Abstract: A method of determining true vertical depth within a well penetrating a ground surface, the method including: positioning a pressure sensor at a downhole position within the well at the base of a fluid column extended from a ground surface to the pressure sensor; measuring, with the pressure sensor, a pressure exerted by the fluid column; and determining the true vertical depth (TVD) of the downhole position using the pressure measured by the pressure sensor. An apparatus for determining true vertical depth within a well, the apparatus including: a tubing string; a housing connected to the tubing string, the housing defining a chamber and having a port to the tubing string; a pressure sensor mounted to the housing and in fluid communication with the chamber.

Abstract: A chemical deployment plunger includes a reservoir body that has a top and a bottom and an internal chemical reservoir. The chemical reservoir includes one or more channels extending along the inside of the reservoir. The chemical deployment plunger includes a neck attached to the top of the reservoir body and the neck includes one or more ejection ports connected to the chemical reservoir. A plunger is movably connected to the bottom of the reservoir body and is configured for retraction and deployment from the reservoir body. The retraction of the plunger causes the treatment chemicals within the chemical reservoir to be expelled through the ejection ports. The plunger may include intake ports that allow the flow of fluid from below the plunger through the reservoir body and out the ejection ports. This permits the gradual release of treatment chemicals as fluids pass through the chemical deployment plunger.

Abstract: A separator for downhole measuring during sampling in a subterranean formation. The separator allows for mixed fluid phases to be separated while flowing formation fluid therethrough.

Abstract: One apparatus for releasing a chemical in a well bore includes a casing collar configured to couple to a casing string. A chemical container is disposed within the casing collar, and the casing collar is configured to release the chemical from the chemical reservoir.

Abstract: A fluid loss valve is disposed in a wash pipe in a gravel packing assembly. It is preferably held open initially and when in the process it is time for the valve to be able to go closed a pulling force is applied that creates relative movement to either close the valve or allow it to close without release of the assembly when under tension. This allows a surface signal that the valve is to be released for closure. The tension is relieved before string movement with the valve can occur. This can happen by slacking off before picking up again or through other time delay features that allow the tension to be removed and a lock to collapse before a lift force is applied for subsequent gravel packing operations. The valve in its closed position acts to eliminate fluid loss when excess gravel is reversed out.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to systems and methods for real-time management of formation fluid sampling down a wellbore using a guarded probe. More specifically, but not by way of limitation, embodiments of the present invention provide for management of downhole fluid sampling by sensing properties of fluids collected by a downhole-fluid-sampling-device, modeling the fluid sampling process from these sensed properties and using the modeling of the fluid sampling process to manage in real-time the fluid sampling process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for obstructing the passage of fluid within a fluid flow conduit and subsequently reconfiguring the tool to allow substantially full-bore passage therethrough. Pressure developed upstream of the obstruction can be utilized to operate pressure actuated tools such as liner hangers. Equipment used in subsequent wellbore operations such as drill pipe darts can pass undamaged through the opened port. In an embodiment, the flow through a tubular is obstructed by placing a ball on an expandable ball seat, developing a pressure differential across the ball seat, equalizing the pressure after the hydraulically actuated tool completes its function, and mechanically manipulating the drill string to open the expandable ball seat and allow the ball to pass through.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method of sampling the formation fluids in an earth formation surrounding a borehole, the region of the formation immediately surrounding the borehole being at least partially invaded by borehole fluids, and an apparatus for carrying out such a method. According to the invention, a borehole tool is adapted to be lowered into the borehole and is provided with a sampling probe device and means for urging the sampling probe device into contact with the borehole wall, the sampling probe device comprising an inner probe and an outer probe surrounding the inner probe for withdrawing respective fluid samples from the formation, wherein the ratio between the respective flow areas of the inner and outer probes is selected so as to tend to reduce the time taken to obtain via the inner probe a sample of the formation fluids having a given level of contamination by borehole fluids.

Abstract: A system and method for sensing and monitoring the status/performance of components of a downhole tool to enable any problems to be corrected.

Abstract: A pressure relief system includes a closed space having fluid trapped therein, a chamber defined in the closed space, and a pressure responsive member for controlling fluid flow from the closed space to the chamber. Fluid flows from the closed space to the chamber when the pressure in the closed space exceeds a predetermined pressure.

Abstract: A wellbore remote control system is disclosed which includes (1) a transmission apparatus for generating at least one acoustic transmission having a particular transmission frequency, (2) a reception apparatus which includes an electronic circuit (preferably digital) which detects and identifies the acoustic transmissions, and which provides an actuation signal to an electrically-actuated wellbore tool if a match is detected.

Abstract: An improved seal for sealing across an annulus between an inner cylindrical sealing surface and an outer cylindrical sealing surface. The seal provides a body and a flange spaced therefrom with an annular flexible arch extending between the body and the flange and having a taper of its thickness so that its thinnest section is at the mid point of the arch and within its sealing area. A suitable sealing is provided to seal against the surface opposite to the surface against which the flexible annular arch seals so that there is a complete sealing across the annulus. This seal is suitable for piston rod sealing, valve stem sealing and for sealing in the annulus between two tubular well members.

Abstract: A retrievable well subsurface safety valve having a valve seat and an arculate valve closure member on the bottom of the housing for increasing fluid flow through the bore of the housing. A nose, separate from the housing, is adapted to be connected in the well conduit below the bottom of the housing for protecting the valve closure member. The subsurface safety valve may be rotationally oriented to connect a flow control passageway to a port in the well conduit. A landing nipple includes a port for receiving hydraulic control fluid, a latching recess for latching the valve housing, and a latching recess for latching the nose, and orientation mechanism for rotating the safety valve relative to the port.

Abstract: In a downhole staging apparatus for delivering fluidized cement sequentially into two levels of substrate which enclose a wellbore casing. Said apparatus comprises a primary cement discharge port, and one or more secondary or lateral cement discharge ports. A sleeve is operably carried in the apparatus, being adjustable to close the secondary lateral port when a cementing operation is completed. A sleeve actuating tool is cooperative with said cementing apparatus, being remotely operable to close the lateral cement discharge port to assure that no communication exists between the cementing apparatus and the wellbore after the cementing operation is completed.

Abstract: A downhole steam sampler for collecting the liquid phase content of a steam flow, immediately prior to the latter being injected into a substrate surrounding a hole or well. A reservoir within the sampler separates and retains the liquid phase while permitting the vaporous phase to pass. Detent means cooperates with a pair of spaced apart flow control valves to permit said valves to be closed simultaneously when the steam sampling operation is completed. The detent means is actuated in response to withdrawal of the sampler from the well, an action which displaces an externally positioned sleeve.