Abstract: A sub apparatus for delivering and protecting a gauge being lowered down a well bore, which includes a sub body having a first and second ends threadably engageable to sections of pipe in the drill or production string; the sub body including a first chamber for housing the gauge; a second bore through the sub body for allowing fluid flowing within the drill or production string to flow through the sub; a plurality of openings formed in the wall of the sub in fluid communication with the first chamber to allow fluids within the pipe to make fluid contact with the gauge; means for protecting the gauge on a first end and means for engaging the gauge to the sub on a second end.

Abstract: A bi-directional seal assembly can be used in various types of cartridge valves including dirty fluid valves and a variety of other valves. The present seal assembly utilizes a seal spool, two O-rings and opposing seal cups. Back-up rings are provided to engage the O-rings to control deformation of the O-rings. The O-rings are compressed during manufacture of the seal assembly and the valve more than typically recommended by O-ring manufacturers. Because of this compression, the O-rings serve a dual function. At lower pressures, the O-rings act as a spring causing the seal cups to contact the opposing seal plates and at higher pressures they act as seals between the seal assembly and the valve.

Abstract: A downhole tool is provided for use within a casing. The tool includes a collector tool that has a cylindrical body having an external diameter smaller than the casing diameter so as to form an annular gap between the body and the casing. A first downhole fluid passage is provided in the body, which has an upper inlet and a lower outlet. At least one secondary fluid passage extends between the first downhole fluid passage and the annular gap, with a filter arranged between the at least one secondary fluid passage and outlet. A first sleeve member is provided on the body and adapted to move between a first position in which the at least one secondary fluid passage is closed, and a second position in which the at least one secondary fluid passage is open.

Abstract: A device for injecting a fluid into an earth formation surrounding a wellbore, comprising a body suitable to be arranged in the wellbore and being provided with means for connecting the body to a tubing, a fluid chamber for storage of said fluid, and a pair of inflatable packers arranged to isolate a portion of the wellbore between the packers from the remainder of the wellbore upon inflation of the packers, the body further being provided with an outlet port located between the packers for flow of fluid from the fluid chamber to outside the device, means for inflating the packers upon the occurrence of a primary fluid pressure in the tubing, and means for ejecting fluid from the fluid chamber via the outlet port to outside the device upon the occurrence of a secondary fluid pressure in the tubing, wherein the secondary fluid pressure is higher than the primary fluid pressure.

Abstract: A tank contains both Zeolite and a hydrate in a gas chamber formed beneath a piston in the sample tank. Out of safety considerations, we avoid using source cylinders of nitrogen whose pressures exceed 4000 psi. Thus, the gas chamber of the sample tank is initially pressurized by the source cylinder to no more than 4000 psi of nitrogen at room temperature at the surface. Nitrogen gas is sorbed onto the zeolite at room temperature. As the tank is heated by being lowered downhole, nitrogen desorbs from the zeolite and the gas pressure increases. However, once this tank reaches a temperature high enough to release the hydrate's water of hydration, the released water is preferentially sorbed by zeolite, displacing sorbed nitrogen, and causing the pressure in the gas volume to increase even further. Because well temperatures are not high enough to desorb water from zeolite, any water sorbed onto a Zeolite sorption site will permanently block released nitrogen from resorbing at that site.

Abstract: A system is provided for unloading accumulated liquids and enhancing the recovery of gas from a reservoir having diminished pressure. An annulus between a tubing string and casing is isolated by a packer and continually pressurized with a slipstream of compressed gas while the well continues to produce. A unique valve positioned in the tubing string is shuttled between a production position in which production fluids are permitted to bypass the valve to the surface and a lift position in which the bypass is blocked and an unloading port is opened to vent high pressure annulus gas to the tubing string above the valve, lifting accumulated liquids with it. Preferably, the valve is actuated to the lift position by the impact of a plunger dropped from a lubricator at the wellhead, when the pressure in the annulus has reached a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: For extracting a liquid (such as oil) from a porous medium, the liquid is subjected to pulses that propagate through the liquid flowing through the pores of the medium. The pulses cause momentary surges in the velocity of the liquid, which keeps the pores open. The pulses can be generated in the production well, or in a separate excitation well. If the pulses travel with the liquid, the velocity of travel of the liquid through the pores can be increased. The solid matrix is kept stationary, and the pulses move through the liquid. The pulses in the liquid can be generated directly in the liquid, or indirectly in the liquid via a localized area of the solid matrix.

Abstract: A device for cleaning an inner pipe which comprises a nozzle head comprised of a feed borehole axially disposed therein, at least two rotation nozzles communicating with the feed borehole, at least two cleaning nozzles communicating with the feed borehole and a shaft. A rinsing nozzle communicates with the feed borehole and extends upwardly at an angle from the longitudinal axis of the feed borehole. The shaft is received in an outer sleeve whereby when the device is inserted into an inner pipe and a medium is flowed through the borehole and out of the rotation nozzles a force is generated when the medium emerging from the rotation nozzles contacts the wall of the inner pipe which force causes the nozzle head to rotate.

Abstract: A multilateral injection/production/storage completion system. In a described embodiment, a method of completing a well having a first wellbore intersecting each of second, third and fourth wellbores includes the steps of: injecting a first fluid into a first zone intersected by the second wellbore; receiving a second fluid into the third wellbore in response to the first fluid injecting step; flowing the second fluid from the third wellbore to the fourth wellbore; storing the second fluid in a second zone intersected by the fourth wellbore; and then producing the second fluid from the second zone to a remote location.

Abstract: A method for conveying a tool into a borehole with the use of a tool conveying apparatus includes deploying the tool conveying apparatus into the borehole, transmitting fluid through the tool conveying apparatus, the tool conveying apparatus generating power from the flow of fluid therethrough, discharging fluid from the tool conveying apparatus and providing power to at least one tool carried thereby. The tool conveying apparatus also includes a communication system for transmitting data bi-directionally between the tool and the surface.

Abstract: A reciprocating pump vent-dump and methods of use for utilization in the hydrocarbon industry. The device is preferably used with barrel pumps although it may be used with tubing pumps. The device is positioned at the bottom of the wellbore immediately above the stinger and immediately below above the standing valve and comprises a sliding piston within an outer housing. The device may be opened pulling upwards on the pump drive mechanism thereby allowing fluid within the production tubing to drain back into the formation as long as the pump drive mechanism is held up. The device closes when the pump is returned to normal operation. The method of spotting chemicals requires a pre-measured quantity of chemicals at the surface which is sucked into the tubing string when the valve is opened followed by a pre-measured quantity of make-up fluid which is drawn into the well thereby placing the chemicals at the required point.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided which permit well testing operations to be performed downhole in a subterranean well. In various described methods, fluids flowed from a formation during a test may be disposed of downhole by injecting the fluids into the formation from which they were produced, or by injecting the fluids into another formation. In several of the embodiments of the invention, apparatus utilized in the methods permit convenient retrieval of samples of the formation fluids and provide enhanced data acquisition for monitoring of the test and for evaluation of the formation fluids.

Abstract: A self-contained, transportable system for conducting any of hydrologic tests or water sampling techniques without the need for retooling or readjusting the system. The system includes a borehole unit for conducting the tests in a borehole, and a data acquisition unit for monitoring and recording the results of the tests. The borehole unit includes, connected in serial relation, a pair of borehole packers for forcing the unit in place in the borehole, several pressure transducers for obtaining hydraulic measurements, a pump located between the borehole packers for withdrawing fluid and a fluid injector for injecting fluid. The data-acquisition system includes flow meters for monitoring fluid injection and fluid withdrawals, a data-acquisition module for monitoring a fluid pressure from the pressure transducers, power source and a computer interface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a scram jet engine for use with a hypersonic vehicle. The scram jet engine has an upper boundary wall, a lower boundary wall, and a plurality of side walls defining an inner air flowpath. The walls are formed by a plurality of tubular heat exchanger panels. Each of the heat exchanger panels comprises a plurality of structural panels, each having a plurality of cooling passages, joined together. In the scram jet engine of the present invention, fuel may be used as a coolant and supplied to the cooling passage.

Abstract: An apparatus for manipulating an eccentrically located well bore device is disclosed. One embodiment of the apparatus comprises: a main body attachable to a conveyance member; an arm hinged to the main body; a lock assembly for selectively retaining the arm in a locked position and releasing the arm from the locked position; a kick over assembly for moving the arm to a kicked over position; and an adapter connected to the lift arm, the adapter connectable with a tool for latching onto the device. The kick over assembly comprises a kick member operatively connected to the arm and a biasing member having a first end connected to the arm and a second end connected to the kick member.

Abstract: A bi-directional seal assembly can be used in various types of cartridge valves including dirty fluid valves and a variety of other valves. The present seal assembly utilizes a seal spool, two O-rings and opposing seal cups. The O-rings are compressed during manufacture of the seal assembly and the valve more than typically recommended by O-ring manufacturers. Because of this compression, the O-rings serve a dual function. At lower pressures, the O-rings act as a spring causing the seal cups to contact the opposing seal plates and at higher pressures they act as seals between the seal assembly and the valve.

Abstract: The apparatus (10) for delivering grease through the individual string (12) includes a tubular member (14) for holding a supply of grease, a piston (16) sealing slidable through the tubular member (14) and a first valve (18) coupled to a downstream end (20) of the member (14). Valve (18) has a body (22) provided with orifices (24) and a collar (26) slidably mounted over an end of the body (22) and biased to a sealing position in which it seals the orifices (24). Piston (16) is initially located above an upstream end (28) of the tubular member (14). Apparatus (10) is slid through the drill string (12) until collar (26) abuts a stub, typically a core bit retained at the end of the string. Fluid pressure is then applied to apparatus (10) by pumping water or mud down the drill pipe (12). This forces collar (26) to be displaced in covering the orifices (24).

Abstract: A tracer release method for monitoring fluid flow in a well utilizes a deformable container comprising a liquid tracer material which container has an outlet which debouches into the neck portion of a venturi in a well conduit. The container has a wall which is at least partly exposed to the fluid pressure at the relatively wide in- or outlet of the venturi, so that an amount of tracer is injected continuously or discontinuously into the well effluents which is proportional to the pressure difference p across the venturi, which pressure difference p is indicative of the fluid density &rgr; and squared fluid velocity &ugr;.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device to stabilize the production of oil wells. The device is used in a tubing of an oil well and it is intended to overcome the harmful effects provoked by the unstable flow of multiphase flows which are produced by some oil wells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wiper plug and internal drop ball mechanism that may be used in conjunction with a downhole surge reduction tool to run, hang, and cement casing liners in a wellbore. The apparatus of the present invention comprises a wiper plug assembly removably attached to the drill string within the casing liner, a drop ball sub attached below the wiper plug assembly which releases a float valve actuator ball having a diameter larger than the drill string, and float equipment having a plurality of flapper valves. The apparatus of the present invention may further comprise a diverter tool connected between the drill string and the casing liner.

Abstract: An improved abrasive slurry delivery apparatus and associated method of using same that permits repeated and/or extended use of the apparatus in a subterranean wellbore, and reduces abrasive wear during fracturing operations while increasing pump rate and proppant mass delivery capabilities. In a preferred embodiment, an abrasive slurry delivery apparatus has a tubular crossover member with an internal flow passage and sidewall outlet openings formed with or without removable inserts formed from abrasive resistant materials. The internal flow passage is eccentrically offset to enlarge the effective flow cross-section, provide for tool passage clearance and to increase wall thickness for protection of a return flow passageway. The sidewall opening is positioned such that the opening is isolated from the secondary flow passageway.

Abstract: A device (10) for collecting fluid samples from a subsurface (100), injecting fluids into a subsurface and measuring the hydrostatic pressure of groundwater in a subsurface is described. The device includes an outer tube (12) with a center bore (12D) and openings (12E) at one end (12B) and a rigid inner rod (18) configured to be telescopingly inserted into the center bore of the outer tube. The inner rod provides support and prevents damage to the outer tube during insertion into the subsurface. The device is inserted into the subsurface until the openings in the outer tube are adjacent the testing area. The inner rod is then removed from the outer tube. To collect fluid samples, the samples are retrieved from the fluid which has moved from the subsurface through the openings to the center bore of the outer tube. To inject fluid into the subsurface, the fluid is injected into the center bore and flows through the openings to the subsurface.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of cleaning a well riser. In particular, the method comprises the steps of suspending in a drill pipe from the surface a circulating tool in the well riser, and causing the circulating tool to axially collapse so as to open one or more radial outlets in the tool and allow cleaning fluid to be expelled out of the tool and impact on the inside of the well riser.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is given for evaluating a well fluid sub-sample at the well surface as the sample is transported to the well surface from a downhole wellbore location. The invention collects a formation fluid sample under pressure. The fluid sample is further pressurized with a traveling piston powered by the hydrostatic wellbore pressure. The pressurized formation fluid sample is contained under high pressure within a fixed volume chamber for retrieval to the well surface. Multiple collection tanks can be lowered into the wellbore during the same run to sample different zones with minimal rig time. A pair of valves in series along the supply/discharge conduit respective to each tank accommodates extraction of a field sample to verify the sample integrity while still on location. The tanks can be emptied at the well surface with an evacuation pressure so that the fluid sample pressure is maintained above a selected pressure at all times or transported to an analytical laboratory.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for maintaining the pressure of a well fluid sample as the sample is transported to the well surface from a downhole wellbore location. The invention collects a formation fluid sample under pressure. The fluid sample is further pressurized with a traveling piston powered by the hydrostatic wellbore pressure. The pressurized formation fluid sample is contained under high pressure within a fixed volume chamber for retrieval to the well surface. Multiple collection tanks can be lowered into the wellbore during the same run to sample different zones with minimal rig time. The tanks can be emptied at the well surface with an evacuation pressure so that the fluid sample pressure is maintained above a selected pressure at all times.

Abstract: A tool string for use in wellbore includes a sampler device having a port to receive pressure in an annulus region of the wellbore. An elevated pressure is communicated to a rupture disk assembly located in the port to rupture the rupture disk assembly. The elevated pressure is then communicated through a passageway to an activating mechanism of a sampler device. The activating mechanism is adapted to open a flow control device that controls flow through one or more ports of the sampler device. In another arrangement, the activating mechanism of the sampler device may include a pressure transducer for receiving pressure pulse signals. In response to pressure pulse signals of predetermined amplitude and pulse width, the pressure transducer may generate an activating signal to an actuator to operate the flow control device. Yet another arrangement includes a timer for activating the sampler device. The timer is actuatable by an elevated pressure.

Abstract: A sample module is provided for use in a downhole tool to obtain fluid from a subsurface formation penetrated by a wellbore. The sample module includes a sample chamber carried by the module for collecting a sample of formation fluid obtained from the formation via the downhole tool, and a validation chamber carried by the module for collecting a substantially smaller sample of formation fluid than the sample chamber. The validation chamber is removable from the sample module at the surface without disturbing the sample chamber. In another aspect, the present invention provides an improved sample chamber for use in a downhole tool to obtain fluid from a subsurface formation penetrated by a wellbore.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for capturing debris and metal cuttings downhole in a wellbore. Fluid is reverse circulated through a tubing positioned in the wellbore. An aperture opens to a larger space within the tubing interior and creates a pressure drop which separates the debris from the fluid. The debris is separated from the fluid and is collected by an interior space within the tubing. The tubing can be retrieved from the wellbore so that the debris is separated from the interior space.

Abstract: A downhole injector 10, 26, 38 and 54 is provided at the lower end of the production tubing string TS for passing liquids from a downhole formation into the tubing string while preventing gases from passing through the injector. The injector may include an improved screen 36 for preventing formation sand from entering the injector. The system may include a packer 44 in the annulus A above the injector. In one application, a vent tube 46 extends upward from the packer into the annulus for maintaining a desired liquid level in the annulus above the packer. A plurality of through ports 40 establish fluid communication in the annulus above the packer and the production tubing string so that a downhole pump P may efficiently pump downhole fluids to the surface. The injector of the present invention may be used with one or more lift valves LV for raising slugs of liquid upward to the surface through the production tubing string.

Abstract: An electrical submersible pump assembly supported on coiled or continuous tubing. A power cable extends through the coiled tubing for supplying electrical power to the pump assembly. The cable has an outer diameter that is less than the inner diameter of the tubing, resulting in a cable annulus surrounding the cable. Supports attached to the cable frictionally or mechanically engage the cable with the coiled tubing to support the weight of the cable with the tubing. The supports define passages that allow fluid to flow by within the cable annulus from the surface. A port is provided in the coiled tubing at the electrical submersible pump assembly for discharging fluid pumped from the surface down the cable annulus. A tube may be provided to extend downward from the port alongside of the electrical submersible pump. Fluid may be pumped from an upper end of the well down the cable annulus and out of the port to free up sand accumulation on the packer.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided which permit well testing operations to be performed downhole in a subterranean well. In various described methods, fluids flowed from a formation during a test may be disposed of downhole by injecting the fluids into the formation from which they were produced, or by injecting the fluids into another formation. In several of the embodiments of the invention, apparatus utilized in the methods permit convenient retrieval of samples of the formation fluids and provide enhanced data acquisition for monitoring of the test and for evaluation of the formation fluids.

Abstract: An in situ underground sample analyzing apparatus for use in a multilevel borehole monitoring system is disclosed. A casing assembly comprising a plurality of elongate tubular casings (24) separated by measurement port couplers (26) is coaxially alignable in a borehole (20). The measurement port couplers (26) include an inlet measurement port (70b ) for collecting fluid from an underground measurement zone (32) and an outlet measurement port (70a) for releasing fluid into the measurement zone (32). An in situ sample analyzing probe (124) is orientable in the casing assembly. The in situ sample analyzing probe (124) includes inlet and outlet probe ports (148b and 148a) alignable and mateable with the inlet and outlet measurement ports (70b and 70a). The inlet and outlet measurement ports (70b and 70a) typically include valves.

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: Apparatus for efficient cleaning of downhole equipment in boreholes, especially oil and gas wells drilled offshore from floating drilling vessels. The apparatus is a wash tool having an elongated central body with a longitudinal bore therethrough. A plurality of integral, outwardly-extending blades radiate outward from the central body. Wash ports extend radially from the longitudinal bore through the body of the blades, to the outermost surface of the blades and exiting at that point. Spiral or straight blades may be employed. A reduced diameter, extended nose portion is attached to the lower end of the tool. Removable jet nozzles may be installed in the wash ports near the outermost blade faces, to create a high velocity wash stream.

Abstract: A method and system for increasing oil production from an oil well producing a mixture of oil and gas through a wellbore penetrating an oil-bearing formation containing an oil-bearing zone and a selected injection zone, by driving a turbine in the oil well with the mixture of oil and gas; separating at least a portion of the gas from the mixture of oil and gas in the oil well to produce a separated gas and an oil-enriched mixture; driving a compressor with the turbine to compress at least a portion of the separated gas in the oil well to a pressure greater than a pressure in the selected injection zone to produce a compressed gas; injecting the compressed gas into the selected injection zone; and recovering at least a major portion of the oil-enriched mixture.

Abstract: A sampling device having a fluid collecting portion adapted to recover a fluid sample from a subsurface. Fluid entering the fluid collecting portion passes through a valve which may be remotely actuated. After the sampling device has been driven into the subsurface and a fluid sample has been collected in the fluid collecting portion, the valve is closed to prevent cross-contamination of the fluid sample in the fluid collecting portion.

Abstract: A side intake valve assembly for use in a subterranean well in conjunction with a second or lower valve assembly, and a hollow connecting body for connecting the side intake valve assembly and the second or lower valve assembly. The side intake valve assembly allows water separated from the production fluid to be forced downwardly through the intake valve assembly and the second or lower valve assembly into a water disposal zone. A one-way valve in the side intake valve assembly is a gravity operated ball valve.

Abstract: An injector (1) for injecting a traceable material into an oil and/or gas reservoir is lowered down into a bore hole that is in communication with the reservoir. An electro-hydraulic system is activated to inject a traceable material stored in a container into the reservoir. The injector is provided with a gland plate (7) that seals a space between the injector and the wall of the bore hole (16) in a manner that prevents traceable material from being distributed in the bore hole, but secures direct injection of the material into the reservoir. The injector is adapted to be positioned at a specific depth level in the bore hole, and to be cleaned by pressurized liquid after the injection operation is completed.

Abstract: A system and a method for producing increased quantities of oil from an oil well producing a mixture of oil and gas through a well bore penetrating an oil bearing formation containing a gas cap zone and an oil bearing zone by separating at least a portion of the gas from the mixture of oil and gas downhole in an auger separator to produce a separated gas and an oil enriched mixture; compressing at least a portion of the separated gas downhole to a pressure greater than the pressure in the gas cap zone to produce a compressed gas; and, injecting the compressed gas into the gas cap and, recovering at least a major portion of the oil enriched mixture.

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: The apparatus includes an elongated tubular body having, in longitudinally consecutive array, a sample chamber, a pressurized gas reservoir, and an evacuate reservoir. A piston, having at least two pressure activated seals disposed in opposition, is longitudinally movable in the sample chamber. An elongated spool having a longitudinal bore and outer circumference lands and grooves, is longitudinally slidable between seated bores disposed in longitudinally opposite sides of the pressurized gas reservoir thereby providing on activation a unitary means for establishing a specific sequence of liquid and gas transfer between said chambers and reservoirs.The apparatus is prepared for use by positioning of the piston proximal to a checked influent valve, charging the distal end of the sample chamber with an incompressible fluid, charging of the pressurized gas chamber with a compressible gas, and charging of a time delay apparatus. The apparatus is then lowered in the earth bore.

Abstract: A well fluid sampling tool and method for retrieving chemically accurate hydrocarbon samples from new wells. The sampling tool is provided with a chemically inert sample chamber and lowered to the required depth in the well where a well fluid sample is admitted to the sample chamber, which is subsequently sealed. The tool is preferably arranged so that pressures inside and outside the sample chamber remain substantially equal during and after sample taking. The sample may be subject to post-sampling pressurisation to keep the sample in its original single-phase state.The chemical inertness of the sample chamber avoids removal of reactive components of the well fluid from the sample by chemical reaction with the material of the sample chamber (which is conventionally metal). This enables accurate assessment of new wells without the need for extended flow testing.

Abstract: A method for injecting fluid, such as an accelerator, into a wellbore comprises storing the fluid in a reservoir, locating the reservoir downhole in the wellbore, and then transferring the fluid from the reservoir into the wellbore. More particularly, one embodiment of the method comprises storing the fluid in a reservoir in a plug, pumping the plug down casing in a wellbore, and transferring the fluid at the bottom of the wellbore via a venturi effect. Another embodiment of the method comprises storing the fluid in a reservoir integrated into the wall of a portion of casing, setting the casing in the wellbore, and then transferring the fluid via a venturi effect from the reservoir into the annulus defined between the casing and the wellbore.

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: The present invention specifically permits purging and/or sampling of a well but only removing, at most, about 25% of the fluid volume compared to conventional methods and, at a minimum, removing none of the fluid volume from the well.The invention is an isolation assembly with a packer, pump and exhaust, that is inserted into the well. The isolation assembly is designed so that only a volume of fluid between the outside diameter of the isolation assembly and the inside diameter of the well over a fluid column height from the bottom of the well to the top of the active portion (lower annulus) is removed. The packer is positioned above the active portion thereby sealing the well and preventing any mixing or contamination of inlet fluid with fluid above the packer. Ports in the wall of the isolation assembly permit purging and sampling of the lower annulus along the height of the active portion.

Abstract: A downhole gas-liquid separator for multiphase fluid producing wells includes a tubular member with a spiral baffle disposed therein and a duct including an inlet disposed adjacent the discharge end of the spiral baffle. Fluid flow into the separator undergoes substantial gas and liquid separation by centrifugal forces imposed on the liquid as it progresses through the spiral flowpath. Gas is drawn off at the discharge end of the spiral baffle and discharged into the wellbore annulus while liquid and a small amount of gas pass on through the separator and the production tubing to the surface. The spiral baffle may be disposed in the wellbore between the distal end of the production tubing string and the point of entry of gas and liquid into the wellbore. The separator may include a retrievable tubular body inserted in a ported nipple interposed in the tubing string.

Abstract: A soil sampler for insertion into a pilot hole in the earth to extract contaminants in a vapor state. The sampler has an axially forward projection and an axially rearward projection that define a volume together with the body of the sampler and the wall of the pilot hole. Steam passes into the sampler so as to heat a portion of the sampler near the volume so as to volatize the contaminants. The sampler exerts a vacuum on the volume to extract the gaseous contaminants into an analyzer assembly.

Abstract: A setting tool and a bailer bottom tool are provided for forming a wellbore plugback operation of the type used in hydrocarbon recovery operations. Each of the setting tool and the bailer bottom tool include a battery pack for powering an actuating device to actuate the respective tool downhole, thereby avoiding the risks and costs associated with mechanical jarring devices, explosive charges, and devices activated by transmitting signals to the downhole tool through an electrically conductive cable. Each tool may be biased by a spring to a release position, and the actuating device may release compressed fluid from the tool to the wellbore, thereby allowing movement of a piston member and corresponding movement of a mechanical release device for moving the tool to a release position. A trigger mechanism electronically in series between the battery power source and the actuating device may be a programmable timer or a motion sensitive timer.

Abstract: A gravel pack screen assembly adapted to produce fluids from two spaced apart zones of interest through gravel packing surrounding spaced apart gravel pack screens includes a sub interposed in the screen assembly between the two screens and having a reservoir for discharging a quantity of permeability reducing material into a layer of gravel packing intermediate the gravel packing surrounding each of the screens. The sub is operable to discharge the material into the gravel pack layer in response to movement of a washpipe or the like within the screen assembly to move an actuator member to cause a closure member to uncover ports in the sub in communication with the reservoir. The actuator member includes a transverse surface projecting into a central bore of the sub and operable to be engaged by deflectable collet fingers formed on a washpipe assembly or a similar member insertable within the gravel pack screen assembly to effect operation of the sub to discharge its permeability reducing material.

Abstract: A coiled tubing conveyed sampling apparatus includes an actuator housing having a housing interior and having a proximal housing end including a connector for connecting the housing to a coiled tubing string so that a tubing bore of the coiled tubing string is communicated with the housing interior. A one-way check valve is disposed in the housing interior and allows well fluid from the well bore to fill the tubing bore of the coiled tubing string as the sampling apparatus is run into the well. The check valve isolates the tubing bore of the coiled tubing string from the well when pressure in the tubing bore exceeds pressure in the well. A sampling tool is attached to a lower end of the actuator housing.