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:
A protection tool is provided to protect a control line in a safe area while one or more slips of a spider are being closed. In another embodiment, a safety interlock system is provided to prevent the closing of the slips before the control line is pulled away from the tubular string. In yet another embodiment, a safety interlock system includes a safety interlock trigger adapted to be actuated by a protection tool. The safety interlock trigger is adapted to detect the physical presence of the protection tool, and thereafter send a signal to the interlock system to enable an operator or a control mechanism to safely close the slips.
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 generally relates to a method and apparatus for drilling with a top drive system. In one aspect, the present invention provides for a top drive system having a top drive (50), top drive adapter (40), and a tubular positioning apparatus. In one aspect, the top drive adapter is pivotably connected to the top drive for pivoting the top drive adapter toward the casing string with respect to the top drive. In another aspect, the system includes a telescopic link system connected to a lower portion of the top drive adapter to move the casing string into engagement with the top drive adapter. In another aspect, the top drive adapter includes a housing operatively connected to the top drive and a plurality of retaining members disposed in the housing for gripping the tubular. In another aspect, the tubular positioning apparatus (100) includes a gripping member for engaging a tubular and a conveying member for positioning the gripping member (150). A spinner may be provided to rotate the tubular.
Abstract:
The present invention generally relates to a method and apparatus for drilling with a top drive system. In one aspect, the present invention provides for a top drive system having a top drive, top drive adapter, and a tubular positioning apparatus. In one aspect, the top drive adapter is pivotably connected to the top drive for pivoting the top drive adapter toward the casing string with respect to the top drive. In another aspect, the system includes a telescopic link system connected to a lower portion of the top drive adapter to move the casing string into engagement with the top drive adapter. In another aspect, the top drive adapter includes a housing operatively connected to the top drive and a plurality of retaining members disposed in the housing for gripping the tubular. In another aspect, the tubular positioning apparatus includes a gripping member for engaging a tubular and a conveying member for positioning the gripping member. A spinner may be provided to rotate the tubular.
Abstract:
A wellbore mill (10) has been invented that, in certain aspects, has a body (12) having a top and a bottom and, optionally, a fluid flow channel (20) extending therethrough from top to bottom with, optionally, one or more fluid jetting ports (22) in fluid communication with the fluid flow channel, milling apparatus (21, 23, 26) on the body including a plurality of milling inserts (26, 28), each insert mechanically secured in a corresponding recess (25) in the body, said mechanical securement sufficient for effective milling in a wellbore. A wellbore milling method for milling an opening in a selected tubular of a tubular string in a wellbore has been invented that includes installing and using such a mill.
Abstract:
A protection tool is provided to protect a control line in a safe area while one or more slips of a spider are being closed. In another embodiment, a safety interlock system is provided to prevent the closing of the slips before the control line is pulled away from the tubular string. In yet another embodiment, a safety interlock system includes a safety interlock trigger adapted to be actuated by a protection tool. The safety interlock trigger is adapted to detect the physical presence of the protection tool, and thereafter send a signal to the interlock system to enable an operator or a control mechanism to safely close the slips.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the present invention generally provide methods and apparatus for forming a tubular-lined wellbore which does not decrease in diameter wit h 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 tubul ar 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.