Abstract: A flow tube for a control head for an apparatus (1) for forming a liquid seal around a conduit, cable or wire for intervention into a well, the flow tube comprising a flexible body (16) capable of stretching to accommodate localised variations in the external diameter of the conduit, cable or wire while maintaining a close contact with the external surface of the conduit, cable or wire.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for producing a hydrocarbon fluid from a subterranean environment. The system and method utilize an electric submersible pumping system having a motive unit comprising a combined submersible motor section and protector section.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for containing fluid in ah area of a wellbore annulus, in which fluid is energized to create a fluid flow which is at least partially obstructed and is directed to form in the annulus a localized area of high pressure to contain fluid in an area of the annulus of lower pressure. In an embodiment, the method creates a pressure plug in the annulus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for containing fluid in ah area of a wellbore annulus, in which fluid is energized to create a fluid flow which is at least partially obstructed and is directed to form in the annulus a localized area of high pressure to contain fluid in an area of the annulus of lower pressure. In an embodiment, the method creates a pressure plug in the annulus.

Abstract: At least one three phase driven pumps (56) in a hydrocarbon well (10) well bore (12) uses frequency shift keyed digital signals (78) to pass instructions from a surface station (46, 26, 34, 30) to a tool (14, 76, 56) and reports from a tool (14, 76, 56) to the surface station (46, 26, 34, 30) in common mode through the three phase cables (16) using a star point (58) of the three phase cables (16) after each pump as the signal transmission and reception point and as the point for coupling a DC Power supply (28), also provided in common mode on the three phase cables (16), to the down hole electronic equipment (72 76). The surface equipment (46) and the tool (14) use as a common ground. The digital messages comprises an address portion (80) identifying either the tool (14) for which an instruction (82) is destined or the tool (14) from which a report (also 82) originates. The digital message (18) also comprises a checksum (84) for error identification and correction.

Abstract: At least one three phase driven pumps (56) in a hydrocarbon well (10) well bore (12) uses frequency shift keyed digital signals (78) to pass instructions from a surface station (46, 26, 34, 30) to a tool (14, 76, 56) and reports from a tool (14, 76, 56) to the surface station (46, 26, 34, 30) in common mode through the three phase cables (16) using a star point (58) of the three phase cables (16) after each pump as the signal transmission and reception point and as the point for coupling a DC Power supply (28), also provided in common mode on the three phase cables (16), to the down hole electronic equipment (72 76). The surface equipment (46) and the tool (14) use as a common ground. The digital messages comprises an address portion (80) identifying either the tool (14) for which an instruction (82) is destined or the tool (14) from which a report (also 82) originates. The digital message (18) also comprises a checksum (84) for error identification and correction.

Abstract: A logging plug is disclosed having an internal sealing mechanism therein which provides a high degree of sealing integrity between the bore of the plug and a coiled tubing or other means of suspending wellbore equipment running therethrough. The sealing mechanism utilizes a combination of low friction, elastomerically-energized cap seals and ring seals to ensure that the sealing surfaces adapt continuously to the changing profile of the coiled tubing to provide a true dynamic seal around the coiled tubing.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for producing a hydrocarbon fluid from a subterranean environment. The system and method utilize an electric submersible pumping system having a motive unit comprising a combined submersible motor section and protector section.

Abstract: The invention provides a selective system of placing a guide stock into a wellbore by braided line, coil tubing or drill pipe. The device facilitates selective intervention by providing a selective orientation key an angular relationship to the lateral through a system of selective keys and dogs allowing the diverter of the guide stock to be aligned at any desired angle with the orientation sub. The orientation sub includes a key for picking up on a helical slot in the packer to rotate the assembly and a set of selectively profiled dogs to engage a selected packer and halt downhole movement of the device.

Abstract: A wellbore remote control system is disclosed which includes (1) a transmission apparatus for generating at least one acoustic transmission having a particular transmission frequency, (2) a reception apparatus which includes an electronic circuit (preferably digital) which detects and identifies the acoustic transmissions, and which provides an actuation signal to an electrically-actuated wellbore tool if a match is detected.

Abstract: The invention is an assembly which is run into the wellbore to straddle pre-existing control line connections used normally for actuation of a sleeve for a single subsurface safety valve. The lower flapper is closed through the use of one of the control lines. It is then tested against formation pressure to make sure that it holds. Upon determination that the lower flapper is holding, the upper flapper is shut off using the other control line. By adding additional pressure to the control line for the lower sleeve, further movement of the lower sleeve is obtained to urge another sleeve into contact with the upper flapper to provide support for it so that it can be tested from above. Once the two flappers have been tested, uphole assembly in the wellbore can begin through the wellhead in the zone above the tested valves once assembled. Coiled tubing or wireline can be advanced sealingly through the wellhead as the assembly is lowered past the flappers which are now allowed to open.

Abstract: A differential pressure operated blanking tool (1) for use in a completion automatically permits logging operations to be carried out in the absence of fluid flow in the tool (1). The tool (1) includes a pair of limbs (3,5) which communicate via a diverter (7) with a production tubing connection (4). In the absence of fluid flow within the tool (1), the diverter remains open to allow access for logging operations but is movable to a closed position occluding one of the limbs (3) as a result of a pressure differential established by fluid movement in the tool (1).

Abstract: A retrievable packoff assembly for temporarily sealing a well pipe and anchoring equipment at a subsurface location within the pipe. The assembly is connected to a tubular actuation tool which is manipulated from the surface to position the assembly at a subsurface well location, set the assembly and then release from the set assembly. Right-hand tool rotation sets the assembly, releases the tool, and is subsequently employed to reengage and unset the assembly for retrieval to the surface. A bypass flow passage in the assembly is controlled by a sliding sleeve valve which is automatically closed by the right-hand tool rotation during setting and release and automatically reopened by tool rotation occurring during retrieval of the assembly. Flow through both the assembly and the bypass is confined within the actuation tool. A control flow passage in the apparatus is sealed by a retrievable blanking plug which may be removed to permit passage of equipment through the anchored assembly.

Abstract: A pressure spring for urging a document (10) against a reading head (22) in a document processing machine, comprises a resilient band (46) on band support arms (50) with different portions of the discontinuous resilient band (46) being selected to lie between the support arms (50). Manually operable means (80), (70) can be provided. In one embodiment, a motor (84) under the action of a controller (106), automatically advances the discontinuous band (46) whenever a service date or a pre-determined document count has been exceeded. Should the discontinuous resilient band (46) reach an extremity of travel, the controller (106) provides that the motor (84) returns the discontinuous resilient band (46) back to its start position.