Abstract: A flow tube is axially moveable within an actuator body between a first axial position and a second axial position for actuating a downhole tool, such as for closing a subsurface safety valve. The flow tube includes an interior flow bore for conveying fluids from the tubing string through the actuator body. An external flow tube profile defined on the flow tube includes an upper shoulder for engagement with a wiper in the first axial position, a lower shoulder for engagement with the wiper in the second axial position, and a clearance path between the upper and lower shoulders for allowing viscous flow past the wiper when the flow tube is moved between the first and second axial positions.

Abstract: A filter tool for a wellbore may include an outer housing, a filtration system, at least one filter tool sensor, and a filter motor. The outer housing may have an interior wall comprising at least one port and an exterior wall defining an exterior surface of the filter tool. The exterior wall may be movable between a first position in which the exterior wall covers the at least one port in the interior wall and a second position in which the exterior wall uncovers the at least one port in the interior wall. The interior wall of the outer housing and the filtration system may cooperate to define a collection chamber. The filter motor may move the exterior wall of the outer housing between the first position and the second position. Embodiments also include systems and methods employing the filter tool.

Abstract: A device and method allows a bore valve in the washpipe and in certain instances a port valve or sliding sleeve to open or close upon command from the surface so that gravel slurry may be placed in a wellbore.

Abstract: A string from the surface is connected to a packer extension with a thread to provide a metal to metal seal for production or injection through the packer. The thread provides a metal to metal seal. The initial string is released from the packer extension by a tubular cut made with a cutting tool above the thread that provides the metal to metal seal to the packer extension. An outer sleeve surrounds an expanded length of wall which is the target cut zone above the threaded connection. A cut through the tubular does not cut the outer sleeve. The outer sleeve features a left handed square thread to engage a known released tool run in on a string to connect to the packer release mechanism and release the packer for removal with the release tool suspended from a string.

Abstract: An isolation device with seal element having substantial elongation properties at a time of setting and insubstantial elongation properties at time of drill out. That is, the seal element may be constructed of materials that are geared toward providing effective temporary sealing, for example to support stimulation operations. The seal is also tailored to change elongation properties over time such that upon sufficient exposure to downhole conditions the elongation properties may be substantially reduced. Thus, drillable removal of the device and seal element may be readily attained without undue concern over stretchable tearing of the element leading to an accumulation of large debris left behind in the well.

Abstract: In one aspect, a device for use in a wellbore is disclosed that in one non-limiting embodiment includes a body having an outer surface and a bore therethrough, an element on the outer surface of the body that expands radially outward from the body, a movable sleeve on the outer surface of the body that expands the element when pushed against the element, and an attachment device connected to an inside surface of the movable sleeve and accessible from inside the body so that the attachment member may be moved from inside the body to move the sleeve to set the device.

Abstract: A downhole packer includes a first locking member positioned at least partially around an outer surface of an oilfield tubular. The first locking member includes an inner surface that engages the outer surface of the oilfield tubular, and a tapered outer surface. A drive ring is positioned at least partially around the first locking member. The drive ring includes a reverse-tapered inner surface that engages the tapered outer surface of the first locking member. A first cap is movably coupled with the drive ring, disposed at least partially around the first locking member, and axially engaging the first locking member. Moving at least one of the first cap and the drive ring toward the other causes the drive ring to apply a radially-inward force on the first locking member, causing the first locking member to be secured to the tubular.

Abstract: An on/off tool running and well completion method includes deploying a packer in a well bore; providing an assembly having an on/off tool and a tool spacer sleeve carried by the on/off tool; providing a tubing string; coupling the on/off tool of the assembly to the tubing string; inserting the assembly and the tubing string in the well bore; irrigating the packer by circulating packer fluid through the well bore, the assembly and the tubing string to clean the packer; determining a depth of the packer in the well bore; and latching the on/off tool of the assembly to the packer once.

Abstract: A well tool can include a swellable material, and a degradable material which supports the swellable material, but which degrades in response to contact with a selected fluid in a well. A packer for use in a subterranean well can include a swellable material, and a degradable material which supports the swellable material. A method of unsetting a packer in a subterranean well can include the steps of, after the packer has been set in the well, exposing a degradable material of the packer to a selected fluid, thereby degrading the degradable material, and a seal element of the packer being unsupported by the degradable material in response to the exposing step.

Abstract: A crossover tool assembly is run in with a packer and after the packer is set it is released from the packer for independent movement. The assembly is picked up to allow spring loaded dogs to come out so that upon setting down weight the crossover assembly has an outer assembly that is supported on the packer mandrel. The crossover mandrel can then be set down and picked up to operate a j-slot mechanism in the crossover. Relative movement induced by the j-slot with the outer assembly of the crossover supported by the dogs allows a return path within the crossover to be opened or closed independent of any contact with the packer mandrel.

Abstract: A apparatus is disclosed for attaching and sealing to the upper end of the casing allowing the inner string to be run through the apparatus. The apparatus provides a latch for anchoring the inner string and a seal for sealing on the inner string. Also disclosed is a flow path for providing for circulation of fluid between the inner string and casing annulus. Also disclosed is an inner string sub that provides a profile anchoring and sealing the inner string by the apparatus.

Abstract: A universal washdown system for circulating fluid through a wellbore to clean debris therefrom and to gravel-pack a production zone is provided. The system includes a production assembly with a multi-position service tool assembly disposed therein. The multi-position service tool is connected to and sealingly engages a packer that is included in the production assembly. The multi-position service tool assembly moves from a first to a second position in the production assembly by pulling longitudinally thereon. The apparatus is lowered into the well with the service tool connected to the production assembly in the first position. When the service tool assembly is in the second position, fluid passing down through a longitudinal central flow passage defined therethrough is communicated with an annulus defined between a liner assembly and the wellbore through crossover ports defined in the service tool to allow a gravel pack fluid to pass into a desired formation.

Abstract: A High-Rate Multizone Gravel Pack System is provided that allows significantly higher gravel packing flow rates than were previously available. This system includes a fluid bypass which greatly enhances flow rate and decreases damage to the bypass due to erosion. The system is employed in a multi-stage arrangement which allows the gravel-packing of multiple production zones with a single trip into the well bore. A memory gauge sensing wash pipe pressure and temperature is incorporated to allow for data acquisition during the gravel packing process.

Abstract: A hydraulic setting tool for setting a packer with a sliding valve therein in an operating position in a well bore. The setting tool comprises an outer housing portion slidably disposed with respect to an inner mandrel portion. A piston is connected to the outer housing portion and slidable with respect to the inner portion. The piston is responsive to tubing pressure for setting the packer. A locking dog is provided for locking said piston against further movement after setting of the packer. An actuating mandrel forms a part of the inner mandrel portion and is adapted for engaging a valve in the packer. Longitudinal movement of the tool string allows selective opening and closing of the valve in the packer.

Abstract: An improved well packer for removeable installation in a well casing. A mandrel is associated with the packer for latching engagement with the well packer which can be released from the well packer by a simple rotation of the mandrel by no more than one-quarter turn. Arcuate 60.degree. segments of teeth are formed on opposing sides of the mandrel and contact ratchetable arcuate 60.degree. segments of teeth on opposing sides of the packer such that when the mandrel is moved longitudinally in relation to the packer, the ratchetable teeth can engage the fixed teeth on the mandrel. When it is desired to release the mandrel from the packer assembly, the mandrel is rotated no more than one-quarter turn and the mandrel teeth move out of engagement with the 60.degree. segment of the ratchetable teeth, thus disengaging the mandrel from the packer.

Abstract: A dual bore well treating tool having a pressure operated valve therein that is useful in conjunction with a dual bore packer and with a dual bore on and off or connection tool. One of the bores through the on/off tool, the treating tool and the packer is utilized for producing oil and/or gas from the well bore, and a second bore is utilized for opening the valve and for simultaneously injecting a treating material into the fluid being produced.

Abstract: A tubing retrievable completion assembly includes a surface-controllable, safety control valve interposed between the production tubing string and a production seal unit. A gas-lift safety valve is carried within a side pocket mandrel connected in the upper production string. The upper production string, production flow safety valve and gas-lift safety valve are run in and removed as a single unit from a single-bore hanger packer which is releasably anchored within the well casing. Separate concentric flow passages are provided through the packer bore for the upward flow of formation fluid through a production stinger conduit which extends through the packer bore, and for downward flow of lift gas through the annulus between the packer bore and the stinger conduit. The completion assembly is locked into place below the hanger packer by a latch having fixed and movable collets.

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: A dual packer apparatus comprises a tubular outer assembly including upper and lower packers interconnected and spaced apart by tubular spacers. Ports in the outer assembly provide for communication with a well zone between the two packers and a well zone below the lower packer. A tubular inner assembly may be separately assembled and inserted into the outer assembly as assembled. The apparatus may be alternately placed in a number of different operating positions downhole by manipulation of an operating string attached to the inner assembly. Various design features provide special protection for annular seals between the two assemblies. An improved sensor and method of installing the sensor in the inner assembly are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and method of closing a conduit against fluid flow in at least one longitudinal sense, and selectively disengaging and reengaging the closure mechanism without removing the closure mechanism from the conduit. In a particular embodiment, a valve assembly may be selectively anchored and sealed to a well packer, or disengaged therefrom. The valve assembly is manipulated by an operating tool to which the valve assembly is anchored in the well when the valve assembly is disengaged from the packer.

Abstract: A packer with a liner assembly depending from it is packed off and anchored in well casing so that a screen portion of the liner assembly straddles casing perforations within a producing formation. An outer tubing string is lowered through the well casing and engaged with the packer to isolate the formation from well fluids above the packer and to provide a passage to the surface for the formation fluids.A member having crossover fluid passages and external seals engageable with internal seal surfaces in the liner and packer is lowered through the outer tubing string into the liner and packer on an inner string. Fluid passages between the two strings, and between the two strings and the interior and exterior of the liner to control the flow of circulating, washing or acidizing fluids and for placement of gravel on the outside of the liner are selectively opened or closed by manipulation of the inner string.