Abstract: A completion apparatus (4) for completing a wellbore comprises a) a tool to alternatively open and close a throughbore (15) of the completion; b) a tool (13) to alternatively open and close an annulus defined between the outer surface of the completion and the inner surface of the wellbore; c) a tool to alternatively provide and prevent a fluid circulation route from the throughbore of the completion to the said annulus (11); and d) at least one signal receiver and processing tool (9) capable of decoding signals received relating to the operation of tools a) to c).

Abstract: A completion apparatus for completing a wellbore includes a tool to alternatively open and close a throughbore; a tool to alternatively open and close an annulus between the outer surface of the completion and the inner surface of the wellbore; a tool to alternatively provide and prevent a fluid circulation route from the throughbore of the completion to the annulus; and at least one signal receiver and processing tool capable of decoding signals received. The apparatus is run into the well bore, the throughbore is closed and the fluid pressure in the tubing is increased to pressure test the completion; the annulus is closed and a fluid circulation route is provided from the throughbore to the annulus and fluid is circulated through the production tubing into the annulus and back to surface. The fluid circulation route is then closed and the throughbore is opened.

Abstract: A plug for sealing a conduit comprises a body having a first section and a second section, and at least one seal element for creating a seal between the plug and the conduit. The at least one seal element is adapted to be energized by movement in a setting direction of the first body section relative to the second body section. The plug further comprises seal locking means comprising a first portion and a second portion wherein as the at least one seal is energized, the seal locking means first portion is rotatable unidirectionally relative to the seal locking means second portion to take up the movement of the first body section relative to the second body section in the setting direction and prevent movement of the first body section relative to the second body section in a releasing direction, opposite the setting direction. In one embodiment the seal locking means first portion is a locking nut.

Abstract: A method for downhole communication and an apparatus for remote actuation of a downhole tool is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: programming at least one tag (20) to emit a radio frequency identification signal in the form of a frequency change in a carrier wave; locating a reader (10) responsive to signals emitted from the at least one tag downhole; moving the at least one tag (20) past the downhole reader (10) such that the downhole reader (10) is capable of reading data from the tag (20) when the tag (20) passes the reader (10); and thereby communicating data from the tag (20) to the reader (10) downhole. Typically, the method includes programming the tag (20) and the reader (10) to communicate data by at least one of the following means: transitions between discrete frequencies; use of specific discrete frequencies; and length of time in which a carrier wave emits a specific frequency in preference to at least one other frequency.

Abstract: The invention provides a valve assembly comprising a conduit with a bore 1b for passage of fluid therethrough. The valve assembly also comprises a sealing member that is movable within the conduit to open and close the bore. The seal assembly has a valve seat on which the sealing member seals when the bore is closed, and wherein the valve seat is movable within the conduit. The invention also provides a valve assembly comprising a sealing member, a first valve seat for the sealing member, and a second valve seat for the sealing member. The valve assemblies can be resettable. The invention further provides a flapper valve assembly wherein the flapper is pivotable through more than 90° and a bi-directional flapper valve assembly.

Abstract: An improved control system for use in a subterranean well is described. The system comprises at least one apparatus positioned within the subterranean well, at least one power generation device positioned within the subterranean well, the at least one power generation device adapted to supply electrical power to the at least one apparatus and at least one control line positioned in the subterranean well. The at least one control line is adapted to supply a hydraulic pressure applied from surface to the at least one power generation device from which the at least one power generation device generates electrical power.

Abstract: A plug for sealing a conduit comprises a body having a first section and a second section, and at least one seal element for creating a seal between the plug and the conduit. The at least one seal element is adapted to be energised by movement in a setting direction of the first body section relative to the second body section. The plug further comprises seal locking means comprising a first portion and a second portion wherein as the at least one seal is energised, the seal locking means first portion is rotatable unidirectionally relative to the seal locking means second portion to take up the movement of the first body section relative to the second body section in the setting direction and prevent movement of the first body section relative to the second body section in a releasing direction, opposite the setting direction. In one embodiment the seal locking means first portion is a locking nut.

Abstract: The switching device comprises an electronic switch (111) embedded within a downhole tool (100) and an activator (20) for remote switching of the electronic switch (111). The activator (20) may be a handheld unit that is used at the surface of the wellbore by an operator or may be a wireline run unit. The activator (20) permits wireless and contactless activation of the electronic switch (111) without the need for mechanical switches which could provide a point of failure for the downhole tool (100). The electronic switch (111) comprises an electronics module and a power source such as one or more batteries (126) wherein in the active configuration, the switch (111) can allow electrical connection between the electronics module and the power source (126) and in the inactive configuration, the switch (111) prevents electrical connection between the electronics module and the power source (126).

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling a downhole device such as a choke, the apparatus comprising a housing, a mandrel connected to the downhole device and moveable within the housing to move the device between different positions, and a detent mechanism to selectively lock the mandrel in one of the positions within the housing. The first and second positions are typically defined by physical stops on the apparatus such as shoulders, or dogs and grooves etc, and are typically placed at set positions that define the different configurations of the device. Thus, the movement of the downhole device is governed by the detent mechanism, rather than by variable factors such as pressure changes.

Abstract: The invention provides a wellhead and a method for installing a wellhead assembly. The wellhead or casing head assembly comprises a first tubular having at least one aperture extending through a side wall thereof. The wellhead or casing head also comprises a second tubular having a recessed portion in the exterior thereof. The second tubular is arranged to be at least partially inserted within the first tubular. The wellhead or casing head assembly also comprises at least one fastening member. The fastening member is removably accommodated within the aperture-(s) and recessed portion. The wellhead also comprises securing means for maintaining the fastening member-(s) within the aperture-(s) and recessed portion. The wellhead further comprises seal means arranged to provide a fluid tight seal.

Abstract: A device for use downhole comprises a body housing: a power source arranged to supply power to a driver; and a hydraulic system including a piston sealed in a chamber and an outlet provided at each opposing end of the chamber wherein each outlet is in communication with a respective reservoir, the driver being actuable to drive the piston in a first direction, such that fluid is driven out of the chamber through one outlet and simultaneously fluid is drawn into the chamber through the other outlet at the opposing end.

Abstract: A completion apparatus (4) for completing a wellbore comprises a) a tool to alternatively open and close a throughbore (15) of the completion; b) a tool (13) to alternatively open and close an annulus defined between the outer surface of the completion and the inner surface of the wellbore; c) a tool to alternatively provide and prevent a fluid circulation route from the throughbore of the completion to the said annulus (11); and d) at least one signal receiver and processing tool (9) capable of decoding signals received relating to the operation of tools a) to c).

Abstract: A plug (10) for sealing a conduit is described. The plug comprises a housing (42), a setting member (14), at least one anchor (16) and at least one seal element (18). Rotation of the setting member with respect to the housing in a setting direction sets the at least one anchor and the at least one seal element.

Abstract: The invention provides a valve assembly comprising a conduit with a bore 1b for passage of fluid therethrough. The valve assembly also comprises a sealing member that is movable within the conduit to open and close the bore. The seal assembly has a valve seat on which the sealing member seals when the bore is closed, and wherein the valve seat is movable within the conduit. The invention also provides a valve assembly comprising a sealing member, a first valve seat for the sealing member, and a second valve seat for the sealing member. The valve assemblies can be resettable. The invention further provides a flapper valve assembly wherein the flapper is pivotable through more than 90° and a bi-directional flapper valve assembly.

Abstract: A plug for sealing a conduit comprises a body having a first section and a second section, and at least one seal element for creating a seal between the plug and the conduit. The at least one seal element is adapted to be energised by movement in a setting direction of the first body section relative to the second body section. The plug further comprises seal locking means comprising a first portion and a second portion wherein as the at least one seal is energised, the seal locking means first portion is rotatable unidirectionally relative to the seal locking means second portion to take up the movement of the first body section relative to the second body section in the setting direction and prevent movement of the first body section relative to the second body section in a releasing direction, opposite the setting direction. In one embodiment the seal locking means first portion is a locking nut.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling a downhole device such as a choke, the apparatus comprising a housing, a mandrel connected to the downhole device and moveable within the housing to move the device between different positions, and a detent mechanism to selectively lock the mandrel in one of the positions within the housing. The first and second positions are typically defined by physical stops on the apparatus such as shoulders, or dogs and grooves etc, and are typically placed at set positions that define the different configurations of the device. Thus, the movement of the downhole device is governed by the detent mechanism, rather than by variable factors such as pressure changes.

Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of transmitting signals from the surface of a well to a location downhole in the well utilize a downhole fluid pressure sensor, a signal processing means located downhole in electrical connection with the pressure sensor and a downhole programmable logic unit capable of counting at least two signals received by the downhole pressure sensor. Typically, signals transmitted from the surface comprise a peak in pressure of downhole fluid located in production tubing run into a well bore and these signals are sensed by the downhole fluid pressure sensor. The logic unit outputs a signal to a tool to be actuated if it receives a number of signals within a particular time period, wherein the logic unit actuates the tool by the frequency of signals received rather than the amplitude of the signals received.

Abstract: The invention provides a wellhead (30) and a method for installing a wellhead assembly (30). The wellhead or casing head assembly (30) comprises a first tubular (20) having at least one aperture (36) extending through a side wall thereof. The wellhead or casing head (30) also comprises a second tubular (40) having a recessed portion (42) in the exterior thereof. The second tubular (40) is arranged to be at least partially inserted within the first tubular (20). The wellhead or casing head assembly (30) also comprises at least one fastening member (110). The or each fastening member (110) is removably accommodated within the aperture (s) (36) and recessed portion (42). The wellhead (30) also comprises securing means (134) for maintaining the fastening member (s) (110) within the aperture (s) (36) and recessed portion (42). The wellhead (30) further comprises seal means (80u, 80l) arranged to provide a fluid tight seal.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus (10) and method for transmitting torque to a downhole device. The apparatus (10) comprises a first part and a second part adapted for connection to the downhole device. The apparatus (10) also comprises an engagement means (100, 120). The first and second parts are connected together such that relative axial movement between the first and second parts is constrained on a helical path. The engagement means (100, 120) are arranged to rotationally connect the first and second parts to thereby transmit torque from the first part to the second part when a coupling point is reached on the helical path.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating a downhole tool is disclosed. The method involves providing a conduit for the passage of fluid. The conduit includes at least one reader which can read data and is arranged for the passage of fluid. A downhole tool is coupled to the reader and has at least one tag capable of containing data. The tag is moved within the conduit and at least partially through the reader such that the reader can read data from the tag when the tag passes. This enables remote operation of the downhole tool. An antenna is provided for use in a downhole tubular. The antenna comprises a generally cylindrical housing and a coiled conductor located within a portion of the housing and separated therefrom by insulating material. The portion of housing has a greater internal diameter than an external diameter of the coiled conductor.