Abstract: The present invention provides a simple debris removal apparatus for use in a wellbore. In one aspect of the invention a modular, interchangeable venturi is provided which can be retrofit into an existing debris bailer having a filter and a debris collection container. In another aspect of the invention, a venturi is utilized to create a negative pressure in a wellbore sufficient to actuate a retrieval tool for a downhole device. In yet another aspect of the invention, a combination tool is provided which can evacuate debris in a wellbore, thereby uncovering a downhole device which can then be removed in a single trip. In yet another aspect of the invention, a debris removal apparatus is provided with a method for utilizing the apparatus in a wellbore on coiled tubing.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides a system and method for selectively sealing a drill string or other tubular member. In one aspect, a sealing member, such as a valve, allows a certain level of flow of drilling fluids and/or other fluids through one or more flow channels when the valve is open. To close the valve, the flow rate is increased so that a backpressure develops and urges the valve to a closed position. The valve can remain in position in the drill string and alternately open and close depending on the flow rate and/or the pressure drop through the valve. The valve also comprises a removable plug disposed in the valve to provide access with, for example, wireline tools to a region below the valve in a wellbore.

Abstract: A drill pipe and casing protector comprises an annular body having two pieces with identical edges. A first edge includes at least two opposing formations longitudinally formed thereon whereby when one piece is inverted with respect to the either piece, the first edges mate to form a pivotable connection allowing the body to be opened and closed about a pipe. The second edges of each piece include opposing interlocks which form an aperture along the second edge when the body is closed. The aperture receives a locking pin to retain the body in a closed position around a drill pipe as well as around a bushing assembly.

Abstract: In subterranean wells, it is common to effect the radial expansion of an annular organic packing element into sealing engagement between a tubular inner body and the inner wall of a well conduit, such as a well casing. Extrusion of the organic material has been encountered between the inner surface of upper and lower cone elements and the exterior of a tubular body portion and also between the inclined surfaces of upper and lower cone elements and the cooperating surfaces of cone rings. The first mentioned extrusion path is eliminated by forming a generally radial surface on the inner end of the upper and lower cones orthogonal to the tubular body and inserting a carbon fiber filled organic material in the resulting annular chamber.

Abstract: In subterranean wells, it is common to effect the radial expansion of an annular organic sacking element into sealing engagement between a tubular inner body and the inner wall of a well conduit, such as a well casing. Extrusion of the organic material has been encountered between the inner surface of upper and lower cone elements and the exterior of a tubular body portion and also between the inclined surfaces of upper and lower cone elements and the cooperating surfaces of cone rings. The first mentioned extrusion path is eliminated by forming a generally radial surface on the inner end of the upper and lower cones orthogonal to the tubular body, and inserting a carbon fiber filled organic material in the resulting annular chamber.

Abstract: A pack-off tubing hanger is shown for use in a tubing string extending from a well surface location to a downhole location within a well casing. The hanger body includes an external packing element and gripping slips which support the hanger body within the surrounding casing. A longitudinal passageway communicates hydraulic pressure from the lower end of the hanger to a setting chamber to hydraulically set the packing elements and actuate the gripping slips. A companion concentric tubing anchor is carried within the internal bore of the hanger and connects the hanger to the tubing string leading to the well surface.

Abstract: A pack-off tubing hanger is shown for use in a tubing string extending from a well surface location to a downhole location within a well casing. The hanger body includes an external packing element and gripping slips which support the hanger body within the surrounding casing. A hydraulic line communicates hydraulic pressure from the lower end of the hanger to a setting chamber to hydraulically set the packing elements and actuate the gripping slips. The tubing hanger is releasable by a straight upward pull upon the tubing string extending from the well surface to the tubing hanger.

Abstract: A plurality of packing elements are mounted in vertically spaced relationship on a tubing string with the spacing of the elements corresponding generally to the spacing of a plurality of sets of perforations in a well conduit. The lowermost packing unit is provided with radially expanding locking elements which engage a locking groove provided in the well conduit. All packing units incorporate expandable elastomeric sealing members and are set by the application of tension to the tubing string and are unset by the subsequent application of a higher degree of tension to the tubing string.

Abstract: A plurality of packing elements are mounted in vertically spaced relationship on a tubing string with the spacing of the elements corresponding generally to the spacing of a plurality of sets of perforations in a well conduit. The lowermost packing unit is provided with radially expanding locking elements which engage a locking groove provided in the wall conduit. All packing units incorporate expandable elastomeric sealing members and are set by the application of tension to the tubing string and are unset by the subsequent application of a higher degree of tension to the tubing string.

Abstract: A plurality of packing elements are mounted in vertically spaced relationship on a tubing string with the spacing of the elements corresponding generally to the spacing of a plurality of sets of perforations in a well conduit. The lowermost packing unit is provided with radially expanding locking elements which engage a locking groove provided in the well conduit. All packing units incorporate expandable elastomeric sealing members and are set by the application of tension to the tubing string and are unset by the subsequent application of a higher degree of tension to the tubing string.

Abstract: A packer for effecting steam treatment of a production formation of a subterranean well comprises an insulated mandrel which is slidably inserted within the bore of an inner tubular body assembly. An outer operative tubular assembly surrounds the inner assembly and mounts a plurality of drag blocks, upper and lower cone elements, a plurality of radially displaceable slips cooperating with the upper and lower cone elements, and an outer packing element fabricated by an assemblage of high temperature resistant, non-resilient seal elements formed primarily of graphite. An inner packing element is provided in the inner tubular body assembly, utilizing additional high temperature resistant, non-resilient seal elements formed primarily of graphite, which sealingly engages the insulated mandrel.

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: A steam or thermal packer for use in subterranean wells having an integral expansion joint is disclosed. The packer has a multi-component, nonresilient, nonenergizing packing element, as well as a multi-component, nonenergizing, nonresilient sealing element engaging the expansion joint. Energy is stored in elements of the packer housing and in the dynamic seal assembly to maintain the sealing integrity establishing by the nonresilient sealing elements.

Abstract: An anchoring mechanism for a well packer includes plural bidirectional one piece slip members which are radially extendable into gripping engagement with a well conduit. The slip members are engaged by wedge surfaces on cooperating upper and lower slip cones. Only the lower slip cone is fitted with grooves which are adapted to receive laterally projecting tongues on the slip members for retaining the slip members in assembly with the remainder of the anchoring mechanism. The anchoring mechanism includes a plurality of longitudinally extending brackets having laterally projecting ears which are engageable with inclined slots cut in opposite longitudinal sides of the slip members. The bracket members are connected to the upper slip cone for movement therewith by shear screws.