Other

Cinaruco International S.a. Calle Aguilino De La Guardia

Louis J Wardlaw

Manuel Eduardo Gonzalez

Robert B Carpenter

Joe A Young

Jack Michael Fraelick

In a method and system for testing the integrity of pressure vessels, or welds on flanges or the like, at elevated temperatures, a pressurized mixture of a gaseous environmentally safe composition is formed within an indicator chamber in a housing receiving a pressurized gas and containing a surface in the chamber upon which is placed an indicator composition including a marker component, whereby the marker component is carried by the carrier gas from within the chamber and through a conduit to the pressure vessel or weld area. The carrier gas and the indicator or marker component are injected in an area between the inner and outer weld of a terminal flange welded to a tubular pipe section or casing. The pressurized composition includes a marker component or sub-composition which is detected by a detection apparatus which scans the pressure vessel area to be tested, or weld area. The pressure of the gas may also be monitored to observe losses in pressure indicative of flaws in the pressure vessel area or welds. The integrity of the pressure vessel or welds is tested at elevated temperature permitting remedial repairs to be made without reheating the work area of the pressure vessel or on a tubular pipe or casing.

Apparatus and method incorporating an indicator chamber for elevated temperature pressure vessel or weld testing

A secondary plugging tool is disclosed for use in a subterranean plug, such as in a plugged and/or abandoned well. The repaired plug may be of a cementicious material, or a mechanically, hydraulically or electrically set plug or packer. The plugging tool includes an outer housing containing an eutectic metal alloy. A thermitic reaction charge is contained within chambers within an inner tubular member and a lower housing. The lower end of the outer housing being ported circumferentially there around, the thermitic reaction charge activates the eutectic metal charge such that the eutectic charge melts and pours out of the outer housing and across and upon the initial plug to repair any failure areas therein.

Subterranean well secondary plugging tool for repair of a first plug

A well tool and method for heating and depositing first and second charges of selective temperature melting metal alloys for repairing failure spots along a section of a tubular conduit, such as casing, in a subterranean well. A fuel charge is provided and is ignited to first melt the lower temperature melting metal alloy charge and thereafter the higher temperature metal alloy charge, such that a metal precipitate is formed from the heated higher temperature melting metal alloy charge. The housing defines a sacrificial wall which is opened or cleared as the higher temperature metal alloy charge melts, thus enabling the precipitate of the higher temperature melting alloy charge to be discharged from the housing to form a bridge for subsequent movements thereacross of the lower temperature melting alloy charge, into the well immediate the area of the failure spots. The failure spots are filled and/or covered by the precipitate and the lower temperature metal alloy charge to enhance the integrity of the tubular conduit such that production or other efforts may be continued within the well.

Well tool and method for heating and depositing first and second charges of selective temperature melting metal alloys for repairing failure spots along a section of a tubular conduit in a subterranean well

An exothermic well tool and method of use for the repair of failure spots along a section of a first tubular conduit, such as casing, wherein the housing of the tool is heated to at least a temperature approximately in excess of that required to activate and melt an exothermic metal alloy composition and may include an ignitable starter fuel charge with a series of solid activation fuel charges spaced throughout the chamber. The tool may also include a length of a second tubular conduit for positioning around the exterior of the housing to define an annular area relative to the first tubular conduit for deposit of a low temperature metal alloy therein.

Exothermic tool and method for heating a low temperature metal alloy for repairing failure spots along a section of a tubular conduit

A preheating apparatus is disclosed which supports a hollow, cylindrical combustible heating element. A solid fuel mixture is used to generate hot gases for the heating of metal surfaces for pre-welding purposes. A grooveway is imbedded radially around the upper portion of the solid fuel mixture. An oxygen liberating pre-starter compound is housed in the grooveway for uniformity of ignition of the combustible solid fuel to permit a more uniform and consistent burn of the solid fuel during hot gas generation.

Preheating device for heavy wall pipe

Method and apparatus are disclosed for confirming the integrity of a seal system extending between a conduit disposed within a subterranean well and a surface or top Christmas tree assembly such that the confirmation steps do not adversely thereafter effect the sealing integrity of the system when exposed to high pressure and/or temperature environments.

Method for confirming the integrity of a seal system within a subterranean well conduit Christmas tree valve assembly

A cementing tool assembly comprises a float collar, a cementing plug, and a wiper plug having interconnecting locking ends. The cementing tool assembly is non rotatable in the casing and includes internal frangible cutters which are breakable in compression to aid the shredding of the cementing tool assembly upon completion of the cementing operation.

Downhole cementing tool assembly

A method of welding using a preheating insert is disclosed. The method includes the steps of positioning and igniting a combustible solid fuel mixture within a pipe to preheat the pipe by convection to a proper temperature and welding the pipe. The preferred and illustrated embodiment incorporates an encircling bottom support having a centralized hollow tube. It is made of a frangible material to be easily broken should it fall into the pipe. It supports a hollow, cylindrical, combustible heating element. The heating element is made of thermite as an example. It includes a top located deflector plate to deflect hot gases flowing upwardly from combustion against the wall of a pipe to be heated. The apparatus is concentrically located within the pipe in the vicinity of the pipe section to be heated.

Method of welding using preheating insert for heavy wall pipe

A preheating insert is disclosed. The preferred and illustrated embodiment incorporates an encircling bottom support having a centralized hollow tube. It is made of a frangible material to be easily broken should it fall into the pipe. It supports a hollow, cylindrical, combustible heating element. The heating element is made of thermite as an example. It includes a top located deflector plate to deflect hot gases flowing upwardly from combustion against the wall of a pipe to be heated. The apparatus is concentrically located within the pipe in the vicinity of the pipe section to be heated.

Growing community of inventors

Houston, TX, United States of America

Louis J Wardlaw