Abstract:
A method and apparatus for milling a section of casing in an upward direction, utilizing a downhole hydraulic thrusting mechanism for pulling a section mill upwardly. A downhole motor and torque anchor can be used to rotate the section mill, or the mill can be rotated by a work string. A stabilizer above the section mill can be used to stabilize the mill relative to the casing being milled. A spiral auger below the section mill can be used to move the cuttings downwardly.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a system for performing a suitable operation in a wellbore utilizing a resonator. The system includes a resonator for generating pulses of mechanical energy, an engaging device for securely engaging an object in the wellbore and a sensor for detecting the response of the object to pulses generated by the resonator. The resonator is placed at a suitable location in the wellbore and the engaging device is attached to the object. The resonator is operated at an effective frequency to induce pulses into the object. The sensor detects the response of the object to the induced pulses, which information is utilized to adjust the operating frequency. The system in different configurations can be used to fish, free a stuck drill string, aid drilling of wellbores and to perform a cementing operation. A control circuit controls the operation of the system according to programmed instructions.
Abstract:
A combination metal milling and earth drilling tool, for use in performing a single trip kickoff from a casing in a well bore. The combination milling and drilling tool has a first, relatively more durable cutting structure, such as tungsten carbide, and a second, relatively harder cutting structure, such as polycrystalline diamond. The more durable first cutting structure is better suited for milling metal casing, while the harder second cutting structure is better suited for drilling through a subterranean formation, especially a rock formation. The first cutting structure is positioned outwardly relative to the second cutting structure, so that the first cutting structure will mill through the metal casing while shielding the second cutting structure from contact with the casing. The first cutting structure can wear away while milling through the casing and upon initial contact with the rock formation, thereby exposing the second cutting structure to contact with the rock formation. The second cutting structure can then be used to drill through the rock formation.
Abstract:
A casing patch is disclosed which uses one or more fins which elastically flex to accept a casing stub. The casing stub is prepared with a dressing tool containing a special mill to obtain the requisite finish on its outer surface prior to insertion of the casing patch. The flexible fin or fins provide a metal-to-metal seal to the outer surface of the casing patch and a grip assembly holds the joint together. In certain applications, the fins can be combined with a resilient seal where the fins preferably provide a complete extrusion barrier to the resilient seals. Using the fins which preferably are integral to the body, alone or in combination with a resilient seal or seals, the wall thickness of the joint can be maintained at thicker values for a given size as compared to prior designs, thus, ensuring a sufficient pressure rating for the joint which is at least equal to the rating of the casing stub.
Abstract:
A cutting tool (10) for removing metal tubular members held in stationary position downhole from a well bore and adapted to be inserted within a well. The cutting tool (10) includes a plurality of elongate blades (32,34) on the cylindrical body (22) of the cutting tool (10) which extend below the bottom of the tool body (22). Cutting elements (42) of a predetermined size and shape are arranged in a symmetrical predetermined pattern on the lower portion of each blade (32,34) in a plurality of predetermined transversely extending rows below the tool body (22). The cutting elements (42) in adjacent transverse rows for each blade (32) are staggered horizontally and have different concentric cutting paths. Preferably, the cutting elements (42) in corresponding transverse rows on adjacent blades (32,34) are staggered and have different concentric cutting paths. Each cutting element (42) has a groove (42F) for receiving and directing forwardly the extending end of a metal shaving (S) to facilitate breaking thereof from the upper end of the tubular member (14) being cut away. A high strength tungsten carbide alloy material (41) is secured to the trailing surface of the blades (32,34) to reinforce the blades in addition to assisting the cutting action.
Abstract:
In one aspect, a method of method of performing a wellbore operation is disclosed that in one embodiment may include: providing a device that includes a non-explosive energetic material configured to disintegrate when subjected to a selected energy; placing the device at a selected location in the wellbore to perform a selected function; and subjecting the device to the selected energy to disintegrate the device in the wellbore after the device has performed the selected function. In another aspect an apparatus for use in a wellbore is disclosed that in one embodiment may include a device placed in the wellbore at a selected location, wherein the device includes a non-explosive energetic material configured to disintegrate when subjected to a selected energy, and a source of the selected energy configured to subject the device to the selected energy in the wellbore to disintegrate the device.
Abstract:
A subterranean debris catcher swirls the incoming debris laden stream by putting grooves or spiral projections on the inside of the inlet pipe. The solids come out of openings in the side of the inlet pipe or the solids can exit near the top either directly into the enclosed solids holding volume as the liquid exits straight out or the solids can be discharged out the end of the inlet pipe into the bigger open space defined by the housing. In the latter case the inside housing wall can have a screen or vanes that slow down the solid particles as the fluid continues to a housing exit and eventually to an exit screen before being discharged to either go to the surface or recirculate back along the outside of the tool to the inlet pipe while picking up additional debris.
Abstract:
Disclosed herein is a downhole fish-imaging system. The fish-imaging system includes, a fish-imaging device positionable downhole near the fish, and a processor. The fish-imaging device has at least one shape changeable portion with a plurality of sensors therein for monitoring the shape of the at least one shape changeable portion, a shape of the at least one shape changeable portion is influenced by a shape of the fish. The processor is in operable communication with the fish-imaging device and is coupled to a wired pipe for transmitting data therealong from the sensors.
Abstract:
A subterranean screen system features openings in a base pipe and sleeve sections of a porous material that preferably swells in the borehole to span an annular space around the base pipe. Retainers are mounted to the base pipe in a desired location and mechanically fixated using an internal grip system actuated through the wall of the retainer. A wedging action of slip segments is initiated by an angularly advancing assembly through the wall of the retainer. The retainer can have end rings extending past one or both ends over which the screen sleeve extends. Flat or ridges on the exterior of the retainer or end rings make assembly easier with hand tools to allow for rapid field assembly, if needed. Filtration occurs through the sleeves that abut the borehole wall and into the base pipe openings and to the surface.
Abstract:
An abrasive slurry tool, the tool being attachable to a running string, the tool including a high-pressure assembly, the assembly including a nozzle assembly; and a low-pressure assembly in abrasive fluid communication with the high-pressure assembly, the low-pressure assembly comprising a low pressure holding tank configured to carry recharge abrasive fluid with the tool and method.