Abstract: Electrohydraulic actuators and associated methods are utilized to control the operation of downhole well tool assemblies, representatively flow control devices. In a described embodiment thereof, each actuator is positioned downhole and comprises a self-contained, closed circuit hydraulic system including an electrically operable double action primary pump drivingly coupled to an associated well tool assembly via a first hydraulic circuit, and an electrically operable switching pump coupled to the first hydraulic circuit via a second hydraulic circuit interposed therein and operative to selectively alter the control flow of hydraulic fluid to the well tool assembly in a manner reversing its operation. To provide for selective, more rapid control of the well tool assembly, a chargeable accumulator is connected to the hydraulic circuitry and is selectively and drivably communicatable with the well tool assembly.

Abstract: A petroleum well having a communication system and a hydraulic system is provided. The petroleum well includes a borehole and a piping structure positioned within the borehole. The communication system supplies a time varying electric current downhole along the piping structure. The hydraulic system (70), which is positioned downhole proximate the piping structure (26), receives the time varying current to operate an electric motor (78). The motor drives a pump (76) which pressurizes hydraulic fluid to selectively drive an actuator (84). The actuator (84) is operably connected to a downhole device, such as a shutoff valve, and operates the downhole device as the actuator (84) is driven by the pressurized hydraulic fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in a cased well having a production tubing assembly installed in the well and terminating with a connection means at a subterranean location. The apparatus and method utilizes a spoolable tubular assembly for installation extending into the well to the connection means wherein the tubular assembly has a plurality of conductors formed connected to electrically operable valve, sensors and tubing latch in the tubular assembly. In the method the assembly is spooled into the well with the tubing latch being operated from outside the well through the tubing conductors to selectively connect and disconnect the assembly from the connector means. Operating the salve and sensors from outside the well when the assembly is installed. The assembly tubing is preferably made of a non-conductive, and preferably composite material that enclosed at least one, and preferably a plurality of electrical conductors.

Abstract: A control device for regulating flow of fluid selectively with respect to two passages of a completion tool positioned within well bore tubing. The device incorporates a valve that is electrically driven to selectively block to prevent fluid flow through one of two passages of a Y-tool. The device operates to prevent recirculation of product fluid when an electrical submersible pump (ESP) is operating and alternately closes this passage with respect to fluid flow when the pump is not operating to permit intervention work within the well bore below the location of the ESP.

Abstract: A technique for controlling fluid production in a deviated wellbore is disclosed. The technique utilizes a flow pipe the interior of which is in hydraulic communication with the earth's surface. A plurality of flow control valves are disposed at spaced apart positions along the length of the flow pipe. The flow control valves are used to regulate flow along intervals of the flow pipe.

Abstract: There is provided a downhole device for controlling the flow of fluids through an oil and/or gas production well comprises a deformable chamber which contains an electromagnetic field or other stimuli responsive gel and a fluid passage which is closed off in response to a volume increase of the gel and the deformable chamber.

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 control and monitoring system which may be completely installed downhole and run into a cased well borehole or a production tubing string is disclosed. At least one mandrel having a side pocket instrument section having a downwardly facing entry and a wet connector or inductive coupler is placed in the well. A downhole digital processor and sensors are used to monitor tubing and casing fluid pressures and to control variable orifice valves or ESP pumps to control fluid flow to the production tubing from the casing/tubing annulus. The processor is progammable and reprogrammable in-situ.

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 remotely actuated rupture disk can be ruptured upon the receipt of a predetermined signal. The disk can be placed in a port, thereby separating different pressure regions. For example, if the disk is placed in a downhole tool assembly, the disk might be used to isolate a specific chamber from the annular well pressure. An actuation signal can be transmitted down the well's annulus and is received by a receiver coupled to the rupture disk. The received signal is conditioned to trigger a destructive material which then ruptures the disk, connecting the two pressure regions.

Abstract: An anti-plugging oscillating shear valve system for generating pressure fluctuations in a flowing drilling fluid comprising a stationary stator and an oscillating rotor, both with axial flow passages. The rotor oscillates in close proximity to the stator, at least partially blocking the flow through the stator and generating oscillating pressure pulses. The rotor passes through two zero speed positions during each cycle, facilitating rapid changes in signal phase, frequency, and/or amplitude facilitating enhanced data encoding. The rotor is driven by a electric motor disposed in a lubricant filled housing. In one embodiment, the housing to shaft seal is a flexible bellows. In one embodiment, a torsional spring is attached to the motor and the resulting spring mass system is designed to be near resonance at the desired pulse frequency. The torsion spring may be a solid torsion bar or a magnetic spring.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a blowout preventer stack. The apparatus comprises a control pod having a plurality of direct operated solenoid valves in electronic communication with a surface controller through one or more dedicated electronic control wires. The solenoids translate electronic control signals from the controller into hydraulic control signals that are in communication with a hydraulically operated pilot valve to cause delivery of hydraulic fluid from a power fluid source to a critical function of the blowout preventer stack (i.e., closing of a blowout preventer). The system also provides a plurality of hydraulically operated pilot valves that deliver hydraulic fluid from a power fluid source to a non-critical function of the blowout preventer stack upon receiving a hydraulic control signal directly from the controller through the umbilical.

Abstract: A system for controlling fluid flow from multiple isolated producing zones in a well is provided. Components of the system are placeable in and retrievable from bottom entry side pocket mandrel sections permanently installed in a production tubing string in the well. These components provided are sensor modules, isolation valve modules, power modules, control modules, hydraulic pump control modules and packer modules which are carried by the production tubing string. Control signals for modules are developed either downhole or at the surface and modules may be placed or retrieved through the production tubing without pulling the production tubing from the well.

Abstract: An induction choke in a petroleum well where a voltage potential is developed across the choke to power and communicate with devices and sensors in the well. Preferably, the induction choke is a ferromagnetic material and acts as an impedance to a time-varying current, e.g. AC. The petroleum well includes a cased wellbore having a tubing string positioned within and longitudinally extending within the casing. A controllable gas lift valve, sensor, or other device is coupled to the tubing. The valve sensor, or other device is powered and controlled from the surface. Communication signals and power are sent from the surface using the tubing, casing, or liner as the conductor with a casing or earth ground. For example, AC current is directed down a casing or tubing or a lateral where the current encounters a choke. The voltage potential developed across the choke is used to power electronic devices and sensors near the choke.

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 operating devices (such as devices in a wellbore or other types of devices) utilizes actuators having expandable or contractable elements. Such expandable or contractable elements may include piezoelectric elements, magnetostrictive elements, and heat-expandable elements. Piezoelectric elements are expandable by application of an electrical voltage; magnetostrictive elements are expandable by application of a magnetic field (which may be generated by a solenoid in response to an electrical current); and heat-expandable elements are expandable by heat energy (e.g., infrared energy or microwave energy). Expandable elements are abutted to an operator member such that when the expandable element expands, the operator member is moved in a first direction, and when the expandable element contracts, the operator member moves in an opposite direction.

Abstract: A system of downhole communication and control is provided in methods and associated apparatus for data retrieval, monitoring and tool actuation. In a described embodiment, an item of equipment installed in a tubular string has a first communication device associated therewith. A tool conveyed into the tubular string has a second communication device therein. Communication is established between the first and second devices. Such communication may be utilized to control operation of the tool, retrieve status information regarding the item of equipment, supply power to the first device and/or identify the item of equipment to the tool.

Abstract: A device for supplying hydraulic pressure to one or more hydraulically actuable components in a well production system and positioned within the well bore including a reservoir, and electrically powered pump, and a controller each positioned within the well bore and carried on the component. The controller operates the pump to supply fluid from the reservoir to actuate the components. Additionally, valves to route the fluid to the components and sensors to sense when the components are actuated are included.

Abstract: A well control valve assembly having a downhole portion with a primary valve, and electromechanical actuator connected to the valve and a first wireless communicator connected to the actuator. The assembly further includes an uphole portion having a pump, a second wireless communicator complementary to the first wireless communicator and being supported in the uphole portion of the valve assembly. The downhole portion and uphole portion are physically non-connected and informationally connected.

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: 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: 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.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) for actuating a hydraulically controllable device (102) disposed in a wellbore is disclosed. The apparatus (100) comprises a downhole hydraulic fluid source (134), a hydraulic fluid passageway (136) providing a communication path between the downhole hydraulic fluid source (134) and the hydraulically controllable device (102), a valve (144) disposed within the hydraulic fluid passageway (136) and a downhole electronics package (138). The downhole electronics package (138) receives a signal from the surface to operate the valve (144) from the closed position to the open position such that hydraulic pressure from the downhole hydraulic fluid source (134) actuates the hydraulically controllable device (102).

Abstract: A system of downhole communication and control is provided in methods and associated apparatus for data retrieval, monitoring and tool actuation. In a described embodiment, an item of equipment installed in a tubular string has a first communication device associated therewith. A tool conveyed into the tubular string has a second communication device therein. Communication is established between the first and second devices. Such communication may be utilized to control operation of the tool, retrieve status information regarding the item of equipment, supply power to the first device and/or identify the item of equipment to the tool.

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: 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 rotatable steerable drill string in which guidance module controls the direction of the drilling. A magnetorheological fluid in the module supplies pressure to pistons that apply forces to the wall of the bore and thereby alter the direction of the drilling. The pressure applied by the magnetorheological fluid is regulated by valves that apply a magnetic field to the fluid so as to increase or decrease its fluid shear strength thereby controlling the actuation of the pistons and the direction of the drilling.

Abstract: Apparatus and corresponding methods are disclosed for controlling operation of well tools within a subterranean well. In a described embodiment, a remotely controllable actuator includes a pressurized fluid source and a chamber containing gas at a relatively low pressure. The actuator is operated by alternately connecting each of two chambers of the actuator to one of the low pressure chamber and the pressurized fluid source. In another described embodiment, a fluid containing chamber is connected to a low pressure chamber of an actuator to thereby bias one member to displace relative to another member.

Abstract: In a broad aspect, the present invention is a downhole hydraulic multiplexer, which is comprised of one or more piloted shuttle valves, and method of using. The invention takes one or more input signals from a surface control panel or computer, said signals may be electric or hydraulic, and converts said signals into a plurality of pressurized hydraulic output channels. The invention is shown in a variety of preferred embodiments, including a tubing deployed version, a wireline retrievable version, and a version residing in the wall of a downhole completion tool. Also disclosed is the use of multiple shuttle valves used in parallel or in series to embody a downhole hydraulic fluid multiplexer, controllable by and reporting positions of said shuttle valves to said surface control panel or computer.

Abstract: A safety valve and pump apparatus has an electric pump, a safety valve, a packing means, a continuous length of tubing extending from the surface to the location of the safety valve and pump, a control means provided to operate the safety valve and the pump, and a transmission means disposed along the tubing to transmit signals from the control means to the safety valve and the pump. The tubing, the safety valve and the pump are all being concentrically aligned The electric pump is releasably attached to the safety valve by pump connection means, so that the pump may be disconnected from the apparatus above and left in the well, and may afterwards be retrieved. Likewise, the safety valve is releasably attached to the packing means by packer connection means.

Abstract: A casing differential pressure based control method used in conjunction with a gas-producing well includes the steps of sensing current sales line pressure and well casing and tubing pressures and changing or switching an A valve between open and close states based on differences between selected pairs of these current pressures relative to preset minimum differentials between the same pairs of these pressures. Open Differential Pressure determines when to open the A valve and initiate gas sales. Open Differential Pressure is the preset minimum pressure difference by which the casing pressure exceeds the sales line pressure. Close Pressure determines when to close the A valve and terminate gas sales. Close Pressure is the preset minimum pressure of the casing.

Abstract: A system adapted for controlling and/or monitoring a plurality of production wells from a remote location is provided. This system is capable of controlling and/or monitoring: (1) a plurality of zones in a single production well; (2) a plurality of zones/wells in a single location (e.g., a single platform); or (3) a plurality of zones/wells located at a plurality of locations (e.g., multiple platforms). The multizone and/or multiwell control system of this invention is composed of multiple downhole electronically controlled electromechanical devices and multiple computer based surface systems operated from multiple locations. Important functions for these systems include the ability to predict the future flow profile of multiple wells and to monitor and control the fluid or gas flow from either the formation into the wellbore, or from the wellbore to the surface.