Abstract:
Embodiments of the present invention generally provide methods and apparatus for forming a tubular-lined wellbore which does not decrease in diameter with increasing depth or length. In one aspect, a portion of a second casing (220) is expanded into a portion of a first casing (204) having a larger inner diameter than the remaining portion of the first casing string. In another aspect, the portion of the second casing is expanded into a portion of the first casing having a compressible member (505) therearound. In another aspect, a lined lateral wellbore may be constructed by forming a lateral wellbore extending from a main wellbore lined with casing. A diameter of at least a portion of the lateral wellbore may be expanded. An expandable tubular element may be run into lateral wellbore and expanded to have an inner diameter equal to or larger than an inner diameter of the main wellbore casing. Embodiments provide a fluid path around casing before sealing the casing within a wellbore or within a well casing, even after the casing has been hung within the wellbore or from the well casing.
Abstract:
The present invention relates methods and apparatus for lining a wellbore. In one aspect, a drilling assembly having an earth removal member and a wellbore lining conduit is manipulated to advance into the earth. The drilling assembly includes a first fluid flow path and a second fluid flow path. Fluid is flowed through the first fluid flow path, and at least a portion of which may return through the second fluid flow path. In one embodiment, the drilling assembly is provided with a third fluid flow path. After drilling has been completed, wellbore lining conduit may be cemented in the wellbore.
Abstract:
Apparatus and methods for drilling with casing. In a first embodiment, a method for drilling with two concentric casing is disclosed. In a second embodiment, methods and apparatus for deflecting casing using a diverter apparatus are disclosed. In another embodiment, the apparatus comprises a motor operating system disposed in a motor system housing, a shaft operatively connected to the motor operating system, the shaft having a passageway, and a divert assembly disposed to direct fluid flow selectively to the motor operating system and the passageway in the shaft. In another aspect, methods and apparatus for directionally drilling a casing into the formation are disclosed. Methods and apparatus for measuring the trajectory of a wellbore while directionally drilling a casing into the formation are also described.
Abstract:
The invention provides an apparatus (300, 400) for actuating a downhole tool (700) by utilizing a pressure differential created by fluid flowing through a restriction in a conduit (315). The conduit is in communication with a pressure sensing line (400) that is selectively exposable to areas of near the restriction in the conduit (316, 317) having different pressures. By exposing the pressure sensing line to a portion of the conduit having a predetermined pressure therein, the pressure sensing line causes actuation of a hydraulic tool therebelow. The apparatus is of particular use for a single trip sidetrack system in combination with an MWD-tool, a whipstock, and an anchor packer without a bypass valve.
Abstract:
SECTION MILL AND METHOD FOR ABANDONING A WELLBORE A mill for use in a wellbore (116), comprising: a tubular housing (205) having a bore therethrough and a plurality of pockets (207p) formed in a wall thereof; an arm (215r) disposed in each pocket (207p), each arm (215r): having a body portion (216) and a blade portion (217r) extending from an outer surface of the body portion (216), wherein each blade portion (217r) has a length less than a length of the body portion (216), and movable between an extended position and a retracted position; cutters (218) disposed along each blade portion (217r) to form a radial cutting face and a longitudinal cutting face; and a pad (220) formed or disposed on an exposed portion of the outer surface of each body portion (216).
Abstract:
A method for milling a tubular cemented in a wellbore includes deploying a bottomhole assembly (BHA) into the wellbore through the tubular, the BHA comprising a window mill; and extending arms of the window mill and radially cutting through the tubular, thereby forming a window through the tubular, wherein a body portion of each window mill arm engages and stabilizes from an inner surface of the tubular after a blade portion of each window mill arm cuts through the tubular.
Abstract:
EXTENDABLE CUTTING TOOLS FOR USE IN A WELLBORE A tool (100) for use in a wellbore, comprising a first tubular body (5) having a bore therethrough and an opening (5o) through a wall thereof; a first arm (50a,b): pivotally connected to the body (5) or a first piston (10), disposed in the opening (5o) in a retracted position, and movable to an extended position where an outer surface of the first arm (50a,b) extends outward past an outer surface of the first tubular body (5); the first piston (10): disposed in the body (5) bore, having a bore therethrough, and operable to move the first arm (50a,b) from the retracted position to the extended position in response to fluid pressure in the first piston (10) bore exceeding fluid pressure in the opening (5o); a lock (230) operable to retain the first piston (10) in the retracted position; and a controller (325) operable to release the lock (230) in response to receiving a first instruction signal.
Abstract:
A method for milling a tubular cemented in a wellbore includes deploying a bottomhole assembly (BHA) into the wellbore through the tubular, the BHA comprising a window mill; and extending arms of the window mill and radially cutting through the tubular, thereby forming a window through the tubular, wherein a body portion of each window mill arm engages and stabilizes from an inner surface of the tubular after a blade portion of each window mill arm cuts through the tubular.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus enable reliable and improved isolation between two portions of a bore extending through a casing string disposed in a borehole. A downhole deployment valve (DDV) may provide the isolation utilizing a valve member such as a flapper that is disposed in a housing of the DDV and is designed to close against a seat within the housing. The DDV includes an operating mechanism for opening/closing the DDV. In use, pressure in one portion of a well that is in fluid communication with a well surface may be bled off and open at well surface while maintaining pressure in another portion of the casing string beyond the DDV.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to extendable cutting tools for use in a wellbore. In one embodiment, a tool for use in a wellbore includes a tubular body having a bore therethrough, an opening through a wall thereof, and a connector at each longitudinal end thereof; and an arm. The arm is pivotally connected to a first piston and rotationally coupled to the body, is disposed in the opening in a retracted position, and is movable to an extended position where an outer surface of the arm extends outward past an outer surface of the body. The tool further includes the first piston. The first piston is disposed in the body bore, has a bore therethrough, and is operable to move the arm from the retracted position to the extended position in response to fluid pressure in the piston bore exceeding fluid pressure in the opening. The tool further includes a lock operable to retain the first piston in the retracted position; and a second piston operably coupled to the lock.