Abstract: An orbital downhole separator for separating well fluids into constituents of different specific gravities. Specifically, it is designed to separate water from oil or gas. The apparatus comprises a housing with a rotating member therein driven by a motor in the housing. Well fluid flows through the rotating member and is subjected to centrifugal force to separate the components. A flow conditioner is used to facilitate separation. The invention includes several different versions of the flow conditioner including an impeller, a stator and controllers for controlling the speed of the motor in response to signals related to the amount of petroleum in the water.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention provides an apparatus for creating pulsating fluid flow, including an inlet into which fluid flows and a chamber having an upstream end and a downstream end. The chamber is defined by a pair of outwardly-projecting sidewalls, and the inlet is disposed at the upstream end of the chamber. This particular embodiment further includes at least two feedback passages with opposed entrances at the downstream end of the chamber and opposed exits at the upstream end of the chamber, near where the chamber joins the inlet. At least one feedback outlet leaves each of the feedback passages. A feedback cavity is disposed at the downstream end of the chamber. At least one exit flowline having an exit port leaves the at least one feedback outlet.

Abstract: A vibration based power generator. In a described embodiment, an electrical power generating system includes a vibrating assembly which vibrates in response to fluid flow across the vibrating assembly. A generator generates electrical power in response to displacement of the vibrating assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for webserver-based well instrumentation, logging, monitoring and control provide convenience and economy in well site and off-site operations. In a described embodiment, a well tool includes a webserver connected to a sensor and an actuator of the tool. In response to a condition sensed by the sensor, a person utilizing a network to access a web page supported by the webserver at a remote location may operate the actuator to control operation of the well tool.

Abstract: Electrical power generators and methods of producing power in a subterranean well are provided. In a described embodiment, fluid flow through a fluid conduit causes a member to displace or vibrate. The displacement of the member is utilized to induce strain in a piezoelectric material, thereby causing the piezoelectric material to produce electricity. Various means may be used to create turbulence in the fluid flow, thereby increasing displacement of the member, resulting in increased power output from the generator.

Abstract: A hydraulic circuit construction for use in downhole tools. In a described embodiment, a fluid circuit construction includes first and second layers. At least one fluid-operative component is received in the first layer. A fluid passage is formed on a surface of the second layer. The passage is in fluid communication with the fluid-operative component. The second layer surface is sealingly attached to a surface of the first layer, so that the first layer surface closes off an outer side of the passage.

Abstract: A method of progressively gravel packing is provided which enables individual sections of a continuous wellbore portion to be gravel packed in succession. In a described embodiment, multiple well screens are positioned in a wellbore. A continuous portion of the wellbore is isolated using, for example, one or more packers, with the well screens being disposed in the isolated portion. The isolated wellbore portion is then progressively gravel packed in successive individual predetermined sections of the isolated wellbore portion.

Abstract: A method of progressively gravel packing is provided which enables individual sections of a continuous wellbore portion to be gravel packed in succession. In a described embodiment, multiple well screens are positioned in a wellbore. A continuous portion of the wellbore is isolated using, for example, one or more packers, with the well screens being disposed in the isolated portion. The isolated wellbore portion is then progressively gravel packed in successive individual predetermined sections of the isolated wellbore portion.

Abstract: Electrohydraulic actuators and associated methods are utilized to control the operation of downhole well tool assemblies, representatively flow control devices. In a described embodiment thereof, each actuator is positioned downhole and comprises a self-contained, closed circuit hydraulic system including an electrically operable double action primary pump drivingly coupled to an associated well tool assembly via a first hydraulic circuit, and an electrically operable switching pump coupled to the first hydraulic circuit via a second hydraulic circuit interposed therein and operative to selectively alter the control flow of hydraulic fluid to the well tool assembly in a manner reversing its operation. To provide for selective, more rapid control of the well tool assembly, a chargeable accumulator is connected to the hydraulic circuitry and is selectively and drivably communicatable with the well tool assembly.

Abstract: Electrical power generators and methods of producing power in a subterranean well are provided. In a described embodiment, fluid flow through a fluid conduit causes a member to displace or vibrate. The displacement of the member is utilized to induce strain in a piezoelectric material, thereby causing the piezoelectric material to produce electricity. Various means may be used to create turbulence in the fluid flow, thereby increasing displacement of the member, resulting in increased power output from the generator.

Abstract: Electrohydraulic actuators and associated methods are utilized to control the operation of downhole well tool assemblies, representatively flow control devices. In a described embodiment thereof, each actuator is positioned downhole and comprises a self-contained, closed circuit hydraulic system including an electrically operable double action primary pump drivingly coupled to an associated well tool assembly via a first hydraulic circuit, and an electrically operable switching pump coupled to the first hydraulic circuit via a second hydraulic circuit interposed therein and operative to selectively alter the control flow of hydraulic fluid to the well tool assembly in a manner reversing its operation. To provide for selective, more rapid control of the well tool assembly, a chargeable accumulator is connected to the hydraulic circuitry and is selectively and drivably communicatable with the well tool assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for webserver-based well instrumentation, logging, monitoring and control provide convenience and economy in well site and off-site operations. In a described embodiment, a well tool includes a webserver connected to a sensor and an actuator of the tool. In response to a condition sensed by the sensor, a person utilizing a network to access a web page supported by the webserver at a remote location may operate the actuator to control operation of the well tool.

Abstract: A surface valve with pressure energized seals and having gear actuation. The valve comprises a body with a rotating valve plate therein. The pressure energized seals provide sealing engagement between the valve plate and body. An actuation gear with a geared surface having a cam-shaped pitch line is positioned adjacent to the valve plate. An eccentrically rotated pinion gear is engaged with the actuation gear for providing rotation of the actuation gear and corresponding movement of the valve plate between open and closed positions thereof.