.e., axially compressing and radially expanding the seal). A coupling may secure the wellhead components in place relative to one another, while fluid pressure is being applied so that the metal-to-metal seal remains in the set position after the hydraulic tool is removed. | 05-14-2015 |
| 20150292295 | MULTIPLE RAMP COMPRESSION PACKER - Systems and methods for remotely setting a downhole device. The system includes a base pipe having inner and outer radial surfaces and defining one or more pressure ports extending between the inner and outer radial surfaces. An internal sleeve is arranged against the inner radial surface and slidable between a closed position, where the internal sleeve covers the one or more pressure ports, and an open position, where the one or more pressure ports are exposed to an interior of the base pipe. A trigger housing is disposed about the base pipe and defines an atmospheric chamber in fluid communication with the one or more pressure ports. A piston port cover is disposed within the atmospheric chamber and moveable between blocking and exposed positions. A wellbore device is used to engage and move the internal sleeve into the open position by applying predetermined axial force to the internal sleeve. | 10-15-2015 |
| 20150292296 | PACKER ASSEMBLY HAVING SEQUENTIALLY OPERATED HYDROSTATIC PISTONS FOR INTERVENTIONLESS SETTING - A packer for use in a wellbore includes a packer mandrel. First and second pistons are slidably disposed about the packer mandrel defining first and second chambers therewith. An activation assembly initially prevents movement of the first piston. A release assembly initially prevents movement of the second piston. First and second seal assemblies are disposed about the packer mandrel such that actuation of the activation assembly allows a force generated by a pressure difference between the wellbore and the first chamber to shift the first piston in a first direction toward the first seal assembly to radially expand the first seal assembly and to actuate the release assembly and, actuation of the release assembly allows a force generated by a pressure difference between the wellbore and the second chamber to shift the second piston in the first direction toward the second seal assembly to radially expand the second seal assembly. | 10-15-2015 |
| 20150300122 | AXIALLY COMPRESSED AND RADIALLY PRESSED SEAL - 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. | 10-22-2015 |
| 20150308206 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SETTING A COMPLETION TOOL - The system and method for setting a completion tool within a wellbore includes assembling a mandrel, inner sleeve, piston, outer sleeve, and dog member. In a first locked position, the dog member abuts against the indentation of the mandrel and the locking surface of the piston. The dog member is friction fit between the piston and mandrel so that movement of the completion tool corresponds to movement of the mandrel. The mechanical link, such as shear pins, of the completion tool is protected by the dog member holding steady on the mandrel. When the completion tool reaches the desired location, a pressure pulse opens a chamber between the sleeves to transition to a second released position. The dog member releases from the mandrel to be housed in the chamber, when movement of the mandrel sets the completion tool by the mechanical link, such as shear pins. | 10-29-2015 |
| 20150308214 | Fold Back Swell Packer - A fold back ring for a swell packer is disclosed. A swell packer has a support member, a swellable element coupled to the support member, and a fold back ring coupled to the support member and engaging the swellable element. The fold back ring is sized and positioned such that when the swellable element swells, the fold back ring flexes outwardly and is caught between the swellable element and the interior surface of the well. The fold back ring therefore forms a barrier against extrusion of the swellable element. | 10-29-2015 |
| 20150308240 | DOWNHOLE SETTING TOOL - The present invention relates to a downhole setting tool for setting an annular sealing structure in an openhole part of a well, comprising: a tool body ( | 10-29-2015 |
| 20150315868 | SELF-ASSEMBLING PACKER - Certain aspects are directed to self-assembling packers that seal an annulus in a downhole wellbore. In one aspect, the packer is formed from a magnetorheological fluid, which may be a carrier fluid formed from a polymer precursor and magnetically responsive particles. The fluid is allowed to be shaped by a magnetic field provided by one or more magnets exerting a radially extending magnetic field from a tubing section used to place the packer. | 11-05-2015 |
| 20150337614 | DOWNHOLE SEAL PROTECTOR ARRANGEMENT - A seal protection arrangement including a seal. One or more projections disposed proximate the seal and having rigidity/flexibility to deflect components passing thereby that are not intended to seal with the seal. Rigidity/flexibility to allow a component intended to seal with the seal to engage and seal therewith. A method for protecting a seal in a downhole assembly. | 11-26-2015 |
| 20150337616 | Isolation Barrier - An apparatus and method for securing a tubular within another tubular or borehole, creating a seal across an annulus in a well bore, and centralising or anchoring tubing within a wellbore. A sleeve is arranged on a tubular body to create a chamber therebetween. A port provides fluid access through the body to the chamber. Each end of the sleeve is covered by a cylindrical portion of a connector. When fluid is introduced into the chamber the sleeve is morphed to secure it to a well bore wall and the ends of the sleeve are morphed to each cylindrical portion. The connection between the sleeve and body does not require a weld. The cylindrical portions may also be shrink fitted to the ends of the sleeves. | 11-26-2015 |
| 20150337617 | Isolation Barrier - An apparatus and method for securing a tubular within another tubular or borehole, creating a seal across an annulus in a well bore, and centralising or anchoring tubing within a wellbore. A sleeve is arranged on a tubular body to create a chamber therebetween. A port provides fluid access through the body to the chamber. A torsion spring is located within the chamber. When fluid is introduced into the chamber the sleeve is morphed to secure it to a well bore wall and the torsion spring unwinds to a relaxed state. The relaxed torsion spring supports the morphed sleeve against collapse. | 11-26-2015 |
| 20150345249 | Morphable Apparatus - Apparatus and method for securing and sealing a tubular portion to another tubular to provide a liner hanger in oil and gas wells. At the top of the liner string, a sleeve is arranged on the liner to create a chamber therebetween. A port provides fluid access through the liner to the chamber. When fluid is introduced into the chamber the sleeve is morphed to secure it to the cemented casing. A lower fluid pressure is required to morph the sleeve than if the liner itself was to be morphed. Embodiments are provided for securing and sealing arrangements to increase the metal to metal seal and the load capability between the liner string and casing. | 12-03-2015 |
| 20150368997 | Packer Setting Method Using Disintegrating Plug - Some examples of a packet setting method using disintegrating plug can be implemented as a method for setting a packer in a wellbore. A disintegrating plug is installed in a tubing. The disintegrating plug blocks flow through the tubing in response to pressure. A packer is installed above the disintegrating plug in the tubing. The tubing including the packer and the disintegrating plug is run into a wellbore. The packer is positioned at a wellbore location to create an annular area between the packer and the wellbore wall. Downhole pressure is applied in the tubing to set the packer. | 12-24-2015 |
| 20150369000 | SEALING ASSEMBLY - A pressure containment device for sealing around a tubular body comprising an actuator assembly and a seal assembly, the actuator assembly being operable to engage with the seal assembly to prevent significant rotation of the seal assembly with respect to the actuator assembly and to force the seal assembly into sealing engagement with a tubular body mounted in the pressure containment device, the seal assembly comprising a tubular seal sleeve having a radially inward portion made from a non-elastomeric polymer, and a radially outward portion made from an elastomer. | 12-24-2015 |
| 20160003000 | Improved Isolation Barrier - An apparatus ( | 01-07-2016 |
| 20160010411 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PREVENTING TUBING CASING ANNULUS PRESSURE COMMUNICATION | 01-14-2016 |
| 20160010420 | Wellbore Isolation System with Communication Lines | 01-14-2016 |
| 20160032693 | PRODUCTION FILTERING SYSTEM AND METHODS - Systems and methods for filtering a production stream downhole that involves creating a basepipe annulus and a casing annulus and forcing the production stream through a filter between the casing annulus and the basepipe annulus before combining the production stream with a previously filtered production stream. Other systems and methods are disclosed. | 02-04-2016 |
| 20160040498 | RATCHETED E-RING RETENTION DEVICE - A wellhead assembly includes as outer tubular wellhead member and an inner tubular wellhead member with a seal pocket between them. A seal ring is located in the seal pocket An annular energizing ring urges the seal ring into sealing engagement with the outer tubular wellhead member and the inner tubular wellhead member. A recess is located on an outer diameter of the annular energizing ring or a radially inner diameter of the seal ring, and a ratcheted retainer is on the other. A ratchet clip with a clip profile is located within the recess. The recess and the ratchet slip extend leas than a full circumferential distance around the outer diameter of the annular energizing ring or the radially inner diameter of the seal ring. A retainer profile on the ratcheted retainer selectively engages with the clip profile of the ratchet clip. | 02-11-2016 |
| 20160047190 | BARRIER DEVICE WITH FLUID BYPASS FOR MULTI-ZONE WELLBORES - In one aspect, a device for use in a wellbore includes a tubular body; a barrier member associated with an outer surface of the tubular body configured to retain a proppant; an actuating member associated with the barrier member configured to expand the barrier member in an annular direction; and a fluid channel associated with an upper extent and a lower extent of the barrier member, configured to allow a fluid flow therethrough. In another aspect, a method for completing a multi-zone wellbore, includes deploying a barrier device at a downhole location within the wellbore; expanding a barrier member in an annulus of the wellbore; providing proppant in the annulus of the wellbore; retaining the proppant in the annulus via the barrier member; and providing a fluid flow between an upper extent and a lower extent of the barrier member. | 02-18-2016 |
| 20160047196 | Wellbore Plug Isolation System and Method - A wellbore plug isolation system and method for positioning plugs to isolate fracture zones in a horizontal, vertical, or deviated wellbore is disclosed. The system/method includes a wellbore casing laterally drilled into a hydrocarbon formation, a wellbore setting tool (WST) that sets a large inner diameter (ID) restriction sleeve member (RSM), and a restriction plug element (RPE). The WST is positioned along with the RSM at a desired wellbore location. After the WST sets and seals the RSM, a conforming seating surface (CSS) is formed in the RSM. The CSS is shaped to engage/receive RPE deployed into the wellbore casing. The engaged/seated RPE isolates heel ward and toe ward fluid communication of the RSM to create a fracture zone. The RPE's are removed or left behind prior to initiating well production without the need for a milling procedure. A large ID RSM diminishes flow constriction during oil production. | 02-18-2016 |
| 20160060999 | DOWNHOLE SEALING APPARATUS AND METHOD - A downhole sealing apparatus includes a cup sealing assembly defining a central bore to permit mounting on a mandrel. At least a portion of the cup sealing assembly is configured to be rotatably coupled to a mandrel. Such a downhole sealing assembly may be millable when in situ. | 03-03-2016 |
| 20160069149 | Seal Lock Down - A wellhead assembly includes an outer wellhead member, the outer wellhead member having a locking profile on an inner surface. An inner tubular wellhead member lands within the outer wellhead member, defining a seal pocket between the inner tubular wellhead member and the outer wellhead member. A seal ring is located in the seal pocket. A seal energizing ring urges the seal ring into sealing engagement with the outer wellhead member and the inner tubular wellhead member. An annular lock ring is carried with the seal energizing ring and engages the locking profile. A lock energizing ring retains the annular lock ring in engagement with the locking profile. | 03-10-2016 |
| 20160069151 | INTERVENTIONLESS METHOD OF SETTING A CASING TO CASING ANNULAR PACKER - An annular packer to create an annulus seal that includes a solid mandrel with a first end, second end, central bore, and exterior. The annular packer includes first and second sealing elements connected to the exterior. The second sealing element is expanded radially by axial movement of at least a portion of the second sealing element. The annular packer includes a first piston movable from a first position to a second position. Pressure applied exterior of the mandrel moves a portion of the first sealing element away from the mandrel to create a first seal causing a pressure differential. The pressure differential moves the first piston to its second position axially moving at least a portion of the second sealing element to create a second seal against the casing. A port may be opened releasing the first seal, but the second seal remains set against the casing. | 03-10-2016 |
| 20160076333 | SEAL ASSEMBLY - A seal assembly for establishing a seal in an annulus between a mandrel and a bore wall includes a mandrel, a radially expandable seal element mounted on the mandrel, and a setting arrangement mounted on the mandrel and being arranged to displace the seal element radially outwardly from a retracted configuration to an extended configuration. The expandable seal element defines a cup seal when in the extended configuration. | 03-17-2016 |
| 20160084025 | Interlocking, Full-Circumference Packer Slip - A packer assembly constructed of individual slip segments which interlock to permit radial expansion and restrict axial movement. The slip segments are moved outwardly to set the packer by an actuator. Individual slip segments are easily and inexpensively manufactured. | 03-24-2016 |
| 20160084033 | A PACKER AND ASSOCIATED METHODS, SEAL RING AND FIXING RING - A downhole seal system comprising at least one a deformable member; and at least one expandable seal; wherein the deformable member is provided proximate, adjacent, against, or fixed to the expandable seal. Optionally, the expandable seal is or comprises a swellable seal and/or the deformable member comprises or at least partially defines a seal receiving groove and at least part of the expandable seal is received or receivable within the seal receiving groove such that the expandable seal is expandable so as to deform the deformable member and thereby increase an outer diameter or extent of the deformable member. Also described is an associated deformable member and fixing member and associated methods for producing and using the seal system. | 03-24-2016 |
| 20160084036 | WELLBORE PACKER BACK-UP RING ASSEMBLY, PACKER AND METHOD - 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 single structure that acts both to back up the extrusion of the packing element and to engage the wellbore wall. For example, the structure is a back-up ring that includes a gripping structure on its outer wall-contacting surface. The wellbore packer includes: a mandrel, a deformable packing element surrounding the mandrel and adapted to be radially expanded out from the mandrel, the deformable packing element including an end; a back-up ring surrounding the mandrel and positioned adjacent the end of the deformable packing element, the back-up ring having an inner facing annular surface and an outer facing annular surface defining an outer diameter across the back-up ring, the back-up ring being expandable to increase the outer diameter to expand out from the mandrel alongside the deformable packing element and the outer facing annular surface including a gripping structure for biting into a constraining surface in a well. | 03-24-2016 |
| 20160090812 | DEPLOYMENT OF EXPANDABLE GRAPHITE - A method of deploying an apparatus in a wellbore comprises positioning a device at a predetermined location; wherein the device comprises a composition that contains an expandable graphite, and a metallic binder, and wherein the composition has a first shape; and exposing the composition to a microwave energy to cause the composition to attain a second shape different from the first shape. Alternatively, the composition further comprises an activation material comprising a thermite, a mixture of Al and Ni, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing and a method of deploying an apparatus comprising such a composition includes exposing the composition to a selected form of energy. | 03-31-2016 |
| 20160090813 | EXPANDABLE SUPPORT RING FOR PACKING ELEMENT CONTAINMENT SYSTEM - A packing element containment system includes a support member extending from a first end to a second end. One of the first and second ends includes a support ring engagement section. A support ring is carried by the support ring engagement section of the support member. The support ring is configured and disposed to shift relative to the support member converting an axial movement of one of the support ring and the support member to a radial expansion of the support ring to provide one of a support to an anti-extrusion ring and containment for a packing element. | 03-31-2016 |
| 20160097252 | SEAL AND ASSEMBLY COMPRISING THE SEAL AND METHOD FOR APPLYING THE SEAL - A seal including a seal wall comprising a swelling polymer material having elastomeric properties so that the seal has a non-swollen state and an expanded state, the seal wall having a closed circumference that extends around a central longitudinal axis and that extends from a first end via an intermediate section to a second end along a length (L) in the direction of the central axis (A), wherein the first end of the seal sleeve wall is connected or connectable to the inner element and wherein the seal wall, apart from at and adjacent to the first end thereof, is freely radially expandable due to the fact that the second end and the intermediate section of the seal wall are not connected to any structural parts. | 04-07-2016 |
| 20160097254 | Isolation Barrier - Apparatus and method for creating a barrier across an annulus in a well bore. First and second morphable sleeves are arranged side by side on a tubular body and sealed thereto to. Adjacent ends of each sleeve meet at a valve housing having a valve arrangement with a first position in which fluid flows from the throughbore of the tubular body to the first and second sleeves and a second position which prevents the flow of fluid between the throughbore, the first chamber and the second chamber. At opposing ends of the sleeves rupturable barrier devices are positioned. The sleeves can be morphed together and by rupturing the barriers, each side of the barrier is active to pressure and collapse is prevented regardless of the pressure differential across the barrier. | 04-07-2016 |
| 20160102522 | Packer - A morphable packer and method of setting the packer in a wellbore. The packer is a tubular member having a throughbore with a central portion having a greater diameter than each end portion with tapered portions there between. Gripping elements are arranged on the tapered portions. Morphing of the tubular member creates a seal between the central portion and an outer cylindrical structure, such as a wellbore or casing, and the gripping elements are moved radially outwards to engage with the cylindrical structure. The gripping elements act as slips which are activated by morphing the tubular member. Embodiments are described with the tubular member being a sleeve on a base pipe and, additionally, sealing and securing features in the form of elastomeric bands, lugs and wedges. | 04-14-2016 |
| 20160115760 | CONTROL SYSTEMS COMPRISING SUPPLEMENTARY CLOSURE DEVICES AND INWARDLY INFLATING PACK-OFF DEVICES - A supplementary closure device system comprising: a tubular, a supplementary closure device disposed in the tubular, wherein the supplementary close device comprises a housing and one or more flapper fingers disposed on the housing, and a pack-off device and associated methods. | 04-28-2016 |
| 20160115761 | Isolation Barrier - An assembly having a sleeve member located over a tubular body, there being a chamber between the two and by increased pressure in the chamber the sleeve member is morphed to secure it to a well bore wall and create a seal between the sleeve and well bore wall to form an isolation barrier. The tubular body is formed in one or more sections so that annular planar faces are created for abutment between the sleeve member and the tubular body so as to remove the requirement for complex fittings and reduce the time of construction. | 04-28-2016 |
| 20160123100 | ANGLED SEGMENTED BACKUP RING - An angled segmented backup ring includes a plurality of slots extending radially inward from an outer surface and extending axially parallel to one another and non-parallel to a longitudinal axis and a plurality of the segments defined by the plurality of slots. The adjacent segments may overlap one another in the axial direction. | 05-05-2016 |
| 20160123105 | SHEAR THICKENING FLUID CONTROLLED TOOL - A tool for use in a wellbore comprising a seal assembly and a cone member configured to force the seal assembly radially outward into engagement with the wellbore. A shear thickening fluid is disposed within an area formed between the seal assembly and the cone member. The shear thickening fluid is configured to prevent relative movement between the cone member and the seal assembly when the shear thickening fluid is changed from a substantially fluid state to a substantially solid state due to a sudden force applied to the shear thickening fluid, by release of a sheared mechanism for example. | 05-05-2016 |
| 20160130907 | High Pressure Swell Seal - A well tool for sealing an annular gap between a tubing string and a wellbore wall is described. In one implementation, the well tool includes an annular inner seal, an annular sleeve disposed over the inner seal, an annular outer seal residing over the sleeve and comprising a swellable elastomer adapted to swell when contacted by a specified fluid, the annular outer seal being axially shorter than the sleeve, and an end ring adapted to be disposed at an end of the sleeve, the sleeve configured to buckle against the end ring in response to a deformation of the outer seal due to directional pressure. | 05-12-2016 |
| 20160138361 | System and Method for Deploying a Casing Patch - Disclosed are systems and methods for deploying a casing patch in a wellbore. One casing patch assembly includes a setting kit arranged at an uphole end, an upper wedge portion operatively coupled to the setting kit and defining an upper ramp portion, a lower wedge portion arranged at a downhole end and defining a lower ramp portion, and a casing patch axially interposing the upper and lower wedge portions and having a proximal end configured to radially expand upon slidably engaging the upper ramp portion and a distal end configured to radially expand upon slidably engaging the lower ramp portion. | 05-19-2016 |
| 20160138363 | IPacker Bridge Plug with Slips - The present invention is to a packer plug that can be tripped into a particular location in a well bore and set using slips or expansion rings and packer elements. The plug presents little flow resistance because of its wide inner diameter throat through the mandrel. A ball seat at an upper end allows for the sealing of the interior passage. The ball can be flowed upward or dissolved to remove the seal and allow flow through the plug. | 05-19-2016 |
| 20160145485 | DEGRADABLE MATERIAL FOR DOWNHOLE APPLICATIONS - In one aspect, degradable material is disclosed, including: a polyurethane component with a first degradation rate in a downhole environment; and a corrosive additive component with a second degradation rate that is higher than a first degradation rate in the downhole environment. In another aspect, a method of temporarily sealing a downhole zone is disclosed, including: providing a polyurethane component with a first degradation rate in a downhole environment; providing a corrosive additive component with a second degradation rate that is higher than a first degradation rate in the downhole environment; mixing the polyurethane component and the corrosive additive component to form a degradable material; sealing the downhole zone with the degradable material; exposing the degradable material to the downhole environment; and degrading the degradable material. | 05-26-2016 |
| 20160145965 | FLEXIBLE GRAPHITE PACKER - A packer includes a structure having a first part and a second part, and a plurality of flexible carbon composite particles arranged between the first and second parts. | 05-26-2016 |
| 20160145967 | METHOD OF FORMING A FLEXIBLE CARBON COMPOSITE SELF-LUBRICATING SEAL - A method of forming a flexible carbon composite self-lubricating seal includes compressing a carbon composite mixture into a mold forming a flexible carbon composite self-lubricating annular seal. | 05-26-2016 |
| 20160168943 | DOWNHOLE SEAL | 06-16-2016 |
| 20160168946 | High-Temperature, High-Pressure, Fluid-Tight Seal Using a Series of Annular Rings | 06-16-2016 |
| 20160177659 | RETRIEVABLE PACKER | 06-23-2016 |
| 20160177660 | PACKER | 06-23-2016 |
| 20160186513 | SETTING TOOL FOR DOWNHOLE APPLICATIONS - A setting tool for deploying a downhole tool within a wellbore is described herein. The setting tool uses an in situ non-explosive gas-generating power source to generate high-pressure gas, which drives a mechanical linkage to actuate the deployment of the downhole tool. According to certain embodiments the non-explosive gas-generating setting tool contains no hydraulic stages and may contain only a single piston. The setting tool may be fitted to provide different stroke lengths and can provide usable power over a greater percentage of its stroke length, compared to setting tools using explosive/pyrotechnic power sources. Methods of using a non-explosive gas-generating setting tool to deploy a downhole tool within a wellbore are also disclosed. | 06-30-2016 |
| 20160194931 | Improved Filling Mechanism For A Morphable Sleeve | 07-07-2016 |
| 20160194933 | Improved Isolation Barrier | 07-07-2016 |
| 20160201422 | Annular Blowout Preventer (BOP) Packing Unit with Integrated Secondary Sealing Compound | 07-14-2016 |
| 20160251933 | Tie-Back Seal Assembly | 09-01-2016 |
| 20160251938 | IMPROVED SUPPORT DEVICE FOR USE IN A WELLBORE AND A METHOD FOR DEPLOYING A BARRIER IN A WELLBORE | 09-01-2016 |
| 20160251941 | SELF-PROPELLED DEVICE FOR USE IN A SUBTERRANEAN WELL | 09-01-2016 |
| 20160376867 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ISOLATING A SECTION OF A PIPE RISER BORE IN THE COURSE OF RISER RENEWAL - The isolation tool works at depth in the bore of a pipe whose upper end is to be severed and replaced. The tool isolates the lower pipe bore from the upper bore so that flammable downhole fluid is prevented from reaching a welding site along the pipe wall. The tool incorporates: means for establishing a pair of axially spaced apart annular seals engaging the pipe inner surface; means for venting downhole fluid to ground surface; and means for monitoring for seal leakage. The tool is primarily mechanical in nature. It finds use in connection with off-shore platform riser renewal operations. | 12-29-2016 |
| 20160376868 | DOWNHOLE PACKER TOOL - A packer comprising a mandrel having a radially directed port disposed therein and a passageway axially disposed therein and a packer element disposed around a portion of the mandrel. The packer further includes a housing disposed around a portion of the mandrel creating an annulus area between the mandrel and the housing, the housing is disposed adjacent to the packer element to squeeze the packer element and axially expand the annulus area when fluid flows through the radially directed port and into the annulus area above a fluid pressure threshold. The packer can be included in a downhole assembly having an upper packer and a lower packer. A method of using the packer includes placing the packer into a wellbore to seal one zone from another and pumping fluid into the packer to set the packer element against a casing in the wellbore. A method of using the assembly that incorporates the upper packer and the lower packer is also described. | 12-29-2016 |
| 20170234101 | VEE RAMP SLIPS WITH PLUG | 08-17-2017 |
| 20180023367 | WELLBORE ISOLATION DEVICES AND METHODS OF USE | 01-25-2018 |
| 20190144733 | WELLBORE ISOLATION DEVICES WITH DEGRADABLE NON-METALLIC COMPONENTS | 05-16-2019 |
| 20190145218 | FLOW-THROUGH WELLBORE ISOLATION DEVICE | 05-16-2019 |
| 20220136351 | Packers - A packer for anchoring and sealing to a tubular in a well, the packer including a packer element, an anchoring arrangement, a setting mechanism and a release mechanism. The release mechanism holds a thin-walled section of tubing in the packer in tension using a biasing mechanism. On severing the tubing, the bias releases an engagement mechanism which allows the anchor arrangement and the packing element to move relative to the body and thereby unset the packer. An embodiment of a dual bore packer is described. A method of well isolation is described, with an assembly including the dual bore packer. The primary bore forms the short string and a secondary bore forms the long string. By severing the short string the integrity of the long string is maintained to pull lower devices on the long string and the short string does not require tension below the packer to release. | 05-05-2022 |
| 20220136362 | CONTROLLED DEFORMATION AND SHAPE RECOVERY OF PACKING ELEMENTS - A packer assembly includes a mandrel and a packing element disposed about the mandrel. Upper and lower recovery sleeves are disposed about the mandrel and extend between the mandrel and respective upper and lower ends of the packing element. The upper and lower recovery sleeves each have a recovery profile embedded within the packing element. Upper and lower backup assemblies are movably disposed about the respective upper and lower recovery sleeves, adjacent to the respective upper and lower ends of the packing element. The packer assembly includes at least one release mechanism. When setting the packer assembly in a bore, the packing element is axially compressed between the upper and lower backup assemblies to contact the bore wall, and the upper and lower backup assemblies splay outwards. Upon release, the packing element and backup assemblies retract, thereby facilitating retrieval of the packer assembly from the bore. | 05-05-2022 |
