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 lubrication technique for one or more components used in the production of subterranean fluids. The technique comprises the separation of particulates from a produced fluid having lubricating ability. Following separation of the particulate matter, the lubricating fluid is directed to specific areas, such as bearing surfaces within a submersible pump, to facilitate continued operation of the overall system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for using pressure differential between completion fluid in an oil well and produced fluids to power downhole devices, including instruments and actuators. A conduit is provided bypassing a packer which seals a production string to a well casing. A control system, including a flow valve, allows fluid to flow to an electrical generator as needed to charge an electrical storage device. Downhole electrically operated devices, e.g. a temperature sensor and signal transmitter, draw power from the storage device. Alternatively, fluid may also be directed to hydraulically driven actuators to, for example, operate a production fluid control valve.

Abstract: A subsurface apparatus in the form a tractor is adapted for travel through a bore containing a moving fluid stream. The tractor comprises a body, a drive arrangement for moving the body in a desired direction, a member mounted on the body and adapted to be driven by the moving fluid, and a conversion arrangement for converting movement of the member to drive for the drive arrangement. The drive arrangement may include a contactless magnetic coupling and a harmonic drive.

Abstract: A disconnect assembly connecting two portions of a downhole assembly having a downhole apparatus attached to a coiled tubing string. The disconnect assembly includes a first housing connected to one portion of the downhole assembly and a second housing connected to another portion of the downhole assembly. The housings are releasably connected by a release assembly. The release assembly is coupled to a drive train on a motor by a connection transferring rotational motion into translational motion. The release assembly includes locking members having a connected position engaging both housings and a released position wherein the housings can be separated. The motor is connected to the surface by conductors extending through the coiled tubing whereby the motor may be actuated from the surface to move the release assembly between the connected and disconnected positions.

Abstract: An electric submersible pumping system having a downhole gauge section. The electric submersible pumping system comprises a submersible motor powered by a submersible pump. The submersible pump may be located below the submersible motor when in operation, while the downhole gauge section is disposed above the submersible motor. A power cable is coupled to the submersible motor through the downhole gauge section.

Abstract: A component, such as an electric motor, for use in a subterranean environment. The component comprises an attached recording system to record the cumulative use time of the component. The recording system typically includes a timing circuit or other circuit to output data related to use of the component. This data is recorded by a recording device to maintain a cumulative total.

Abstract: An apparatus and method provides an anchoring apparatus for use in a wellbore that comprises a gripping assembly and an actuation assembly. In one arrangement, the actuation assembly includes a motor and a module having at least a compressible element (e.g., a hydraulic module) between the motor and the gripping assembly. Upon activation, the motor actuates the hydraulic module to cause activation of the gripping assembly. In one arrangement, the anchoring apparatus is designed to pass through a tubing or other restriction in the wellbore. When in the retracted state, the gripping assembly of the anchoring apparatus has an outer diameter that is smaller than an inner diameter of the tubing. When in the expanded state, the gripping assembly of the anchoring apparatus has an outer diameter than is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the liner to enable engagement of the gripping assembly against the liner.

Abstract: A method of pumping well fluid from a well having casing with perforations includes connecting an electrical motor to a lower end of a pump and securing the pump to tubing. A restrictor is mounted to the tubing above the pump, the restrictor having a restrictor passage. The well annulus contains a well fluid with a static level under static conditions. When the motor is started to cause the pump to operate, downward flow of well fluid contained in the well annulus flows through the restrictor passage. This reduces the amount of downward flow to increase well fluid flow through the perforations.

Abstract: A downhole gas compression system is adapted for location in a bore of a natural gas-producing well (10), the system comprising an axial flow compressor (32) and a gas-filled electric drive motor (30). The motor drives the compressor to compress the produced gas, the compressed gas being directed upwardly through production tubing (20) to surface.

Abstract: An electrical submersible pump cable having an integral capacitor. The electrical submersible pump cable has a primary conductor with an insulator surrounding the primary conductor. A coaxial conductive layer surrounds the insulator, wherein the insulator serves as a dielectric between the primary conductor and the coaxial conductive layer. An outer insulating sleeve is provided on an outer surface of the coaxial conductive layer. An inner cable armor surrounds the insulating sleeve, wherein the outer insulating sleeve provides electrical isolation between adjacent wires. An outer cable armor surrounds the inner cable armor. The coaxial conductive layer and primary conductor enables the coupling of data information onto or off of the cable.

Abstract: A device is provided for manipulating a tool in a well tubular. The device includes a cylindrical housing having a front end and a rear end, and radially extendible dogs for securing the device in the well tubular. A shaft is also included that is axially displaceable and rotatable from the front end of the device. The shaft is extendable from a displaceable sleeve, the displaceable sleeve also being extendable from the front end of the device. The outwardly extending end parts of the shaft and of the sleeve are provided with is effective for holding a tool.

Abstract: A viscosity handling system for facilitating the movement of certain fluids. The system utilizes kinetic energy in the form of a rapidly and repetitively moving component that imparts energy in the form of heat to surrounding fluid. The system is particularly useful in applications, such as downhole pumping systems, used to produce hydrocarbon-based fluids from beneath the surface of the earth.

Abstract: A bottomhole assembly (BHA) for use in well operations, with particular application to use in drilling with a downhole drilling motor and with coiled tubing and directional drilling, including a novel power pack, orienting tool, arrangement of bottomhole assembly tools, and method of use of the BHA for orienting while drilling.

Abstract: A lift fluid driven downhole electrical generator and method for generating and controlling the electrical output from the electrical generator is disclosed. The electrical generator comprises a housing having a lift fluid port in a sidewall portion thereof for allowing the flow of lift fluids therethrough. A rotor is rotatably disposed within the housing. The rotor converts lift fluid pressure to rotary motion when the lift fluid travels through the lift fluid port and impinges the rotor. The electrical generator also includes an electromagnetic assembly having a first portion that is rotatable with the rotor and a second portion that is stationary with the housing. The electromagnetic assembly converts the rotary motion to electricity as the first portion of an electromagnetic assembly rotates relative to the second portion of the electromagnetic assembly.

Abstract: A downhole rotary water separation system for the separation and transfer of different density fluids in downhole applications using a pump, a motor, a rotary separator and a shaft-incorporated packer, as necessary, with a minimum of conduits and tubes. Torque can be transferred between all moving components as well as the packer such that the motor and pump can be disposed above or below the separator.

Abstract: A preferred novel circulating sub includes an electric motor, hydraulic intensifier, connecting rod, valve sleeve, valve plug, and angled nozzles. Upon activation of the circulating sub the electric motor drives the valve sleeve over the valve plug, causing a flow of drilling fluid to exit the angled nozzles. Upon deactivation of the circulating sub, the electric motor removes the valve sleeve from the valve plug, allowing the flow of drilling fluid to once again flow to the drill bit. Because the electric motor is reversible, the circulating sub can be repeatedly activated and deactivated.

Abstract: A downhole tool that is connectable to a line to be run downhole with the tool includes a housing, a sensor and a mechanism that is located inside the housing. The mechanism is coupled to the sensor to, in response to the detection of the feature by the sensor, generate a tension signal in the line without physically contacting a downhole structure.

Abstract: A linkage apparatus for selectively gripping and releasing the inside walls of a conduit, the apparatus comprising: a first arm; a bi-directional gripping cam rotatably attached to the arm; and an extension and locking device adapted to selectively radially extend the arm from a tool housing to an inside wall of a conduit and adapted to selectively lock the arm in an extended position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for horizontally drilling in wells utilizing a shoe assembly at the down hole end of upset tubing. The shoe assembly includes a fixed section and a rotatable section suspended below the fixed section. An electric motor and associated batteries and a gyroscope carried on the rotatable section enable an operator on the surface to selectively rotate and position the rotatable section to any desired angular location for drilling a hole in the well casing. After one or more holes have been cut in the casing, a drill assembly can be removed from the upset tubing and be replaced by a high pressure blaster nozzle to bore into the formation zones. The gyroscope enables the operator to accurately position the rotatable section to the same locations at which the holes have been cut. The drill assembly includes an electric motor with an associated battery, flexible drive shaft, and a hole saw.

Abstract: A fluid-driven alternator for use in a downhole well bore having fluid flowing therethrough includes a housing and an internal impeller rotatably mounted in the housing. A stator and rotor are mounted within the housing, and the internal impeller is coupled to the rotor. Fluid flowing through the housing rotates the impeller which in turn rotates the rotor. A flow diverter can be provided to direct fluid into the housing.

Abstract: The production rate, useful life and operating efficiency of electric submergible pumping systems (ESP) is improved by operating the system so that the motor is cooled by two passes of production. The two passes of production fluid are achieved by employing a shroud with the inlet at the opposite end of the production fluid intake or by installing the motor below the perforations that allow production fluids to enter a well. The motor is designed with an internal conduit through which the production fluids are pumped. Production fluids remove waste heat from the motor by passing in fluid contact with the exterior of the motor and again by passing through the internal conduit of the motor. The improved cooling permits the motor to be operated at a lower temperature improving life and efficiency, and/or to be operated at higher power at a similar temperature. Additionally, oversized and excess equipment is not required, further improving performance and economics for the user.

Abstract: A traction apparatus (1A) includes at least one traction member (51) when engages a surface (10A) against which traction is to be provided. The traction member can move relatively freely in one direction over the surface but has high resistance to movement in the other direction. The apparatus can be made to move by having a number of traction members (51-56) which move or oscillate relative to each other. There are preferably a large number of traction members which are in the forms of bristles in a brushlike part of the apparatus. The apparatus is suitable for use in down-hole tools. The bristles are bent in a first direction by being constrained in a hole facilitating movement in the opposite direction but preventing movement in the first direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a clean water separation system with an electric submersible pumping device and a surface separator and pumping device for the separation and transfer of different density fluids and solids. The electric submersible pumping device can be an encapsulated device that works in conjunction with a separator and pumping system that are located on the surface, to separate fluids and solids.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for moving equipment into and through a conduit that is preferably an oil and/or gas production well, wherein use is made of an uphole equipment storage and handling unit via which equipment modules can be moved into a launch conduit and connected to a shuttle device which is able to locomote itself as a wireless tractor via the launch conduit into and from the underlying conduit.

Abstract: A lift fluid driven downhole electrical generator and method for generating and controlling the electrical output from the electrical generator is disclosed. The electrical generator comprises a housing having a lift fluid port in a sidewall portion thereof for allowing the flow of lift fluids therethrough. A rotor is rotatably disposed within the housing. The rotor converts lift fluid pressure to rotary motion when the lift fluid travels through the lift fluid port and impinges the rotor. The electrical generator also includes an electromagnetic assembly having a first portion that is rotatable with the rotor and a second portion that is stationary with the housing. The electromagnetic assembly converts the rotary motion to electricity as the first portion of an electromagnetic assembly rotates relative to the second portion of the electromagnetic assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is a surface controlled subsurface safety valve (SCSSV) for use in a well, preferably a hydrocarbon producing well. The SCSSV comprises a valve body having a longitudinal bore for fluid to flow through, a bore closure assembly, a pressure balanced drive assembly, and a fail safe assembly. The bore closure assembly is positioned and normally biased to close the bore to fluid flow. The drive assembly is coupled to the bore closure assembly for driving the bore closure assembly to an open position. The fail safe assembly is positioned and configured to hold the bore closure assembly in the open position in response to a hold signal and to release the valve to return to the safe, closed position upon interruption of the hold signal.

Abstract: A traction apparatus (1A) includes at least one traction member (51) which engages a surface (10A) against which traction is to be provided. The traction member can move relatively freely in one direction over the surface but has high resistance to movement in the other direction. The apparatus can be made to move by having a number of traction members (5156) which move or oscillate relative to each other. There are preferably a large number of traction members which are in the forms of bristles in a brushlike part of the apparatus. The apparatus is suitable for use in downhole tools. The bristles are bent in a first direction by being constrained in a hole facilitating movement in the opposite direction but preventing movement in the first direction.

Abstract: An interrupted annular solenoid activator for use in well or subsea tools is provided. An interrupted annular armature member of a ferromagnetic material has a wire coil wound about it. A separate curved annular segment of the generally toroidally shaped armature is mounted for axial motion in the direction of the axis of revolution of the annular toroidally shaped member. Passage of electrical current through the coil causes axial motion (reciprocal) of the separate annular curved segment. This motion is coupled to a hydraulic pump piston in a preferred embodiment.

Abstract: A system for stimulating the production of hydrocarbon containing substances, such as from oil and gas wells, by the use of a generally cylindrical, high energy producing transducer mechanism. The transducer comprises a series of aligned transducer elements, preferably formed of doped ceramic piezoelectric materials, encased in a housing maintained under controlled pressure by a pressure compensator to equalize the pressure within the housing to that of the surrounding strata containing the hydrocarbon substance. When energized, the respective transducer elements transmit a very narrow, horizontal beam of ultrasonic energy radiating omni directionally, preferably in a narrow band of about 2 to 3°, to thereby focus the energy horizontally for maximum penetration into the surrounding strata.

Abstract: An electric wireline setting tool includes a controller and a plurality of sensors sensing pressure, temperature, flow rate, current, etc. The controller communicates with the surface and or makes decisions downhole with regard to a motor and pump to tailor their activity to ensure that the tool being set is setting optimally.

Abstract: A method of pumping well fluid from a well having casing with perforations includes connecting an electrical motor to a lower end of a pump and securing the pump to tubing. A restrictor is mounted to the tubing above the pump, the restrictor having a restrictor passage. The well annulus contains a well fluid with a static level under static conditions. When the motor is started to cause the pump to operate, downward flow of well fluid contained in the well annulus flows through the restrictor passage. This reduces the amount of downward flow to increase well fluid flow through the perforations.

Abstract: A subterranean filter to remove particles from production fluid in a well includes a perforated inner member, at least one filter membrane made of a non-woven polymer material and a metal braided layer installed around the membrane and inner member to provide a filter having improved permeability and resistance to chemical and physical forces.

Abstract: A preferred novel circulating sub includes an electric motor, hydraulic intensifier, connecting rod, valve sleeve, valve plug, and angled nozzles. Upon activation of the circulating sub the electric motor drives the valve sleeve over the valve plug, causing a flow of drilling fluid to exit the angled nozzles. Upon deactivation of the circulating sub, the electric motor removes the valve sleeve from the valve plug, allowing the flow of drilling fluid to once again flow to the drill bit. Because the electric motor is reversible, the circulating sub can be repeatedly activated and deactivated.

Abstract: A preferred novel circulating sub includes an electric motor, hydraulic intensifier, connecting rod, valve sleeve, valve plug, and angled nozzles. Upon activation of the circulating sub the electric motor drives the valve sleeve over the valve plug, causing a flow of drilling fluid to exit the angled nozzles. Upon deactivation of the circulating sub, the electric motor removes the valve sleeve from the valve plug, allowing the flow of drilling fluid to once again flow to the drill bit. Because the electric motor is reversible, the circulating sub can be repeatedly activated and deactivated.

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: A well pump assembly has a tubular junction having a main tube and a bypass tube. An electric motor and seal section hang below the tubular junction in the main tube. The motor is powered by a power cable that extends alongside the tubing to the surface. The motor has an upper end with a drive shaft coupling. The pump for the motor is lowered through the production tubing on a wireline, wire rope or coiled tubing. The pump has a lower end which has a driven shaft coupling that makes up in stabbing engagement with the drive shaft coupling when the pump reaches the motor. The driven shaft coupling includes a guide that slides into a coupling housing. Orientating keys orient the guide and lock it from rotation. The bypass tube of the tubular junction may receive workover tools that are diverted by a wireline tool.

Abstract: A tool and method for managing fluid flow in a well use flow control and monitoring functions. A particular tool provides valve and metering functions combined with electrical generator and pump functions. Two of these tools can be used such that one generates electricity downhole to power the other tool to operate as a pump or other flow control. A method of managing fluid flow in a well includes operating the tool in either a generator mode or a pump mode. The tool, which is a flow control device, has a body in which an opening is defined between an annulus outside the body and a flow channel inside. The tool also has a flow control body, a rotor and electromagnetic members. A method includes moving the flow control body, the rotor, and the electromagnetic members together to selectively block or unblock the opening. In a particular version of this method, this movement is axially within the body of the flow control device.

Abstract: An electro-hydraulic surface controlled subsurface safety valve is controllable entirely electrically. The actuator operates on an electrically actuated pressure pump and a supply of hydraulic fluid reservoired in the tool proximate to the safety valve. A dump valve is normally open so that if power fails, pressure is released and the safety valve closes.

Abstract: A system for separating gas from a wellbore fluid as it is produced to the surface. The system includes a progressing cavity pump, a submergible electric motor and a fluid intake. The submergible electric motor is connected to the progressing cavity pump to drive the pump and draw wellbore fluid through the fluid intake. The fluid intake includes a hollow interior defined by a thick-walled section. Additionally, the fluid intake includes a plurality of fluid passageways extending through the thick-walled section. The passageways are oriented to create a reversal in fluid flow, and thus a release of gas, as the fluid is draw into the fluid intake.

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 system allows the pumping of viscous fluids from a wellbore. The system includes a submergible pump and a pump intake through which a fluid may be drawn. A submergible electric motor powers the submergible pump, and a heater is connected in the pumping system to heat the wellbore fluid. Additionally, a combination of heaters may be employed to heat the desired production fluid both externally to the pumping system and internally to the pumping system.

Abstract: A downhole force generator includes a longitudinal force generating and transmitting assembly (including, for example, a motor and a threaded shaft that is extended and retracted by operation of the motor) adapted to be moved into a well. A controller is also adapted to be moved into the well and is connected to the longitudinal force generating and transmitting assembly. The controller includes a memory containing a program to control the longitudinal force generating and transmitting assembly to obtain at least one desired operating condition in the well. A sensor can be connected to the controller. A self-contained power source adapted to be moved into the well can also be used. A method of providing an infinitely variable linear force in an oil or gas well is a particular application for such a downhole force generator. This particular method comprises sensing in the well a parameter responsive over a continuum to changes in a selected operating condition in the well.

Abstract: A subsurface safety device positioning and monitoring system includes a controller and at least one downhole sensor that senses and records conditions of the well near the valve and of the valve itself. Conditions include temperature, pressure, flow rate, degree of closure of valve, structural condition of valve, water cut of produced fluids, etc.

Abstract: An actuator apparatus for actuating a downhole well tool according to which a housing extends in the well and a tool to be actuated is disposed in the housing. A drive member is connected to the tool for operating the tool, and an actuator system is disposed in the housing and is normally connected to the drive member for driving the drive member and operating the tool. In the event the actuator system fails, an additional actuator system is disposed in the housing and is adapted to be connected to the drive member for also driving the drive member and operating the tool.