A running tool having an annulus seal assembly and casing hanger attached thereto may be sent into to the wellhead to lock and preload the casing hanger in a single trip. The running tool may be rotated a first time to drop the annulus seal assembly on the casing hanger, a first pressure may be applied axially above the annulus seal assembly to set the annulus seal assembly, the running tool may be rotated a second time to close a gap between the annulus seal assembly and the wellhead, and a second pressure may be applied axially above the annulus seal assembly to preload the casing hanger.

Seal elements for establishing fluid seals in a wellbore may be constructed of expandable metal materials. For example, an elongated gland of expandable metal may replace some or all the components in a packing stack of a locking mandrel. The gland may be recessed within the locking mandrel, or narrower than a seal bore of a landing nipple, such that the gland is protected from damage as the locking mandrel passes through landing nipples to reach a target landing nipple. The expandable metal may be induced to chemically react with a brine or other water-based fluid to form metal hydroxides and may thus create a seal with the target landing nipple. Once an intended purpose of the locking mandrel has been achieved, a pressure reversal may be employed to break the seal and/or a mild acid may be introduced to accelerate dissolving of the expandable metal seal,

Seal elements for establishing fluid seals in a wellbore may be constructed of expandable metal materials. For example, an elongated gland of expandable metal may replace some or all the components in a packing stack of a locking mandrel. The gland may be recessed within the locking mandrel, or narrower than a seal bore of a landing nipple, such that the gland is protected from damage as the locking mandrel passes through landing nipples to reach a target landing nipple. The expandable metal may be induced to chemically react with a brine or other water-based fluid to form metal hydroxides and may thus create a seal with the target landing nipple. Once an intended purpose of the locking mandrel has been achieved, a pressure reversal may be employed to break the seal and/or a mild acid may be introduced to accelerate dissolving of the expandable metal seal,

A remotely-operated fluid connection assembly to hold higher internal pressures in larger diameters. The assembly comprises a fluid connection adapter and a fluid connection housing assembly. When the adapter enters the housing assembly: (A) locking elements on the housing assembly constrict about the adapter; and (B) at least a first seal section on the adapter sealingly contacts a first seal bore on the housing assembly. Progressive engagement of a locking ring upon the locking elements urges the locking elements to tighten against the adapter. Internal pressure encourages adapter displacement, which then further tightens the adapter against the locking elements as now restrained by the locking ring. Internal pressure further encourages the first seal section on the adapter to expand radially to tighten the contact with the first seal bore in the housing assembly.

A remotely-operated fluid connection assembly to hold higher internal pressures in larger diameters. The assembly comprises a fluid connection adapter and a fluid connection housing assembly. When the adapter enters the housing assembly: (A) locking elements on the housing assembly constrict about the adapter; and (B) at least a first seal section on the adapter sealingly contacts a first seal bore on the housing assembly. Progressive engagement of a locking ring upon the locking elements urges the locking elements to tighten against the adapter. Internal pressure encourages adapter displacement, which then further tightens the adapter against the locking elements as now restrained by the locking ring. Internal pressure further encourages the first seal section on the adapter to expand radially to tighten the contact with the first seal bore in the housing assembly.

A latching apparatus includes a body, a fin biased to protrude from the body, and a biasing element for so biasing the fin. A method for securing a tool in a drilling tubular includes connecting the tool to a latching apparatus, the latching apparatus including a fin biased to protrude radially outward, forcing the latching apparatus into the drilling tubular, and forcing the latching apparatus through a landing ring.

A latching apparatus includes a body, a fin biased to protrude from the body, and a biasing element for so biasing the fin. A method for securing a tool in a drilling tubular includes connecting the tool to a latching apparatus, the latching apparatus including a fin biased to protrude radially outward, forcing the latching apparatus into the drilling tubular, and forcing the latching apparatus through a landing ring.

A container device for transporting and releasing a plugging material into a well includes a longitudinal chamber for containing the plugging material, the chamber including a tubular wall extending in a longitudinal direction and at least one opening for releasing the plugging material from the chamber; a lower seal extending across the opening and closing the chamber in a closed configuration; a pressure application mechanism provided at an upper portion of the container device for pressurising at least part of the device and expelling the plugging material; and a connector provided at an upper portion of the container device for attaching the container device to an elongate member for lowering into a wellbore.

A perforating gun string is configured to perforate a casing of a well, and the perforating gun string includes a latch mechanism configured to engage with the casing, one or more perforating guns connected with a cable to the latch mechanism, and a global cable that releasably holds together the latch mechanism and the one or more individual perforating guns. The perforating gun string may also comprise a spreading mechanism configured to move away from the latch mechanism and to spread the one or more individual perforating guns away from the latch mechanism.

Example systems and methods are described that operate to open screen joints using mechanically-generated perforations for beginning fluid production. In an example system, a screen joint is deployed in a production tubing within a wellbore. The screen joint includes a screen element and a blank housing that are coupled to an exterior surface of a non]perforated base pipe. Further, the screen joint includes a locator profile positioned along an interior surface of the non]perforated base pipe. A perforator is deployed within the screen joint that includes a mechanical perforator and a locator for engaging with the locator profile to position the mechanical perforator under the blank housing.