Abstract: A system for controlling flow in a wellbore uses a downhole flow control device positioned at a downhole location in the wellbore. The flow control device has a movable element for controlling a downhole fluid flow. In response to an applied pressure pulse, the movable element moves in finite increments from one position to another. In one embodiment, a hydraulic source generates a transmitted pressure pulse to the flow control device wherein the maximum pressure of a received pressure pulse downhole is sufficient to overcome a static friction force associated with the movable element, and wherein a minimum pressure of the received pressure pulse downhole is insufficient to overcome a dynamic friction force associated with the movable element.

Abstract: Fluid flow control assemblies capable of being disposed in a wellbore for hydrocarbon fluid production are described. The fluid flow control assemblies can include valves that are actuated via controls from a component positioned at or near the surface to control direction of fluid flow downhole. Packers can be set, slurry can be circulated to screens, and hydrocarbons can be produced via a single trip through the wellbore.

Abstract: Pressure actuable downhole tool such as a packer and a method for actuating the same typically uses a control line to trigger a configuration change in the tool in which a communication line is opened between the throughbore of the tool and apressure responsive actuator, allowing the pressure responsive actuator to be set by downhole fluid pressure applied via the throughbore. Thus the pressure from the control line is used to trigger actuation of the tool, but the throughbore pressure is used to set the tool. The advantage of this activation mechanism is that the tool can be set even when pressure supplied by the control line is insufficient to fully actuate or set the tool, and in certain embodiments, the tool can be set using much higher tubing pressure than could be supplied through the control line, thereby allowing more reliable and instantaneous setting than tools set using control line pressure alone.

Abstract: A barrier valve system includes one or more barrier valves, a connection sub having a first portion and a second portion connecting one or more control lines to each other, and a replacement portion of the connection sub connectable to the first portion subsequent to retrieval of the second portion. The replacement portion has a port from an outside diameter of the replacement portion to an inside diameter of the replacement portion and seals disposed to define an annular space between the replacement portion and the first portion encompassing only valve opening ports in the first portion.

Abstract: A fluid injection device (38) for deployment in a well-bore to control injection of fluid into an oil reservoir, wherein the well-bore has an outer pipe (16) and an inner tube (14) which extends within the outer pipe and is connected at one end to a pressurized fluid supply above the ground. The device includes a control valve arrangement comprising: an inlet (42) for receiving the fluid from the inner tube; an outlet (56) for outputting the fluid outside the inner tube; an inlet valve (44) in a fluid path between the inlet and the outlet; and an actuator (50) associated with the inlet valve which is controllable to switch the inlet valve between its open and closed configurations, such that when the inlet valve is open, the fluid flows from the inner tube, via the inlet, fluid path and outlet to outside the inner tube. A method of controlling injection of fluid into an oil reservoir from a well-bore using such a device is also provided.

Abstract: A safety valve system for use in a subterranean well can include a safety valve protector connected downstream of a safety valve, whereby when closed the safety valve protector reduces a flow rate through the safety valve and prevents displacement of an object through the safety valve protector to the safety valve. Another safety valve system can include a safety valve protector which, when closed, reduces a flow rate through a safety valve, and the safety valve protector closes in response to the flow rate through the safety valve being above a predetermined level. In another safety valve system, each of the safety valve protector and the safety valve comprises an actuator, the actuators being connected by a line, and a signal transmitted by the line causes the safety valve protector actuator to close the safety valve protector, and then causes the safety valve actuator to close the safety valve.

Abstract: A downhole valve for use in a well has a closure device that is biased closed to seal against flow through the central bore of the valve. A plurality of pistons are each coupled to a respective hydraulic control line into the valve. Each piston is adapted to reside in an actuated position, supporting the closure open, when at least a specified hydraulic pressure is supplied through its control line, and to reside in an unactuated position, not supporting the closure open, when at least the specified hydraulic pressure is not present in its control line. The valve has a chamber containing a hydraulic fluid hydraulically coupling the pistons to support any piston not receiving the specified hydraulic pressure in an unactuated position. In certain aspects, when the piston is in the unactuated position, it seals against communication of fluid with its respective control line using a static-type seal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the flow of fluid in an injection well includes a main valve assembly having a valve and a retrievable nozzle selective lock assembly (RNSLA). The RNSLA is operable when positioned within the valve body to open the valve when fluid is pumped into the well and closes the valve when fluid flow is terminated. The RNSLA includes a replaceable orifice nozzle so that orifices of different dimensions may be used in conjunction with the valve assembly. In an alternate embodiment, the RNSLA includes a variable output nozzle assembly to maintain the valve in a protected open position without chattering over a wide range of flow rates.

Abstract: A system that is usable with a well may include a piston, a primary control subsystem and an override subsystem. The piston actuates the downhole tool, and the primary control subsystem may be connected to at least one hydraulic line in order to move the piston in response to pressure that is communicated to the tool via the hydraulic line(s). The override subsystem may be connected to the hydraulic line(s) to override the primary control subsystem and move the piston in response to pressure communicated to the tool via the hydraulic line(s).

Abstract: A technique enables a simplified approach for providing subsea hydraulic control. A subsea installation comprises one or more devices that are actuated hydraulically. A simple signal carrier, such as a wireline logging cable, can be routed down to the subsea installation. However, hydraulic fluid for controlling the one or more hydraulic devices in the subsea installation is delivered via an open water umbilical that extends to the subsea installation from a separate workover control system.

Abstract: A subsea pressure control system includes an inlet flowline, a pressure sensing device coupled into the inlet flowline and in fluid communication with the inlet flowline, a controller coupled to the pressure sensing device, an actuator coupled to the controller, and a valve coupled to the actuator and a fluid outlet. The controller may be responsive to the pressure sensing device, the actuator may be responsive to the controller, and the valve may be responsive to the actuator to regulate a measured pressure of the pressure sensing device at or below a setpoint pressure. Another subsea pressure control system includes a controller responsive to a setpoint pressure in a flowline, and a valve responsive to a signal from the controller, wherein the signal is based on the setpoint pressure and actuates the valve from a closed position to an open position.

Abstract: A well tubing valve including a substantially tubular body connected in a tubular string and a rotational valve member having at least one aperture. The valve member is a sleeve having a part spherical surface, is rotationally moveable relative to the body to align and misalign the at least one aperture in the valve member with a port in the body. The valve member is actuable to rotate relative to the body in a single direction, and moves from the open position to a closed position and back by rotation in the same sense. The valve also includes a sealing arrangement adapted to provide a metal seal that is biased to seal against the part spherical surface.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to the filtering and collection of downhole fluids. An example system to filter and sample downhole fluids includes a first sampling chamber that includes one or more cone-shaped filters to receive downhole fluid, filter the downhole fluid, and store the downhole fluid, a second sampling chamber, a spool valve to allow the downhole fluid to flow into the first sampling chamber in a first position and to redirect the downhole fluid to the second sampling chamber or a base block in a second position, and a setting line to selectively move the spool valve from the first position to the second position.

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: A system including a plurality of differential pressure actuated tools; a seat receptive to a plug; a first conduit fluidly communicating tubing pressure upstream of the seat to one end of each of the plurality of tools; and a second conduit fluidly communicating tubing pressure downstream of the seat to an opposite end of each of the plurality of tools and method.

Abstract: A technique facilitates control over one or more well tools coupled to one or more corresponding control modules. Actuation of the control modules and the well tools may be achieved with three control lines connected to the one or more control modules. Transitioning of the control modules to sequential stages and the consequent actuation of the corresponding well tools is achieved by applying a single pressure level selectively through the three control lines.

Abstract: A single or multi-bowl wellhead may be positioned in a diverter housing over the wellbore. Protrusions on the wellhead may be installed after the diverter housing is removed. The wellhead accommodates the direct connection of hydraulic lines to a hanger seated therein. An overshot running tool protects the wellhead during placement and certain operations.

Abstract: Systems and methods for downhole completions. A downhole running tool can have a body having a bore formed therethrough. A latch member can be disposed on a first portion of the body. A reset member can be disposed on a second portion of the body. A conduit can be formed within a sidewall of the body. The conduit can be located between the first and second portions of the body. A pressure relief port can be disposed at a first end of the conduit; and a first flow port can be disposed at a second end of the conduit. The pressure relief port and first flow port can be in communication with an outer diameter of the body.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system can be used on a downhole choke and has the feature of moving a travel stop for a sliding sleeve using discrete j-slot mechanisms for selectively moving the stop in either one of two opposed directions. The valve can be incrementally opened further with pressure cycling on an opening chamber. The valve can be immediately put to the closed position with pressure on a closing chamber. After closing, the valve can assume its former open position or other selected less open positions by reconfiguring the travel stop while the valve stays in the closed position In order to achieve a higher open percent after closing, one or more pressure cycles must be applied to the open chamber after the valve is reopened to the position it was in before it was closed.

Abstract: One or more embodiments of a selectively openable and closable downhole tool. The wherein, the downhole tool can include an outer tubular member having an annulus port formed therethrough. The downhole tool can also include an inner tubular member. The inner tubular member can include an inner port. The inner port and annulus port can be selectively aligned to form a flow path therethrough by moving the inner tubular member relative to the outer tubular member. The downhole tool can also include a logic drum configured to selectively move the inner tubular member. The downhole tool can also include a piston assembly configured to move the logic drum.

Abstract: A downhole tool has housing components that are relatively movable. One of the components is supported downhole while a control line provides fluid pressure to move the other housing component relative to the supported component to put the tool in a first position. Loss of control line pressure allows the weight of tubulars bearing on the upper housing or rods to move it to put the tool in another position. The tubing weight overcomes the hydrostatic pressure in the control line even when there is no applied pressure in the control line to cause relative housing or rods movement to operate a tool. In that sense the tool can be fail safe to shut off flow, for example, on loss of control line pressure while reducing or elimination the need for a large return spring to offset hydrostatic pressure.

Abstract: A chemical injection system for controlling injection of an injection fluid from an injection fluid supply at a surface location into a production tubing assembly having an upper flow path, a first flow zone, and a second flow zone. The chemical injection system comprises a first fluid injection line configured to inject the injection fluid into the first flow zone and a second fluid injection line configured to inject the injection fluid into the second flow zone. A main fluid supply line is configured to fluidly connect both the first fluid injection line and the second fluid injection line to the injection fluid supply.

Abstract: A method of actuating a well tool includes the steps of: increasing pressure in a fluid line of a fluid metering device; closing a pilot-operated valve in response to the pressure increasing step; and discharging a predetermined volume of fluid from the metering device in response to the pressure increasing and valve closing steps. A fluid metering device for a well tool includes a piston separating chambers; and a pilot-operated valve which selectively prevents fluid communication between the chambers in response to at least a predetermined pressure being applied to a fluid line of the metering device, and which permits fluid communication through the valve between the chambers in response to pressure in the fluid line being less than the predetermined pressure. A greater pressure may be applied to the fluid line to thereby bypass the metering device and allow fluid to discharge from the line.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system for a sub-surface safety valve has control lines in hydraulic communication with the valve. A first control line communicates hydraulic pressure to actuate the valve, while the other control line communicates hydraulic pressure to compensate for hydrostatic pressure associated with the first control line. A regulator regulates hydraulic communication between the two control lines. The regulator prevents fluid communication from the first to the balance control line as long as integrity of the second line is maintained. When the second line fails, the safety valve can fail in the open position. In this case, the regulator permits hydraulic pressure to bleed from the first line to the second line. This allows the safety valve to then fail in a closed condition and allows the second line to potentially be recharged if its integrity is regained.

Abstract: A switching apparatus, system, and method configured to operate at least a dual line downhole tool via a single pressure source are provided. The switching apparatus may comprise a housing configured to contain a switching piston actuated by a fluid pressure source. The apparatus may further contain a switching valve comprising a first and second coupling passageway coupled to a switching valve housing comprising four ports. The switching piston may actuate the switching valve, alternating the coupling between a first configuration in which the four ports are communicatively coupled into two sets of ports and a second configuration in which the four ports are communicatively coupled into an alternate two sets of ports. The first configuration may configure the fluid pressure source to actuate the downhole tool in a first manner and the second configuration may configure the fluid pressure source to actuate the downhole tool in a second manner.

Abstract: A system that is usable with a well may include a piston, a primary control subsystem and an override subsystem. The piston actuates the downhole tool, and the primary control subsystem may be connected to at least one hydraulic line in order to move the piston in response to pressure that is communicated to the tool via the hydraulic line(s). The override subsystem may be connected to the hydraulic line(s) to override the primary control subsystem and move the piston in response to pressure communicated to the tool via the hydraulic line(s).

Abstract: A subsurface safety valve is modified to permit the passage of a downhole treatment chemical through the valve while bypassing a valve closure member which is maintained within the safety valve in operative condition.

Abstract: A technique is provided for utilizing a hydraulic fluid metering control module in cooperation with a downhole component. The downhole component is shifted via hydraulic fluid delivered through first and/or second control lines to an actuator of the downhole component. The hydraulic fluid metering control module works in cooperation with the actuator and the control lines to enable shifting of the actuator according to a controlled, incremental process.

Abstract: A selectively communicatable hydraulic nipple is provided which includes an upper and lower communications component adapted to communicate with tools landed inside the hydraulic nipple. Each communications component communicates with a control line used by the hydraulic nipple. An operator is allowed to selectively communicate with tools landed inside the nipple via the upper and lower communications components via the nipple control line. As a result, should the TRSCSSV control line loose integrity, the operator has the option of utilizing the nipple control line to continue oil and gas production without the need for well modifications. Alternatively, an operator could land a chemical injection tool, with an injection string suspended therefrom, in the nipple and inject chemicals into the well via the nipple control line.

Abstract: A system that is usable with a well may include a piston, a primary control subsystem and an override subsystem. The piston actuates the downhole tool, and the primary control subsystem may be connected to at least one hydraulic line in order to move the piston in response to pressure that is communicated to the tool via the hydraulic line(s). The override subsystem may be connected to the hydraulic line(s) to override the primary control subsystem and move the piston in response to pressure communicated to the tool via the hydraulic line(s).

Abstract: A well system includes a valve interconnected in a casing string and selectively configurable between first and second configurations via a line external to the casing string, the valve in the first configuration being operable to selectively permit and prevent fluid flow between the casing string exterior and interior, and in the second configuration to selectively filter and prevent fluid flow between the casing string exterior and interior. A method of selectively stimulating a formation includes: positioning a casing string in a wellbore intersecting the formation, the casing string including a valve operable via an external line to selectively permit and prevent fluid flow between the casing string interior and exterior; and stimulating an interval set of the formation by opening the valve, flowing a stimulation fluid from the casing string into the interval set, and then configuring the valve to filter formation fluid which flows into the casing string.

Abstract: An apparatus for operating a downhole valve includes: a force transmitter configured to move in an axial direction and including at least one first magnetic assembly; a housing including at least one axially elongated passageway formed therein, the at least one first magnetic assembly configured to be disposed within the at least one axially elongated passageway; and a valve actuator configured to move in an axial direction and including at least one second magnetic assembly disposed at the valve actuator, the first and second magnetic assemblies configured to interact so that movement of the force transmitter in the axial direction causes movement of the valve actuator in the axial direction.

Abstract: A downhole valve apparatus includes: a force transmitter configured to move in an axial direction; a valve actuator configured to move in an axial direction, the valve actuator independently movable relative to the force transmitter and physically isolated from the force transmitter; a first magnetic assembly disposed at the force transmitter; and a second magnetic assembly disposed at the valve actuator, the first and second magnetic assemblies configured to repel one another and cause the force transmitter to move the valve actuator when the force transmitter is moved toward the valve actuator.

Abstract: A technique includes providing a chamber in a well tool to receive pressure to control an operation of the tool. The technique includes providing a seal to isolate the chamber from well pressure. The technique also includes providing a pressure relief mechanism to relieve pressure from the chamber in response to the pressure exceeding a threshold.

Abstract: A technique facilitates control over one or more well tools coupled to one or more corresponding control modules. Actuation of the control modules and the well tools may be achieved with three control lines connected to the one or more control modules. Transitioning of the control modules to sequential stages and the consequent actuation of the corresponding well tools is achieved by applying a single pressure level selectively through the three control lines.

Abstract: Well tools are provided which although pressure responsive, may be maintained by a hydraulic lockout in a nonresponsive condition until a threshold actuation step is performed. This lockout may be achieved by a hydraulic mechanism which controls the rate at which pressure is transmitted to a fluid spring during periods of increased pressure at the pressure source. When the tool is desired to be responsive to pressure cycles, a valve may be opened by established a differential between the pressure in the fluid spring and the pressure source. Communication of pressure in the fluid spring to a movable mandrel will then allow operation of the well tool in response to pressure cycles at the pressure source in accordance with the established design of the well tool.

Abstract: A method for reducing the number of control lines needed to control a plurality of downhole devices including supplying a first control line in operable communication with a plurality of devices, the plurality of devices including at least one group of devices; supplying a second control line in operable communication with said at least one group of devices; and actuating each device of the plurality of devices in said at least one group of devices simultaneously in response to a pressure event.

Abstract: Methods and devices for negating scale buildups on interior surfaces of a sliding sleeve valve housing above the flow tube. In some aspects, a wiper member provides additional clearance between the flow tube and housing to compensate for scale buildup. In other aspects, the interior surface of the valve housing is provided with a sleeve that is disposed between the interior surface of the valve housing and the general flowbore passing through the valve housing to protect the interior surface against scale buildup.

Abstract: The application discloses a safety valve to replace an existing safety valve in order to isolate a production zone from a string of tubing when closed. Preferably, the safety valve includes a flow interruption device displaced by an operating conduit extending from a surface location to the safety valve through the inside of the production tubing. The application also discloses a bypass-conduit which allows communication from a surface location to the production zone through the safety valve without affecting the operation of the safety valve.

Abstract: A control system for a surface controlled sub-surface safety valve has first and second control lines. The first control line communicates control fluid to the sub-surface safety valve and preferably has a sump and in-line filters. Hydraulic pressure applied to the safety valve with this first control line can open the safety valve. The second control line also communicates control fluid to the sub-surface safety valve and preferably has a sump. A connecting valve is connected between the first and second control lines. The connecting valve allows control fluid to communicate from the first control line to the safety valve but prevents fluid communication from the second control line to the first control line. To open the valve, the second control line is exhausted to a reservoir. The dual control lines provide redundant control of the safety valve and can also be cycled to remove debris from the system.

Abstract: A valve that is usable with a well includes an indexer and a closing mechanism. The indexer includes a profile to establish a sequence of open settings for the valve, and the indexer is adapted to respond to first control stimuli to transition the valve through the settings according to the sequence. The closing mechanism is adapted to operate independently of the sequence in response to a second control stimulus to close the valve.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a wellbore includes a flow conduit and a structure defining a tortuous fluid path proximate the flow conduit, where the tortuous fluid path receives a flow of fluid. The tortuous fluid path is defined by at least first and second members of the structure, and the first and second members are movable with respect to each other to adjust a cross-sectional flow area of the tortuous fluid path.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for direct connecting downhole control hydraulics through an oil field hanger, where the hanger is coupled to a wellhead, to hydraulic lines extending outside the wellhead. Further, the direct connection allows hydraulic system integrity with reduced contamination and leakage. Hydraulic tool ports, formed on the hanger, are coupled with hydraulic lines extending downward to a hydraulic tool. Side ports, formed in the hanger, are fluidicly coupled to the hydraulic tool ports. Hydraulic lines extending outside the wellhead are directly coupled with the side ports by accessing the side ports through access openings in the wellhead when the ports are aligned with the access openings. The system can still maintain pressure within internal spaces of the wellhead after the connection by sealing the access openings with flanges, where the hydraulic lines extend through openings in the flanges that are also sealed around the lines.

Abstract: A hydraulic sleeve valve that includes a valve position indication system that provides an indication that the valve has reached a predetermined position, such as, for example, the fully opened or fully closed condition. The hydraulic sleeve valve may include a bypass relief system and may also provide a valve control fluid circulation function to filter or otherwise manipulate the control fluid.

Abstract: Pressure actuable downhole tool such as a packer and a method for actuating the same typically uses a control line to trigger a configuration change in the tool in which a communication line is opened between the throughbore of the tool and a pressure responsive actuator, allowing the pressure responsive actuator to be set by downhole fluid pressure applied via the throughbore. Thus the pressure from the control line is used to trigger actuation of the tool, but the throughbore pressure is used to set the tool. The advantage of this activation mechanism is that the tool can be set even when pressure supplied by the control line is insufficient to fully actuate or set the tool, and in certain embodiments, the tool can be set using much higher tubing pressure than could be supplied through the control line, thereby allowing more reliable and instantaneous setting than tools set using control line pressure alone.

Abstract: A method for positional control of an actuator includes applying pressure to both an input line and an output line connected to the actuator and then releasing a predetermined volume of fluid from the output line, thereby displacing a piston of the actuator a corresponding predetermined distance. A system for positional control of an actuator includes the actuator included in a well tool positioned in a well; the input line connected to the actuator and extending to a remote location; the output line connected to the actuator and extending to the remote location; and a fluid volume measurement device connected to the output line at the remote location. The fluid volume measurement device is operative to meter the predetermined volume of fluid from the output line.

Abstract: A system that is usable with a well includes a closed loop network that is located entirely downhole in the well. The system also includes valves that are located in a wellbore of the well and are interconnected by the closed loop network. Each valve is associated with a different isolated region of the wellbore and is adapted to regulate a flow through the valve based at least in part on a flow condition of the isolated region associated with the valve and a flow condition of each of the other isolated regions.

Abstract: The application discloses a valve, which may include either a safety valve or a storm surge choke valve or the like, to isolate a zone below a valve from a string of production tubing. Preferably, the valve includes a flow interruption surface assembly, such as a flapper valve or a ball valve, displaced by an operating conduit extending from a surface location to the valve through the inside of the production tubing. The application also discloses a bypass-conduit inside the production tubing to allow communication from a surface location to the production zone when the valve is in either an open or a closed location.

Abstract: A downhole valve comprises a body defining a through bore and a valve member for location in the body and movable between an open position and a closed position. The valve has a first configuration in which the valve member is normally closed, and will hold a pressure differential in a first direction, and a second configuration in which the valve member is closed and will maintain a pressure differential in the first direction and also in an opposite second direction and a third configuration in which the valve member is locked in the open position until it is deliberately closed.

Abstract: Well tools are provided which although pressure responsive, may be maintained by a hydraulic lockout in a nonresponsive condition until a threshold actuation step is performed. This lockout may be achieved by a hydraulic mechanism which controls the rate at which pressure is transmitted to a fluid spring during periods of increased pressure at the pressure source. When the tool is desired to be responsive to pressure cycles, a valve may be opened by established a differential between the pressure in the fluid spring and the pressure source. Communication of pressure in the fluid spring to a movable mandrel will then allow operation of the well tool in response to pressure cycles at the pressure source in accordance with the established design of the well tool.