Other

The Western Company of North America

Mobil Oil Corporation

Richard A Sukup

Monty E Harris

William T Bell

Michael R Chambers

John C Healy

Joseph Shoaf

The weight of a shaped charge carrier is predetermined as a buoyancy control parameter for perforating guns. Each charge carrier comprises a co-axial assembly of inner and outer carrier units. Both carrier units may be fabricated from low density metals or composite materials comprising high strength fibers in a polymer matrix. The outer carrier wall thickness may be a weight control parameter. Shaped charge units having no independent casement are formed into sockets within a light-weight inner carrier unit. Alternatively, the shaped charge units may be formed within light-weight material cases and seated within sockets in the light-weight inner carrier unit. Materials and dimensions are selected to substantially achieve the desired carrier buoyancy in the specific well fluid whereby a perforating gun assembled from a plurality of the carriers may be substantially floated into a completion position and allowed to settle along the floor or ceiling of the wellbore as predetermined by the perforation direction.

Engineered solution for controlled buoyancy perforating

A corrosion-resistant connection for use with tubular members having externally threaded ends. The connection includes a stress-bearing sleeve member having an interior surface and an exterior surface; and a fiber-filled polymeric composite shell having at least one internally threaded portion therein, the composite shell molded to the sleeve so as to be coaxially aligned and in close conforming contact with at least a substantial portion of the interior surface of the sleeve member. The composite shell has a thickness of greater than about 0.04 inches.

Corrosion-resistant composite couplings and tubular connections

An apparatus for repairing a well completion having a gravel-packed annulus formed by a liner and a well casing, the annulus having at least one region within the gravel pack which is devoid of gravel. The apparatus includes a tubular detonator sub pipe for placing an explosive device within, the sub pipe having a first end and a second end, the first end having a connector for connecting the sub pipe to a work string adapted to convey an electrical line; at least one elongated rigid member having a first end and a second end, the rigid member having a longitudinally disposed hole for placing an explosive primer cord therethrough, the rigid member having a plurality of vent orifices in fluid communication with the longitudinally disposed hole; and a pinned hinge for pivotally connecting the first end of the rigid member to the second end of the tubular detonator sub pipe; whereby detonation of the explosive device detonates the primer cord effecting pivotal movement of the at least one elongated rigid member so as to cause the apparatus to impact the liner wall of the gravel-packed well completion.

Apparatus and method for repairing a gravel-packed well completion

A mechanical setting tool for setting a flow control tool in an oil or gas well using the drill string includes a mandrel with means for attachment to the end of the drill string. Slips are releasably carried on the mandrel by a first release structure. A cone is releasably carried on the mandrel by a second release structure and has tapered surfaces confronting the slips. A stinger is carried on the lower end of the mandrel and has a third release means for releasably engagement to the flow control tool being set. A setting sleeve is releasably engaged to the mandrel by way of a fourth release structure between the sleeve and the cone.

Mechanical setting tool

A downhole tool for controlling the flow of fluids through the well casing includes a tubular mandrel with a flow control valve therein. A radially expandable seal member encircles the mandrel and a sub-bottom defines an abutment member, attached to and movable with the mandrel, for engaging one side of the seal member. A bottom cone is positioned around the mandrel and on the opposite of the seal member from the sub-bottom. The cone has a sleeve extending therefrom positioned between the seal and the mandrel on which the seal member is carried. An upper cone is positioned around the mandrel with slips segments being positioned between the upper and bottom cones. An upper radially expandable seal member encircles the mandrel and its carried on a sleeve extending from the upper cone. A lock hub is positioned around the mandrel and on the side of the upper cone opposite the upper seal and slip segments. The hub is slideable on the mandrel toward the sub-bottom for forcing the cones to converge against the slip segments, causing the segments to ride up on the cones and move radially outwardly. Sequentially the expandable seals are compressed and expanded radially outwardly for engagement against the casing wall. To facilitate drillability, components of the tool are formed of a synthetic resin composite, specifically a polyamide material that is glass fiber filled at a level of a minimum of about 30% by weight, having an extremely high modulus of elasticity and having a heat deflection temperature of about 400.degree. F. fully loaded.

Drillable well-fluid flow control tool

An oil or gas well flapper-type safety valve is joined in the tubing string and has a cylindrical valve body with a valve seat therein. A flapper valve is hingedly supported from the valve body for movement between a closed position wherein the valve is seated against the seat and an open position wherein the valve is pivoted from the seated position. A control link is attached to the flapper valve at a point removed from the hinge. Control structure is provided for applying a force to the valve through the control link to selectively pivot the valve between its closed and open position. The control structure includes an hydraulically operated piston moveable in a valve control cylinder. The piston is attached to one end of the control link and is biased by a compression spring toward the valve to seat the valve. A pressure supply is communicated to the cylinder in which the piston moves and by applying pressure to the piston to overcome the bias provided by the compression spring, the piston moves downwardly in its cylinder. By way of the control link between the piston and valve, the valve is pivoted to its open position. Closure is likewise controlled by the control of the discharge of fluid from the cylinder.

Oil and gas well safety valve

In an oil or gas well, a cement retainer setting tool for setting and pumping cement therethrough includes an inner piston defining a bore and an activation sleeve carried on the piston and defining an annular space between the piston and sleeve. A sleeve ring is formed inwardly from the activation sleeve and is positioned within the annular space beween the piston and the sleeve. Ports are provided to the piston above the sleeve ring for communicating a retainer setting pressure to the sleeve ring to move the sleeve downwardly relative to the piston upon application of such pressure. A plug means for plugging the lower end of the piston is provided therein. The plug means is disengagable upon application of a predetermined pressure greater than the retainer setting pressure. A second port structure is provided for connecting the lower end of the piston to a cement retainer, or other tool.

Hydraulic setting tool

A protective appendage for the steering column of an automobile, made of a thin and semi-flexible material which is adapted to surround the area in the vicinity of the ignition key lock. The appendage is preferably thermo-formed from a clear plastic such as polyethylene or polyvinyl chloride. The base of the appendage is curved into an arc of a circle having a diameter of about four inches, so that it will snugly fit against a steering column having a diameter of about 31/2-4 inches. The appendage is installed by temporarily deforming a cylindrical shell of semi-flexible material and forcing it over the lock assembly; the shell is subsequently locked in position by the protruding arms of the lock assembly.

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Burleson, TX, United States of America

Richard A Sukup