Abstract: A system for applying low pressure gas lift artificial lift enables improved efficiency in gas and oil well production. The system comprises: a central tubing in a well hole of the well, the tubing having a well head end and a well sump end; an annulus that extends around the central tubing between from the well head end to the sump end; a compressed gas source; a gas lift gas line connecting the compressed gas source to the well hole; a gas compressor having an input and an output, wherein the output is connected to the annulus; a flowline connected to the well head end of the central tubing; and an automatically controlled flowline choke in the flowline.

Abstract: A dump bailer for downhole placement of flowable materials in a wellbore. The dump bailer has an elongated housing with a cavity for placement of the flowable materials. The housing has an open bottom. An expendable cap or plug, of a magnetic material, is held within the open bottom by a shear pin, sufficient to hold the plug in place with the material within the cavity. An electric solenoid surrounds the plug. Energizing the solenoid coil by electric current creates a magnetic field which overcomes the shear pin and forces the plug out of the open bottom. The material may then flow out of the cavity. Alternatively, a sliding sleeve may be disposed in the open bottom, which moves from a first closed position to a second open position, in response to the magnetic field.

Abstract: A dump bailer for downhole placement of flowable materials in a wellbore. The dump bailer has an elongated housing with a cavity for placement of the flowable materials. The housing has an open bottom. In one embodiment, an expendable cap or plug, of a magnetic material, is held within the open bottom by a shear pin, sufficient to hold the plug in place with the material within the cavity. An electric solenoid surrounds the plug. Energizing the solenoid coil by electric current creates a magnetic field which overcomes the shear pin and forces the plug out of the open bottom. The material may then flow out of the cavity. In another embodiment, a sliding sleeve is disposed in the open bottom, which moves from a first closed position to a second open position, in response to the magnetic field.

Abstract: A dump bailer for downhole placement of flowable materials in a wellbore. The dump bailer has an elongated housing with a cavity for placement of the flowable materials. The housing has an open bottom. An expendable cap or plug, of a magnetic material, is held within the open bottom by a shear pin, sufficient to hold the plug in place with the material within the cavity. An electric solenoid surrounds the plug. Energizing the solenoid coil by electric current creates a magnetic field which overcomes the shear pin and forces the plug out of the open bottom. The material may then flow out of the cavity. Alternatively, a sliding sleeve may be disposed in the open bottom, which moves from a first closed position to a second open position, in response to the magnetic field.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore, comprising a tool having a sample flow line an inlet disposed with the tool and configured to establish fluid communication between the formation and the sample flow line to draw a fluid sample into the sample flow line, and an active filter positioned in the sample flow line and providing a filter flow route and a bypass flow route in the sample flow line.

Abstract: A retrievable flow control device comprising a housing configured to sealably couple with a completion component. The housing may comprise a first port and a second port establishing a fluid pathway. The fluid pathway may regulate a fluid flow as the fluid flow passes through the fluid pathway. The housing may further comprise a coupling mechanism configured to releasably couple with a corresponding feature of the wellbore completion. The downhole flow control device may be configured to be retrievable independently of the completion component. The flow control device may comprise a check valve in the fluid pathway in order to substantially constrain the fluid flow to a single direction. In some cases, the flow control device may be configured to couple with a side pocket. In other cases, a concentric flow control device may be configured to couple with a screen base pipe, tubing, or stinger.

Abstract: A dump bailer for downhole placement of flowable materials in a wellbore. The dump bailer has an elongated housing with a cavity for placement of the flowable materials. The housing has an open bottom. In one embodiment, an expendable cap or plug, of a magnetic material, is held within the open bottom by a shear pin, sufficient to hold the plug in place with the material within the cavity. An electric solenoid surrounds the plug. Energizing the solenoid coil by electric current creates a magnetic field which overcomes the shear pin and forces the plug out of the open bottom. The material may then flow out of the cavity. In another embodiment, a sliding sleeve is disposed in the open bottom, which moves from a first closed position to a second open position, in response to the magnetic field.

Abstract: A wireline apparatus for depositing slurry in a well. The apparatus includes a container for holding slurry to be deposited in the well. The container is operatively associated with and disassociated from a packer. The apparatus also includes a displacement valve actuated by a predetermined pressure and a cross-over tool operatively associated with the displacement valve. Actuation of the displacement valve causes the slurry to enter and pass through the cross-over tool and into the well. A method of gravel packing a well with the wireline deployed apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A formation saver sub or pump out sub incorporating an anti-surge feature. The sub includes a body, a mandrel, a piston (or an annulus fluid pressure chamber and a tubular pressure chamber), a sleeve, a spring, a releasable seat, and a plug. The plug and seat are released from the sub when one or more dogs releasably positioning the seat in the mandrel bore disengages from the seat due to a bleed off of fluid pressure in the well bore.

Abstract: A wireline apparatus for depositing slurry in a well. The apparatus includes a container for holding slurry to be deposited in the well. The container is operatively associated with and disassociated from a packer. The apparatus also includes a displacement valve actuated by a predetermined pressure and a cross-over tool operatively associated with the displacement valve. Actuation of the displacement valve causes the slurry to enter and pass through the cross-over tool and into the well. A method of gravel packing a well with the wireline deployed apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A downhole mixing tool and method for removing sand and other debris from a wellbore which combines the sand with a treatment fluid so that the sand is lifted to the surface of the well for removal. The tool includes a chamber into which the sand laden fluid is drawn and the treatment fluid is introduced. Ports into the chamber are arranged to provide a pressure drop to draw the sand laden fluid into the chamber and a mixing time within the chamber before sand laden fluid of lower viscosity exits the chamber to travel to the surface. Additional features include blades on the tool for breaking up obstructions prior to being drawn into the chamber and a lubricating line through the tool to introduce lubricating fluid to the blades.

Abstract: A retrievable flow control device comprising a housing configured to sealably couple with a completion component. The housing may comprise a first port and a second port establishing a fluid pathway. The fluid pathway may regulate a fluid flow as the fluid flow passes through the fluid pathway. The housing may further comprise a coupling mechanism configured to releasably couple with a corresponding feature of the wellbore completion. The downhole flow control device may be configured to be retrievable independently of the completion component. The flow control device may comprise a check valve in the fluid pathway in order to substantially constrain the fluid flow to a single direction. In some cases, the flow control device may be configured to couple with a side pocket. In other cases, a concentric flow control device may be configured to couple with a screen base pipe, tubing, or stinger.

Abstract: A formation saver sub or pump out sub incorporating an anti-surge feature. The sub includes a body, a mandrel, a piston (or an annulus fluid pressure chamber and a tubular pressure chamber), a sleeve, a spring, a releasable seat, and a plug. The plug and seat are released from the sub when one or more dogs releasably positioning the seat in the mandrel bore disengages from the seat due to a bleed off of fluid pressure in the well bore.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the production of hydrocarbons from a wellbore. One or more combination tools can be disposed along a casing string inserted into a wellbore. Each combination tool can contain a body having a bore formed therethrough; a sliding sleeve at least partially disposed in the body; one or more openings disposed about the body at a first end thereof, and a valve assembly and a valve seat assembly at least partially disposed within the bore at a second end thereof. While initially permitting free bidirectional flow of fluids within the casing string, the sliding sleeve within each combination tool can be manipulated to close the valve within the tool, thus permitting pressure testing of the casing string. The sliding sleeve can be further manipulated to open the one or more openings thereby permitting hydraulic fracturing and production of a hydrocarbon zone surrounding the combination tool.

Abstract: A marginal oil extraction system having an upper extraction unit, an extraction container, and a lower valve assembly. The marginal oil extraction system uses at least some of these components to cheaply extract oil from a stripper oil well. In some cases the system is capable of separating the oil from the water in the well with a solid barrier and can cheaply remove the oil from above the solid barrier. The system is cheap to install, easy to maintain and provides efficient access to what would otherwise be an inaccessible asset.

Abstract: An improved bailer which allows for the variance of flow into the bailer through use of attachments with varying inflow orifice sizes. As the size of the orifice changes, the weight of the apparatus can also be changed allowing for an only slightly negative buoyancy of the apparatus. The attachment may also be designed to include features for filtering unwanted particulates from the sample.

Abstract: An apparatus for discharging sample fluid from a bailer with a ball-joint and a method of using thereof. The apparatus has a body, an interior and an exterior, a top opening and a bottom opening, and a lip disposed around the top opening. The bottom of the apparatus has a bailer-support disposed across the diameter of the bottom opening. A pin is located at the center of the bailer-support. The apparatus functions as a bailer discharge device. The apparatus is designed to be placed into an opening of a bucket or drum and is adapted to discharge sample fluid from the base of a bailer into a bucket or drum when the bailer with a ball-joint is inserted through the top opening of the apparatus and rests on the pin attached to the bailer-support support. The pin acts to release the ball-joint thereby allowing the sample fluid to be discharged into the bucket or drum.

Abstract: An apparatus for discharging sample fluid from a bailer with a ball-joint and a method of using thereof. The apparatus has a body, an interior and an exterior, a top opening and a bottom opening, and a lip disposed around the top opening. The bottom of the apparatus has a bailer-support disposed across the diameter of the bottom opening. A pin is located at the center of the bailer-support.

Abstract: A downhole debris filtering apparatus is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the flow diverter is retracted as the tool is run in to provide easy passage for debris. Settling velocity is the rate at which debris will fall through the fluid. Settling velocity is dependent on the density of the fluid and the debris density. If the fluid velocity exceeds the settling velocity, the debris will rise. The restricted annular area outside the screens raises the fluid velocity. Above the cup sleeve, the annular area increases significantly and the fluid velocity is reduce to below the settling velocity to allow debris to settle to the bottom of the tool. On run in, the fluid merely bypasses on the outside of the filter. Large debris will settle into the tool as described. When pulled out of the hole the swab cup/flow diverter is actuated into casing or liner wall contact and a large passage is opened to allow flow though the filter.

Abstract: A bailer having a slow rate of descent into a liquid body to minimize agitation. In a first embodiment, a plug closes the upper end of the bailer and a perforation is formed in the plug. Air in the hollow interior of the tubular main body of the bailer is constrained to flow through the perforation as the bailer fills. A back pressure created by the air prevents rapid descent of the bailer and thus prevents rapid filling of the bailer. When the bailer is being emptied, the perforation prevents a vacuum from forming in the space below the plug and above the liquid level, but it provides a partial vacuum and therefore slows down the rate of flow of the liquid as it exits the bailer. Covering the perforation with a thumb creates a vacuum above the liquid level and stops the flow of liquid from the bailer. This eliminates the need for a tool that unseats the valve of the bailer from its valve seat.

Abstract: The present invention is a combination wireline retrievable, side pocket locatable, fluid measurement and control assembly, which permits measurement and control of fluid from a first downhole production zone while maintaining fluid flow through the tubing from other downhole production zones. The various components of the fluid measurement and control assembly may be separately installed in or retrieved from by either wireline or coiled tubing intervention methods and can remain installed in the production tubing while installing or retrieving other downhole tools through wireline or coiled tubing intervention methods.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for continually and intermittently removing water from a wellbore which penetrates a solid carbonaceous subterranean formation, such as a coalbed, while concurrently removing methane from the formation. The apparatus utilizes a linear access means which facilitates switching the apparatus from a continuous water removal mode of operation to an intermittent water removal mode of operation using wireline retrievable tools.

Abstract: A capsule for conveying chemicals through a borehole for stopping lost circulation is totally made from a thermoplastic or fragile material or has a bottom plate made from such a material. The capsule containing the chemicals is let down until it reaches the location of the lost circulation, where the capsule is either destroyed by a drilling rod or softened by the high temperature and high pressure at the location. Thus, the chemicals are diffused.

Abstract: The ground-water sampler collects a time-averaged or composite sample of the ground water. The sampling system was designed to be self-contained and all sources of power being contained within the well casing. The sampler collects the sample on a sorptive media and the media analyzed by a laboratory. The sampling system prevents the exchange of gases between the ground water and the atmosphere. The exchange is prevented by a well packer which is designed to be placed in well casings of 2 inches or greater. The well packer can be easily and economically placed into the well casing with the use of a packer tool. The sampler is inserted into the well packer and once inserted a one-way check valve opens to the aquifer allowing the water to be sampled. After the sampling episode, the sampler is removed from the well packer and the one-way check valve closes. The media is then analyzed in a laboratory.

Abstract: A capsule for conveying chemicals through a borehole for stopping lost circulation has a fragile bottom plate. A weight for destroying the bottom plate is suspended above the capsule by a cord which extends over knife edges. A messenger for cutting the cord is mounted to a wire line. The weight is caused to collide with the messenger to cut the cord, for breaking the bottom plate. Thus, the chemicals are diffused.

Abstract: A direct current operated bailer pump which utilizes battery power to winch up, while recovering the energy generated by the motor acting as a generator during the downward movement of the bailer to recharge the battery. A sensing circuit senses when the bailer contacts the surface of the oil by monitoring the generated voltage from the motor. A voltage drop corresponds to the sudden decrease in velocity as the bailer encounters the surface of the oil in the well. A dynamic brake is connected to the motor, after a set time period, to decrease the down speed of the bailer to a predetermined safe speed.

Abstract: A solid state switching controller for use with various types of oil well bailer pumps. Individually programmable steps with lockouts provide multiple mutual exclusivity between various circuit operations. A trickle charge battery system powers the control circuits. A tank overflow float protects against oil spillage. An automatic production rate adjustment circuit is provided which increases cycle time in proportion to the rate of production. The circuit includes a low power voltage detector for disabling the control circuits until the line voltage is acceptable. A three-phase power and control system with an isolation transformer for the controls avoids unreliable ground connections. The timers include a dividing circuit with an RC circuit. All power actuated apparatus are actuated by triac switches which are controlled by an opto driver. The bailer brake is pulse actuated for allowing the bailer to sink into crude oil without excess cable looseness.

Abstract: A device for the transfer of plugging and grouting materials to, and their processing at, a pre-set level in a well comprises a pipe container which is rigidly mechanically connected by means of series installed limiter and cylinder to a drilling string. In the lower part of the pipe container, which is stopped by a plug, is installed a splitter and in the upper part, above waterproofing envelopes, is installed for axial movement along the pipe container a main piston having a rod to which is rigidly secured a retainer engageable with the limiter, and an auxiliary piston installed in the cylinder for axial movement therein, which is hydraulically coupled to the drilling string. The retainer is provided on the rod at a distance from the main piston to retain the main piston in its lowermost position immediately above the splitter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for injecting a liquid product, at a low flow rate, into the bottom of a hydrocarbon-producing well. The device comprises an injection valve and, above the injection valve, at least one settling tank through which the liquid to be injected must pass before arriving at the injection member.

Abstract: An oil well bailer apparatus for use in bailing oil from an oil well. It includes a housing adapted for mounting over the top of the wellhead and a bail bucket which is arranged for lowering and raising between the well and the housing for raising oil to the housing and depositing it at the wellhead surface.

Abstract: A bailer pump designed for securing to a well head comprising an elongated stan pipe projecting upward from the well head supporting a motor driving a reel for cable through a drive train incorporating a magnetic brake, when the current to the motor is interrupted the magnetic brake is activated. A bailer is propelled into and out of the well in a repititious controlled manner. The electrical control mechanisms operate in conjunction with a pivot arm mounted at the top of the stan pipe on an axle. Pillow blocks retain the pivot arm in a tilting position. Tension or lack of tension on the cable passing over the top pulley causes a reciprocal tilting of the pivot arm and the pulley. The tilting arm contacts a micro switch which through time delay and relays start, stop, and reverse the electric motor operating the cable reel. The short delay in the well permits filling of the bailer and a long delay at the well head permits unloading of the bailer.

Abstract: On a portable frame skid base, a receiving tank is mountable and centered to engage therein a production casing of a well to be bailed. A sectional frame hoisting tower is mountable over the tank for suspending a pipe bailer therein and in alignment with the production casing. The bailer is bottom operated by means of a ball valve and downwardly extending `stinger` in frictional cooperation with engaging rolls mounted in the tower. A wire line drum has an adjustable flange for the proper spooling of a range of sizes of wire line connected to bailer. An electric motor and reduction gear is mountable on the skid base adjacent the drum for driving it in reversible rotation as directed by automated motor controls and safety controls operable by mechanical feedback from drum and apparatus to continuously or intermittently bail a well in accordance with establishable parameters, and to shut it down in case of malfunction.