Abstract: A check valve assembly for the bottom of a casing string with increased open area is provided. Multiple check valves are provided for assurance of ultimate closure. Bypass flow paths are available during run in that increase the normal available open area from about 3 square inches to a range of about 10 square inches and even higher. Components freely float during run in to provide the greater open area and are subsequently repositioned with known techniques of dropping a ball and pressurization when the casing has reached the desired depth.

Abstract: A method for securing and sealing one tubular to another downhole facilitates cementing prior to sealing and allows for suspension of one tubular in the other by virtue of pipe expansion techniques.

Abstract: A plug-dropping head in which the objects to be dropped are placed in individual discrete passages. A motor-driven or hand-operated rotating member orients an entrance to a passage going through it to, in series, individual passages in the housing for sequential dropping of objects downhole. A relief port is provided so that as the rotating outlet member moves from one passage in the housing to the next, the relief passage allows continuing flow delivered by the surface pump.

Abstract: Junctions in multilateral well structures are sealed by employing a variety of degrees of premachined components and a variety of sealing embodiments, including casing segments having premachined windows, side pocket members which are adapted to reside within the string during run in and move laterally to the deployed position, woven members, cement filled ECPs, etc. Also disclosed is a downhole milling device which cuts a window in a casing segment or other material based upon a predetermined geometric pattern imposed upon the cutting tool by an integral template.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method for multilateral completion and cementing (i.e., sealing) the juncture between primary and lateral wellbores. The completion method of the present invention addresses the issue of cementation and sealing of junctures between vertical and lateral wellbores. It is desirable to have the ability to re-enter each lateral wellbore as well as maintain the option to perform any function that could be done in a single wellbore. For this reason, cemented and sealed lateral wellbores are desirable so that normal isolation, stimulation or any other operation can be achieved. The method allows sealing and reworking of either wellbores with single laterals or multiple laterals and provides safe durable junctions therebetween. The method of this invention utilizes a "hook" liner hanger system.

Abstract: Electrical generating apparatus is provided which connects to the production tubing. In a preferred embodiment, this apparatus includes a housing having a primary flow passageway in communication with the production tubing. The housing also includes a laterally displaced side passageway communicating with the primary flow passageway such that production fluid passes upwardly towards the surface through the primary and side passageways. A flow diverter may be positioned in the housing to divert a variable amount of production fluid from the production tubing and into the side passageway. In accordance with an important feature of this invention, an electrical generator is located at least partially in or along the side passageway. The electrical generator generates electricity through the interaction of the flowing production fluid.

Abstract: A seal useful for high temperature and high-differential pressures, particularly in sour gas wells, is disclosed. The preferred embodiment of the seal is an elongated member having features akin to a chevron-type seal at at least one end, coupled with at least one interference seal. A pocket is created in between these two elements which can trap atmospheric pressure, thereby enhancing the ability of downhole well fluids to compress the seal against a mandrel for facilitating its installation in a liner bore. The additional structural rigidity provided by the variety of alternative designs presented overcomes the tendency of the chevron portion of the seal to fail to seat due to downhole fluid pressures, displacing the chevron portion out of shape prior to its insertion into a liner bore.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of dropping a pumpdown plug or ball is revealed. The release mechanism is actuated by remote control, employing intrinsically safe circuitry. The circuitry, along with its self-contained power source, actuates a primary control member responsive to an input signal so as to allow component shifting for release of the pumpdown plug or ball. Multiple plug-dropping heads can be stacked, each responsive to a discrete release signal. Actuation to drop the pumpdown ball or plug is accomplished even while the components are rotating or are moving longitudinally.

Abstract: The invention relates to actuation of a downhole tool by hydraulic forces in a structure that does not employ lateral openings through the wall of the tool. By a variety of mechanisms, the tool wall is urged to flex preferably within its elastic limits. The wall flexing either signals a sensor which senses such motion to create a corresponding signal which can unlock a piston. Thereafter, hydraulic pressure differences are employed to move the piston to operate the downhole tool.

Abstract: A seal apparatus is provided for use in a subterranean wellbore having a wellbore tubular disposed therein that defines a wellbore surface. A conveyance tubular is provided, which is positionable within the subterranean wellbore. A sealing ring is provided, and disposed about at least a portion of the conveyance tubular. The sealing ring has a first surface proximate the conveyance tubular and a second surface which is removed in distance from the conveyance tubular. The second surface defines a sealing surface, and includes a plurality of portions, with selected ones of the plurality of portions of the sealing ring extending radially from the conveyance tubular in at least one radial dimension. The selected portions define at least one metal seal point for selectively and sealingly engaging the wellbore surface. The seal apparatus is operable in a plurality of modes, including a running mode of operation and a sealing mode of operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to art improved method for multilateral completion and cementing (e.g. sealing) the juncture between primary and lateral wellbores. The completion method of the present invention addresses the issue of cementation and sealing of junctures between vertical and lateral wellbores. It is desirable to have the ability to re-enter each lateral wellbore as well as maintain the option to perform any function that could be done in a single wellbore. For this reason, cemented and sealed lateral wellbores are desirable so that normal isolation, stimulation or any other operation can be achieved. The method allows sealing and reworking of either wellbores with single laterals or multiple laterals and provides safe durable junctions therebetween. The method of this invention utilizes a "hook" liner hanger system.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of dropping a pumpdown plug or ball is revealed. The assembly can be integrally formed with a plug-dropping head or can be an auxiliary feature that is mounted to a plug-dropping head. The release mechanism is actuated by remote control, employing intrinsically safe circuitry. The circuitry, along with its self-contained power source, actuates a primary control member responsive to an input signal so as to allow component shifting for release of the pumpdown plug or ball. Multiple plug-dropping heads can be stacked, each responsive to a discrete release signal. Actuation to drop the pumpdown ball or plug is accomplished even while the components are rotating or are moving longitudinally. Using the apparatus and method of the present invention, personnel do not need to climb up in the derrick to actuate manual valves.

Abstract: A seal apparatus is provided for use in a subterranean wellbore having a wellbore tubular disposed therein. The wellbore tubular defines a wellbore surface. The seal includes a number of components which cooperate together. A conveyance tubular is provided, which is positionable within the subterranean wellbore at a selected location relative to the wellbore surface. A sealing ring is provided, and disposed about at least a portion of the conveyance tubular. The sealing ring has a first surface proximate the conveyance tubular and a second surface which is removed in distance from the conveyance tubular. The second surface defines a sealing surface, and includes a plurality of portions, with selected ones of the plurality of portions of the sealing ring extending radially from the conveyance tubular in at least one radial dimension. The selected portions define at least one metal seal point for selectively and sealingly engaging the wellbore surface.

Abstract: A template and process for drilling and completing multiple wells in a subterranean formation. A template having a plurality of axially extending, divergent bores therethrough is secured to surface or intermediate casing and a like plurality of subterranean wells are drilled through the bores and into the subterranean formation. Each well is separately cased to the well head at the surface and separate production tubing is inserted into each well. Thus, remedial operations can be carded out in one well or fluid injected into a subterranean formation via one well while fluid, such as hydrocarbons, are simultaneously produced from a subterranean formation via the other well(s).

Abstract: A lead-in guide assembly is shown for centralizing a downhole tool being run from a well surface within a well bore to a selected downhole location. The lead-in guide can be utilized as a seal assembly guide including a seal carrier provided with a leading end and a trailing end which is made up in a tubing string leading to the well surface. A collapsible guide is located at the leading end of the seal carrier for centralizing the seal carrier within the surrounding cased well bore as the seal assembly is being run into position above a cooperating sealing bore located at a downhole location. The guide means moves to a retracted position as the assembly moves within the cooperating sealing bore.

Abstract: A rotation release apparatus is provided for use in a wellbore tool to selectively couple a first wellbore tool member to a second wellbore tool member until the wellbore tool is lowered to a selected depth within the wellbore. The rotation release apparatus includes a coupling member secured to the first wellbore tool member, and a latch member secured to the second wellbore member. A cam member is secured to the coupling member to release the latch member from the coupling member when the wellbore tool is rotated about a longitudinal axis. The rotation release latching apparatus may be operated to couple the latch member to the coupling member by axial movement of the wellbore tool along a longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A seal assembly is provided for use in a fluid flow conduit, and includes a valve seat and a valve plug. The valve seat includes a seating lip formed at least in-part of yieldable material. The valve plug is passed through the fluid flow conduit and caused to sealingly engage the valve seat. Together the valve seat and valve plug form an obstruction to the passage of fluid within the fluid flow conduit, and pressure is developed upstream. At a predetermined pressure level the valve deforms the valve seat, and is passed therethrough. A larger valve plug can be passed until it seats against the enlarged valve seat. The pass-through process can be repeated.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for anchoring of equipment within the interior bore of a section of a subterranean well conduit, and particularly for insertion of such equipment. The apparatus comprises a cylindrical housing and a conically tapered surface around the exterior of the housing which is radially larger at its upper end and tapered to a radially smaller lower end. A seal body is provided which is carried exteriorly around the housing and has its interior tapered end reverse to that of the conically tapered surface around the housing and which is selectively longitudinally movable relative to the housing from a first, unset position on the conduit section to a second, set position on the conduit section and radially expandable during the movement relative to the housing. Anchoring means are carried exteriorly around the body for securing the apparatus to the conduit section against upward and downward movement of the apparatus.

Abstract: A dual seal packer is shown having a central mandrel which carries upper and lower seal assemblies which straddle an outer cage assembly. Rocker type slips are carried in the cage assembly and are set by a single expander ring. Special support surfaces on the slips cooperate with mating support surfaces on the cage assembly to provide support for the slips under tensive and compressive loading. The slips and upper and lower seal assemblies are set in a single step operation by rotating the mandrel to the right while holding tension on the well string from the surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for anchoring of equipment within the interior bore of a section of a subterranean well conduit, and particularly for insertion of such equipment. The apparatus comprises a cylindrical housing and a conically tapered surface around the exterior of the housing which is radially larger at its upper end and tapered to a radially smaller lower end. A seal body is provided which is carried exteriorly around the housing and has its interior tapered end reverse to that of the conically tapered surface around the housing and which is selectively longitudinally movable relative to the housing from a first, unset position on the conduit section to a second, set position on the conduit section and radially expandable during the movement relative to the housing. Anchoring means are carried exteriorly around the body for securing the apparatus to the conduit section against upward and downward movement of the apparatus.