Abstract: A disclosed remote work system includes a light source and a nonlinear converter optically coupled to and remote from the light source. The nonlinear light converter converts a narrowband light pulse received from the light source to a converted spectrum light pulse. The system also includes a work element coupled to the nonlinear light converter. The work element performs a work operation using the converted spectrum light pulse. A related remote work method includes generating a narrowband light pulse and conveying the narrowband light pulse to a remote location. The method also includes converting the narrowband light pulse to a converted spectrum light pulse at the remote location. The method also includes performing a sense operation or work operation at the remote location using the converted spectrum light pulse.

Abstract: A method of servicing a wellbore in a subterranean formation comprising placing a foamed wellbore servicing fluid into a wellbore; flowing the foamed wellbore servicing fluid back to the wellbore surface; and contacting the foamed wellbore servicing fluid with an immobilized defoaming agent structure comprising an inert substrate and a defoamer. A system comprising a foamed wellbore servicing fluid in contact with a de-foaming structure, wherein the de-foaming structure comprises a defoamer covalently bonded to an inert substrate.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a method of electrostatically coating a composite object comprising: a) Pretreating a surface of the composite object with a composition to induce conductivity; b) Applying a charge to the object after surface pretreatment; and c) Electrostatically applying a coating material to the object. In an embodiment, the method comprises cleaning the surface of the composite object prior to pretreating. Also described is a composite downhole tool pretreated with a surface pretreatment composition and electrostatically coated. In an embodiment, the composite downhole tool comprises bridge or frac plug mandrels, wedges, sleeves, noses, cones, mule shoes, extrusion limiters, slips, baffles, landing seats, frac balls, wireline tools, housings for measurement-while-drilling, housings for logging-while-drilling, or tubular parts.

Abstract: Systems and methods for transporting seawater from a seawater source to an inland site for utilization as a drilling and/or fracturing fluid are disclosed. In an aspect, systems and methods are disclosed wherein seawater is extracted from an ocean at a coastal location and transported to an inland drilling and hydraulic fracturing site via a railway-based transportation system, thereby providing a consistent, large volume supply of seawater for use in drilling and/or hydraulic fracturing operations. Such systems and methods may eliminate usage of locally-sourced fresh water, eliminating the unsustainable burden that drilling and hydraulic fracturing places on local water tables.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing cable along a tubular in a wellbore using a first retainer for attachment to the tubular at a first location and a second retainer for attachment to the tubular at a second location. Each retainer is constructed and arranged to reverse the direction of the cable and to at least partially retain the cable due to elastic forces therein. In one embodiment, the cable is formed into a plurality of loops, each having an upper end retained by the first retainer and a lower end retained by the second retainer.

Abstract: A well tractor for use in inserting a bottom hole assembly into a wellbore, the well tractor including a tractor body, and two or more wheels connected to the tractor body by pivot arms and having a retracted position and a deployed position, the at least two wheels moveable between the retracted and deployed positions by hydraulic cylinders attached to the pivot arms. The well tractor further includes a track creating a loop around at least two wheels and engaged with the wheels, so that when the wheels rotate, the track also rotates around the wheels, When the wheels are in the retracted position, the track is maintained in close proximity to the tractor body, and when the wheels are in the deployed position, the track extends radially away from the tractor body and into contact with surfaces of the wellbore.

Abstract: A first wireline tool embodiment includes a segmented tool body having a joint deployed between each adjacent pair of tool body sections. The joint may be configured to extend axially (causing a relative axial displacement of the adjacent tool body sections) when the wireline tool is subject to an axial load. The joint may include, for example, a compliant joint or a protractible joint. The joint may be further configured to cause a relative rotation between the adjacent tool body sections when the wireline tool is subject to axial load. A second wireline tool embodiment includes a plurality of standoff rings deployed about an outer surface of a rigid tool body. The standoff rings engage helical grooves in the outer surface of the tool body such that axial displacement of the tool body causes the standoff rings to rotate.

Abstract: Device (A) for controlling and/or operating a tool, a device or underwater equipment employed in connection with exploration and recovery of hydrocarbons offshore or onshore. The device (A) comprises a hollow sleeve (S) with a number of recesses (U, Ut1, Ut2) and a closed volume (V), in which recesses (U, Ut1, Ut2) a movement mechanism (M), a stopper element (21) and a block release element (8) are mounted, where, when influenced by cyclic loading, the movement mechanism (M) will be moved relative to the stopper element (21) and the block release element (8) into a position where the block release element (8) via a release pin (7) will open up a connection between the closed volume (V) and a number of relief recesses (AU), whereby at least one push rod (26) is activated for operating in the device's (A) longitudinal direction, where the implementation of the release pin (7) is employed for controlling or operating the tool or the underwater equipment.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of establishing a microbial plug in a hydrocarbon-containing geological formation which has been flooded with water. Also disclosed herein are methods of maintaining such plugs-and methods of controlling alteration of the position and/or extent of an established plug. Disclosed herein are plugs such as microbial plugs.

Abstract: Internal coarse particle injection plasma transferred arc torch nozzles comprising: a heat-resistant nozzle body; at least one coarse hard-metal particle internal injection port; at least one fine hard-metal particle and matrix internal injection port; at least one gas port; and a cathode. Related systems, apparatus, compositions, and methods involving such arc torch nozzles are also disclosed.

Abstract: A space filler material is used to prevent accumulation of debris that could later foul the operation of adjacent moving parts. In one application a void space that is subsequently closed by actuated parts is initially filled with a material that is highly compressible and has voids that allow it to compress without undue resistance to part movement when the void volume is reduced. Ideally, the pores or voids in the material itself are small enough to keep most if not all the debris from entering and making the space filling material too rigid to collapse under part movement. In an alternative application, the material can be in an annular space such as a seal bore and it can keep debris from getting past the seal bore while allowing hydrostatic pressure across itself thereby helping it to maintain its position until moved such as by shifting of an inner string to which it is attached.

Abstract: Concentric control lines have an outer line disposed about one or more inner lines. Encapsulated together, the lines only require one penetration through the wellhead to extend downhole. At the wellhead, the lines communicate with an operating system, which can provide hydraulics, electric power, signals, or the like for downhole components. Beyond the wellhead, the concentric lines extend along the tubing to a manifold. The outer line sealably terminates at the manifold's inlet, while the inner conduit passes out an outlet with a sealed fitting to connect to a downhole component. A downhole line couples to an outlet of the manifold and communicates internally with the outer conduit terminated at the manifold's inlet. This downhole line can then extend to the same downhole component or some different component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a downhole tool extending in a longitudinal direction, comprising a tool housing; an arm assembly pivotally mounted about a pivot point fixed in relation to the tool housing and movable between a retracted position and a projecting position in relation to the tool housing; an arm activation assembly for moving the arm assembly between the retracted position and the projecting position, the arm activation assembly being arranged inside the tool housing and having a first end face and a second end face adapted for being connected with the end faces of other arm activation assemblies; wherein the arm activation assembly comprises: a piston housing having a piston chamber extending in the longitudinal direction of the downhole tool and comprising: a first piston housing part, a second piston housing part removably connected to the first piston housing part, a piston member arranged inside the piston housing and connected with the arm assembly, the piston member being movable in th

Abstract: The present invention relates to a downhole tool extending in a longitudinal direction, comprising a tool housing; an arm assembly movable between a retracted position and a projecting position in relation to the tool housing; an arm activation assembly arranged in the tool housing for moving the arm assembly between the retracted position and the projecting position, the arm activation assembly comprising a piston chamber extending in the longitudinal direction of the downhole tool, a piston member arranged inside the piston chamber and movable in the longitudinal direction of the downhole tool, and wherein the arm activation assembly further comprises a torque member comprising a first fluid channel for supplying hydraulic fluid from a pump to the arm assembly, the torque member being connected with the arm assembly and wherein the torque member is rotated by the movement of the piston member, whereby the arm assembly is moved.

Abstract: A downhole device with compressive layer at the surface thereof. Such devices may be particularly well suited for survivability in the face of potentially long term exposure to a downhole environment. Techniques for forming protective compressive layers at the surfaces of such devices may include positioning devices within a chamber for bombardment by high frequency particles. As a manner of enhancing the compressive layer thickness and effectiveness, low temperature conditions may be applied to the device during the high frequency treatment.

Abstract: An apparatus monitors a production flow from a gravel pack into a tubular sand screen disposed concentrically around downhole production tubing in an oil or gas well. A tubular sample layer is disposed concentrically around the sand screen to be exposed to the radial production flow in use. The sample layer is electrically insulated from the production tubing in use. An erosion sensor provides a signal which varies in dependence upon an electrical resistance of the sample layer, which is related to the erosion of the sample layer. An apparatus also monitors a substantially longitudinal production flow through downhole production tubing in an oil or gas well. A method and apparatus are used to monitor the condition of a gravel pack within an oil or gas well. Other methods monitor temperature or pressure conditions within an oil or gas well.

Abstract: There is provided A device for conveying a pressure pulse for activating fluid-activated equipment in a pipe (12/27), wherein the device is characterized in that the pipe (27) comprises a flexible membrane (24) which isolates the fluid F1 in the fluid conveying pipe from a fluid F2 in another canal which is in fluid communication with the equipment, wherein the membrane, on account of its elasticity, conveys pressure changes (pressure pulses) in the fluid P1 in the pipe (12) to the fluid P2 in the other canal (30).

Abstract: A snubber for reducing shock and vibration in down hole tools includes a housing having an axis and a chamber. A piston is mounted in the chamber for axial movement therein. The piston includes a shaft extending therefrom to an exterior of the housing. An axial spring element is mounted between the piston and the housing. Both the piston and the chamber include non-cylindrical portions.

Abstract: An inflatable packer contains a reactive metal in an annular space between the mandrel and the element. A fluid is admitted into the annular space to start a reaction that gives off gas. The generated gas fills the annular space and inflates the element in the process. The actuating fluid can be water and the off gas can be hydrogen. The volume of the reactants can also increase as they swell in the reaction that generates the gas. A valve arrangement associated with the mandrel retains the gas pressure and prevents over-pressurization. The packer can be set in a surrounding tubular or in open hole.

Abstract: Downhole tools for use in wellbores in subterranean formations comprise a body comprising at least one anomalous strengthening material. Methods of forming downhole tools for use in wellbores in subterranean formations comprise forming a body comprising at least one anomalous strengthening material. Methods of using downhole tools in wellbores in subterranean formations comprise disposing a body comprising at least one anomalous strengthening material in a wellbore in a subterranean formation. The at least one anomalous strengthening material may be exposed to a temperature within the wellbore higher than a temperature at a surface of the subterranean formation and a yield strength of the at least one anomalous strengthening material may increase.

Abstract: Copolymers containing acryloylmorpholine and vinylimidazole, and optionally vinylcaprolactam and/or n-vinyl pyrrolidone, have shown superior results in hydrate inhibition tests at conditions of 7° C. subcooling dosed at 1 vol % based on the water cut of the system fluids. The copolymer product has also passed high TDS (total dissolved solids) brine compatibility tests and secondary property tests including foaming and hot injection tests which make it useful as a kinetic hydrate inhibitor in gas production systems susceptible to the formation of natural gas hydrates.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and system for treating a well having a wellbore extending from a ground surface or subsea surface downhole to an oil producing formation. Oil producing formations are capable of generating formation fluids into a wellbore. Formation fluids are comprised of at least an oil fraction and an aqueous fraction. Emulsions may form during oil production, and such emulsions may be comprised of oil and water. Inhibitor compositions may be employed to break such emulsions.

Abstract: An apparatus for gripping a support member is described. The apparatus comprises a tubular clamp, the tubular clamp defining a throughbore adapted to receive a support member therethrough, a first apparatus member adapted to engage a first portion of an external surface of the tubular clamp, and a second apparatus member adapted to engage a second portion of the external surface of the tubular clamp. Relative movement of the first apparatus member with respect to the tubular damp in a first direction results in a deflection of a section of a first end of the tubular clamp into the clamp throughbore and relative movement of the second apparatus member in a second direction, opposite the first direction, with respect to the tubular clamp results in a deflection of a section of a second end of the tubular clamp into the clamp throughbore.

Abstract: A clamp assembly is disclosed. The clamp assembly is made with a first clamp part, a second clamp part, a hinge assembly and a fastener. The first clamp part has at least one connection capable of receiving and securing the at least one downhole tool. The first clamp part also has a first inner clamp surface. The second clamp part has a second inner clamp surface extending between the third side and the fourth side. The hinge assembly connects a first side of the first clamp part to a third side of the second clamp part and is configured to permit the first clamp part and the second clamp part to be moved to a closed position and an open position to receive the tubing.

Abstract: A well system can include a tubular string in a blowout preventer stack, a releasable hanger of the tubular string supported by a support surface, and the released hanger permitting the tubular string to displace further through the blowout preventer stack. A tubular string can comprise a releasable hanger including at least one inwardly retractable support, an indicator sub interconnected a distance from the hanger, and wherein the support retracts in response to a stimulus, whereby the tubular string is released for displacement. A method of measuring a distance between a support surface and a location in a blowout preventer stack can include displacing a tubular string into the blowout preventer stack, contacting a releasable hanger with the surface, indicating the distance from the surface to the location along the tubular string, and then releasing the hanger, thereby permitting the tubular string to displace further through the blowout preventer stack.

Abstract: A technique is provided to limit the number of vehicles required during a well project involving a plurality of well construction related procedures. The technique utilizes a modular unit, e.g. a vehicle, and a plurality of modules that may be interchanged on the modular unit according to the scheduled well procedure. A separate crane unit can be used to move the modules to and from the vehicle as required for specific phases of well construction.

Abstract: A shearing tool for shearing, trimming, or reducing objects being pulled through a drill string and methods for retrieving retrievable tools with fins from the drill string, where the retrievable tools must pass through restrictions in the drill string having interior diameters less than the outer diameters of the fins. The fins, affixed to the retrievable tools, provide stability to the tools, while within the drill string, and can be made of rubber, plastic, other shearable materials, or combinations thereof. The apparatuses and methods include inserting a shearing tool with a flange into a box end of a section of drill string, where the flange keeps the shearing tool in place. The shearing tool further comprising a cutting surface for cutting materials pulled through the shearing tool.

Abstract: A method for securing a wellbore string device to a wellbore liner tubular employs a swelling elastomer to frictionally grip a gap between the wellbore string device and the liner tubular. The swelling elastomer is positioned between the wellbore string device and the wellbore liner tubular, then activated to cause it to swell to engage the wellbore string device with the wellbore liner tubular. The wellbore string device may be a centralizer, a wear band or a torque ring.

Abstract: Multiple-block downhole anchors and anchor assemblies are provided. A downhole anchor assembly for a tubing string includes an anchor block, a drag block, a biasing arrangement, and a mandrel to be coupled to the tubing string. The anchor block moves, with rotation of the mandrel, between a run position out of contact with a well bore and a set position in contact with the well bore to set the downhole anchor assembly in the well bore. The drag block contacts the well bore at least when the anchor block is out of contact with the well bore. The biasing arrangement biases the anchor block away from the well bore and the drag block toward the well bore. The anchor block is thus protected from the well bore by the drag block, and the biasing arrangement provides for automatic un-setting of the anchor block when torque is removed from the mandrel.

Abstract: Provided are coated sleeved oil and gas well production devices and methods of making and using such coated sleeved devices. In one form, the coated sleeved oil and gas well production device includes an oil and gas well production device including one or more bodies and one or more sleeves proximal to the outer or inner surface of the one or more bodies, and a coating on at least a portion of the inner sleeve surface, outer sleeve surface, or a combination thereof, wherein the coating is chosen from an amorphous alloy, a heat-treated electroless or electro plated based nickel-phosphorous composite with a phosphorous content greater than 12 wt %, graphite, MoS2, WS2, a fullerene based composite, a boride based cermet, a quasicrystalline material, a diamond based material, diamond-like-carbon (DLC), boron nitride, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A well fishing method and system is described. In at least one example of the invention, a method of retrieval of material (e.g., a tubing string) having broken control or monitoring lines from a cased well is provided. The method comprises: isolating, from the well casing, broken lines above the material to be retrieved, thereby creating a substantially axial work passage; grasping the material to be removed through the substantially axial work passage; and pulling the material to be retrieved and the restrained lines from the well. Example shrouds, probes and other members are also described.

Abstract: A downhole tool is hydraulically actuated through a control system that features rod piston(s) that are double acting. The piston bore is in a single housing component with an annular cavity that provides access to all piston bores to move the pistons in a first direction. The housing component that has the piston bore also includes an internal sleeve in a passage in the housing. A second control system connection communicates with a sealed annular space defined between the sleeve and the passage wall that holds the sleeve. A series of radial ports communicate from the annular space into each piston bore on the opposite side of each piston from the annular cavity so that each piston is double acting with a bore in a single housing component.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a dissolvable downhole tool. The tool includes, a dissolvable body constructed of at least two materials and at least one of the at least two materials is a reactive material, and a first material of the at least two materials being configured to substantially dissolve the dissolvable body and a second material configured to control reaction timing of the first material.

Abstract: Methods and related systems are described for downhole positioning of sensors such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, tiltmeters and geophones. The sensor or sensors are mounted within the spherical rotor of a spherical motor such that the device can be actively positioned in one or more orientations by activating the spherical motor.

Abstract: An improvement to a prior art sand release apparatus and method uses a pair of telescoped tubular members. In the improved system and method, the telescoped members are prevented from completely telescoping by a J-hook latch. Also in the improved system and method, a wear resistant seal prevents leakage when the telescoped members are not extended.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for providing hydraulic load compensated time delay in downhole well operations. The apparatus includes a piston stem enclosed by a piston housing. An axial force, acting either in the direction of stretch or in the direction of compression, causes a pressure buildup in one of two hydraulic chambers which are each filled with an incompressible liquid and which are mutually connected through one or more throttle orifices. A sideways floating, supported piston sleeve is arranged between the piston stem and the piston housing.

Abstract: A shearing tool for shearing, trimming, or reducing objects being pulled through a drill string and methods for retrieving retrievable tools with fins from the drill string, where the retrievable tools must pass through restrictions in the drill string having interior diameters less than the outer diameters of the fins. The fins, affixed to the retrievable tools, provide stability to the tools, while within the drill string, and can be made of rubber, plastic, other shearable materials, or combinations thereof. The apparatuses and methods include inserting a shearing tool with a flange into a box end of a section of drill string, where the flange keeps the shearing tool in place. The shearing tool further comprising a cutting surface for cutting materials pulled through the shearing tool.

Abstract: Provided are coated oil and gas well production devices and methods of making and using such coated devices. In one form, the coated oil and gas well production device includes an oil and gas well production device including one or more bodies, and a coating on at least a portion of the one or more bodies, wherein the coating is chosen from an amorphous alloy, a heat-treated electroless or electro plated based nickel-phosphorous composite with a phosphorous content greater than 12 wt %, graphite, MoS2, WS2, a fullerene based composite, a boride based cermet, a quasicrystalline material, a diamond based material, diamond-like-carbon (DLC), boron nitride, and combinations thereof. The coated oil and gas well production devices may provide for reduced friction, wear, corrosion, erosion, and deposits for well construction, completion and production of oil and gas.

Abstract: Downhole apparatus for location in a bore which intersects a fluid-producing formation comprises a bore wall-supporting member configurable to provide and maintain a bore wall supporting force for a fluid-producing formation of at least 2 MPa, whereby fluid may flow from the formation into the bore. The bore wall supporting force may be utilised to modify or maintain the permeability of the rock adjacent the bore wall.

Abstract: A torque anchor for use with progressive cavity pumps (PC Pumps) for preventing rotation of the PC Pumps and any related tool string within a well bore, possessing a connector constructed and adapted to connect a tube, which in a preferred embodiment is a diluent cable, between the two fixed slips. A method is also recited for running coiled tubing or a diluent cable downhole using the torque anchor.

Abstract: A method for deploying a sensor array into a wellbore, including inserting the sensor array into a secondary tubular coupled to a body at a surface of the wellbore, coupling the sensory array to the body, running the secondary tubular into a primary tubular fixed to the wellbore, engaging a latch mechanism located on the body with a mating element fixed to the primary tubular of the wellbore, and decoupling the secondary tubular from the body and retrieving the secondary tubular from the wellbore while the sensor array is held fixed by the latch.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to systems and methods for mitigating temperature-related pressure buildup in the trapped annulus of an oil or gas well, wherein such systems and methods employ production and/or tieback casing having one or more pressure mitigating chambers., and wherein such chambers make use of pistons, valves, and burst disks to mitigate pressure increases within the annulus. Such systems and methods can provide advantages over the prior art, particularly with respect to offshore wells.

Abstract: Apparatus if provided for use in wells, particularly wells that have high-pressure and high-temperature conditions in the well. The shells of completion equipment that is required to withstand the rigorous conditions in such wells are increased in strength by laminate layers that are formed of materials having higher yield strength than the yield strength of materials that can be used in well fluids.

Abstract: Included within the scope of the invention is an article of cured fluoroelastomer composition bonded to an inert substrate. The cured fluoroelastomer composition includes a fluoropolymer, a silica, and an acrylate compound. The fluoroelastomer composition is bonded to the inert substrate with a bind having a bond durability of at least about 1500 pounds load at 20° C. The inert substrate may be a metal substrate or a ketone-based polymer substrate. Also included are methods of bonding a fluoroelastomer composition to an inert substrate that may be, for example, a metal substrate or a ketone-based polymer substrate. The methods include contacting a curable fluoroelastomer composition to an inert substrate and curing the fluoroelastomer composition to form a bond between the composition and the inert substrate. The curable fluoroelastomer composition of the methods includes an acrylate compound, a curing agent, silica, and a fluoropolymer that comprises at least one cure site monomer.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of well construction or treatment which comprises introducing a setable cement composition down a borehole, characterized in that said composition contains pulverulent aplite. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: Systems and methods for use of pressure actuated collapsing capsules suspended in a thermally expanding fluid in a subterranean containment space are herein disclosed. According to one embodiment, a system comprises a subterranean pressured fluid receiving containment space located in a wellbore of a subterranean well and a pressured operating fluid filling at least a portion of the containment space. The pressured operating fluid comprises a mixture of substantially incompressible liquid and pressure actuated collapsing capsules. At least a portion of the pressure actuated collapsing capsules implode as pressure in the containment space exceeds a predetermined limit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rig assembly for use in the oil and gas exploration and production industry. In an embodiment of the invention, a rig assembly (12) for a drill ship (10) is disclosed. The rig assembly (12) comprises a rig floor receiving area (14); a plurality of movable rig floor units (18, 20, 22 and 24), each rig floor unit (18, 20, 22 and 24) configured for location in the rig floor receiving area (14), to thereby define a rig floor of the rig assembly (12); and a transporter (26) configured to receive any one of the rig floor units (18, 20, 22 and 24), for transporting a selected one of the rig floor units (18, 20, 22 and 24) from a storage area (28) to the rig floor receiving area (14).

Abstract: A shear assembly used downhole to actuate a work string function includes a dampening subassembly to dampen the momentum of moving parts following shearing to avoid excessive acceleration and resulting jarring forces within the work string. A dual shear assembly is provided, in which the dampening subassembly prevents inertial force resulting from a first shear from exceeding the threshold for actuating the second, higher threshold, shear mechanism thereby allowing more precise control of the forces applied to the work string to prevent premature shearing of the second shear mechanism. In a specific embodiment, the dampening subassembly is a hydraulic dampening subassembly. The dual shear assembly may be used, for example, to first open a wash port above a tool lodged within the wellbore to loosen debris above the lodged tool, and then to shear the tool from the work string if necessary.

Abstract: A ball catcher for selectively catching and retaining drop balls in a well bore. The catcher is located on a workstring. A main bore (18) axially through the catcher is restrained to provide first (26) and second (28) bores of differing diameters. The first bore (26) is further restricted at a lower end, thus balls within the first bore (26) are retained and balls in the second bore (28) pass through the catcher. The bores preferably overlap to provide a channel (30) so that smaller balls can pass between the bores for release. In one embodiment, the second bore (28a) is located centrally through the catcher so that wireline tools and the like can be run through the catcher.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system for enhancing the recovery of gas in a perforated interval of a gas well. The system features a tubing string having a dead string attached for reducing the flow area of the annulus in the perforated interval, thereby reducing the critical velocity of the gas, i.e., the velocity required to overcome backpressure due to fluids in the well column. The system includes a ported member for receiving gas from the annulus into the tubing string. The ported member and the dead string are isolated from each other by a retrievable plug. The disclosed system provides access from the surface through the dead string for diagnostic or corrective operations. The system also provides delivery of reagents such as foamers to the perforated region to further reduce the critical velocity.