Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a downhole bypass tool that includes an inlet for receiving fluid into a housing of the bypass tool. The bypass tool also includes a flow directing apparatus disposed in the housing for directing fluid to flow into an operational flow path of a vibratory tool. The vibratory tool is at least partially disposed within the hosing of the bypass tool. The flow directing apparatus operates selectively bypass the operational flow path of the vibratory tool such that the fluid bypasses the operational flow path of the vibratory tool and flows out of an outlet of the bypass tool.

Abstract: A tool string carrying an external tool, such as a liner hanger, on a release mechanism is lowered into the wellbore. Interlocking lugs and J-slot profile, defined between the exterior surface of the mandrel and interior surface of the release mechanism, allow relative movement of release mechanism and mandrel without releasing the release mechanism. The relative movement allows mechanical operation of a valve or other tool positioned below the release mechanism. Weight-down and rotation of the tool string and mandrel actuates the lower valve assembly by turning a sleeve into alignment with cooperating members of the mandrel. The sleeve, no longer constrained, moves longitudinally in response to a biasing mechanism. Movement of the sleeve allows closure of the valve. After actuation of the valve tool, further weight-down releases the release mechanism from the carried tool.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention disclose enhanced and improved well production tools for increasing the stability of production zones in a wellbore. Various embodiments of the present invention generally relate to apparatuses, systems, and processes for efficiently and effectively isolating zones within a wellbore.

Abstract: Bypass valve comprising a ported housing (1) and concentrical ported sleeve (2). Ported piston (3) is slidably arranged within the sleeve. Between sleeve and piston is a control system consisting of control element (5) fixed to sleeve (2) by means of plugs (7) passing through apertures (49) and holes (68). Noses (35) protrude into recesses (34) of drive element (4). Saw teeth (31) on drive element (4) interact with teeth (29) on rotatable timing element (6). Key (27) on element (6) interacts with teeth (32) on control element (5). Lower end (70) of key is abutting against ridge (67) formed on inner surface of sleeve (2). when key (27) is engaged to teeth (32), teeth (31, 29) on elements (4, 6) are misaligned. Pressure increase results in piston (3) and drive element (4) moving downward freeing key (27) from engagement with teeth (32). Teeth (31, 29) are forced into alignment with subsequent rotation of timing element (6). In this position, ports on piston and sleeve are partially aligned.

Abstract: An assembly for removing debris and/or conducting a wellbore operation may include a mandrel, a sliding sleeve rotationally coupled to the mandrel, and a flushing sleeve coupled to the sliding sleeve. A releasable connection may temporarily prevent axial movement between the sliding sleeve and the mandrel. A downhole tool may be coupled to the mandrel to conduct the wellbore operation. The flushing sleeve may be hydraulically actuated to an extended position ahead of the downhole tool. A method of removing debris from a wellbore and conducting a wellbore operation may include lowering an assembly into the wellbore, supplying pressurized fluid into the wellbore using the assembly to remove debris from the wellbore, and moving a downhole tool to a position where at least a portion of the downhole tool is disposed outside of the assembly to conduct the wellbore operation.

Abstract: A circulation valve includes: an outer tubular sleeve telescopically mounted at its end over a tubular mandrel; a fluid passage between sleeve and the mandrel, the fluid passage providing fluid communication between the inner bore of the valve and its outer surface; a dual knife seal assembly to control flow out of the fluid flow path through the fluid passage, the dual knife seal assembly including a first annular knife seal edge and land that seal up when the sleeve and mandrel are in a fully axially compressed position and a second annular knife seal edge and land that seal up when the sleeve and mandrel are pulled into a fully in tension position; and, a J-slot position indexing mechanism including a slot and a key to guide movement of the sleeve and the mandrel between the fully in tension position and the fully compressed position. The circulation valve is employed in a wellbore treatment assembly and methods.

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: A plug counter including a j-slot sleeve; a helix sleeve in operable communication with the j-slot sleeve such that axial movement of the j-slot sleeve causes rotational movement of the helix sleeve; an anti-rotation sleeve disposed about the helix sleeve and having a keyway therein; and a key disposed in the keyway and responsive to movement of the helix sleeve and method.

Abstract: A valve is mounted to a tubular string and has an actuation assembly that is isolated from well fluids. The valve member can be a ball that rotates on a pivot and is actuated by relative rotation of string components that straddle the ball. Rotation of one string component is linked to the closure ball by an external slanted slot with an operating ball that rides in it and connects the rotating string component to the closure ball. Travel stops limit the desired rotation of the closure ball in opposed directions. The closure ball can alternatively be rotated by relative longitudinal string component movement that is converted to relative rotation such as through the use of a j-slot mechanism. Internal seals isolate the slanted slot and operating ball from well fluids.

Abstract: A valve rod guide is adapted to be coupled to the barrel of a subsurface pump or the like. The guide has head, neck, body, and base regions. A plurality of angled flutes are provided on the body, tapering downwardly for preventing solids from reentering the pump barrel after pump operations are ceased and thereby damaging pump components once pump operations are resumed. The interior diameter of the neck includes lower and upper grooves and a plurality of spiral radial grooves extending therebetween. The spiral radial grooves terminate at exit ports. During pump operations, solids are wiped from the valve rod, drawn into the spiral radial grooves, and accumulate in the lower or upper groove during downstroke or upstroke, respectively. During upstroke, the solids are expelled through the exit ports. A hardened insert may be positioned in the head region, providing a durable wear area for the valve rod as well as a tight fit, thereby preventing solids from escaping through a northern end of the guide.

Abstract: A tubular system with selectively engagable sleeves includes, a tubular, a plurality of sleeves disposed at the tubular, and a plurality of engagable members being movable through the tubular with each of the plurality of engagable members being configurable to selectively engage with at least one of the plurality of sleeves and such engagement at least temporarily preventing passage of an engaged engagable member by an engaged sleeve.

Abstract: A system isolates a control system for a downhole tool from the internal pressures in the tubing in which the tool is mounted. Opposed seals are used on a moving component in the tool so as to offset pressure induced forces regardless of the internal operating pressure of the tool. In a particular application to a subsurface safety valve the control system can be isolated from tubing pressure by offset seals between the passage and the flow tube or around exposed portions of the operating piston for the flow tube.

Abstract: Method and drill string valve assembly for closing a conduit through which a high pressure fluid flows. The drill string valve assembly includes first, second and third portions forming an elongated housing having an inside cavity; and a drill string valve provided inside the cavity, to extend from the first portion to the third portion. The second portion has an extension that fits inside a groove of the third portion and prevents the second portion to linearly move relative to the third portion and also allows the second portion to rotate relative to the third portion, and the second portion has a distal region provided with a thread configured to engage a corresponding thread of the first portion such that a rotation of the second portion relative to the third portion determines a tight connection between the first portion and the second portion.

Abstract: A method of operating an isolation valve in a wellbore includes: deploying a work string into the wellbore through a tubular string disposed in the wellbore. The work string comprises a deployment string, a shifting tool, and a bottomhole assembly (BHA). The tubular string comprises the isolation valve and an actuator. The method further includes rotating the actuator using the shifting tool, thereby opening or closing the isolation valve. The isolation valve isolates a formation from an upper portion of the wellbore in the closed position.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention disclose enhanced and improved well production tools for increasing the stability of production zones in a wellbore. Various embodiments of the present invention generally relate to apparatuses, systems, and processes for efficiently and effectively isolating zones within a wellbore.

Abstract: A flow control arrangement includes a housing defining one or more openings therein; a valve structure alignable and misalignable with the one or more openings in the housing; and one or more plugs, one each in each of the one or more openings, each plug being reducible by one or more of exposure to downhole fluids and applied dissolution fluids and method for carrying out a series of downhole operations.

Abstract: A device for use in actuating a valve to control the flow of fluids through a flow tube comprises a stationary ring surrounding the flow tube, the ring having an inner diameter greater than an outer diameter of the flow tube. An interior of the ring and an exterior of the flow tube have complementary screw threads. At least three actuators are equally circumferentially spaced along an exterior of the ring. When activated an actuator induces a screw thread on the interior of the ring to engage a screw thread on the exterior of the flow tube such that the flow tube is moved in an axial direction relative to the ring.

Abstract: A system isolates a control system for a downhole tool from the internal pressures in the tubing in which the tool is mounted. Opposed seals are used on a moving component in the tool so as to offset pressure induced forces regardless of the internal operating pressure of the tool. In a particular application to a subsurface safety valve the control system can be isolated from tubing pressure by offset seals between the passage and the flow tube or around exposed portions of the operating piston for the flow tube.

Abstract: A downhole manifold configured to manage fluid flow to or from a subterranean formation including a housing in operable communication with two or more fluid pathways and having one or more ports for fluid communication with a flow channel; and a valve stem disposed within the housing and actuable to fluidly select one of the two or more fluid pathways and to fluidly communicate that pathway with the one or more ports.

Abstract: Fracturing tools for fracturing multiple zones of a wellbore are disclosed. In certain embodiments, the fracturing tools comprise two or more crossover subs coupled together and having a crossover sub window alignment assembly operatively associated with either an isolation sleeve disposed within the bores of the crossover sub-assemblies or with the crossover sub assemblies themselves. Actuation of the crossover sub window alignment assembly opens and closes the windows of each of the crossover sub-assemblies so that different crossover sub-assemblies can be activated to fracture various wellbore locations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a downhole tool (102) for selectively opening and closing a lateral borehole extending from a primary borehole. The tool (102) comprises a body (104) incorporating a wall provided with an opening (116) extending therethrough; a deflector member (106) slidably mounted in the body (104) and having a deflecting surface (126) for deflecting, in use, downhole equipment laterally within the body (104). The deflector member (106) is slidable between an open position, in which the deflecting surface is located adjacent and facing towards said opening so that, in use, downhole equipment laterally deflected by the deflecting surface is directed through said opening, and a closed position, in which the deflecting surface is oriented relative to said opening so as to prevent downhole equipment from being laterally deflected through said opening during use. In either position, equipment may pass into the primary borehole downhole of the primary/lateral junction.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for perforating a liner, fracturing a formation, and injection or producing fluid, all in one trip with a single tool. The tool has a plurality of outwardly telescoping elements (12, 14) for perforation and fracturing. The tool also has a mechanical control device for selectively controlling the fracturing of the formation and the injection or production of fluids through the telescoping elements.

Abstract: Various technologies described herein involve apparatuses for actuating a downhole tool. In one implementation, the apparatus may include a pressure sensor for receiving one or more pressure pulses and an electronics module in communication with the pressure sensor. The electronics module may be configured to determine whether the pressure pulses are indicative of a command to actuate the downhole tool. The apparatus may further include a motor in communication with the electronics module. The motor may be configured to provide a rotational motion. The apparatus may further include a coupling mechanism coupled to the motor. The coupling mechanism may be configured to translate the rotational motion to a linear motion. The apparatus may further include a valve system coupled to the coupling mechanism. The valve system may be configured to actuate the downhole tool when the valve system is in an open phase.

Abstract: A variable radial flow rate control valve including a body forming a bore along the longitudinal axis thereof for transporting a fluid through the body, a fixed choke member fixedly positioned about the bore, the fixed choke member forming a fixed aperture, a rotational choke member rotationally positioned about the bore, the rotational choke member forming a rotational aperture radially corresponding to the fixed aperture, wherein a fluid passage is formed radially between the bore and the exterior of the body when the corresponding apertures overlap. The rotational choke member is rotatably, but not axially, moveable in relation to the fixed choke member between variable radial flow rate positions.

Abstract: A flowbore fluid temperature control system comprising a valve mechanism that adjusts the flow of a fluid through a flowbore. The flowbore fluid temperature control system also comprises an actuator that adjusts the valve mechanism. The flowbore fluid temperature control system also comprises an operating system that operates the actuator and controls the flowbore fluid pressure. The flowbore fluid temperature control system selectively controls the temperature of the flowbore fluid by adjusting the flow of the fluid through the flowbore. The control system controls the actuator and also controls the flowbore fluid pressure to affect the temperature of the flowbore fluid.

Abstract: A well testing system and well testing method is described which can be operated as a closed system with no production of hydrocarbons outside the well or gas can be separated and flared at surface giving minimal environmental impact with the liquid hydrocarbon being re-injected. This is achieved by providing a string with at least two well conduits which may be arranged in a concentric or non-concentric parallel configuration. One conduit is used to produce formation fluids to surface or to produce/store unrepresentative initial flow products and the other conduit is used to store formation fluid. The storage conduit can be filled from the top (surface) or the bottom of the well. In a preferred arrangement a valve is provided between the storage conduit and the well annulus for well pressure control, and a shut-in or test valve, which is controllable from surface, is disposed in the non-storage production conduit.

Abstract: A variable radial flow rate control valve including a body forming a bore along the longitudinal axis thereof for transporting a fluid through the body, a fixed choke member fixedly positioned about the bore, the fixed choke member forming a fixed aperture, a rotational choke member rotationally positioned about the bore, the rotational choke member forming a rotational aperture radially corresponding to the fixed aperture, wherein a fluid passage is formed radially between the bore and the exterior of the body when the corresponding apertures overlap. The rotational choke member is rotatably, but not axially, moveable in relation to the fixed choke member between variable radial flow rate positions.

Abstract: A fluid flow control device (60) for use in a wellbore to control the inflow of production fluids comprises a sand control screen (62) having a base pipe (64) with a first set of openings (66) that allows the production fluids to flow therethrough and a sleeve (74) coaxially disposed adjacent to the base pipe (64). The sleeve (74) has a second set of openings (76) that allows the production fluids to flow therethrough. The sleeve (74) is selectively positionable relative to the base pipe (64) such that a pressure drop in the production fluids is selectively controllable by adjusting an alignment of the first set of openings (66) relative to the second set of openings (76).

Abstract: Bypass valve for use in wellbores, particularly during the setting of hydraulic anchor packers, a bypass valve is provided with a body (4) incorporating a wall provided with at least one opening (20) and a piston (30) slidably mounted and having a longitudinal bore extending therethrough. The piston (30) is movable between a first position, in which the bore of the piston (30) is substantially isolated from the exterior of the body (4), and a second position in which a passage is provided from the bore of the piston (30) to the exterior of the body (4). Constraining means (42, 52) prevent movement of the piston (30) from the first to the second position. Overriding means are provided to permit movement to the second position.

Abstract: A bypass valve for a gas lift plunger includes a cylindrical valve having opposed ends, a circumferential sidewall and a first flow through aperture which extends through the circumferential sidewall. A body is provided with a cylindrical valve seat and a second flow through aperture. The cylindrical valve is rotatable relative to the valve seat. When the cylindrical valve is rotated to a first position the first flow through aperture and the second flow through aperture are in register thereby permitting gas to flow through. When the cylindrical valve is rotated to a second position, the first flow through aperture and the second flow through aperture are out of register and the flow of gas is restricted. An activation sleeve which overlies the body is used to move the cylindrical valve between the first position and the second position.

Abstract: A valve for downhole well service, having a rotary indexer carrying an elastically-loaded valve element on a valve seat surface in a flow passage, the valve element adapted to obstruct one or more flow passages in the valve seat surface when aligned therewith. The valve may additionally, or alternatively, comprise an elastically-loaded valve element mounted in one or more flow passages in the valve seat surface, this valve element adapted to obstruct the flow passage in which it is installed when urged into contact with the valve seat surface. When a valve element is mounted in one or more of the flow passages in the valve seat, the indexer comprises a protrusion positioned to engage such valve element and force it out of contact with the valve seat surface. The valve may be actuated by command from the surface by sending telemetry elements to a downhole telemetry data detector.

Abstract: A pressure reducing apparatus for controlling the pressure of oil is provided. The apparatus has ceramic components that resist wear caused by sand and debris in the oil. In one embodiment of the invention, the apparatus has a hollow body having an upstream channel, a downstream channel, and a pressure reducing chamber between the upstream channel and the downstream channel. The pressure reducing chamber has a longitudinal axis and contains a disk that is rotatable on the longitudinal axis of the pressure reducing chamber. The disk has a sidewall that abuts the upstream channel and a bottom end that abuts the downstream channel. The sidewall has a height that varies along the circumference of the disk. The disk is rotatable within the pressure reducing chamber so that the height of the sidewall facing the upstream channel can be varied to throttle the flow of oil from the upstream channel.

Abstract: Bypass valve for use in wellbores, particularly during the setting of hydraulic anchor packers, a bypass valve is provided with a body (4) incorporating a wall provided with at least one opening (20) and a piston (30) slidably mounted and having a longitudinal bore extending therethrough. The piston (30) is movable between a first position, in which the bore of the piston (30) is substantially isolated from the exterior of the body (4), and a second position in which a passage is provided from the bore of the piston (30) to the exterior of the body (4). Constraining means (42, 52) prevent movement of the piston (30) from the first to the second position. Overriding means are provided to permit movement to the second position.

Abstract: An apparatus usable in a subterranean well includes a valve, a first mechanism, a second mechanism, and a lock. The valve controls communication between an exterior region that surrounds the valve and an inner passageway of the valve. The first mechanism causes the valve to transition from a first state to a second state in response to pressure in the exterior region. The second mechanism causes the valve to transition between the first state and the second state in response to a pressure differential between the exterior region and the inner passageway. The lock fixes the valve in one of the states.

Abstract: A downhole control tool (20) comprises a first sleeve (22) defining a first profile (28), a second sleeve (24) axially and rotatably movable relative to the first sleeve (22) and defining a second profile (30) for selectively engaging the first profile (28), and a third sleeve (26) axially movable relative to the first sleeve (22) and defining a third profile (36) for selectively engaging the second profile (30). The profiles are engaged and disengaged by axial reciprocal movement of the third sleeve (26). The profiles are arranged such that on the second profile (30) engaging the first profile (28) and the second profile (30) engaging the third profile (36), the second sleeve (24) is rotated relative to the first sleeve (22). Thus, the tool (20) provides an arrangement which converts a reciprocal movement into a rotary movement.

Abstract: An apparatus usable in a subterranean well includes a valve, a first mechanism and a second mechanism. The valve controls communication between an annular region that surrounds the valve and an inner passageway of the valve. The first mechanism causes the valve to transition from a first state to a second state in response to pressure in the annular region. The second mechanism causes the valve to transition between the first state and the second state in response to a pressure differential between the annular region and the inner passageway.

Abstract: In an embodiment of the invention, an apparatus for use in a subterranean well includes a tubular member, a hydraulically set packer, a control line and a valve. The tubular member has an internal passageway, and the hydraulically set packer circumscribes the tubular member and is adapted to be set in response to a difference between first pressure that is exerted by a first fluid in a passageway of the tubular member and a second pressure that is exerted by a second fluid in an annular region that surrounds the packer. The control line is adapted to communicate an indication of the first pressure to the packer, and the valve is adapted to selectively block the communication of the indication to prevent unintentional setting of the packer.

Abstract: A tubing hanger having two actuators 34, 70 disposed at opposite ends of a valve gate 28, to provide pressure balancing. Each actuator has a piston 36 acted on by a hydraulic fluid supplied to sealed spaces 54, 60 through ports 62, 66, 76, 74. Ports 66, 74 may be linked to prevent the two pistons from being forced apart by line pressure leaking from the passage 12 into cavity 72. A single actuator may be used for low pressure applications. A bias spring 68 provides fail safe closure of the valve gate 28.

Abstract: A downhole valve (10) comprises a body (12) defining a through bore (14) and a valve seat (16, 17); and a valve member (18) mounted in the body and moveable between positions to open and close the body bore (14). The valve member (18) defines a segment of a wall of a hollow sphere. In the open position the valve member (18) is located to one side of the bore (14) and in the closed position the valve member (18) engages the valve seat (16, 17).

Abstract: A mud saver valve is described that features an outer housing that retains upper and lower valve pistons therewithin. The pistons coordinate to provide a check valve so that fluid, such as drilling mud, is permitted to flow in one direction while under pump pressure and works as a relief valve in the event of excessive wellbore pressure when the pump is turned off. Both pistons are provided with apertured plates that selectively define fluid passages through the valve. In the described embodiment, the valve also includes a frangible vent cap that is self-securing and easily replaceable. The cap permits venting of excessive downhole pressures.

Abstract: A device for regulating fluid flow in a well is provided. The device may include: a body member having a central bore extending therethrough, at least one flow port, and a first valve seat; a sleeve member movably disposed within the central bore of the body member, and having a second valve seat adapted for cooperable sealing engagement with the first valve seat; means for selectively controlling movement of the sleeve member to regulate fluid flow through the at least one flow port; and conduit means -or transmitting energy to the movement means. The conduit means may include a first and a second hydraulic control line, a single hydraulic control line, or a single electrical conductor. The movement means may include: a piston connected to the sleeve member and movable in response to a combination of hydraulic fluid, pressurized gas, spring force, and/or annulus pressure; or an electric motor connected to the sleeve member.

Abstract: A mud saver valve is described that features an outer housing that retains upper and lower valve pistons therewithin. The pistons coordinate to provide a check valve so that fluid, such as drilling mud, is permitted to flow in one direction while under pump pressure and works as a relief valve in the event of excessive wellbore pressure when the pump is turned off. Both pistons are provided with apertured plates that selectively define fluid passages through the valve. In the described embodiment, the valve also includes a frangible vent cap that is self-securing and easily replaceable. The cap permits venting of excessive downhole pressures.

Abstract: An apparatus for remotely controlling fluids in a well is provided. The flow control apparatus may include a body member having a flow port in an outer wall of the body member, and a flow aperture spaced inwardly from the outer wall. A remotely shiftable valve member may be disposed for reciprocal movement within the body member to regulate fluid flow through the flow aperture and flow port. An indexing sleeve may be rotatably disposed within the body member and engaged with the shiftable valve member to shift the valve member within the body member. An operating piston may be engaged with the indexing sleeve and movably disposed within the body member in response to pressurized fluid. A locking mechanism may also be included for locking the shiftable valve member in a closed, or sealing, position. Electrically-operated mechanisms for shifting the valve member is also provided.

Abstract: A device for regulating fluid flow in a well is provided. The device may include: a body member having a central bore extending therethrough, at least one flow port, and a first valve seat; a sleeve member movably disposed within the central bore of the body member, and having a second valve seat adapted for cooperable sealing engagement with the first valve seat; means for selectively controlling movement of the sleeve member to regulate fluid flow through the at least one flow port; and conduit means for transmitting energy to the movement means. The conduit means may include a first and a second hydraulic control line, a single hydraulic control line, or a single electrical conductor. The movement means may include: a piston connected to the sleeve member and movable in response to a combination of hydraulic fluid, pressurized gas, spring force, and/or annulus pressure; or an electric motor connected to the sleeve member.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for temporarily storing the lower portion of a string of drill pipe in a well which has a cased portion wherein a packer, installed between a storm valve located below the packer and an actuator located above the packer, is set in the annulus between the drill pipe and the well casing, the actuator being designed to close the valve upon initial axial movement of the upper portion of the drill pipe, and then to become disengaged from the lower portion of the set drill pipe allowing the remaining surface suspended drill pipe and actuator to be retrieved as in the case of a floating drill ship or set aside for reconnection and reopening of the storm valve after a storm has passed.