Abstract: A tieback assembly for insertion into a wellbore may include a tieback stem seal, a check valve, and a circulating sub. The tieback stem seal may be engaged into a tieback receptacle of a liner in the wellbore and may isolate an annular space of the wellbore. The circulating sub may pass kill fluid from the tieback assembly into the annular space of the wellbore. The check valve may control a flow of fluid. A method of isolating an annular space of a wellbore may include inserting a tieback assembly into the wellbore, engaging the tieback stem seal of the tieback assembly at a tieback receptacle of a liner in the wellbore, passing a kill fluid into the annular space of the wellbore, and displacing an annulus fluid in the annular space of the wellbore with the kill fluid to isolate the annular space of the wellbore.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments relate to weight modules for use in a wellbore tool string. In some embodiments, the weight module may comprise a conductive body, extending in an axial direction, and an insulating cover. The conductive body may be configured to fit within a hollow interior of a weight module housing, and the insulating cover may be configured to electrically isolate the conductive body from the weight module housing. In some embodiments, the conductive body may have a first contact portion, provided at a first end of the conductive body, and a second contact portion, provided at a second end of the conductive body, with the first contact portion in electrical communication with the second contact portion through the conductive body.

Abstract: A wellbore packer system includes a mandrel positionable within a wellbore. The system further includes a wellbore packer positionable around the mandrel. The wellbore packer includes an expandable metal sealing element positionable around a first portion of the mandrel to form a long-term seal within the wellbore in response to exposure of the expandable metal sealing element to wellbore fluid. Additionally, the wellbore packer includes an elastomeric sealing element positionable around a second portion of the mandrel to form a short-term seal in response to receiving a seal-setting force. Moreover, the wellbore packer includes a setting piston positionable to apply the seal-setting force on the elastomeric sealing element.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus of pressure activated completion tools for hydraulic fracturing and related processes are provided. In some embodiments, the hydraulic fracturing apparatuses for well testing and accessing subterranean formations can include a tubular body to be fluidly connected in-line with a completion string, a pressure storage mechanism to store pressure when exposed to hydraulic pressure, and a movable inner shift sleeve operable to slide along the inside of the tubular body from a first position to a second position when exposed to the stored pressure. The tubular body can have flow-port(s) that are blocked when the movable inner sleeve is in the first position and opened when the movable inner sleeve slides to the second position. Uses of such apparatuses can include fracing, toe intervention, and pressure testing of wells.

Abstract: A method of cleaning out a wellbore includes removing the downhole zonal isolation device arranged in a wellbore with a bottom hole assembly (BHA) of a downhole string formed from a plurality of tubulars, pumping off the BHA, removing downhole fluids from the wellbore without removing the downhole string following pumping off the BHA, circulating fluid near a toe of the wellbore, and removing downhole particles from the wellbore through the downhole string.

Abstract: A latching dog includes a dog body, at least one engagement arm protrudes from an outer radial surface of the dog body in a transverse direction, and at least one retention fin protrudes from the dog body in a longitudinal direction. The at least one retention fin maintains the latching dog engaged with a housing surface to keep the latching dog at a desired axial and/or rotational position while milling the housing and latching dog.

Abstract: A wellbore isolation device includes a tubular body having an inner bore formed longitudinally therethrough. A plurality of centralizing arms is radially extendible from the tubular body. At least one slip is radially extendible from the tubular body. A sealing assembly that is radially extendible from the tubular body is also included and disposed between the centralizing arms and the slip. The sealing assembly includes a radially extendible elastomeric sealing surface and an anti-extrusion device having at least two support members coupled to opposite longitudinal ends of the elastomeric sealing surface. An equalizing port is also included which is disposed in the tubular body and permits, when opened, fluidic communication between external the tubular body and the inner bore thereby equalizing the pressure between external the tubular body and the inner bore.

Abstract: A method of removing a downhole zonal isolation device includes removing the downhole zonal isolation device arranged in a wellbore with a bottom hole assembly (BHA) of a downhole string formed from a plurality of tubulars, and introducing a downhole fluid through a screen assembly mounted to the drill string uphole relative to the BHA.

Abstract: A downhole communication valve containing a piston and chamber which allows hyrdrostatic testing of a casing or tubing string multiple times before permanently opening communication ports to the exterior.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus of pressure activated completion tools for hydraulic fracturing and related processes are provided. In some embodiments, the hydraulic fracturing apparatuses for accessing a subterranean formations can include a tubular body to be fluidly connected in-line with a completion string, the tubular body having at least one burst port configured to receive burst inserts (burst plugs), and a movable inner sleeve that can slide along the inside of the tubular body when exposed to hydraulic pressure from a first position to a second position. The tubular body can also have flow-port(s) that are blocked when the movable inner sleeve is in the first position and opened when the movable inner sleeve slides to the second position.

Abstract: A system and method for positioning a tool within a wellbore, wherein the interior surface of a positioning apparatus includes one or more pluralities of grooves, each defining a selected profile. A tool is lowered into the positioning apparatus, having a blade in communication therewith. The blade includes a plurality of protruding members, which define a profile complementary to at least one of the selected profiles formed by one of the pluralities of positioning apparatus grooves. A biasing member, in communication with the blade, can continually bias the blade toward the interior surface of the positioning apparatus to cause the profile of the blade to engage within the corresponding complementary profile of the positioning apparatus. Positioning a tool in this manner is advantageous for locating cutting tools at a precise location to sever a joint, perforate casing or stack multiple tool operations at a fixed, targeted point within a wellbore.

Abstract: A hydraulic fluid delivery tool for morphing a tubular downhole and a method of morphing a tubular downhole. The tool has spaced apart annular elastomer seal assemblies which operate by application of a piston against each elastomer to create a seal against the tubular. A first hydraulic fluid delivery line delivers fluid at a first pressure to operate the pistons. A second hydraulic fluid delivery line delivers fluid at a second pressure, lower than the first, to a location between the seals to morph the tubular and act on a second face of each piston to assist in maintaining the seal.

Abstract: The disclosure, in on aspect, provides a method for performing a laser operation in a wellbore that includes displacing a wellbore fluid with a laser-compatible medium proximate a location in the wellbore where a work is desired to be performed; positioning a laser head proximate the laser-compatible medium; and passing a laser beam via the laser-compatible medium to the location for performing the laser operation. In another aspect, the disclosure provides a laser apparatus for performing a laser operation at a worksite having a fluid that includes a laser power unit that supplies laser energy to a laser head placed proximate the worksite; a fluid displacement unit that displaces at least a portion of the fluid adjacent the worksite with a laser-compatible medium; and a controller that operates the laser head to pass the laser beam to the worksite through the laser-compatible medium. In another aspect, the disclosure provides an imager associated with the laser apparatus that provides images of the worksite.

Abstract: A downhole tool having a throughbore is disclosed for use in a tubular located in a wellbore. The downhole tool has a sealing element configured to seal an annulus between the downhole tool and an inner wall of the tubular; at least one flow path formed in the downhole tool, wherein the flow path is configured to allow fluids in the annulus to flow past the sealing element when the sealing element is in a sealed position; and at least one valve in fluid communication with the flow path and configured to allow the fluids to flow through the flow path in a first direction while preventing the fluids from flowing through the flow path in a second direction. A guard may be installed proximate anchor elements. The guard extends radially beyond an outer diameter of the anchor elements when the anchor elements are in a retracted position.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) for installing a liner string (102) in a wellbore casing (40). The apparatus (100) includes a tubular mandrel subassembly (110), a load transfer subassembly (140) and an expander cone subassembly (142). The load transfer subassembly (140) is carried on the tubular mandrel subassembly (110) and is operable to apply a force in the downhole direction to the liner string (102). The expander cone subassembly (142) is carried on the tubular mandrel subassembly (110) and is operable to radially expand at least a portion of the liner string (102) into contact with the wellbore casing (40) when axially moved through the liner string (102). In operation, decoupling of the load transfer subassembly (140) from the tubular mandrel subassembly (110) enables release of the apparatus (100) from the liner string (102).

Abstract: Apparatus and method for treating zones in a wellbore. The apparatus includes an expandable packer assembly and a sealing element positioned in the treatment assembly above the packer assembly. A communication port is positioned between the sealing element and the packer assembly. A plurality of slips will grippingly engage the well above the port through which treatment fluid is communicated to resist upward force caused by treatment pressure in the well acting on the sealing element. The sealing element may be a cup packer.

Abstract: The completion system for delivering lifting gas supplied from surface via a casing annulus thru the packer for injecting to the wellbore at bottom hole as lifting gas for maximizing hydrocarbon producing from a subterranean well while maintaining integrity and serviceability as a typical gas lift well. A single completion, which uses the same tubing string for both producing the well and delivering lifting gas to the wellbore at downhole. The top section of the tubing is used for producing the well while the bottom section of the tubing is used for delivering lifting gas for injecting at bottom hole. The lifting gas will be injected to the wellbore proximately at perforation intervals for helping unloading liquid and producing the well. The use of modified equipment named “TK Bypass Mandrel” and “JP Bypass Nipple Sub” allows delivering and controlling of the lifting gas for injecting at bottom hole via a single tubing string.

Abstract: A downhole plug that can include a body and an element system disposed about the body. The plug can further include a first and second back-up ring member having two or more tapered wedges. The tapered wedges can be at least partially separated by two or more converging grooves. First and second cones can be disposed adjacent the first and second back-up ring members.

Abstract: An inflatable element utilizing a solid or particulate laden fluid as an expansion media. A fluid component of the solid or particulate laden fluid is exhausted from a defined area of the element to leave substantially only particulate matter therein to maintain the expanded state of the seal. A method for sealing includes pumping a solid laden or a particulate laden fluid to an expandable, pressurized element. A fluid component of the solid or particulate laden fluid is removed from the expandable element with substantially solid material comprised to maintain the expanded element in the expanded condition.

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a system and method for forming a seal within tubing is provided. A section of tubing is installed in a borehole. The tubing has an inflatable element disposed along an inner surface of the tubing. The inflatable element is predisposed to expand inwardly under fluid pressure. A fluid pressure is applied to the inflatable element using a tool within the tubing, and the inflatable element is expanded to form a seal within the tubing.

Abstract: An inflatable element utilizing a solid or particulate laden fluid as an expansion media. A fluid component of the solid or particulate laden fluid is exhausted from a defined area of the element to leave substantially only particulate matter therein to maintain the expanded state of the seal. A method for sealing includes pumping a solid laden or a particulate laden fluid to an expandable, pressurized element. A fluid component of the solid or particulate laden fluid is removed from the expandable element with substantially solid material comprised to maintain the expanded element in the expanded condition.

Abstract: An inflatable element utilizing a solid or particulate laden fluid as an expansion media. A fluid component of the solid or particulate laden fluid is exhausted from a defined area of the element to leave substantially only particulate matter therein to maintain the expanded state of the seal. A method for sealing includes pumping a solid laden or a particulate laden fluid to an expandable, pressurized element. A fluid component of the solid or particulate laden fluid is removed from the expandable element with substantially solid material comprised to maintain the expanded element in the expanded condition.

Abstract: Methods of using and making and apparatuses utilizing a filtered actuator port for hydraulically actuated down hole tools. The filtered port prevents sand or other debris from entering the actuator workings of a tool. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, hydraulic tools utilizing filtered actuator ports are disclosed. In a second aspect, the filtered port comprises fine slots disposed through a wall of a mandrel spaced around the circumference of the mandrel. In a third aspect, the inlet port is formed by laser cutting or electrical discharge machining. In a fourth aspect, the filtered port is disposed in various components of a fracture pack-off system. Methods of using the fracture pack-off system utilizing the filtered port are provided.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for sealing a safety valve within a tubular that the safety valve is designed to be landed and set in are disclosed. The valve includes a seal assembly having a seal on the valve that is acted on by a first piston disposed on a first side of the seal and/or a second piston disposed on a second side of the seal. Wellbore fluid pressure acts on the first piston when the valve is closed, thereby moving the first piston to force the seal into sealing contact with an inside surface of the tubular. When the safety valve is actuated open, fluid pressure from a control line acts on the second piston and moves the second piston to force the seal into sealing contact with the inside surface of the tubular. The seal may include a plurality of chevron seals on each side of a sealing element.

Abstract: A hydraulic setting tool for packers capable of mechanically setting the packer and opening a valve in the packer in one trip. The tool comprises an outer sleeve and an inner mandrel coaxially disposed within the outer sleeve and adapted to move axially relative to the outer sleeve. The tool further comprises three locking mechnisms that unlock under different fluid pressure loads. Two of the locking mechanisms lock the inner mandrel to the outer sleeve in a run-in position. Once a sufficient fluid pressure has been reached to unlock both of these locking mechanisms, the inner mandrel moves upward relative to the outer sleeve to set the packer. A spring forces the inner mandrel into a third position relative to the outer sleeve, which is maintained by the third locking mechanism. This third position is used to open the packer valve.

Abstract: A technique to facilitate deployment of power cable and at least one capillary tube through a wellbore tool, such as a packer. The technique allows both the power cable and the at least one capillary tube to extend through a single pass-through opening in the wellbore tool.

Abstract: A packer and method for sealing an annulus in a wellbore is provided. In one aspect the packer comprises a body having one or more conduits formed there-through; a chamber disposed within the body, wherein the chamber is in fluid communication with each of the one or more conduits; and an aperture for pressurizing the chamber. In another aspect, the packer comprises a body having one or more conduits formed there-through; a lock body disposed on a first end of the body; a collapsible member threadably engaged to the body at a first end and shouldered against the lock body at a second end; and a slideable member disposed within the collapsible member. In yet another aspect, the packer comprises a body having one or more conduits formed there-through, wherein the one or more conduits comprises an enlarged first end; and a cutting member disposed with the enlarged first end.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for treating multiple production zones includes a completion string having a plurality of sets of tools including a closing sleeve, indicator collar, and production screens with an isolation packer disposed between each adjacent set. An inner service tool is disposed within the outer completion string and includes an upper portion with a crossover tool and a lower portion with a closing sleeve shifter and a weight-down collet with the upper and lower portions being connected. The apparatus is assembled by assembling an initial length of the outer completion string which does not includes any of the closing sleeves or indicator collars. After the initial length is assembled, the lower portion of the service tool with the closing sleeve shifter and weight-down collet are assembled and inserted into the initial length of completion string. The remainder of the completion string is then assembled with all closing sleeves in the closed position.

Abstract: A diverter body having an upper portion, a central portion and a lower portion is secured to the upper end of a riser and lands in a housing. The central portion has lateral flow openings that axially align with a lateral flowline outlet in the housing. A pair of identical gallery seals locate above and below the lateral flowline outlet. The upper gallery seal is located between the upper portion, the central portion and the housing. The upper gallery seal has upper and lower metal rings and a central elastomer sandwiched therebetween. An outer diameter of the elastomer seals against the housing bore. The rings are symmetric and are mated to the elastomer along interfaces which are S-shaped in cross-section to form shoulders. The shoulders face radially inward. An annular cavity and a pair of flexible annular lips are formed along the inner diameter portion of the elastomer. A passage extends through the diverter bodies and communicates with the cavity.

Abstract: A downhole valve is disclosed for use in a tubing-conveyed string of tools in a well bore, constructed to be actuated to open under pressure forces by dropping a drop bar from the well surface through the tubing. The valve, deployed in the well in a closed condition, has a frangible member arranged to be broken by the drop bar to enable the valve to open. The valve opens under well pressure forces when well pressure exceeds tubing pressure, and opens under tubing pressure forces when tubing pressure exceeds or substantially equals well pressure. The valve is particularly useful when opened in conjunction with the detonation of a perforating gun for overbalanced or underbalanced well perforation. Methods of operating a string of tools including the valve are also disclosed.

Abstract: A hydraulic oil and gas well downhole packer apparatus for use in a well casing below a wellhead and in combination with a coil tubing unit provides a tool body having a longitudinally extending tool bore and an upper end portion that connects to the lower free end of the coiled tubing unit during use. The tool body includes an inner elongated hollow mandrel with a hydraulic piston movable disposed upon the external surface of the mandrel. The piston is movable between an initial "running" position and a final "setting" position. An external sleeve is engaged by the piston when it moves between the running and setting positions, the external sleeve engaging slips that expand to anchor the tool body to the well casing. An annular packer member is expandable responsive to sliding movement of the external sleeve and is positioned below the slips for forming a seal between the tool body and the casing at a position near the lower end portion of the tool body.

Abstract: A well completion system which includes a production packer assembly, production tubing sealed to the packer assembly, and an isolation assembly coupled with the packer assembly. The isolation assembly includes an isolation pipe received within a production screen and sealed at both ends therewith. The isolation pipe defines at least one port and carrying a moveable sleeve defining at least one aperture. The sleeve is moveable between an open position in which the port and aperture are in communication to permit fluid flow therethrough, and a closed position in which the port and aperture are not in communication and fluid flow is prevented. The isolation system is also coupled with a wash down shoe and a shearable ball seat.

Abstract: A packer set safety valve assembly for controlling annular and tubing flows within a subterranean wellbore is disclosed. The packer set safety valve assembly controls the annular and tubing flows through dual flow paths. The assembly includes a means, that is remotely actuatable, to secure the assembly within the wellbore, a means, also remotely actuatable, the allows selective control of fluid flow in the dual flow paths, and a means, remotely actuatable as well, to unsecure the assembly from within the wellbore. The packer set safety valve assembly is a "fail closed" design which prevents flows through the dual flow paths when the fluid flow control means is not actuated to allow flow.

Abstract: A hydraulic oil and gas well downhole packer apparatus for use in a well casing below a wellhead and in combination with a coil tubing unit provides a tool body having a longitudinally extending tool bore and an upper end portion that connects to the lower free end of the coiled tubing unit during use. The tool body includes an inner elongated hollow mandrel with a hydraulic piston movable disposed upon the external surface of the mandrel. The piston is movable between an initial "running" position and a final "setting" position. An external sleeve is engaged by the piston when it moves between the running and setting positions, the external sleeve engaging slips that expand to anchor the tool body to the well casing. An annular packer member is expandable responsive to sliding movement of the external sleeve and is positioned below the slips for forming a seal between the tool body and the casing at a position near the lower end portion of the tool body.

Abstract: A new gravel packing system is provided whereby a well may be perforated, gravel packed and placed on production with a single trip of the tool string into the well. The system will include a crossover assembly which has a closure mechanism operatively associated therewith. The closure mechanism may be operated to preclude downward fluid flow through the crossover tool, to establish at least a portion of a downward gravel pack slurry flow path, and to establish at least a part of a carrier fluid return flow path. At the conclusion of a gravel pack operation, the closure member may be either withdrawn from the assembly or expelled to the bottom of the wellbore, leaving the tool to be placed on production without tripping the tool string.

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 system and a plug for plugging a well conduit. The plug includes a lock mandrel and a valve. There is a prong releasably connected in the plug. A running tool is adapted to releasably connect to the plug lock mandrel and prong. After the plug is lowered into a well conduit and installed in a landing nipple, upward releasing force on the running tool moves the prong upwardly closing the valve and plug to flow and the prong locks in valve closed position. Later, the prong may be disconnected and raised from the plug to surface, permitting pressure outside and inside the plug to equalize for retrival of the plug.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for effecting the completion of non-vertical, including horizontally disposed, portions of a deviated well bore traversing a production formation. To facilitate the insertion of a gravel packing tool string through the curved portion of the well bore, stabilizer elements are maintained in a radially retracted position and then operated to engage the well bore after the tool string is run-in. An anti-rotation tool may be incorporated for connecting the work string to the left hand threads conventionally provided on a conventional packer in order to permit rotation of the entire tool string to facilitate passage through the curved portion of the well bore. Two gravel packing modifications are disclosed, the one employing a single packer and a cross-over tool located at the top end of a plurality of serially connected screens.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for effecting the completion of non-vertical, including horizontally disposed, portions of a deviated well bore traversing a production formation. To facilitate the insertion of a gravel packing tool string through the curved portion of the well bore, stabilizer elements are maintained in a radially retracted position and then operated to engage the well bore after the tool string is run-in. An anti-rotation tool may be incorporated for connecting the work string to the left hand threads conventionally provided on a conventional packer in order to permit rotation of the entire tool string to facilitate passage through the curved portion of the well bore. Two gravel packing modifications are disclosed, the one employing a single packer and a cross-over tool located at the top end of a plurality of serially connected screens.

Abstract: A packer setting tool, a packer assembly and an attached liner assembly are lowered into a well bore at a desired depth to fix the liner therein. Cement is pumped down a tubing string, through the packer, the lining, check valves and forced upwardly in the annulus of the well bore. The pumped cement is followed by a non-setting liquid to clear the internal tubular structure. The packer assembly is then set in the wet cement of the annulus to provide an additional fluid seal in the well bore. The packer setting tool is released and the cement is allowed to harden and fix the linear and the packer assembly within the well bore.

Abstract: A downhole flow testing valve having a tubular housing with a valve and flow tube movable within the housing between an open position where valve ports therein are positioned in registry and a closed position where the valve ports are out of fluid communicating registry. The valve and flow tube is closed by a resultant force developed by compressed gas and opened by pressure introduced into the valve from the annulus between the valve and well casing. The normally closed flow testing shuttle valve is secured in its closed and safe condition during installation by a hydraulically locked sleeve valve. Upon fracture of a break plug by an implement dropped through the straight through flow passage of the flow tube hydraulic fluid captured within a locking chamber is released from the locking chamber by the force of a compression spring.

Abstract: Well apparatus is disclosed in which the bore through a lower tubular body adapted to be packed off and anchored within a well bore is opened and closed by a flapper pivotally mounted on the lower body and spring pressed toward closed position, and a flow tube mounted for reciprocation within the bore of an upper tubular body releasably connected to the lower body extends downwardly through the bore of the upper and lower bodies to a position for engaging and moving the flapper to open position, as the flow tube is lowered by means of control fluid supplied to a pressure responsive operator connected to the flow tube, and permitting the flapper to close as the control fluid is exhausted from the operator.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a retrievable gravel packer for circulation and squeeze type gravel packing. The gravel packer includes a compression-set packer element, a J-slot assembly to releasably maintain the gravel packer in an unset mode, a ratchet assembly to releasably lock the gravel packer in a set mode, an intake passage to receive fluid from a tubing string, a return passage to receive fluid from a gravel screen below the gravel packer, a circulation passage extending from the exterior of the gravel packer to intake passage, a closeable crossover assembly to receive fluid from the return passage; a first check valve to prevent back flow back to the intake passage from the interior of the interior of a gravel screen therebelow, a second check valve adapted to selectively open the intake passage to the circulation passage, and a check valve release for removing said second check valve means from the junction of the intake and circulation passages.

Abstract: In the representative embodiment of the apparatus of the invention disclosed herein, a packer plug is arranged with sealing means for closing off the central bore of the mandrel of a packer that is set in a well bore for selectively isolating upper and lower formation intervals. When the plug is set in the packer mandrel, collet fingers on the body of the new and improved plug for threadedly engaging internal threads in the upper end of the packer mandrel. To secure the plug against unwanted release, a retainer member is cooperatively secured to the plug mandrel by a shear pin which will fail only at a predetermined force.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a weight-set single-zone gravel packer which may be retrieved from a gravel screen after gravel packing or, alternatively, left in place attached to the screen as a production packer. The gravel packer includes a compression-set packer element, a first J-slot assembly to releasably maintain the gravel packer in an unset mode, a ratchet assembly to releasably lock the gravel packer in a set mode, an intake passage to receive fluid from a tubing string, a return passage to receive fluid from the interior of a gravel screen below the gravel packer, a closeable crossover assembly to receive fluid from the return passage to the wellbore annulus above the gravel packer, a first check valve to prevent flow down to the gravel screen through the return passage, a second check valve adapted to selectively connect the intake passage with the gravel packer, and a second J-slot assembly for selectively disconnecting the tubing string from the gravel packer.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a retrievable gravel packer for circulation and squeeze type gravel packing. The gravel packer includes a compression-set packer element, a J-slot assembly to releasably maintain the gravel packer in an unset mode, a ratchet assembly to releasably lock the gravel packer in a set mode, an intake passage to receive fluid from a tubing string, a return passage to receive fluid from a gravel screen below the gravel packer, a circulation passage extending from the exterior of the gravel packer to intake passage, a closeable assembly crossover to receive fluid from the return passage, relief ports between the intake passage and the return passage, a first valve for closing said intake passage from said circulation passage, a second valve for opening communication through said relief ports, a check ball at the lower end of the gravel packer, and a check ball release assembly for selectively releasing the check ball from the gravel packer.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a mechanically set pack-off device adapted to be run into a wellbore on a tubing or pipe string, the pack-off device including upper and lower slip means, packing element means therebetween, drag block means, J-slot means to releasably maintain the pack-off device in an unset mode, ratchet means to releasably lock the device in a set mode, biasing means to maintain the set of the slip means and compression of the packing element means in the device's set mode, and closeable bypass means around said packing element means.

Abstract: A locking assembly for well devices, such as a cable suspended electric pump, for anchoring the device against both axial and rotative movement within a well flow conductor. The assembly includes locking keys engageable with locking recesses provided in the flow conductor to support the device within said conductor. An expander mandrel actuated by the torque forces developed by a rotating element of the well device coacts with said locking keys to urge said keys into tighter locking position and thereby prevent rotation of said assembly within the flow conductor. The assembly also includes an equalizing valve which equalizes pressures across the assembly and the well device prior to releasing the locking action of the locking keys.

Abstract: A system for cleaning perforations in a well bore where the perforations are located below a packer means on a production tubing. A tool on a string of pipe has packer means for sealing off the cross-section of the production tubing and the pressure in the annulus between the string of pipe and production tubing is reduced. The tool has a bypass passage across the packer means which opens upon the reaching of a predetermined pressure across the packer means and the high volume pressure from the earth formations suddenly flows through the tool and cleaning of the perforations is effected.

Abstract: Packer for use in the disposal of abrasive fluids and well debris from a well drilling operation comprising: a packer mandrel; an upper slip support slidable on the packer mandrel; an upper slip wedge installed on the packer mandrel; a first plurality of slips; an elastomeric packer assembly installed on the packer mandrel; a lower slip wedge installed on the packer mandrel; a lower slip support; a second plurality of slips; a valve cage having a valve stem guide retained within the bore of the lower slip support; and a valve means having a stem slidable within the valve stem guide of the valve cage, the valve means being operable between a first position preventing and a second position allowing the flow of abrasive fluid and well debris through the bore of the lower slip support.