Abstract: A method for remotely signalling a downhole assembly comprising one or more downhole tools includes operating a choke arrangement configured to control production fluid flow from a wellbore to produce a first pressure signature in the fluid flow, the first pressure signature defining a trigger signal for the one or more downhole tools of the downhole assembly. The first pressure signature comprises at least a first pressure signal and a second pressure signal in the production fluid flow in the downhole assembly. Operating the choke arrangement to produce a second pressure signature in the production fluid flow in the downhole assembly at a predetermined time period following the first pressure signature, the second pressure signature defining a command signal for initiating operation of a predetermined one or more of the downhole tools of the downhole assembly.

Abstract: A completion assembly defines a throughbore and comprises an isolation valve configurable between an open state (permitting fluid to flow through the throughbore) and a closed state (preventing fluid from flowing through the throughbore). A method for use in installing the assembly into a wellbore in a single trip comprises running the assembly into the wellbore with the valve in the open state until a downhole end of the assembly reaches a target position; injecting a fluid through the throughbore and the valve when the valve is in the open state; configuring the valve into the closed state; and performing a pressure integrity test of the throughbore above the valve. The valve is configurable between the open and closed states without any requirement for the valve to be mechanically engaged by an activation member or a tool whilst the valve receives power from a power source.

Abstract: A flow control method and assembly for an oil or gas well comprises generating a pressure signature in the fluid in a bore of the well comprising a minimum rate of change of pressure, and transmitting the pressure signature to a control mechanism to trigger a change in the configuration of a flow control device in the bore in response to the detection of the pressure signature in the fluid. The flow control device can comprise a barrier, such as a flapper, sleeve, valve or similar. The pressure signature is transmitted via fluid flowing in the bore, typically being injected into the well, optionally during or before frac operations, via fluid being used for the frac operations. The control mechanism typically includes an RFID reader to receive RF signals from tags deployed in the fluid flowing in the bore.

Abstract: A method for injection of a lift gas into a wellbore production string comprises determining production pressure within the production string, and autonomously controlling a variable orifice gas lift valve in accordance with the determined production pressure, wherein the variable orifice gas lift valve controls the injection flow rate of the lift gas into the production string. A valve comprises a housing defining an inlet, an outlet and a flow path therebetween, and a valve member linearly moveable within the housing between first and second positions to vary flow along the flow path, wherein the valve member is prevented from rotation relative to the housing during linear movement between the first and second positions. The valve further includes a rotary drive and a transmission arrangement interposed between the rotary drive and the valve member for converting rotation of the rotary drive to linear movement of the valve member.

Abstract: A completion assembly defines a throughbore and comprises an isolation valve configurable between an open state (permitting fluid to flow through the throughbore) and a closed state (preventing fluid from flowing through the throughbore). A method for use in installing the assembly into a wellbore in a single trip comprises running the assembly into the wellbore with the valve in the open state until a downhole end of the assembly reaches a target position; injecting a fluid through the throughbore and the valve when the valve is in the open state; configuring the valve into the closed state; and performing a pressure integrity test of the throughbore above the valve. The valve is configurable between the open and closed states without any requirement for the valve to be mechanically engaged by an activation member or a tool whilst the valve receives power from a power source.

Abstract: A flow control method and assembly for an oil or gas well comprises generating a pressure signature in the fluid in a bore of the well comprising a minimum rate of change of pressure, and transmitting the pressure signature to a control mechanism to trigger a change in the configuration of a flow control device in the bore in response to the detection of the pressure signature in the fluid. The flow control device can comprise a barrier, such as a flapper, sleeve, valve or similar. The pressure signature is transmitted via fluid flowing in the bore, typically being injected into the well, optionally during or before frac operations, via fluid being used for the frac operations. The control mechanism typically includes an RFID reader to receive RF signals from tags deployed in the fluid flowing in the bore.

Abstract: A flow control method and assembly for an oil or gas well comprises generating a pressure signature in the fluid in a bore of the well comprising a minimum rate of change of pressure, and transmitting the pressure signature to a control mechanism to trigger a change in the configuration of a flow control device in the bore in response to the detection of the pressure signature in the fluid. The flow control device can comprise a barrier, such as a flapper, sleeve, valve or similar. The pressure signature is transmitted via fluid flowing in the bore, typically being injected into the well, optionally during or before frac operations, via fluid being used for the frac operations. The control mechanism typically includes an RFID reader to receive RF signals from tags deployed in the fluid flowing in the bore.

Abstract: A method for injection of a lift gas into a wellbore production string comprises determining production pressure within the production string, and autonomously controlling a variable orifice gas lift valve in accordance with the determined production pressure, wherein the variable orifice gas lift valve controls the injection flow rate of the lift gas into the production string. A valve comprises a housing defining an inlet, an outlet and a flow path therebetween, and a valve member linearly moveable within the housing between first and second positions to vary flow along the flow path, wherein the valve member is prevented from rotation relative to the housing during linear movement between the first and second positions. The valve further includes a rotary drive and a transmission arrangement interposed between the rotary drive and the valve member for converting rotation of the rotary drive to linear movement of the valve member.

Abstract: A flow control method and assembly for an oil or gas well comprises generating a pressure signature in the fluid in a bore of the well comprising a minimum rate of change of pressure, and transmitting the pressure signature to a control mechanism to trigger a change in the configuration of a flow control device in the bore in response to the detection of the pressure signature in the fluid. The flow control device can comprise a barrier, such as a flapper, sleeve, valve or similar. The pressure signature is transmitted via fluid flowing in the bore, typically being injected into the well, optionally during or before frac operations, via fluid being used for the frac operations. The control mechanism typically includes an RFID reader to receive RF signals from tags deployed in the fluid flowing in the bore.