Abstract:
A downhole tool includes a housing configured to be placed into a subterranean environment and a mixer disposed in the housing. The mixer includes a first inlet configured to receive a fusible metal or alloy component and a second inlet configured to receive a solid metal or semi-metal component. Additionally, the mixer includes a mixing chamber configured to mix the fusible metal or alloy component and the solid metal or semi-metal component to form a liquid or partially liquid alloy. Further, the mixer includes an outlet configured to discharge the liquid or partially liquid alloy into the subterranean environment. The liquid or partially liquid alloy is configured to harden into a solid alloy over time.
Abstract:
A hybrid rotary cone drill bit includes a plurality of legs. A bearing shaft extends from each leg, and a rotary cone is rotationally coupled to each bearing shaft. At least one rotary cone includes a nose row of cutting structures, an inner row of cutting structures, and a gage row of cutting structures. The nose row and the inner row of cutting structures are formed of milled teeth. The gage row of cutting structures is formed of cutter inserts.
Abstract:
A ball is used for engaging in a downhole seat and can be milled out after use. The ball has a spherical body with an outer surface. An interior of the spherical body is composed of a metallic material, such as aluminum. The spherical body has a plurality of holes formed therein. The holes extend from at least one common vertex point on the outer surface of the spherical body and extend at angles partially into the interior of the spherical body.
Abstract:
A method of plugging a hydrocarbon well, the method comprising expanding a section of a tubular within the well wherein the expanded section of the tubular comes into contact with a casing lining the well, melting at least part of the expanded section of the tubular and the casing, and forming a plug within a region of the well where the tubular and the casing have been melted.
Abstract:
A tool assembly for performing a wellbore operation including an actuatable tool, a location device, and on-board controller are together dimensioned and arranged to be deployed in the wellbore as an autonomous unit. The actuatable tool, such as a perforating gun having associated charges, perforates a wellbore along a selected zone of interest. The location device, such as casing collar locator, senses the location of the actuatable tool based on a physical signature provided along the wellbore. The on-board controller or micro-processor is configured to send an activation signal to the actuatable tool when the location device has recognized a selected location of the tool based on the physical signature. The tool assembly further includes a multi-gate safety system. The safety system prevents premature activation of the actuatable tool.
Abstract:
A well tool can include a flow path, and a flow blocking device which selectively prevents flow through the flow path. The device can include an anhydrous boron compound. A method of constructing a downhole well tool can include forming a structure of a solid mass comprising an anhydrous boron compound, and incorporating the structure into the well tool.
Abstract:
According to the present invention there is provided an apparatus for forming a plug in a passsageway, the apparatus comprising a carrier which in use is lowered into the passageway, the carrier comprising an elongate body of a material resistant to creep which supports first and second spaced apart portions and a body of material supported on the carrier, said material having a melting point which is higher than the temperature within the passageway and which expands as it solidifies. The carrier may comprise a skirt that extends axially from a lower end of the carrier, the skirt being dimensioned to define a clearance between the skirt and the passageway; and means for melting the body of material such that melted material fills a space defined between the first and second portions, and flows into the clearance defined between the skirt and the passageway. The apparatus may comprise. a removable heater operative to melt the body of material such that melted material fills a space defined between the first and second portions.
Abstract:
Slip segments (50) with a friction medium (37) are used to anchor a downhole tool (16) in a well (10). Each slip segment has a slip segment body (60) made of a drillable material. A friction medium is applied to the outer surface (62) of the slip segment body so that the outer surface of the slip segment has an increased holding capability in the well.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for forming a plug in a passageway. The apparatus comprises a carrier which in use is lowered into the passageway, the carrier comprising an elongate body (3) of a material resistant to creep which supports at least two spaced apart portions (5) that are a sliding fit in the well (1) such that a gap is formed between each of the potions and the passageway. A body of material (15, 16, 17) the :melting point of which is higher than the temperature within the passageway and which expands as it solidifies is supported on the carrier. A heating device is provided for melting the body of material such that the melted material fills a space defined between the first and second portions. The carrier is cooled preferentially to ensure that the molten material solidifies rapidly adjacent the two spaced apart portions, thereby resisting flow of the material as it solidifies past the spaced apart portions. Means (21) are provided to obstruct the gaps formed between the portions arid the passageway; the obstructing means being displaced into the gaps as a result of melting of the body of material or as a result of any creep of material after it has been melted and solidified.
Abstract:
A bridge plug (305) includes a cylindrical body (300) having a longitudinal bore (308). First and second lock ring assemblies (340, 360) are installed on the outer surface of the body and are designed to move in a single direction. A bi-directional slip member (310) to provide axial resistance in two directions and a sealing member (330) are located on the exterior of the body. The sealing member (330) is disposed between the lock ring assemblies (340, 360) and actuated by movement of the ring towards each other. The slip (310) is a circular with teeth on the outer surface arranged to break into segments with radial pressure. The slip is actuated by force from a sloped shoulder on a first end of the body and a sloped surface on the second lock ring assembly. Both lock ring assemblies move toward the shoulder, thereby setting the sealing member therebetween and setting the slip between the second lock ring assembly and the shoulder.