Abstract: A float shoe/collar apparatus and method for multi-purpose use in running a tubular string such as a casing string or liner into a wellbore and for optimizing cementing operations. In one presently preferred embodiment, the apparatus permits auto filling of the tubular string as the string is lowered into the wellbore. Circulation can be effected through down jets for washing the wellbore as necessary. After the tubular string is positioned, the down jets can be blocked off and up jets opened to thereby direct cement upwardly to optimize cement placement. Check valves can also be activated to prevent flow from the wellbore into the tubular string. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises an inner member and tubular member. The inner member is movable upon release of shear pins to cause longitudinal movement relative to the outer member. The movement of the inner member may close a plurality of downward jets and may also open a plurality of upward jets, if desired.

Abstract: The present invention relates to bypass valves for use in wellbores, particularly but not exclusively to bypass valves used during the setting of hydraulic anchor packers. A bypass valve (2) is provided with a piston (30) slidably mounted adjacent a body member (4) having at least one opening (20) extending therethrough. The piston (30) is moveable between a first position establishing a passage from the interior of the body (4) to the exterior thereof via the at least one opening (20) and a second position isolating the interior of the body (4) from the exterior thereof. A second piston may be provided for increasing, in response to a predetermined fluid pressure differential across the length of the piston (30), the force exerted on the piston (30) by a given flow of fluid through the bypass valve (2) such that the resultant force on the piston (30) is insufficient to move the piston (30) 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 system for enhancing oil production and reducing contamination thereof by such things as water breakthrough in unconsolidated horizontal wells comprises gravel packing, zonal isolation and selective flow control in combination. The significant control provided by the system enables the well operator to create a uniform pressure drop form heel to toe of the horizontal well and avoid commonly experienced water coning and early breakthrough of the horizontal borehole. An intelligent completion string including one or more flow control devices and one or more sensors is installable to enhance zonal isolation and control.

Abstract: In carrying out the principles of the present invention, in accordance with an embodiment thereof, an annular choke apparatus, and methods of use, are provided for use within a subterranean well. In broad terms, a choke tool apparatus is provided which includes an outer housing having an outer housing wall with at least one flow port therethrough, and a variable annular flow-area choke disposed within the outer housing, the variable annular flow-area choke having a first generally tubular member sealingly disposed within the outer housing, the first tubular member having a shoulder with a sealing surface, a second generally tubular member slidingly and sealingly disposed within the outer housing, the second tubular member having a shoulder with a sealing surface, the second member movable between a sealed position wherein the sealing surfaces are in sealing abutment and an open position wherein the sealing surfaces are spaced apart. The sealing surfaces preferably provide a metal-to-metal seal.

Abstract: A downhole debris filtering apparatus has the flow diverter retracted as the tool is run in. Settling velocity is the rate at which debris will fall through the fluid. Settling velocity is dependent on the density of the fluid and the debris density. If the fluid velocity exceeds the settling velocity, the debris will rise. The restricted annular area outside the screens raises the fluid velocity. Above the cup sleeve, the annular area increases significantly and the fluid velocity is reduce to below the settling velocity to allow debris to settle to the bottom of the tool. On run in, the fluid merely bypasses on the outside of the filter. Large debris will settle into the tool as described. When pulled out of the hole the swab cup/flow diverter is actuated into casing or liner wall contact and a large passage is opened to allow flow though the filter. Small debris that has risen above the tool will be captured as the fluid is filtered through the screen.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in controlling the flow of fluid between first and second zones (9 and 10) and a common region (26) comprises: a first passageway (17) for providing a first fluid flow path, between the first zone (9) and the common region (26), in use of the apparatus; and a second passageway (23), outside the first passageway (17), for providing a second fluid flow path, between the second zone (10) and the common region (26), in use of the apparatus. The first passageway (17) is provided with first flow control means (25), for controlling the flow of fluid between the first zone (9) and the common region (26), and the second passageway (23) is provided with second flow control means (28), for controlling the flow of fluid between the second zone (10) and the common region (26).

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

Abstract: An apparatus for gravel packing a production interval (42) of a wellbore (32) comprises first and second sand control screen assemblies (56, 58) connected downhole of a packer assembly (46) and a cross-over assembly (40) that provides a communication path (74) downhole of the packer assembly (46) for a gravel packing fluid and a communication path (92) uphole of the packer assembly (46) for return fluids. A wash pipe assembly (66) extends into the first and second sand control screen assemblies (56, 58) forming an annulus (84) therebetween. A valve (70) is positioned within the wash pipe assembly (66) in a location between the first and second sand control screen assemblies (56, 58). The valve (70) is actuatable from a closed position to an open position when the beta wave (100) is proximate the location of the valve (70).

Abstract: A novel apparatus and method for cementing branch wells from a parent well is disclosed herein. A cementing valve that is releasably coupled to a cementing stringer is used during cementing operations. The cementing valve is comprised of a valve body and a moveable member, each of which have openings formed therein. Movement of the moveable member opens or closes the cementing valve. The method involves releasably attaching the cementing valve to a cementing stinger, running the cementing valve downhole, positioning the cementing valve in a previously open branch outlet, and cementing the branch outlet and branching chamber into position within the well.

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: The present invention presents an improved method and apparatus for liquid entrainment by a two-phase flow system. The present invention provides an apparatus that recovers liquids by entrainment without experiencing deadhead conditions, choking or dry recovery due to fluctuations in the elevation of the liquid level. The apparatus provides self-regulated two-phase recovery of gas and liquid by construction design, thus eliminating the need for manual adjustments or electronically controlled devices. The enhanced venturi effects of the present invention enhance liquid lift while maintaining the gas recovery point above the liquid at all times to eliminate deadhead conditions.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides a port collar assembly comprising a housing and a sleeve disposed therein. The sleeve is moveable between a first or opened and a second or closed position relative to the housing. In the closed position, the port collar prevents communication of the fluid between the exterior and interior of the port collar. In the open position, the port collar permits communication of the fluid between the exterior and interior of the port collar. The assembly includes a locking mechanism for the opened and closed positions comprising ratchet teeth formed on the exterior surface of the sleeve and mating ratchet teeth formed on the interior surface of the housing. The mating ratchet teeth are designed to secure the sleeve in a first position within the housing. A second set of mating ratchet teeth secures the sleeve in a second position.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for filling a tubing string as it is lowered into a subterranean hydrocarbon well. In one embodiment, an apparatus to fill a tubular with fluid in a wellbore comprises a housing defining a central bore. An aperture formed in the housing provides fluid communication between the central bore and the ambient environment of the tubing string. A piston valve slidingly disposed in the housing is selectively pressure actuatable relative to the housing to control fluid communication between the central bore and the ambient environment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for isolating a completing and isolating a zone within a subterranean wellbore is disclosed. One embodiment of the present invention is a zonal isolation assembly for completing a first zone in a subterranean wellbore. The zonal isolation assembly comprises an inner housing and a sliding sleeve capable of moving between an open and closed position is disposed within the inner housing. A passageway provides fluid communication between the inside and outside of the inner housing and an isolation tubing element is at least partially disposed within the inner housing and capable of moving between an upper position and a lower position. When the sliding sleeve is in its closed position and the isolation tubing element is in its lower position, fluid communication from the first zone through the isolation assembly is restricted.

Abstract: A multi-zone packing system having unique features that allow for remote operation, thereby eliminating the need to raise and lower a work string and crossover tool to various zones of interest during a frac pack, gravel pack or related completion procedure. The squeeze pack system has a crossover tool or port collocated with each zone of interest and remotely operated closing devices to allow for the setting of each packer and the packing job to be performed with minimal or no movement of the work string.

Abstract: Several downhole flow control devices are disclosed which are meterable and are also capable of shutting of a particular zone in a well. The several embodiments include a multiple valve body, a toroidal inflatable valve, and a series of related choke systems. The downhole flow control choke mechanisms each include a downhole electronics package to provide programming or decision making capacity as well as motor actuation systems. Each choke mechanism also includes a system whereby the device can be converted to manual operation and actuated by a conventional shifting tool.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of controlling the flow of hydrocarbons into and/or out of a string of tubing disposed in a wellbore. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a tubular member having at least one aperture formed in a wall thereof and a sleeve disposed radially outward of the tubular member. The sleeve is selectively movable between a first position and a second position to control the flow between the outside and the inside of the tubular member. In one aspect, the apparatus further comprises a biasing member disposed adjacent the sleeve and adapted to apply a force against the sleeve in an axial direction and further comprises a piston adapted to receive a hydraulic pressure to move the sleeve against the force of the biasing member. In another aspect, the apparatus further comprises a electromechanical device adapted to selectively move the sleeve between the first position and the second position and further comprises a control line adapted to conduct an electrical current.

Abstract: An apparatus and operating method allows the completion of multiple production zones in a single wellbore with a single downhole trip. The work string descends with a coaxially combined completion string and service string. The completion string is set into a previously set basement packer. The completion string includes a series of production screens, transverse flow orifices, isolation packers and collet indicating couplings, all prepositioned along the completion string length relative to the basement packer set location. The production sleeves and transverse flow orifices are selectively closed by axially sliding sleeves. The service string includes a crossover flow tool, a SMART collet tool, sleeve shifting tools and sleeve closing tools. With all orifice and screen closure sleeves closed, the procedure proceeds from the lowermost production zone to open the closure sleeves respective to the flow orifice and screens dedicated to a respective production zone.

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

Abstract: A wellhead insolation tool for use with a wellhead assembly from which a tubing string is suspended comprises a tubular mandrel which includes an axial passage that extends therethrough and lower end that is adapted to engage the tubing string, a pumping head which is connected over the wellhead assembly and which includes an internal chamber that is in fluid communication with the axial passage and a port that extends through the pumping head to the chamber, and an actuator which is connected over the pumping head for moving the mandrel axially through the pumping head and into engagement with the tubing string. When the mandrel is engaged with the tubing string, fluid may be communicated through the port, the chamber and the mandrel and into the tubing string.

Abstract: A mudsaver valve for insertion into the upper end of a well casing includes an elongated cylindrical valve body member having a central bore for receiving an elongated generally tubular valve closure member for movement in the body bore between valve closed and open positions. Passages in the closure member open to the outer surface thereof and spaced apart seal members mounted on the closure member prevent fluid flow out of the valve when the closure member is disposed in a closed position in the body. The body supports plural circumferentially spaced spring biased drag blocks or radially deflectable leaf or bow spring members which are engageable with the casing to support the body stationary in the casing so that the closure member may be reciprocated with respect to the body between valve open and closed positions.

Abstract: An assembly for formation and completion of deviated wellbores is disclosed which includes a toolguide and a casing section which can be used together or separately. The toolguide includes a lower orienting section and a whipstock having a sloping face, commonly known as the directional portion of a whipstock. The toolguide is coated with a material such as epoxy or polyurethane to provide a repairable surface and one which can be removed to facilitate removal of the toolguide from the well bore. The lower orienting section has a latch which extends radially outwardly from the section and can be locked in the outwardly biased position.

Abstract: An improved float shoe/collar apparatus is provided for use during casing run in or floated in. The apparatus has an inner tubular member and outer tubular member, movable upon release of shear pins to cause longitudinal movement relative to each other. The movement of the inner tubular member closes a plurality of downward jets and opens a plurality of upward jets. The apparatus also is equipped with a set of check valves, held open on run in, and activated to close upon cementing to prevent “u-tubing” of fluid back into the casing.

Abstract: A variable downhole choke is disclosed wherein an outer housing includes a selected port pattern of ports and subports and a sleeve having similar ports and subports wherein subports depend from ports on each of the housing and sleeve. The ports/subports are oriented so that upon converging movement of housing and sleeve the sleeve subports align with housing subports before the sleeve ports align with housing ports.

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 downhole adjustable choke includes a choke body which is adapted to be lowered into a borehole. The choke body has a bore and an orifice connected to the bore. A sleeve is disposed inside the bore of the choke body. The sleeve has an orifice which is aligned with the orifice in the choke body. An actuator is coupled to move a flow plug inside the sleeve so that the flow area of the orifice in the sleeve is adjustable.

Abstract: A milling system has been invented for milling an opening in a tubular in a tubular string in a wellbore extending down from a surface of the earth, the milling system, in one aspect, has a whipstock connected to an anchor assembly and a mill apparatus releasably connected to the whipstock, the mill apparatus having auto fill apparatus therein. A mill has been invented with a mill body with a top end and a bottom end, a flow bore through the mill body, and an auto fill apparatus in the flow bore. A valve assembly has been invented for selectively controlling fluid flow through a hollow tubular in a string of hollow tubulars in a wellbore extending from a surface of the earth into the earth, the valve assembly in one aspect having positions limited to at rest, circulate, and anchor set positions so that a fluid pressure indicating at the surface indicates only either a pressured up position for anchor setting or a pressured up position for fluid circulation.

Abstract: Several downhole flow control devices are disclosed which are meterable and are also capable of shutting of a particular zone in a well. The several embodiments include a multiple valve body, a toroidal inflatable valve, and a series of related choke systems. The downhole flow control choke mechanisms each include a downhole electronics package to provide programming or decision making capacity as well as motor actuation systems. Each choke mechanism also includes a system whereby the device can be converted to manual operation and actuated by a conventional shifting tool.

Abstract: The invention is a well fluid production valve that is positioned downhole in a closed condition below an upper formation packer. The valve comprises a cylindrical mandrel having central bore flow connection with the upper bore of well fluid production tubing and coaxially aligned within the lower bore of the production tubing string. Flow port apertures through the mandrel wall provide well fluid flow paths between the mandrel O.D. and the bore I.D. of the lower production tubing. These flow ports are covered to close the valve by a sliding sleeve around the mandrel O.D. The sliding sleeve is spring biased to the open position but also secured at the closed valve position by an annular piston actuated sear mechanism. Actuation pressure for opening the valve to admit a flow of well fluids from the production zone is a predetermined differential between the well pressure above the packer, usually a function of the well depth, and the operator controlled pressure within attached production tubing.

Abstract: A flow rate control device (18) placed at the bottom of an oil well in production comprises holes (24) formed in the production tubing (16), a closure sleeve (26) suitable for sliding over the holes (24) for controlling the flow rate, and a protective sleeve (34). The protective sleeve (34) is urged by a return spring (36) into a position in which it covers a sealing gasket (32). During closure of the device (18), the two sleeves come into edge-to-edge abutment and the closure sleeve (26) pushes the protective sleeve (34) back against the return spring (36). The sealing gasket (32) is never in direct contact with the fluid in the well. Preferably, the closure sleeve (26) is mounted on the outside of the production tubing (16).

Abstract: There is provided a multilateral well and electric transmission system comprising a branch well tubular in a branch wellbore which is connected in an electrically conductive manner to a primary well tubular in a primary wellbore such that the primary and branch well tubulars form a link for transmission of electrical power and/or signals between the primary and branch wellbores. Low voltage electrical power can be transmitted from the surface to a battery in the branch wellbore to trickle-charge the battery and signals from battery-actuated measuring and control equipment in the branch wellbore can be transmitted back to surface via the walls of the electrically interconnected primary and branch well tubulars.

Abstract: A system for enhancing oil production and reducing contamination thereof by such things as water breakthrough in unconsolidated horizontal wells comprises gravel packing, zonal isolation and selective flow control in combination. The significant control provided by the system enables the well operator to create a uniform pressure drop form heel to toe of the horizontal well and avoid commonly experienced water coning and early breakthrough at the heel of the horizontal borehole.

Abstract: An isolation system having: an isolation string, wherein the isolation string has a packing assembly which secures the isolation string in a wellbore casing, wherein the isolation string has a production screen which allows production fluid to pass into the isolation string; an isolation sleeve which slides within the isolation string between open and closed positions, wherein the open position allows fluid communication between the production screen and an interior portion of the isolation string and the closed position prevents fluid communication between the production screen and an interior portion of the isolation string, wherein the isolation sleeve comprises at least one isolation valve which is coupled within the isolation sleeve, wherein the at least one isolation valve is movable between open and closed positions; a locking device which locks and unlocks the isolation sleeve in an open position, wherein the locking device comprises a trigger that secures the isolation sleeve to the isolation string

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

Abstract: Downhole apparatus (10) for mounting on a string (12) for location in a drilled hole is provided, the apparatus comprising: a tubular body (14) defining a bore; a packer (16) mounted on the body (14) for sealing the annulus between the body (14) and the wall of the hole; a plug or valve (18) for closing the body bore (14) below the packer (16); a fluid actuated valve (20) in the body between the bore closing valve (18) and the packer (16) for permitting selective fluid communication between the body bore and the exterior of the body, and an arrangement (22) for transferring fluid pressure from above the packer (16) to the valve (20), whereby fluid pressure applied to the annulus above the packer (16) may be used to operate the valve (20).

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

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention relates to a method or process, useful in cementing a well, especially a hydrocarbon well, which is characterized by the use of increased external and internal diameter liners, the method being characterized by provision and use of a novel liner and liner-tool assembly. Novel liner apparatus, a liner-tool assembly, and a fluid circulating tool are also disclosed.

Abstract: A bypass sub which will automatically bypass fluid flow in excess of a selected optimal flow rate for a downhole mud motor. A spring biased mandrel within a housing is driven downwardly by increased fluid flow, and driven upwardly by spring force upon decreased fluid flow, to control the alignment of a port in the mandrel with a bypass port in the housing, thereby maintaining a desired rate of fluid flow to the downhole motor.

Abstract: An injection fluid tubing assembly for handling a flow of fluid [is taught. The assembly] includes tube having a port formed through its wall, a sliding sleeve valve retained within the tube and moveable between a closed position in which it blocks the port and an open position for permitting the flow of fluid to pass through the port and a channel for diverting the flow through the port to prevent the flow from passing directly radially outwardly through the wall of the tube.

Abstract: A downhole safety valve and method of operating a safety valve are provided. In general, the safety valve includes a housing having an interior fluid flow passage therethrough and at least one circulating port in the housing for providing fluid communication between the interior fluid flow passage and the exterior of the housing. A piston is operatively positioned within the housing for movement between a first position and a second position in response to a fluid pressure differential between the interior fluid flow passage and the exterior of the housing. A slip is operatively connected to the piston, whereby over a first range of the movement of the piston the slip moves with the piston, and over a second range of the movement of the piston the slip does not move with the piston. A first valve is positioned within the housing for opening and closing the interior fluid flow passage of the housing, and a second valve is positioned within the housing for opening and closing the circulating port.

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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drill string diverter apparatus for reducing surge pressure when lowering a liner into a partially cased wellbore. The diverter apparatus is connected in a pipe string above a liner being lowered into a wellbore. The diverter apparatus comprises a tubular housing with ports defined therethrough to communicate and redirect fluids received in the liner to the annulus between the diverter apparatus and casing previously set in the wellbore. The diverter apparatus has an open position whereby the ports are open and communication is established and a closed position whereby flow through the ports is prevented. A sliding sleeve is disposed about an outer surface of the tubular housing and engages the casing. The sleeve moves vertically relative to the tubular housing once the diverter apparatus has been lowered into the casing to selectively open and close the flow ports. A J-slot means is provided for locking the diverter apparatus in its closed position.