Abstract: A plunger lift for a hydrocarbon well includes a multipart piston that is dropped into the well in separate pieces. When the pieces reach the bottom of the well, they fall into an accumulation of the formation liquid in the bottom of the well and unite. Gas from the formation pushes the unit upwardly, pushing liquid above the piston toward the surface.

Abstract: A thermal compensating apparatus and method for maintaining a substantially constant fluid pressure within a subterranean well tool of the type that includes a bladder that is selectively expandable upon the introduction of pressurized actuation fluid for actuating said tool at a location in a well. A multi-stage piston is movable in a housing. The piston includes a first surface in contact with the actuating fluid and a plurality of second surfaces in contact with well fluid surrounding the apparatus. The combined surface areas of the second surfaces are greater than the surface area of the first surface, so that expansion or contraction changes in the volume of the actuating fluid caused by temperature changes in the vicinity of the tool will result in movement of the piston for maintaining the actuating fluid at a relatively constant pressure.

Abstract: A plunger in a plunger lift system in an oil and gas well includes circumferential recessed surfaces that define grooves spaced along the plunger body. A curved convex surface or radius is formed between the lower extent of each recessed surface and the plunger body, and a sharp edge or corner connects the upper extent of each recessed surface to the plunger body. The depth of the grooves decreases and the spacing between the grooves decreases from the bottom to the top of the plunger. The shape, sizing and spacing of the grooves improves plunger lift and decreases liquid loss during plunger lift.

Abstract: An oil field assembly for gathering data about or producing an oil well having a self regulating assembly for free movement by gravity or the differential pressure of fluids in the tubing string of a well from the surface of a well or to predetermined down hole positions for collecting data and or producing a well while freely moving between the surface of the well and predetermined positions comprising a self regulating traveling piston for free movement by gravity and or the differential pressure of the fluids of a well from the surface of a well and to predetermined positions for collecting data about a well between the surface and predetermined downhole positions, and having instrumentation connected to the traveling piston for gathering data about the well, and a landing housing located at the surface of a well for receiving the traveling piston, and a receiving station at the bottom of the tubing string for releasably receiving the traveling piston.

Abstract: A new method for introducing wellbore cement into a wellbore shoe joint has been invented, the shoe joint having a hollow tubular body, the shoe joint containing an amount of wellbore fluid, the shoe joint disposed in a wellbore cementing system between a float shoe, guide shoe, or other flow apparatus beneath the shoe joint, and a hollow tubular member above the shoe joint, the hollow tubular member being a lower part of a wellbore tubular string of a plurality of tubular members (e.g., casing) extending from an earth surface down into a wellbore, the method including moving a wellbore wiper plug into the hollow tubular body of the shoe joint, moving the plug within the shoe joint to push wellbore fluid from the shoe joint and, in one aspect, debris in the fluid, the fluid flowing to the float shoe, guide shoe or other flow apparatus, flowing wellbore cement into the hollow tubular body of the shoe joint.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed which allow isolation of a plurality of zones for treatment, particularly sand fracturing. The lowermost barrier can be pumped through tubing and anchored in cased or open holes. In the preferred embodiment, the pumped plug has a visco-elastic member which contains a particulate aggregate mixture, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,417,285. The visco-elastic material is subjected to a force which changes its shape so that the material obstructs the wellbore. The shape change also accomplishes dehydration of the material within the visco-elastic enclosure by virtue of fluid displacement, resulting from a volume reduction, hardening it so that a plug using the visco-elastic material is formed. Thereafter, a packer on the tubing string is set to isolate the zone for sand fracturing. The process can be repeated without tripping out of the hole as additional plugs are pumped through tubing and the process is repeated.

Abstract: A bendable, unicast pig formed of polyurethane is disclosed. It has symmetrical front and rear end discs, seal discs there between and can wipe paraffin from a pipe. The body is devoid of intermediate discs to bend about 15.degree. or more.

Abstract: A plug launching device for use in cementing operations in the construction of oil and gas wells, the device having, in certain embodiments, a tubular member with an upper section and a lower section which can accommodate at least a bottom plug and a top plug, the upper section having a floor and the lower section movable relative to the upper section so that when a first dart is pumped into the upper section by cement, the cement is diverted to raise the lower section to release the bottom plug, and when a second dart is pumped into the upper section by hydraulic fluid, it lands on the first dart and the hydraulic fluid is diverted to raise the lower section to further release the top plug.

Abstract: The automated integrated input-output control system apparatus. A versatile industrial control apparatus that can be utilized as a modular unit or integrated into industrial machinery or tools to provide an apparatus and method for programmable control of industrial tools, industrial controls and manufacturing operation processes. The automated integrated input-output control system apparatus includes the following components: a control-power mechanism housing, a sensor, input attachment devices, output attachment device, and a control system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating the production tubing string of a flowing gas well is disclosed. The method includes introducing treatment fluid into the wellhead end of the production tubing string, allowing an applicator fall through the production tubing string thus applying a first coating of treatment fluid and retracting the applicator thus applying a second coating of the treatment fluid.

Abstract: A bulkhead adaptor for use with a downhole tool to be pumped through a well casing or drill pipe on a cable. The bulkhead adaptor includes a housing assembly havingan upper attachment element for connecting the housing assembly to the cable, and a lower attachment element for connecting the housing to the tool. The adaptor also has a circular swab cup defining a surface area exposed to a flow of pumping fluid. The swab cup is removably attached to the housing and has an outer diameter enclosing a projected area greater than the projected area of the tool, measured in a plane transverse to said well casing or drill pipe. Various preferred materials and methods of use are disclosed. The invention can especially improve the pumping of tools down horizontal or highly deviated wells.

Abstract: An improved wiper element for a pipe ID comprising a resilient wiping element mounted on a pipe wiper mandrel. The wiper element further having oppositely disposed petals to enable wiping within a large pipe, and opposing petals are defined by transverse edge extending outwardly along the petals, wherein the edges define a corner at the outer periphery of the petals and further comprising a chamfered face at the corners the enable the corners to overlap when brought into an abutting relationship.

Abstract: A new wellbore cementing system has been developed which includes, in certain embodiments, a plug container with a flow diverter for diverting a portion of flowing fluid away from plugs in the plug container; a plug set system with internal sleeves or dart receivers with shearable parts for shearing to selectively release plugs--all in certain embodiments made of non-metal material and/or plastic; a swivel equalizer with internal valving to isolate a plug set (or any other item) from torque and to relieve pressure below the swivel equalizer; and unique burst tube systems for selectively controlling fluid flow and plug system operation.

Abstract: A new wellbore cementing system has been developed which includes, in certain embodiments, a plug container with a flow diverter for diverting a portion of flowing fluid away from plugs in the plug container; a plug set system with internal sleeves or dart receivers with shearable parts for shearing to selectively release plugs--all in certain embodiments made of non-metal material and/or plastic; a swivel equalizer with internal valving to isolate a plug set (or any other item) from torque and to relieve pressure below the swivel equalizer; and unique burst tube systems for selectively controlling fluid flow and plug system operation.

Abstract: An improved pipe wiping device is set forth which incorporates from an upper end fishing neck, a threaded connection for a central mandrel and multiple pipe wiping elements which are formed of flat resilient sheet material cut in circular fashion and having notches therein. The pipe wiping elements are alternately spaced so that the notches in the pipe wiping elements are overlapped above or below by protruding pipe wiping elements. Enlarged and elongated spacers are positioned between adjacent pipe wiping elements. The central mandrel terminates at a flexible coupling formed of resilient material or a spring. It then connects with a buoyant chamber there below to cause the device to float in the drill mud in the pipe string as the pipe string is pulled from the well borehole.

Abstract: An improved well cementing plug assembly adapted to be connected to a string of drill pipe or a circulation tool for use in a pipe during the cementing of the pipe in a well bore is provided. The top and bottom plugs are selectively releasable by activating balls dropped into the plug assembly. Different sizes of plugs can be used utilizing the same inner tubes and other assembly parts, and the top plug slides on its inner tube when a pressure differential is exerted on it thereby insuring a seal between the top and bottom plugs when the plugs are landed on a float shoe or the like.

Abstract: A well barrier for separating two liquids in a gas or oil well. The well barrier includes opposing sets of laths which project slantingly away from a centrally positioned fixing device. A set of upper and lower canvas materials may be affixed to each of the sets of laths to provide enhanced sealing effect. Preferably, the laths are also positioned in an overlapping relationship to thereby minimize the overall length of the well barrier while also maintaining the required functionality.

Abstract: A device and method for displacing a logging tool to the bottom of a well. The lower end of the logging g tool is connected with an upper member which is releasably connected with a plug being displaced along the well. A lower member is releasably connected with the plug, protruding downwardly from the plug and being adapted to abut the bottom end of the well, thereby rupturing the connection thereof with the plug. Thereafter the lower member strikes the upper member such that the upper member is released from the plug, enabling the upper member together with the logging tool to be hauled back thereby registering required well parameters.

Abstract: An oilfield piston sub for isolating drilling fluids from hydraulic fluids while setting a whipstock attached to a hydraulic packer is disclosed. The improved device reduces the number of moving parts within existing art resulting in a more reliable device. Once the hydraulic packer is set, the isolating piston within the piston sub drops completely out of the way allowing drilling fluids to exit from the bottom of the piston sub without any impediment.

Abstract: An apparatus for downhole injection and mixing of fluids into a cement slurry. The apparatus includes embodiments which either carry a fluid to the proper injection point in a wellbore or maintain it at the proper injection point until activated. In a first embodiment, the apparatus is characterized as a cementing plug having a fluid holding chamber therein. When the plug is pumped downwardly in the wellbore, the fluid in the chamber is flowed out of the chamber and mixed with the cement slurry by a venturi effect. In a second embodiment, the apparatus is characterized by a casing portion having a fluid holding chamber therein. A solenoid valve controls communication of the chamber with the well annulus, and fluid flow through the well annulus causes the fluid in the chamber to be flowed outwardly by a venturi effect. The second embodiment includes a casing shoe disposed below the fluid holding chamber.

Abstract: Cementing plugs for use in the cementing of casing in oil and gas wells. The cementing plugs are well-suited for use with a polycrystalline diamond compact drill bit.

Abstract: A sub-surface release plug assembly for use in cementing an outer casing annulus around a well casing. The plug assembly comprises non-metallic materials, and in particular, high-strength engineered plastics. A method of drilling out the plug assembly using a drill bit with no moving parts is also disclosed.

Abstract: A sub-surface release plug assembly for use in cementing an outer casing annulus around a well casing comprising a top plug releasably connected to a drill string by a collet mechanism and a bottom plug releasably attached to the top plug by a sleeve assembly extending through the top plug. The assembly further comprises primary and secondary release means for releasing said plugs thereby ensuring that the plugs are released in said casing during cementing operations.

Abstract: An anti-rotation device for use in a well tool, for example a top plug or a bottom plug, has a tapered male member having a corrugated outer surface which can enter a corresponding recess in another well tool to inhibit relative rotation therebetween.

Abstract: Cementing plugs for use in the cementing of casing in oil and gas wells. The cementing plugs are well-suited for use with a polycrystalline diamond compact drill bit.

Abstract: Improved methods of displacing a first liquid through a pipe with a second liquid while preventing the first and second liquids from mixing are provided. In accordance with the methods, a plug is formed in-situ in the pipe between the first and second liquids by injecting a self-thickening liquid therein and permitting the liquid to thicken. The formed plug and the first liquid are then displaced through the pipe with the second liquid. The methods are particularly suitable for carrying out subterranean well bore cementing operations wherein cement slurries are displaced through pipes disposed in well bores.

Abstract: A system for cementing well casing in a bore hole utilizes only top and bottom cementing plugs. The well casing has on its lower end, an inwardly extending lip to engage a latch on the lower portion of the bottom cementing plug. The bottom cementing plug has a through passage that is covered on the top by a diaphragm and on the bottom by another diaphragm.

Abstract: A system is provided for deploying, operating and recovering well tools through flow lines. A system is also provided for deploying, operating and recovering a through flow line production logging system, the preferred system being characterized by the use of a time delay assembly in combination with a locking locator assembly and cooperating reach members with connecting collars disposed between a pump down transport assembly and the production logging tool.

Abstract: Well apparatuses with device for preventing their relative rotation with respect to adjacent well apparatuses and anti-rotation devices for well apparatuses, including, but not limited to, plugs, float shoes, float collars, jars, and clutch devices for packers. In one embodiment self-aligning non-rotation devices are provided with body members having protrusions extending from recesses therein, the protrusions and recesses configured and disposed so that two opposed devices which initially misalign will co-act to align themselves. In another embodiment an intentional "sloppy fit" is provided between two opposed devices to facilitate device contact and co-action. In various embodiments unwanted separation of two devices is prevented due to the configuration of protrusions.

Abstract: A variable speed pig for a pipeline includes a housing having at least one and preferably several flow through passageways. The size of the flow through passageways is varied according to the desired speed of the pig. The pig includes an annular seal disposed about the housing for sealing engagement with the pipeline and the housing, and the flow through passageways are selectively blocked by a first plate disposed in the housing, the first plate having a plurality of first openings. A second plate is also disposed in the housing, and the second plate has a plurality of second openings that are aligned in fluid connection with the flow through passageways. The first plate is movable in relation to the second plate from a position in which at least some of the first and second openings are in fluid connection to a position in which substantially none of the first and second openings are in fluid connection.

Abstract: Pumpdown toolstring for performing operations requiring application of power downhole in horizontal or high-deviation oil or gas wells, comprising an elongate toolstring element (30), locomotive devices (31, 32A) on said toolstring element, with at least one locomotive device (32) provided at a trailing or top end of the toolstring element (30). The toolstring element (30) is tubular and has a closed leading or bottom end, whereas it is open at the opposite, top end. The leading locomotive device, (31) adapted to pull the toolstring element during pumping down, has a seal for co-operation with a seat at a no-go or nipple assembly at the bottom end of a tubing from which an extension tubing extend into the horizontal or high-deviation well. The leading locomotive device (31) sealingly surrounds the toolstring element (30) and allows sliding of the toolstring element there-through when engaging the seat.

Abstract: Well apparatuses with device for preventing their relative rotation with respect to adjacent well apparatuses and anti-rotation devices for well apparatuses, including, but not limited to, plugs, float shoes, float collars, jars, and clutch devices for packers. In one embodiment a non-rotation device has a main member with a recess on which are disposed a plurality of teeth with a load member adjacent the teeth for bearing a load put on the device and for isolating the teeth from the load, the teeth extending beyond the recess. In one embodiment the teeth are configured, disposed, and profiled to facilitate their interengagement with other teeth and to contain between them foreign objects which might impede proper interengagement. In various embodiments plugs are provided with such anti-rotation devices. In various embodiments the load member is a continuous circular ring disposed about the apparatuses outer periphery or around the opening of a channel through the device.

Abstract: An easily drillable non-metallic, non-rotating plug set for use in well cementing operations.

Abstract: A device for controlling "U" tubing in the flow of a fluid such as cement in oil well casings comprises a body which is inserted in the casing towards its lower end. The body provides a passage so that cement can pass through the body and out of the end of the casing before passing up round the exterior of the casing, displacing mud in front of it. A member is mounted in the passage which normally does not impede the flow of cement through the passage. However, when the pressure differential at spaced points along the flow of cement increases beyond the predetermined level as a result of `U` tubing, the member moves to restrict severely the area of the passage. This halts `U` tubing. The member can move back to the full flow position once `U` tubing has been controlled.

Abstract: A sequential remote control plug release system allows actuation of plug release plungers and manifold valves associated with a cementing plug container only in a predetermined sequence. With regard to a plug container having two plugs, and thus two plug release plungers, and three manifold valves, the middle and upper manifold valves and the upper plug release plunger can be opened and retracted only in a predetermined sequence. This is implemented through interconnected actuation valves and sequencing valves contained in a housing which can be located remotely from the plug container. An improvement in plug release plungers is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of cementing in a wellbore penetrating subterranean formations characterized by employing a graded density spacer fluid intermediate a displacing fluid and a displaced fluid. This is particularly advantageous where a cement slurry is employed as displacing fluid to displace drilling fluid employed to drill a well penetrating subterranean formations. This alleviates problem with intermixing of the two fluids. This invention is doubly advantageous where a well contains both a substantially vertical portion and a substantially horizontal portion, since in the latter portion, the use of this invention enables controlling under-running or over-running of a displacing fluid with respect to a displaced fluid.

Abstract: Well apparatuses with device for preventing their relative rotation with respect to adjacent well apparatuses and anti-rotation devices for well apparatuses, including, but not limited to, plugs, float shoes, float collars, jars, and clutch devices for packers. In one embodiment a non-rotation device has a main member with a recess on which are disposed a plurality of teeth with a load member adjacent the teeth for bearing a load put on the device and for isolating the teeth from the load, the teeth extending beyond the recess. In one embodiment the teeth are configured, disposed, and profiled to facilitate their interengagement with other teeth and to contain between them foreign objects which might impede proper interengagement. In various embodiments plugs are provided with such anti-rotation devices. In various embodiments the load member is a continuous circular ring disposed about the apparatuses outer periphery or around the opening of a channel through the device.

Abstract: An operating string has upper and lower wipers with external seals thereon releasably connected to the operating string. A lock arrangement prevents premature release of the upper and/or lower wiper by mechanical force, but is responsive to fluid pressure in the operating string to first release the lower wiper from the operating string prior to release of the upper wiper. The upper wiper cannot be released from the operating string until the lower wiper has released from the operating string. Seals are provided to close off communication between the operating string bore and the external wiper seals to confine the pressure present in the operating string in a manner to assure release of the wipers as and when desired and in a sequence as may be desired.

Abstract: A well bore operating string has upper and lower wipers thereon with the wipers releasably connected by a frangible member for releasing the wipers in response to pressure in the operating string. Seals are provided to close off communication from the operating string bore to confine the pressure present in the operating string in a manner to assure release of the wipers as and when desired and in a sequence as may be desired. Upper and lower pump down plugs sealably seat, respectively, in the upper and lower wipers to form a movable, mechanical barrier to isolate or wipe ahead of and behind a substance for movement through the operating string and subsequent discharge into the well bore.The wipers are each connected to the operating string to prevent relative rotation therebetween to further reduce the possibility of malfunction or improper functioning in releasing the wipers.

Abstract: An operating string O is provided for conducting cementing operations in a well bore.The operating string O is shown sealably and releasably connected with a liner L and extends through upper liner wiper means 45 and terminates in overlapping relationship to lower liner wiper means 26, both of which wiper means 26 and 45 are releasably secured to the operating string O with the lower liner wiper means 26 releasably secured below the upper liner wiper means 45 so that its bore 28a originates adjacent and extends away from the lower end of the upper liner wiper means 45.The operating string O includes positioning means H to hang the liner L on well bore casting C, and means 145, 146 and 148 to rotate and reciprocate the liner L before hanging it and/or to rotate the liner L during and after cementing.

Abstract: A sub-surface release plug assembly for use in cementing an outer casing annulus around a well casing. The assembly includes a top plug releasably connected to a drill string by a collet mechanism and including a swivel connector and a vent thereabove. A sleeve assembly extends through the top plug, and a bottom plug is releasably attached thereto. A vent is provided in the sleeve assembly between the top and bottom plugs, and this vent may be closed prior to releasing the bottom plug. The construction of the inner sleeve assembly provides that no high pressure from the drill string is applied to inner portions of either the top or bottom plugs. Thus, the plugs may be made of relatively soft, easily drillable material, even including plastic. When the lower plug is released and pumped to the bottom of the well casing, additional pressure opens a valve so that a flow passageway is provided therethrough.

Abstract: Geophone detectors are spaced along a long borehole in a mineral seam by pumping grout from a grout tank into a breech assembly and selectively passing the detectors from the breech assembly through gate valves and into a drill string inserted in a borehole. The detectors are connected by a trailing signal cable and an anchor module secures the cable at the far end of the borehole. The detectors can be orientated in the borehole before the grout sets them in position.

Abstract: The inside wall surface of a wall casing or tubing string is cleaned by providing an apparatus including a resilient flanged plug member and an elongated body having plural helical wraps of wire bristles disposed on the exterior surface thereof for engagement with the casing wall to provide a scraping and cleaning action. The apparatus is typically employed to clean the interior of the casing concurrent with displacing a column of cement composition through the casing for use in cementing the casing in place in the wellbore.

Abstract: A well bore annulus wiper plug is disclosed. The wiper plug has a central body and inner and outer elastomeric ribs. The ribs are generally in the shape of truncated cones. To operate the device, it is inserted in the annular space between well casing and a drill string. Fresh drilling mud is circulated downwardly through the annular space above the wiper plug. The wiper plug scrapes both the outside of the drill pipe and the inside of the casing free of a previous well fluid.

Abstract: Subterranean oil and gas producing formations are fractured at vertically spaced intervals utilizing perforating guns forced down the well casing in tailing off "trains" comprising tamping and spacing water columns respectively positioned above and below each perforating gun, a perforation plugging slurry positioned below the spacing water column, and a concentrated proppant slurry column positioned below the perforation plugging slurry column. The perforation plugging and proppant slurry columns are sealed at their upper and lower ends by specially designed gel plug seals each comprising a short column of strong gel solution in which a spaced pair of casing size rock salt balls are disposed to provide the seal with structural reinforcement.

Abstract: Geophone detectors are spaced along a long borehole in a mineral seam by pumping grout from a grout tank into a breech assembly and selectively passing the detectors from the breech assembly through gate valves and into a drill string inserted in a borehole. The detectors are connected by a trailing signal cable and an anchor module secures the cable at the far end of the borehole. The detectors can be orientated in the borehole before the grout sets them in position.

Abstract: A selectively releasable valve in a wiper plug releasably attached to a hydraulic setting tool for a liner hanger in a well bore where the valve has an annular valve seat member having collapsible finger members for sealingly receiving a ball member. The valve seat member is movable under predetermined hydraulic pressure to shift and expand the finger members to release the ball member. The valve seat member is retained in the wiper plug.

Abstract: A device for positioning a tool or instrument in a duct and recovering the tool or instrument therefrom by causing a vector fluid to flow through the device. The device includes a tubular element adapted to be connected to the tool or instrument and an annular sealing arrangement mounted on the tubular element for sealing the tubular element in the duct. The tubular element includes an arrangement for selecting a direction of movement of the tool or instrument which includes a closing device for cooperating with a resilient conjugate piece and a device for reversing a direction of movement of the closing device. The cooperation of the closing device with the resilient conjugate piece occurs in at least three states. In the first state, the fluid flows through the tubular element in a first direction; in the second state, the fluid flow is stopped in a direction opposite to the first direction of fluid flow; and, in the third state, the fluid is stopped in the first direction.

Abstract: The plug set of the present invention comprises an upper plug having a non-rotation insert retained therein and a lower plug having two non-rotation inserts retained therein. The present invention further includes the use of a non-rotation insert in the floating equipment with which the plug set of the present invention is used.

Abstract: A cementing tool assembly comprises a float collar, a cementing plug, and a wiper plug having interconnecting locking ends. The cementing tool assembly is non rotatable in the casing and includes internal frangible cutters which are breakable in compression to aid the shredding of the cementing tool assembly upon completion of the cementing operation.