Abstract: One illustrative production/annulus bore stab disclosed herein includes a one-piece body that comprises a first cylindrical outer surface and a second cylindrical outer surface and a plurality of individual fluid flow paths defined entirely within the one-piece body. In this illustrative example, each of the individual fluid flow paths is fluidly isolated from one another and each of the fluid flow paths comprise a first inlet/outlet at a first end of the fluid flow path that is positioned in the first cylindrical outer surface and a second inlet/outlet at a second end of the fluid flow path that is positioned in the second cylindrical outer surface.

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: A downhole waterflood regulator installs in a side pocket mandrel to regulate fluid flow in a waterflood completion. The regulator has an internal piston and can have a check dart. The piston and check dart regulate fluid flow within the regulator's housing. Packings on the regulator's housing packoff the mandrel's ports that communicate with a surrounding annulus. When initially installed in the mandrel, a blanking plug on the regulator's latch prevents fluid flow through the regulator so that the regulator acts as a dummy valve and allows operators to set and test packers or perform other operations. To begin the waterflood operation, operators use a slickline to remove the blanking plug disposed in the latch. With the plug removed, fluid communicated from the tubing string can pass through the ported latch and into the regulator where the piston and check dart regulate the fluid flow out to the annulus.

Abstract: A safety valve apparatus has a housing with a bore and a projection disposed in the bore. A locking dog disposed on the housing is movable to engage an inner conduit wall surrounding the housing, and a flapper rotatably disposed on the housing is movable between opened and closed positions. A first sleeve disposed within the bore above the projection is mechanically movable between locked positions. In one locked position, the sleeve moves the locking dog to engage the wall. A piston disposed in the housing hydraulically communicates with a port in the projection and couples to a second sleeve disposed within the bore below the projection. The second sleeve conceals the piston and is hydraulically movable to open and close the flapper.

Abstract: A downhole tool can perform a series of operations with balls of the same size where movement caused by pressuring up on the first ball positions the next seat to accept another ball just like it. In a preferred embodiment a circulation sub is run in with a port closed and a first seat comprising of collets pushed together and preferably lined with a sleeve are in position to accept a first ball to perform a downhole operation and thereafter pass the ball and open the port. The act of opening the port gives support, by reducing their dimension, to the next assembly of collets also preferably lined with a sleeve so that they are energized to accept the same size ball. Pressuring up on the second ball can shift another sleeve to close the circulation port. The tool is modular and more than one module can be deployed in a given bottom hole assembly.

Abstract: A technique that is usable with a well includes running string that includes a tool and a flowable object that is held in a retained position within the string downhole in the well. After the string is run downhole in the well, the flowable object is released to permit the object to flow in and subsequently seat in a flow path of the string to impede fluid communication so that the tool may be actuated in response to the impeded fluid communication.

Abstract: The present invention provides for high volume flow from a well. A retrievable formation isolation valve allows high volume flow through the remaining casing or tubing. Alternatively, a large bore valve configuration that is not retrieved, but remains as part of the casing, can be used. The present invention also includes methods to allow for high volume flow using retrievable isolation valves or large bore valves.

Abstract: A multi-functional apparatus and method for drilling fluid and cementing operations to set casing in a wellbore for use on either top drive or rotary type rigs. The apparatus and method includes a fill-up and circulating tool, a cementing head assembly, a wiper plug assembly, and a push plate assembly. The fill-up and circulating tool comprises a mandrel with a sealing element disposed about the outside diameter of the mandrel. The cementing head, push plate, and wiper plug assemblies are useable on any fill-up and circulating tool capable of being inserted into a casing. To fill the casing, the assembly is lowered from the rig such that a portion of the fill-up tools inserted into the casing, the pumps are then actuated to flow fluid into the casing. To circulate fluid, the tool is lowered further such that the sealing element sealingly engages the inside diameter of the casing to allow fluid to flow through the casing, into the wellbore, and back to the fluid pumps.

Abstract: A flow tube exercising tool and method for use are described for actuating the flow tube of a downhole safety valve in order to remove build ups of scale and debris from the safety valve and ensure proper operation. The exercising tool provides a lower engagement portion that underlies the lower end of the safety valve flow tube so that upward movement of portions of the exercising tool will move the flow tube upwardly. An upper engagement portion overlies the upper end of the flow tube so that downward movement of portions of the exercising tool will move the flow tube downwardly. Only a single trip of the flow tube exercising tool is necessary to accomplish multiple upward and downward movements of the flow tube.

Abstract: A flow tube exercising tool and method for use are described for actuating the flow tube of a downhole safety valve in order to remove build ups of scale and debris from the safety valve and ensure proper operation. The exercising tool provides an engagement portion that underlies the lower end of the safety valve flow tube so that upward movement of the exercising tool will move the flow tube upwardly. Hydraulic fluid is then provided to the safety valve hydraulic controller to move the flow tube downwardly. Only a single trip of the flow tube exercising tool is necessary to accomplish multiple upward and downward movements of the flow tube.

Abstract: A positioning tool for moving an element in a flow path of a down hole system without actuating a pressure actuated device in the system. The positioning device includes a choke for restricting flow of fluid between the positioning device and the down hole system, a flow diversion path from the upper end of the positioning device to a lower end of the positioning device, and a valve allowing fluid to flow through the diversion path when the choke is proximate the pressure actuated device and blocking flow of through the diversion path when the choke is displaced from the pressure actuated device. The down hole system may be a flapper type fluid loss device with a pressure actuated opening prop.

Abstract: A multi-functional apparatus and method for drilling fluid and cementing operations to set casing in a wellbore for use on either top drive or rotary type rigs. The apparatus and method includes a fill-up and circulating tool, a cementing head assembly, and a wiper plug assembly. The fill-up and circulating tool comprises a mandrel with a sealing element disposed about the outside diameter of the mandrel. The cementing head and wiper plug assemblies are useable on any fill-up and circulating tool capable of being inserted into a casing. To fill the casing, the assembly is lowered from the rig such that a portion of the fill-up tools inserted into the casing, the pumps are then actuated to flow fluid into the casing. To circulate fluid, the tool is lowered further such that the sealing element sealingly engages the inside diameter of the casing to allow fluid to flow through the casing, into the wellbore, and back to the fluid pumps.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inserting a small diameter continuous hydraulic conduit or capillary tube down a well bore is presented. The methods and apparatus allow either the injection of chemicals to enhance production of oil and gas, or to provide a conduit for production up through the small diameter tubing in marginal wells, into a hanger below a well valve to permit its removal from below the valve if the valve should be required to be closed and its reinsertion without pulling the tubing from the well bore.

Abstract: A tubing assembly including a tubing string and tubing hanger provides a fluid passage with backpressure threads for securing a backpressure plug in a fluid-tight seal below the tubing hanger, so that the tubing hanger can be removed from the tubing string. The back pressure threads are preferably incorporated in a backpressure adapter pin connected between the tubing string and the tubing hanger. The adapter pin may also incorporate external weight-bearing shoulders for snubbing and/or suspending the tubing assembly. The backpressure plug is inserted or removed using a backpressure plug tool that slides through a packing in a pressurized casement that maintains pressure in an axial passage through a control stack of the wellhead.

Abstract: Devices and methods for fluid flow control within a production tubing string wherein a temporary flow blockage is established and selectively removed from the tubing string so that pressure testing or operation of a hydraulic tool within the string may be performed. A flow control device includes a housing that defines a flowbore therethrough with a restricted diameter portion. The restricted diameter portion presents a seating surface for a plug member and is provided by an annular shell that is shaped to project convexly inwardly. The shell may be fashioned of metal, elastomer or another suitable material, and it is capable of yielding to permit passage of a plug member upon application of a suitably great amount of fluid pressure. In operation, a plugging member is dropped in to the tubing string from the surface of the well and seats upon the seating surface.

Abstract: The invention provides a downhole shut-in tool for obtaining formation pressure data. The tool includes a fast-closing main valve and a pressure-relief valve operable between open and closed positions to effect periodic sealing and release of formation pressure with respect to the surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved system and method for performing a desired operation at a remote location in a wellbore. The system is composed of a downhole docking station assembly and a detachable downhole tool assembly. The downhole tool assembly includes electrically operated means to move in the wellbore and an end work device to perform the desired work. The downhole tool can also include an imaging device to provide pictures of the downhole environment and various sensors. Data from the downhole tool is communicated to a surface computer, which controls the operation of the tool and displays pictures of the tool environment. The downhole tool detaches itself from the docking station, travels to the desired location in the wellbore and performs a predefined operation according to programmed instruction. The downhole tool returns and connects to the docking station, where it transfers data relating to the operation and can be recharged for further operation.

Abstract: Well surface equipment is provided to seal around the outer surface of portions of tool sections as the tool sections are assembled or disconnected in a portion of the well surface equipment. The portion of the well surface equipment is isolated from wellhead pressure to enhance well operator control during assembly or disassembly of a tool string. Also, if a fluid path is opened up due to activation of the tool string (such as initiation of a detonating cord that is placed in the fluid path), a barrier mechanism is actuated to block fluid communication through this fluid path so that a portion of the well surface equipment can remain isolated from wellhead pressure to enable convenient retrieval and disconnection of tool sections.

Abstract: A valve assembly for hydrocarbon wells comprises a first valve (e.g., a conventional gate valve) and a second valve (e.g., a hydraulically operated, fail safe check valve). The second valve provides an alternative to the pressure barrier conventionally formed by a downhole annulus safety valve. It is installable/retrievable through the first valve using a tool of the type used for installation of surface wellhead VR (valve replacement) plugs.

Abstract: A multi zone isolation tool (50) for use in a subterranean wellbore includes a first tubular and a second tubular disposed within the first tubular forming an annular flow path (110a, 110b) therebetween and a central flow path (70a, 80a, 80b) through the second tubular. An annular valving assembly (90, 80) is positioned in the annular flow path (110a, 110b) and a central valving assembly (148, 186) is positioned in the central flow path (70a, 80a, 80b). The central valving assembly (186) is operably coupled to the annular valving assembly (90) such that when the central valving assembly (148, 186) is in a closed position, a pressure variation in the central flow path (70a, 80a, 80b) will operate the annular valving assembly (90, 80) from a closed position to an open position.

Abstract: A tubing hanger to facilitate production tubing annulus access including a tubing hanger body having a central bore, a shuttle valve slidably mounted to the tubing hanger body, and at least one annulus access bore through the tubing hanger permitting fluid communication between the central bore and an annulus defined between a production tubing string and a wellbore or casing via the tubing hanger body and the shuttle valve. The shuttle valve may be slidingly movable between an open and a closed position. The tubing hanger may further include a groove enclosed by a filler, the groove providing communication between a plurality of small annulus access bores and a large annulus access bore.

Abstract: A system of measuring properties, such as pressure, and transmitting measurements in a subterranean well. In a described example, a valve system includes a valve having a closure member. A sensor senses a pressure differential across the closure member. A tool positioned in the valve transmits power to the valve to operate the sensor, and the sensed pressure differential is transmitted from the valve to the tool.

Abstract: A technique for deploying a liner within a wellbore. The technique utilizes a flush bore running tool that may be coupled to the interior of the liner during deployment of the liner. The mechanism for coupling the running tool and the liner permits the use of the full diameter of the liner after the running tool is released and removed from the liner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in the oil well industry for running in drilling/production liners and sub-sea casings down a borehole through drilling fluid on a drill pipe using a multifunction diverter tool with the benefits of surge pressure reduction are disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, a multi-function diverter tool includes a housing assembly with a set of flow holes formed therein and a sliding sleeve arranged within the housing assembly having two sets of flow ports formed therein at different axial locations along the sleeve. By aligning either set of flow ports of the sleeve with the flow holes of the housing, the tool is set in a “surge pressure reduction” mode. By shifting, or axially indexing, the sleeve downward, the set of flow holes becomes blocked by the sleeve thus setting the tool in a “circulation” or “cementing” mode. This shifting or indexing is accomplished using an indexing mechanism.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for isolating and opening a subterranean zone in a multiple zone well. An isolation tool is installed in the well with a tubing string accessing a particular zone. The tool can be remotely opened and closed to provide access to the zone either mechanically or by applying pressure variation sequences to the tool.

Abstract: A tool string for use in a well to retrieve a completion string while maintaining control of a well without having to kill the well (i.e., without having to exceed formation pressure) each time the string is retrieved.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides a gas operated pump having a removable and insertable valve. In one aspect, the invention includes a pump housing having a fluid path for pressurized gas and a second fluid path for exhaust gas. The fluid paths are completed when the valve is inserted into a longitudinal bore formed in the housing.

Abstract: A valve assembly for hydrocarbon wells comprises a first valve (e.g., a conventional gate valve) and a second valve (e.g., a hydraulically operated, fail safe check valve). The second valve provides an alternative to the pressure barrier conventionally formed by a downhole annulus safety valve. It is installable/retrievable through the first valve using a tool of the type used for installation of surface wellhead VR (valve replacement) plugs.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods are provided which facilitate underbalanced drilling and completion of wells. In a described embodiment of a well control valve, the valve is opened and closed when a drill string is displaced therethrough. A shifting device is carried on a drill bit and deposited in the valve when the drill string enters and opens the valve. The valve is closed and the shifting device is retrieved from the valve when the drill string is tripped out of the well. A packer hydraulic setting tool usable in conjunction with the well control valve in underbalanced completions is also provided.

Abstract: A completion string for use in a wellbore includes a tubing having a bore and a housing providing a main bore communicating with the tubing bore and further defining plural side bores generally parallel to each other. A plurality of valves are positioned proximal respective side bores to control fluid flow. An actuator is coupled to the valves to actuate the valves to at least open and closed positions. The valves may be part of tubular flow elements mounted to the housing, each tubular flow element including a bore that forms part of a respective side bore. Each valve may include a sleeve valve or a disk valve. The housing may include a side pocket mandrel.

Abstract: A method of servicing a well and an associated well system provide convenient downhole hydraulic path selection. In a described embodiment, a hydraulic path selector is preconfigured for selection of a desired hydraulic path set, and then the selector is conveyed into a tubular string in which a hydraulic manifold is connected to one or more hydraulically operable tools. When engaged with the manifold, the selector selects the appropriate hydraulic path set, which selection determines which tool is to be operated and/or in what manner the tool is to be operated. In another described embodiment, the selector is operated after engagement with the manifold to select the appropriate path set.