Abstract: A flowline power generator especially adapted for use on a conduit or flowline carrying petroleum or hydrocarbon products is disclosed. A valve body incorporated in the flowline redirects at least a portion of the fluid flowing through the flowline into engagement with a turbine used to drive an electrical generator. A gate valve is provided for bypassing the turbine to permit all of the flow in the conduit to bypass the power generator. In the bypass configuration, the power generator can be repaired or completely removed. The valve body can be incorporated into the well with no power generator attached, and power generators can be subsequently installed at prescribed locations along the conduit.

Abstract: A downhole injection valve for selectively opening and closing the bore of a tubing string to permit the passage of chemical treatment fluid to a downhole tool comprises a first annular valve element mounted in a valve housing which is connected in a tubing string above the downhole tool. A slip joint is connected between the valve housing and the downhole tool to permit relative upward and downward movement of the valve housing with respect to the tool. A second annular valve element is disposed in surrounding relationship to a support rod which is inserted in the tubing string and supported at its bottom end by the downhole tool. Upward movement of the tubing string will then effect contact of the first annular valve element carried by the valve housing with the second annular valve element carried by the support rod, and thus move such elements into engagement and close all fluid flow through the bore of the tubing string.

Abstract: Apparatus for injecting high-temperature steam at a selected mass flow rate into a plurality of vertically spaced production formations of a subterranean well comprises a plurality of choke devices connected in series relationship in a tubing string extending to the well surface. Each choke device is positioned immediately above or adjacent to a production formation and defines a flow diversion device which extracts a predetermined portion of steam flow from the main steam flow, moving downwardly through the tubing string and directs such diverted steam portion into the inlet chamber of a Venturi passage. The steam is accelerated by the Venturi passage to its critical mass flow rate and is discharged into the production formation. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the Venturi passage is connected in series with a fluid mixing apparatus which effects an intimate mixture of vapor and water components of the steam.

Abstract: Apparatus for securing a first member to a second member includes a clamping structure having a first planar portion and a tapered second planar portion which extends transversely from the first portion. A threaded fastening member is rotatably carried by the clamping structure first portion and extends outwardly therefrom. A connecting structure is provided on the first member and includes a threaded aperture adapted for receiving the threaded fastening member. A tapered surface portion is provided on the second member for cooperative engagement with the clamping structure tapered second planar portion when the fastening member is threaded into the aperture of the connecting structure for providing a clamping force between the clamping structure and the first and second members.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved gate valve having floating seal elements which are back-relieving and reversible for long-term permanent sealing under varied pressure conditions. The sealing elements are mounted in unrestrained relation in juxtaposed recesses in the fluid passage facing the movable gate with annular gaskets facing both the gate and the recesses for improved self-aligning sealing engagement therewith. The sealing elements and their annular gaskets may be reversed, interchanged, or readily replaced as desired, the valve structure being especially useful for inherently fail-safe slab type gate valves.

Abstract: A conduit centralizer comprises segmented, sliding upper and lower collars connected by a plurality of axially extending, outwardly bowed leaf springs. Each collar is formed by the hinged connection on a plurality of segments in close fitting contact with the outer diameter of a pipe. The ends of the leaf springs are respectively inserted within the individual segments and welded to the segments. Individual collar segment sections or subassemblies comprising upper and lower collar segments secured to a single intermediate bowed leaf spring can then be interconnected to form a concentric centralizer.

Abstract: A valve having a rotary valve head with an elastomeric seal attached to the valve head for use in a conduit is disclosed. Separate embodiments for use in a downhole tool and in an accessible surface valve are disclosed. An axially movable actuator tube is engagable with the elastomeric seal to maintain sealing integrity. A valve head with an integrally mounted seal can be actuated by an axially movable camming member or by a lever pivoting about an axis transverse to the conduit. Rotation of the valve head from the closed position aligns a flow passage with the conduit to permit fluid flow.

Abstract: A multiple-mode electrical power and communications interface includes a command encoder (10) modulating the frequency generated by a variable frequency power source (12) for transmission over one of two signal transmission paths (16/26) to a remotely located data acquisition and transmission network (32). The signal transmission paths (16/26) are connected via inductive couplers (20/24) to different directional control stages (50/52) which selectively enable corresponding frequency separators (54/62) for filtering the command component from the power component and applying the former to a command decoder (56). The direction control stages enable one of a pair of local transmitters (58/64) to send information encoded by a data encoder (60) over the other of the two signal transmission paths. A mode shifting transmit/receive switch (15) simultaneously and separately connects the two signal paths to the power source (12) and a data decoder (30).

Abstract: An apparatus for effecting the firing of a multisection perforating gun having a plurality of vertically spaced shaped charges wherein the firing is accomplished from the lowermost shaped charge to the uppermost shaped charge. The detonation of the shaped charges is accomplished by a primer cord which is detonated only by a booster charge located in the bottom portion of the assembled perforating gun housing. Hollow nipples are utilized to effect the assembly of the plurality of tubular gun sections in axially stacked relationship and a fusible tubular guide element is provided between each adjacent pair of nipples so as to permit a continuous primer cord, as well as a fusible cord, to be concurrently inserted throughout the length of the gun.

Abstract: At a first location (A), a signal combiner (14) combines DC power from a DC power source (10) and command communication signals from a command encoder (12). An electrical cable (B) conveys the combined DC electrical power and command communication signals to a remote location (C). The command communication signals are read by a signal separator (32) and used to control a DC to AC converter (34) such that the DC to AC converter converts the DC power to a high frequency signal which is modulated in accordance with the command communication. The high frequency signal is transmitted across an inductive coupler (40) to the remote equipment. A command unit (50) separates the command communication signals from the high frequency signal to control switches (54) and the functioning of components (56) at the remote location. A rectifier (52) provides DC power to operate the controlled components. A pressure transducer (62) generates data communication signals which are transmitted uplink across the inductive coupler.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for effecting the assembly and arming a multisection perforating gun for a subterranean well. Each of the gun sections has a plurality of vertically and angularly spaced shaped charge containers disposed with the primer ends located in concentric fashion about the vertical axis of the gun, thus defining an axial passage communicating with the bores of hollow nipples which respectively effect securement of one gun section to the next adjacent gun section. In one modification, a continuous primer cord is stored on a reel below the lowermost gun section and is then pulled successively upwardly through each of the additional gun sections as they are assembled. In another modification, each of the gun sections is provided with a length of fusible guide tubing interposed between the inner primer ends of all of such shaped charges and the continuous length of primer cord is fed downwardly through the axial passage defined by such guide tubing.

Abstract: A surgical tray attachment for expediting the performance of wound cleansing, surgical operations, and the taking of X-ray pictures of a patient's extremity while the patient is resting on a conventional surgical table. The tray is formed of an X-ray-transparent material and is of generally rectangular configuration projecting laterally relative to the surgical table and providing adequate room for a surgeon to function efficiently on either side of the tray. A clamp is provided for mounting the inboard end of the surgical tray to the support rail commonly provided on surgical tables. The medial portions of the tray are provided with a plurality of vertical passages for draining cleansing fluids from the surface of the tray.

Abstract: A tubing trip tool for use in determining the extent of defects in tubular elements comprising a continuous string used in a subterranean oil or gas well during removal of the string from the well is disclosed. Local defects and axially extending defects, as well as the average wall thickness of the tubular elements, are measured. The position of the defects is determined by measuring the variable velocity of the tubular elements as they are removed from the well and by detecting end couplings having a larger cross-sectional area and the direction in which the end couplings are moving. A string profile of the position of the defects in the continuous string can also be established.

Abstract: A seal assembly containing a plurality of nonelastomeric sealing elements for use in a valve actuator is disclosed. The valve actuator can be incorporated into a fluid transmission conduit at the surface of a producing oil or gas well. A spring member radially biases one sealing element into engagement with concentric tubular members. Additional sealing elements are radially expandable when subjected to axial compression to close any gap along the surfaces of the concentric tubular members to provide extrusion resistance, greater sealing performance, and fire resistant capability. The seals can be used under hostile conditions, such as extreme temperature and in the presence of corrosive fluids and corrosion inhibitors.

Abstract: Improved apparatus is provided for temporarily securing together scaffolding members. A slotted stud fixed to a scaffolding support member is provided with a pivotal dog rotatable within the slot for receiving the hole punched end of a cross member. A spring and washer having a transverse bar member within the slot are permanently retained on the stud to prevent misuse of the device. Rotation of the dog to receive the cross member causes axial movement to the washer and compression of the spring. Further compression of the spring by the cross member allows the dog to return to its lock position by gravity. The spring, washer, and dog thus cooperate to either expel the cross member from the device or lock the cross member in place, which substantially increases scaffolding safety.

Abstract: A valve is provided with improved bonnet-stem and bonnet-valve body seals. Both non-metallic seals may be simultaneously compressed by threading the bonnet to the valve body, with a valve stem seal sandwiched between the bonnet and an axially movale retainer in engagement with the valve body. A jam nut threaded to the exterior of the bonnet may be periodically loosened, and the bonnet further threaded to the valve body to re-compress both seals and stop leakage from the valve. The concepts of the present invention are well adapted to providing a low cost valve suitable for handling corrosive fluids.

Abstract: A tubing trip tool for use in determining the extent of defects in tubular sections of a continuous tubing string used in subterranean oil and gas wells is disclosed. The tubing trip tool is mounted on a surface rig surrounding the tubing string and defects are magnetically detected during tubing removal from the well bore. The tool comprises a segmented expandable detector head containing elements for measuring average wall thickness and local and axially extending defects. The expandable head is spring loaded and pneumatically actuated. Coupling detectors are located on the ends of the head to count tubing sections and to detect the presence of obstructions on the tubing to prevent damage to the detector head.

Abstract: Apparatus for extracting core samples from the side walls of a subterranean well bore comprises an axial force generating tool insertable into the well with such tool carrying a stationary support rod and the movable element of such tool producing a movement of a housing surrounding the stationary support rod. Annular core forming tools are mounted on plural anvil plates disposed on sides of the stationary support rod and such tools are moved into penetrating relationship with the well bore side wall through association with a linkage between the movable housing, the anvil plates, and the stationary support rod. The movement of the axial force generating element is opposed by a resistance element. A limit to the maximum force applied to the core forming tools is provided by a shearable element series connected in the stationary support rod.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the extent of defects in ferromagnetic tubular elements comprising a continuous string for use in an oil or gas well is disclosed. The tubing trip tool measures tubing average wall thickness, local defects, and axial defects, such as sucker rod wear during removal of the tubing from the well. Tubing velocity is also measured. A saturating magnetic field and a fluctuating magnetic field are applied to the tubing. Signals corresponding to changes in the induced fields are divided into channels for complete circumferential coverage. Phase shift is then determined by a zero crossing technique to quantify axial defects, such as sucker rod wear.

Abstract: A concentric insulating tubular conduit member for use in forming a conduit string, such as a tubing string in a subterranean well, is disclosed. Each individual concentric conduit comprises an outer tubing and an outwardly flared inner tubing welded to the outer tubing at the end of the flared section. The inner tubing member is formed from an initially straight cylindrical member having enlarged ends and, when outwardly flared, the flared ends, although stretched, have a thickness at least equal to the nominal thickness of the inner tubular member. Insulation may be contained within the annular cavity between the inner and outer tubing members and between inner and outer coupling members at the juncture between adjacent tubing sections.