Abstract: A device for generating pressure waves in a well or a wellbore. The device includes a housing containing an impact-generating mechanism for generating the pressure waves and a connector for connecting the housing to a conveyor for transporting the device to any desired location within the well or the wellbore. The device may be used for a number of downhole applications such as cleaning perforations, fracturing processes, vibration of a casing to prevent fluid flow in a cemented annulus, hydraulic jar operations for freeing stuck downhole objects, generating data to optimize pumping parameters and as an enhancement to percussion drilling techniques.

Abstract: Example apparatuses and methods are described for providing a swell packer apparatus having a vulcanized non-swelling outer layer with a pattern cut into it to expose an inner swellable sealing element. In an example embodiment, the swell packer includes a mandrel having a substantially cylindrical outer surface. A sealing element extends radially around the mandrel and a non-swelling layer circumferentially covers an outer surface of the sealing element. One or more grooves are cut in the non-swelling layer to expose a portion of the outer surface of the sealing element. The non-swelling layer is configured to prevent fluid communication between a swelling fluid disposed outside of the non-swelling layer and portions of the outer surface of the sealing element covered by the non-swelling layer.

Abstract: A pressure-isolation device has a plug for isolating pressure within a wellbore. The plug can include one or more modular mandrel assemblies partially disposed within each other. Each mandrel assembly can include a sealing element and a shear pin for setting the mandrel section. Each mandrel assembly can also have a collar element, a shear sleeve, a mandrel stop element, and a back-up ring in contact with the sealing element. The plug can further include a bottom receiving element including a knockout plug. The plug assembly can include a top catch element for setting and pulling the plug.

Abstract: Various systems, methods, and devices are disclosed for handling contaminants in a wellbore or riser. A washpipe debris trap (WPDT) traps contaminants traveling up a wellbore from a downhole location, and the WPDT may serve as an indicator for a breached screen in a downhole location. A marine riser reversing tool (MRRT) may reverse the flow of fluid between a workstring conduit and an annulus between the workstring and the wellbore such that fluid rises to the wellhead with greater velocity. A bi-directional chamber trap (BDCT) may be utilized in a wellbore operation to remove contaminants from a fluid.

Abstract: Isolation systems for use in a wellbore include two or more tubular segments and at least one coupling assembly. The at least one coupling system is adapted to couple the first and second tubular segments together. The at least one coupling system is further adapted to block at least a portion of the wellbore annulus. The at least one coupling system is further configured as a leaky isolation assembly to separate the wellbore annulus into at least two isolated zones when disposed in the wellbore. At least one isolation zone has at least two outlets including a first outlet through an opening into the tubular and a second outlet past the leaky isolation assembly. The isolation system is configured to provide the isolation with hydraulics during well operation that preferentially drives fluids through the first outlet and at least substantially prevents fluid from passing the isolation assembly.

Abstract: A downhole tool has a mandrel with packing elements. Collars between the packing elements define ports communicating with gaps between the packing elements and the mandrels. Opposing piston housings on the mandrel can move in opposing directions to compress the packing elements against the collars. Each piston housing defines a space with the mandrel and has a second port communicating with the gap. Pistons disposed in the spaces are temporarily affixed thereto. Hydraulic pressure communicated through the mandrel's bore acts against the pistons. While affixed to the piston housings, the pistons move the piston housings toward the packing elements to compress then. When the packing elements set, continued pressure breaks shear pins affixing the pistons to the piston housings so the pistons move and eventually seal fluid communication between the second ports in the pistons and the gaps.

Abstract: Further disclosed herein is a method for controlling fluid flow. The method includes, selectively deforming at least one selectively deformable member disposed between two tubular members that are radially aligned with one another, at least one of the at least one deformable member being positioned between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The method further includes regulating flow of fluid by deforming the at least one deformable member positioned between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet sufficiently to achieve a desired flow rate.

Abstract: Well bore fluid redistribution methods to isolate fluids produced in well bores from different geologic sections on either side of an apparatus and redistribute such fluids produced in well bores between different geologic sections to reduce surface discharge of fluids while delivering gas to a well outlet.

Abstract: A packer arrangement for forming a seal between an inner member and an outer tubular string in a borehole includes an outer tubular string member having a chamber portion; and a packer device disposed at least partially within the chamber portion and including a sealing element for forming a seal against an inner member, the packer device including a degradable layer, the degradable layer temporarily and at least partially protecting the sealing element and method of establishing a seal.

Abstract: An embodiment provides a device that includes a shape memory member having a sealed outer surface and a permeable inner mass and a selected fluid placed and sealed within the inner mass at a first temperature. The selected fluid is released from the inner mass when the shape memory member is heated to a second temperature.

Abstract: Well bore fluid redistribution apparatuses which can be inserted into a well bore to isolate fluids produced in well bores from different geologic sections on either side of the apparatuses. Operation of the well bore fluid redistribution apparatuses can redistribute fluids produced in well bores between different geologic sections to reduce surface discharge of fluids.

Abstract: A technique involves collecting formation fluids through a single packer having at least one drain located within the single packer. The single packer is designed with an outer flexible skin and one or more drains coupled to the outer flexible skin. A mandrel is positioned within the outer flexible skin, and an expansion mechanism is provided to control expansion of the outer flexible skin to selectively create sealing engagement with a surrounding wall.

Abstract: Downhole fracturing tools comprise upper and lower isolation devices and a housing disposed in between. The housing comprises a housing bore that is divided into two chambers isolated from each other within the housing bore. The upper bore is in fluid communication with a fluid injection line through which a fracturing fluid is pumped into the upper bore. The fracturing fluid flows down the upper bore, substantially parallel to a longitudinal length of the tool, and exits the tool through at least one port. The fracturing fluid then travels down the wellbore annulus. Returns from the fracturing fluid flow through a screen in the tool and up a return line that empties into the wellbore annulus above the upper isolation device.

Abstract: A well packer assembly with an annular fluid bypass and a check valve. The well packer assembly has an upper packer apparatus and a lower packer apparatus with a stimulation port therebetween. An annular fluid bypass in the upper packer apparatus communicates the well annulus from above packer elements on the upper packer apparatus to below the packer elements. The well fluid circulated through the fluid bypass is discharged into the well annulus below the packer elements on the upper packer apparatus to circulate stimulation fluid through the stimulation port and upwardly through the upper packer apparatus and the tubing used to lower the upper packer apparatus into the well.

Abstract: A by-pass valve mechanism for a well treatment tool having at least one flow sensitive element, permitting by-pass of well fluid past the flow sensitive element of the well treatment tool during conveyance of the well treatment tool to treatment depth within a well. A valve housing adapted for connection with a well tool defines an internal flow passage and has at least one by-pass port communicating well fluid between the flow passage of the service tool and the annulus between the well casing and the service tool. A sliding sleeve valve element is normally secured at its open position by shear elements permitting flow of well fluid through the and is moveable between an open position diverting fluid flow from within the service tool to the annulus and a closed position blocking the flow of well fluid through the by-pass port. The sleeve valve element is released and automatically closed by predetermined hydrostatic tubing or casing pressure or pump pressure.

Abstract: Methods of using and making and apparatuses utilizing a filtered actuator port for hydraulically actuated down hole tools. The filtered port prevents sand or other debris from entering the actuator workings of a tool. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, hydraulic tools utilizing filtered actuator ports are disclosed. In a second aspect, the filtered port comprises fine slots disposed through a wall of a mandrel spaced around the circumference of the mandrel. In a third aspect, the inlet port is formed by laser cutting or electrical discharge machining. In a fourth aspect, the filtered port is disposed in various components of a fracture pack-off system. Methods of using the fracture pack-off system utilizing the filtered port are provided.

Abstract: A tubing string assembly for fluid treatment of a wellbore includes substantially pressure holding closures spaced along the tubing string, which each close at least one port through the tubing string wall. The closures are openable by a sleeve drivable through the tubing string inner bore.

Abstract: A formation treatment tool assembly is conveyed within a well casing by a tubing string and has a housing defining treatment fluid supply and discharge passages and a fluid injection port through which treatment fluid is directed from the supply passage into a packer isolated casing interval and a fluid inlet port permitting flow from the isolated casing interval to the fluid discharge passage. Spaced straddle packer elements of the tool are energized to establish sealing engagement with the well casing and define an isolated casing interval and are de-energized to retract from sealing engagement with the well casing and permit tubing conveyance. A dump valve connected with the tool housing is opened to permit flow of treatment fluid from the isolated casing interval through the treatment fluid discharge passage and is closed to confine treatment fluid to the isolated casing interval.

Abstract: A device for providing a seal between two tubular member in a downhole environment is presented. The sealing device provides the capability of “boosting” or improving the seal, in the event of hydraulic pressure increases from above or below the seal.

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 method and apparatus for fluid treatment of a selected interval of a well and then cleaning the selected interval and the apparatus of treatment residue. An straddle tool is run into the well to treatment depth on fluid supplying tubing and has upper and lower packers that establish sealing with the casing and define an annular interval between the packers and between the tool and casing. Fluid, such as fracturing fluid, is pumped through the tubing to the tool and is diverted through an outlet port of the tool into an upper portion of the annular interval. Fluid then flows from a lower portion of the annular interval through an inlet port below the outlet port and at low flow rate is dumped into the casing through a pressure responsive dump valve. The outlet port and inlet port are located to accomplish cleaning of residue from the packers.

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 method of separating fluids that actuate a downhole tool from well fluids is disclosed. The assembly permits equalization or circulation through the running string for delivery of the downhole tool to the desired location. The circulation passage is closed and the clean fluid is displaced into the downhole tool by pressure applied to a movable barrier, At the end of the clean fluid displacement, a lateral port is opened to allow retrieval without pulling a wet string.

Abstract: A method of removing formation damage through the controlled injection of fluids into the formation, followed by a controlled sudden release of pressure in the formation, an under-balanced surge, which causes fluid and damaging materials to flow back into the well bore. This method is most effective when repeated more than once.

Abstract: A straddle packer tool for treatment of wells has a tool body supporting sealing elements in spaced relation for defining a sealed annulus zone within a wellbore. The tool body defines a treatment fluid passage having treatment ports that open to the sealed annulus zone for formation fracturing or other well treatment. The tool body has a bypass passage therethrough which is isolated from the treatment fluid passage and communicates with the wellbore above and below the sealed annulus zone. A check valve permits downward flow of well fluid from the bypass passage into the wellbore below the tool and prevents upward flow of fluid into the bypass passage. Bypass ports conduct fluid flow to and from the bypass passage and the wellbore above and below the sealed annulus zone. A packer actuated bypass valve is opened or closed to control the flow of well fluid within the bypass passage.

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: 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: This invention relates to hydraulic anchor packers for use in well bores and, more particularly, to inflatable anchor packers. A hydraulic anchor packer (90) is provided having an inflatable packer element (36) incorporating a cylinder (38) and an elastomer sleeve (44) provided on the exterior surface thereof. The elastomer sleeve (44) but free of the cylinder (38) intermediate the end portions. Means are provided for causing fluid from within the cylinder (38) to flow through an aperture (48) and between the elastomer sleeve (44) and the exterior surface of the cylinder so as to radially expand the sleeve (44). Means are also provided for trapping fluid so as to prevent relaxation of the sleeve (44). Pressure relief means (92, 94, 98) permits fluid located exteriorly of the packer (90) to move past the sleeve (44) as the sleeve (44) expands whilst in engagement with a well bore wall during use. Thus, the downhole half of the sleeve (44) may freely expand and displace fluid located below the packer (90).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for simultaneously producing fluid from one or more zones of an oil or gas well, while injecting fluid into one or more other zones of the well, and for converting a depleted production zone into an injection zone, by remotely shifting sleeves in the apparatus to selectively align inlet and outlet ports with production and injection flow paths, respectively. A production string is provided within a completion string; the completion string has inlet and outlet ports to the well bore. One or more production sleeves have production conduits which can be selectively aligned with inlet ports by shifting the production sleeves. One or more injection sleeves have injection conduits which can be selectively aligned with outlet ports by shifting the injection sleeves.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for connection with a tubing string for use in a wellbore for regulating the flow of a fluid within a wellbore annulus between the tubing string and the wellbore. The apparatus includes a tubing rotator and at least one packer valve for connection with the tubing string, wherein the packer valve is actuatable through rotation of the tubing string by the tubing rotator. Rotation of the tubing string actuates the packer valve between a closed flow position wherein the packer valve substantially seals the wellbore annulus and an open flow position wherein the flow of the fluid is permitted through the wellbore annulus. The method includes the steps of suspending the tubing string in the wellbore by the tubing rotator, connecting the packer valve with the tubing string and rotating the tubing string by the tubing rotator in the first direction to actuate the packer valve to the closed flow position.

Abstract: A downhole string includes a liner and devices positioned outside the liner. One or more control lines extend from the liner devices along the exterior of the liner to one or more connectors that provide connection points inside the liner. The one or more connectors may include electrical connectors (e.g., direct contact connectors), inductive connectors (e.g., inductive couplers), optical connectors (e.g., fiber optic connectors), and hydraulic connectors. The one or more control lines may be electrical lines, fiber optic lines, or hydraulic lines. The downhole string may also be used with a cement protector during cementing operations to protect both the inside of the liner as well as the one or more connectors attached to the liner. The cement protector includes a sleeve that isolates cement from the inside of the liner during a cementing operation so that a liner wiper plug is not needed. The cement protector is engageable to a pulling tool that is attached to a running tool.

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 tool and method are disclosed for injecting various treatment fluids into a formation surrounding an underground borehole. The tool comprises at least three axially spaced swab assemblies which define at least two annular spaces between the tool body and the wellbore. In use the tool is moved through the wellbore whilst a first treatment fluid such as a sand consolidation agent or production stimulation chemical, is pumped via a first annular space into the formation and a second treatment fluid, such as an overflush fluid, is pumped via a second annular space into the formation. The tool allows accurate and continuous injection of various treatment fluids over long intervals into the formation without requiring cycling to new fluids.

Abstract: A downhole pulling tool (100) for retrieving downhole devices (102, 104) from a wellbore is disclosed. The downhole pulling tool (100) includes a mandrel (106) and a sleeve (108) that is slidably disposed about the mandrel (106). The sleeve (108) is moveable in a first direction from a first position to a second position relative to the mandrel (106) and is moveable in a second direction from the second position to a third position relative to the mandrel (106). An engagement member (114) radially extends between the mandrel (106) and the sleeve (108) and is operated from a retracted position to an engagement position when the sleeve (108) is moved to the second position relative to the mandrel (106) after equalization.

Abstract: A system for relieving pressurized fluid entrapped in a annular space between a casing (12) and the surrounding wall (11) of a well bore hole (10) during deployment of a packer exterior (14) of the casing (12) for sealing engagement with the wall (11). When packer (14) is inflated in a zone (17) where fluid is entrapped, such as an intermediate packer between two previously inflated packers (13, 14), the squeeze pressure developed by the inflating packer (14) has been found to be sufficient to prevent effective and lasting sealing of the intermediate packer (14). The present system includes a valve mechanism (35) which is activated by the pressurized fluid providing for inflating the packer (14) to open a passageway (90, 94, 91) to bleed the entrapped fluid into the casing (12) and to then close the passageway (90, 94, 91) as inflation of the intermediate packer (14) is completed.

Abstract: An above production disposal tool for use in a production well having a lower production formation and an upper disposal formation includes an outer tube body, upper and lower annular seals, an upper tube member, an upper collar having a plurality of outlet port holes, a lower tube member, a lower collar having a plurality of inlet port holes, an upper inner by-pass tube, a lower inner by-pass tube, a middle collar disposed between upper and lower tube portions of the outer tube body and having a plurality of axial passageways and a plurality of transverse ports, and a tubing pump having an intake port located below the production formation. The outer tube body, upper and lower tube members and tubing pump are incorporated in a tubing string disposed in the production well with the outer tube body extending along the disposal formation which is sealed above and below by the annular seals.

Abstract: There is discussed an apparatus for distributing fluid to at least two separate zones having higher (22) and lower (24) injectivity in a ground formation (10) through a pipe element in a well hole (12), where the pipe element by means of upper and lower sealing bodies (28,30) defines a space (30) which is adjacent to the zone (22) having a higher injectivity and which has a connection (16) to the zone, and where a fluid connection is established between the interior of the pipe element and the space via a replaceable flow pressure-regulating nozzle which establishes a given flow pressure for the current of fluid into the zone (22) having the higher injectivity.

Abstract: A packer apparatus with a circulating port. A housing of the packer has inflation passages, circulating passages, treating fluid passages, and equalizing passages defined therein. In a straddle packer embodiment, upper and lower packers are mounted on the housing on opposite sides of an outlet of the treating fluid passage. A circulation valve with a sliding differential pressure actuated valve sleeve is disposed below the packers. An inner mandrel is slidably received in the central opening of the housing. The mandrel has a mandrel bore and has upper inflation and circulating ports, lower inflation ports, upper and lower equalizing ports, a treating port and lower circulating ports, all of which communicate with the mandrel bore. The valve sleeve has a valve port. A lug and endless J-slot is operably associated with the housing and mandrel for controlling a telescoping position of the mandrel relative to the housing in response to reciprocation without rotation of the mandrel relative to the housing.

Abstract: A tool is disclosed, e.g. but not limited to a wellbore cementing stage tool, which has a hollow body member with one or more lined ports through which fluid can flow from an interior of the body member to space outside the body member, e.g. to the annulus of a wellbore between an exterior surface of the tool and an interior surface of the wellbore or vice versa. The port or ports are lined with a metal tube which has a portion projecting into the body member. The projecting portion may be crushed shut forming, preferably, a metal-to-metal seal to seal off the corresponding port to flow. A hollow member is disclosed with a port through it which has a metal liner with a portion projecting from the port. Methods are disclosed for using the items with one or more lined ports.

Abstract: A subsea well assembly has a cement port closure sleeve which opens and closes a cement port in an outer wellhead housing. The outer wellhead housing secures to conductor pipe. An inner wellhead housing is lowered into the outer wellhead housing before the well is drilled past the conductor pipe, and without having any casing secured to the inner wellhead housing. The sleeve opens and closes an inner return port that extends through the inner wellhead housing and which registers with the outer return port once the inner wellhead housing is in place. Drilling through the inner wellhead housing takes place with the sleeve closed. Subsequently, when casing is run, the casing hanger will engage the sleeve and move it to an open position. This allows cement returns to flow out the inner and outer return ports.

Abstract: The completion tool is formed by two identical inflation valve bodies, two identical casing members screwed to the two valve bodies respectively, two identical packer mandrels with packers coupled to said inflation valve bodies, and a valve sleeve coupled to the other ends of the two casing members and to the two packer mandrels. A piston is slidably located in the sleeve valve for movement between opened and closed positions. One casing, with its valve body and packer mandrel and packer is screwed to one end of the sleeve valve and the other casing with its valve body and packer mandrel and packer is coupled to the other end of the sleeve valve by way of an adapter coupling. The packers are bonded in annular slots formed in the packer mandrels at opposite ends to allow the packers to be expanded outward. Valve structure is provided in the valve bodies for allowing the packers to be inflated. A central passageway and outer by-pass passageway are formed through the completion tool.

Abstract: An expandable packer is disclosed for repairing a rupture in an underground conduit. The device includes a first packer section formed proximate a first end and having a first inflatable bladder mounted peripherally thereon. A second packer section is formed proximate a second end and has a second inflatable bladder mounted peripherally thereon. A packer discharge coupling is releasably interconnectable with the first section and includes discharge port means. A packer extension section extends between the discharge coupling and the second packer section. There are means for releasably coupling one end of the packer extension section with the second packer section. The discharge coupling includes means for releasably interconnecting the opposite end of the extension section with the discharge coupling. Compressed air or other gas is selectively introduced into the bladders to inflate the bladders so that they sealably engage the conduit.

Abstract: A drill stem testing system which does not require rotation or axial displacement of an associated drill string to actuate valves and pumps is described. The system includes a drill stem constructed in a number of sections which are interconnected with screw-type connections. The housing contains test-related devices such as a pump for inflating packers with wellbore fluids to isolate a test region, a packer deflation valve for exhausting fluids from the packers when testing is complete, a test flow valve for introducing wellbore test flows into the housing, and a pressure equalization valve for placing the test region in communication with external wellbore regions prior to packer deflation. Each of these devices is adapted for electric actuation and contacts an internal power line extending centrally through the interior of the housing.

Abstract: A washing tool (24) attached to the lower end of a pipe string (18) includes a mandrel (28) between upper and lower subs (30, 32). The mandrel (28) has opposed spaced end sections (54 56) connected with an intermediate section (58). Each end section (54, 56) has a fluid inflatable elastomeric packer (64) thereon inflatable at a relatively low fluid pressure, and intermediate section (58) has a leaf spring (86) over a port (84) which is opened by outward movement of the leaf spring (86) at a second higher predetermined fluid pressure within the pipe string (18).

Abstract: A well valve assembly is disclosed for the control of well fluids that flow in the tubing and the annulus of a well. The well valve assembly consists of two parts, the first part being a housing that forms a portion of the well that has flow openings defined between the tubing and the annulus. The second portion of the well valve apparatus comprises a valve insert that may be lowered down through the well tubing and latched in a position adjacent the housing means. By proper selection and location of seals and flow passages on the valve insert well fluids in the tubing and the annulus may be controlled in a predetermined manner. Since valve inserts having different configurations may be interchanged within the same housing, the well valve assembly may interchangeably direct the flow of fluids within the well.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved tool for washing the perforations in an oil or gas well bore casing. The tool includes a tubular mandrel having orifices, between pairs of pressure sealing packer cups, for discharging a cleaning fluid into the area between the tool and the casing. The longitudinal spacing between the packer cups is variable by means of variable length spacer sleeves placed between the packer cups. The mandrel having an axial internal by-pass tube for passing cleaning fluid and debris through the mandrel. The by-pass tube having a telescoping section for accommodating the elongation and contraction of the tube due to temperature changes. The by-pass tube also permits entering the tool into the casing by eliminating vacuum or pressure build-up in the casing.

Abstract: A packer bypass for use between a pump and packer in a testing string for venting said pump and packer to a well annulus after completion of a testing operation. The packer bypass comprises a case with an inner flow tube disposed therein such that an annular passageway is defined therebetween. A piston having a lower portion is reciprocably disposed in the annular passageway. A plurality of latching fingers are pivotally mounted to the lower end of the piston and biased towards a latching position. A bypassing mandrel is reciprocably disposed in the annular passageway below the piston and has an open position for bypassing pump pressure thereabove and packer pressure therebelow to the well annulus and also has a closed position in which bypassing is prevented. The mandrel may be raised from the closed position to the open position by lowering the piston and engaging the latching fingers with a flange on the mandrel.

Abstract: Downhole apparatus for converting conventional petroleum wells to gas lift or chemical injection operation by perforating the well tubing at the desired depth and thereafter installing a packoff anchor within the well tubing, without disturbing the setting thereof, to bridge the perforation, the packoff anchor having an elongate tubular body with a lateral flow port in its wall, seals above and below the flow port for sealing with the well tubing above and below the perforation, and a receptacle for receiving a flow control device, such as a gas lift valve or injection valve for controlling flow through the lateral port. Fluids, such as lift gas or treating fluids injected into the annulus at the surface enter the flow stream inside the well tubing through the perforation and lateral flow port but under control of the flow control device. Preferably this elongate tubular body is a side pocket mandrel, and that preferably of the orienting type.

Abstract: In the representative embodiment of the invention described herein, formation-treating apparatus is adapted to be dependently supported in a well bore from a pipe string and which includes upper and lower telescoped body members adapted to be selectively moved between upper and lower operating positions for controlling the injection of treating fluids into one or more earth formations traversed by the well bore. A pair of spaced packer elements are mounted on the lower member above and below a discharge port and cooperatively arranged for isolating a well bore interval that is to be treated by discharging one or more treating fluids in the pipe string from the port. To control the injection of treating fluids, retrievable valve means are also cooperatively arranged within the body members and adapted to be alternatively seated on upper and lower full-bore valve seats in the upper and lower bodies in response to movement of the bodies to their operating positions.

Abstract: A packer for a down hole oil well includes an inner mandrel assembly having an upper outer sleeve assembly that includes the hold down mechanism and upper packer seals with a piston on the underside of the packing seals to be pressure responsive and to deform the seals in response to pressure within the well string. Furthermore, a lower outer sleeve assembly has packing elements that are deformed and a setting mechanism to allow the packer to be set in a position within the well casing. Upper and lower unloading valves allow for fluid the bypass the packers when the packer is retrieved upward through the well casing.