Baker Hughes Corporation

Weatherford/lamb, Inc.

Neil Andrew Abercrombie Simpson

Mark Hopmann

Mark E Hopmann

Douglas James Murray

Robert Joe Coon

Michael A Carmody

Kevin R Jones

Steven L Jennings

Brian A Roth

Steve L Jennings

Scott C Strattan

Ronald D Williams

Jeffry S Edwards

Daniel E Dinhoble

David Martin

Neil Aa Simpson

Timothy R Tips

Wayne Welch

Richard L Forehand

The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for expanding tubulars in a wellbore. In one aspect of the invention, an expansion tool with hydraulically actuated, radially expandable members is disposed on a string of coil tubing. In another aspect of the invention the apparatus is utilized to expand a tubular lining a lateral wellbore into contact with a window of a larger tubular lining a central wellbore. The tubular lining can comprise nonporous or porous material.

Apparatus, methods, and applications for expanding tubulars in a wellbore

Downhole flow control devices

Several downhole flow control devices are disclosed which are meterable and are also capable of shutting of a particular zone in a well. The several embodiments include a multiple valve body, a toroidal inflatable valve, and a series of related choke systems. The downhole flow control choke mechanisms each include a downhole electronics package to provide programming or decision making capacity as well as motor actuation systems. Each choke mechanism also includes a system whereby the device can be converted to manual operation and actuated by a conventional shifting tool.

Motor drive actuator for downhole flow control devices

A downhole controller for a flow control device. The controller is responsive to commands from the surface or from downhole and controls the flow device using a four way solenoid actuated spool valve and a hydraulically actuated piston system connected to the flow control device.

Electro hydraulic downhole control device

A downhole well tool is provided which includes a shifting sleeve for opening a flow communication port. The well tool includes first and second primary seal elements positioned upstream and downstream, respectively, of the port as well as upstream and downstream of the threaded connections between the well tool and sections of tubing forming the well flow conduit. A fluid diffuser element may be included to abate flow damage across the primary seal elements during the shifting of the sleeve. A method of selectively transmitting fluid incorporating said well tool also is disclosed.

Well tool with sealing means

A sealing apparatus is provided for sealing between concentric relatively moveable tubular members. The sealing apparatus is comprised of a plurality of retainer seal rings, made of a high temperature thermoplastic, and between each retainer seal ring is a thermoplastic seal ring constructed of a normal temperature service thermoplastic. The thermoplastic seal rings are alternately spaced with the high temperature thermoplastic retainer seal rings. The retainer seal rings and the thermoplastic seal rings are cylindrical rings having a radial cross-section of a general chevron shape. Energization to press both sets of seals into sealing engagement with the two relatively moveable tubular members is accomplished by the interaction of an axial interference fit between alternating seal rings, a diametrical interference fit between the relatively moveable wellbore surfaces and the seal rings, and wellbore fluid pressure. Wellbore fluid pressure pushes against the female portion of the general chevron shape to flare outward the retainer seal rings into sealing engagement with the relatively moveable tubular members. At higher wellbore temperatures, the retainer seal rings, which are alternated every other one with the thermoplastic seal rings, maintain the shape of the thermoplastic seal rings so that they will sealingly engage the relatively moveable members when the seal assembly is cooled from higher wellbore temperatures to lower wellbore temperatures.

Chevron seal for a well tool

An expendable plug is shown for use in a well bore tool for controlling the flow of well bore fluids from a production zone to the well surface. The plug is located within a tubular housing which is made up in a well tubing string having an internal bore with a predetermined minimum internal diameter. The plug initially closes off the internal bore of the tubing string at a selected location. An actuator is triggered by an appropriate signal to expend the plug of expendable material, and to remove the plug from the internal bore of the tubing string, whereby fluids in the surrounding earthen formation are allowed to flow up the tubing string to the well surface.

Method and apparatus for controlling the flow of well bore fluids

An apparatus is provided for securement onto one end of a continuous length of remedial tubing introducable into a subterranean well and concentrically insertable through production tubing previously positioned within said well, said remedial tubing having a pre-determined tensile strength. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises inner and outer cylindrical housing members having an opening for receipt of the remedial tubing. A first element on one of the housings has a first tapered surface decreasing in internal diameter from a first end away from the opening to a second end toward the opening. Gripping means are provided and are housed within the surface and have a second tapered surface in companion contoured relationship with the first tapered surface for engagement with the remedial tubing and movable along the first tapered surface, whereby tensile load applied through the remedial tubing and the decrease of the diameter of the first and second tapered surfaces will urge the gripping means into further radially axial engagement with the remedial tubing the housing and the gripping means having a tensile strength in excess of the tensile strength of the remedial tubing. A method of utilization of the device is also disclosed, as well as an apparatus and method for completing a substantially horizontal or deviated section of a subterranean well.

Method and apparatus for securing and releasing continuous tubing in a

A method and apparatus are provided for introduction into a subterranean well on a continuous length of remedial tubing which is concentrically insertable through production tubing previously positioned within the well, the production tubing carrying at least one ported member for selective transmission of fluid between the exterior and the interior thereof, with each of the ported members receiving means which are movable in each of opening and closing directions for opening and closing the respective ported member. The apparatus comprises a cylindrical tubular housing having a fluid passageway therethrough communicable with the interior of the remedial tubing for transmission of fluid from within the remedial tubing, through the apparatus, and within an auxiliary apparatus carryable within said well by said remedial tubing, and positionable in said well in proximity to one of said ported members. The apparatus also comprises means selectively co-engagable with the opening and closing means for moving the opening and closing means in only one of opening and closing directions.

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Alvin, TX, United States of America

Mark E Hopmann