Abstract: A chain of bend-limiter segments is coupled together. The chain has a first end and a second end. The chain is bendable such that an angle between the first end and the second end is at least N degrees and a radius of curvature of the chain is at least M. A cable is inserted through the chain from the first end to the second end. The chain and the cable are coupled to a tool. The tool is pulled using the cable. The chain maintains a radius of curvature of the cable greater than M and prevents a stress level in the cable from exceeding a yield point.

Abstract: A method for controlling fluid flow through a wellbore by introducing a plug with a variable choke into the wellbore, setting the plug in the wellbore, and mechanically adjusting the variable choke in the wellbore, thereby controlling a flow rate of a fluid through the plug. A plug that can control fluid flow through a flow passage in a wellbore, where the plug can include a body, an annular seal element that prevents fluid flow through an annulus between the plug and the wellbore, and a variable choke, where a closure member of the choke is mechanically rotated downhole to adjust a fluid flow rate through the choke. A method that can include producing fluids from two zones and using a plug to control a ratio of the fluids in a produced mixture.

Abstract: In some variations, this invention provides an electro-mechanical device for automated cleaning validation of a selected surface. The device moves a wetted swab over a cleaned surface to recover any remaining soil left over from the cleaning process. The device accepts a standard sampling swab that has been wetted with the required liquid solution. The device maintains constant swab pressure to ensure maximum recovery of soil or contaminants. The device includes an electronic controller for adjusting the movement of parts to effectively validate cleaning of the selected surface. The surface to be validated may be a substantially flat surface, or rounded. The surface may be contained within a vessel, reactor, a pipe, tank, or other equipment. The device may be disposed on an extension arm to allow the device to be positioned appropriately, without the need for a person to be close to the device for validation.

Abstract: A slickline for use in a wellbore comprising: the slickline, wherein the slickline: comprises a composite material comprising a plurality of carbon fiber strands, and is housed on the inside of a receptacle, wherein the receptacle is hollow and cone-shaped. The slickline can also be made from an anisotropic material; and wherein a first test section of the slickline has a stiffness greater than a second test section having the same dimensions as the first test section but made of steel. A method of deploying the slickline into a wellbore comprising: positioning a portion of the slickline into a controlled deployment device, wherein the controlled deployment device comprises a housing; and causing at least a portion of the slickline to enter the wellbore, wherein the slickline moves from the receptacle through the housing and into the wellbore during the step of causing.

Abstract: A slickline shredder tool includes a housing, a housing inlet, a power receiver, a shredder coupled to the power receiver, and a storage unit. The shredder rotates about a first axis when the power receiver receives power. Malfunctioning slickline enters the housing through the housing inlet and is shredded into shredded pieces by the shredder. The shredded pieces are stored in the storage unit.

Abstract: A chain of bend-limiter segments is coupled together. The chain has a first end and a second end. The chain is bendable such that an angle between the first end and the second end is at least N degrees and a radius of curvature of the chain is at least M. A cable is inserted through the chain from the first end to the second end. The chain and the cable are coupled to a tool. The tool is pulled using the cable. The chain maintains a radius of curvature of the cable greater than M and prevents a stress level in the cable from exceeding a yield point.

Abstract: In some variations, this invention provides an electro-mechanical device for automated cleaning validation of a selected surface. The device moves a wetted swab over a cleaned surface to recover any remaining soil left over from the cleaning process. The device accepts a standard sampling swab that has been wetted with the required liquid solution. The device maintains constant swab pressure to ensure maximum recovery of soil or contaminants. The device includes an electronic controller for adjusting the movement of parts to effectively validate cleaning of the selected surface. The surface to be validated may be a substantially flat surface, or rounded. The surface may be contained within a vessel, reactor, a pipe, tank, or other equipment. The device may be disposed on an extension arm to allow the device to be positioned appropriately, without the need for a person to be close to the device for validation.

Abstract: A slickline shredder tool includes a housing, a housing inlet, a power receiver, a shredder coupled to the power receiver, and a storage unit. The shredder rotates about a first axis when the power receiver receives power. Malfunctioning slickline enters the housing through the housing inlet and is shredded into shredded pieces by the shredder. The shredded pieces are stored in the storage unit.

Abstract: A method for controlling fluid flow through a wellbore by introducing a plug with a variable choke into the wellbore, setting the plug in the wellbore, and mechanically adjusting the variable choke in the wellbore, thereby controlling a flow rate of a fluid through the plug. A plug that can control fluid flow through a flow passage in a wellbore, where the plug can include a body, an annular seal element that prevents fluid flow through an annulus between the plug and the wellbore, and a variable choke, where a closure member of the choke is mechanically rotated downhole to adjust a fluid flow rate through the choke. A method that can include producing fluids from two zones and using a plug to control a ratio of the fluids in a produced mixture.

Abstract: A slickline for use in a wellbore comprising: the slickline, wherein the slickline: comprises a composite material comprising a plurality of carbon fiber strands, and is housed on the inside of a receptacle, wherein the receptacle is hollow and cone-shaped. The slickline can also be made from an anisotropic material; and wherein a first test section of the slickline has a stiffness greater than a second test section having the same dimensions as the first test section but made of steel. A method of deploying the slickline into a wellbore comprising: positioning a portion of the slickline into a controlled deployment device, wherein the controlled deployment device comprises a housing; and causing at least a portion of the slickline to enter the wellbore, wherein the slickline moves from the receptacle through the housing and into the wellbore during the step of causing.

Abstract: Techniques for controlling a downhole tool include deploying a downhole tool on a slickline in a wellbore; receiving a command that includes at least one of data or logic at the downhole tool on the slickline from a controller; actuating the downhole tool, based on the command, with an actuator communicably coupled to the controller on the slickline; and transmitting feedback associated with the actuation of the downhole tool at the controller on the slickline.

Abstract: A wellbore bailer has a rotary motor coupling, a cylinder having an open end, and a pump in the cylinder coupled to the rotary motor coupling and configured to pump fluid when rotated via the coupling. A closure of the bailer is changeable between sealing and allowing flow through the open end.

Abstract: In some variations, this invention provides an electro-mechanical device for automated cleaning validation of a selected surface. The device moves a wetted swab over a cleaned surface to recover any remaining soil left over from the cleaning process. The device accepts a standard sampling swab that has been wetted with the required liquid solution. The device maintains constant swab pressure to ensure maximum recovery of soil or contaminants. The device includes an electronic controller for adjusting the movement of parts to effectively validate cleaning of the selected surface. The surface to be validated may be a substantially flat surface, or rounded. The surface may be contained within a vessel, reactor, a pipe, tank, or other equipment. The device may be disposed on an extension arm to allow the device to be positioned appropriately, without the need for a person to be close to the device for validation.

Abstract: A wellbore bailer has a rotary motor coupling, a cylinder having an open end, and a pump in the cylinder coupled to the rotary motor coupling and configured to pump fluid when rotated via the coupling. A closure of the bailer is changeable between sealing and allowing flow through the open end.

Abstract: A downhole line tool assembly (200) for use in a wellbore. The downhole line tool assembly (200) includes a downhole power unit (206) having a moveable shaft (240) and a line motivator tool (208) having a drive assembly (246, 247) adapted to contact a line (204) passing through the line motivator tool (200) in the wellbore. The drive assembly (246, 247) is operably associated with the moveable shaft (240) such that rotation of the moveable shaft (240) rotates the drive assembly (246, 247), thereby moving the line (204) relative to the line motivator tool (208).

Abstract: A slickline cable comprises an axially extending strength member having a first diameter proximate an upper end and at least one smaller second diameter distal from the upper end. A coating material is adhered to at least a portion of the length of the strength member to form a substantially uniform outer diameter along the slickline cable. A method for making a slickline comprises forming an axially extending strength member having a first diameter proximate an upper end and at least one smaller second diameter distal from the upper end. A coating material is adhered to at least a portion of the length of the strength member to form a substantially uniform outer diameter along the slickline cable.

Abstract: A downhole line tool assembly (200) for use in a wellbore. The downhole line tool assembly (200) includes a downhole power unit (206) having a moveable shaft (240) and a line motivator tool (208) having a drive assembly (246, 247) adapted to contact a line (204) passing through the line motivator tool (200) in the wellbore. The drive assembly (246, 247) is operably associated with the moveable shaft (240) such that rotation of the moveable shaft (240) rotates the drive assembly (246, 247), thereby moving the line (204) relative to the line motivator tool (208).

Abstract: A real-time line management system and associated methods. A line management system for use in conjunction with an operation in a subterranean well includes a line installed in the well during the operation, and a computing device which indicates a used life of the line during the operation. A method of managing a line used in an operation in a subterranean well includes the steps of: installing the line in the well during the operation; and determining a used life of the line while the line is installed in the well. A method of managing a line used in multiple operations in one or more subterranean wells includes the steps of: estimating conditions which will be experienced by the line during a future operation; and predicting before the future operation what a used life of the line will be after the line is used in the future operation.

Abstract: A real-time line management system and associated methods. A line management system for use in conjunction with an operation in a subterranean well includes a line installed in the well during the operation, and a computing device which indicates a used life of the line during the operation. A method of managing a line used in an operation in a subterranean well includes the steps of: installing the line in the well during the operation; and determining a used life of the line while the line is installed in the well. A method of managing a line used in multiple operations in one or more subterranean wells includes the steps of: estimating conditions which will be experienced by the line during a future operation; and predicting before the future operation what a used life of the line will be after the line is used in the future operation.

Abstract: A real-time line management system and associated methods. A line management system for use in conjunction with an operation in a subterranean well includes a line installed in the well during the operation, and a computing device which indicates a used life of the line during the operation. A method of managing a line used in an operation in a subterranean well includes the steps of: installing the line in the well during the operation; and determining a used life of the line while the line is installed in the well. A method of managing a line used in multiple operations in one or more subterranean wells includes the steps of: estimating conditions which will be experienced by the line during a future operation; and predicting before the future operation what a used life of the line will be after the line is used in the future operation.