Abstract: An electric submersible pump (ESP) assembly. The ESP assembly comprises an electric motor; a seal section; a fluid intake; a charge pump assembly located downstream of the fluid intake and having an inlet in fluid communication with an outlet of the fluid intake, having a fluid mover coupled to a drive shaft, and having a fluid reservoir located downstream of the fluid mover; a gas separator located downstream of the charge pump assembly and having an inlet in fluid communication with an outlet of the charge pump assembly; an inverted shroud coupled at an upper end to the gas separator or to the charge pump assembly and coupled at a lower end to the ESP assembly below the fluid intake; and a production pump assembly located downstream of the gas separator and having an inlet in fluid communication with a liquid phase discharge port of the gas separator.

Abstract: A technique facilitates downhole operations, e.g. gravel packing and cementing operations, in a borehole. According to an embodiment, a service tool is releasably coupled with respect to a casing. The casing is used to run the service tool downhole into a borehole. In some embodiments, the casing is connected with a downhole completion, e.g. a sand control completion. A work string may then be conveyed downhole to the service tool and connected to the service tool. While connected to the work string, the service tool may be operated to perform desired downhole operations.

Abstract: An electric submersible pump (ESP) assembly. The ESP assembly comprises an electric motor; a seal section; a fluid intake; a charge pump assembly located downstream of the fluid intake and having an inlet in fluid communication with an outlet of the fluid intake, having a fluid mover coupled to a drive shaft, and having a fluid reservoir located downstream of the fluid mover; a gas separator assembly located downstream of the charge pump assembly and having an inlet in fluid communication with an outlet of the charge pump assembly; and a production pump assembly located downstream of the gas separator assembly and having an inlet in fluid communication with a liquid phase discharge port of the gas separator assembly.

Abstract: A system includes a cyclonic separator that separates a first production fluid into a lighter phase and a heavier phase and a pipe that transports the lighter phase from a first exit of the cyclonic separator to an annulus. The pipe includes an inlet fluidly connected to the cyclonic separator, a first outlet fluidly connected to the annulus, and a second outlet fluidly connected to the annulus. The system also includes a low pressure recombination zone that reintroduces the lighter phase to the heavier phase, thereby forming a second production fluid. The low pressure recombination zone transports the second production fluid to a well exit.

Abstract: Pumping of wellbore fluid to a surface may have a detrimental effect on the pump performance due to high gas concentrations in the fluid. A pump system that utilizes a helix gas separator provides greater pump efficiency by effectively removing the gas phase of the fluid. The wellbore fluid received at a pump system is directed from an intake to a gas separator that utilizes a stationary auger. The stationary auger induces rotational motion of the wellbore fluid causing the wellbore fluid to separate into a gas phase and a liquid phase. The stationary auger utilizes a tapered diameter and an opening between one or more helixes or vanes to separate a gas phase more efficiently from a liquid phase of a fluid.

Abstract: A downhole gas separator and pump assembly. The downhole gas separator and pump assembly comprises a drive shaft; a first fluid mover having an inlet and an outlet; a separation chamber located downstream of the first fluid mover and fluidically coupled to the outlet of the first fluid mover; a gas flow path and liquid flow path separator located downstream of the separation chamber, having an inlet fluidically coupled to the separation chamber, having a gas phase discharge port open to an exterior of the assembly, and having a liquid phase discharge port; and a second fluid mover mechanically coupled to the drive shaft, located downstream of the first gas flow path and liquid flow path separator, and having an inlet fluidically coupled to the fluid phase discharge port of the first gas flow path and liquid flow path separator.

Abstract: Pumping of wellbore fluid to a surface may have a detrimental effect on the pump performance due to high gas concentrations in the fluid. A pump system that utilizes a helix gas separator provides greater pump efficiency by effectively removing the gas phase of the fluid. The wellbore fluid received at a pump system is directed from an intake to a gas separator that utilizes a stationary auger. The stationary auger induces rotational motion of the wellbore fluid causing the wellbore fluid to separate into a gas phase and a liquid phase. The stationary auger utilizes a tapered diameter and an opening between one or more helixes or vanes to separate a gas phase more efficiently from a liquid phase of a fluid.

Abstract: An electric submersible pump assembly (ESP) (21, 120) is deployed in a production tube (20, 100) in a borehole such that the motor (26, 41, 121) of the ESP is spaced from the inner wall of the production tube, defining a conduit (36, 111) through which the pumped well fluid can flow to cool the motor. The production tube may have an enlarged diameter portion (25, 76, 101) within which the motor is positioned. Alternatively or additionally, the ESP and/or the production tube may be provided with stabilizing spacers (24, 45, 140, 141) which extend between the ESP and the tube to centralize the ESP in the tube and support it against vibrational movement, the spacers defining an annular conduit (36, 111) between the motor casing and the production tube.

Abstract: Described is a stripper device for a wellhead defining the terminus of an aliphatic hydrocarbon production well. The stripper device includes a lubricator assembly having a lubricator pipe in communication with the wellhead. The stripper device includes a dipper assembly traversing within the lubricator pipe and the well. A controller assembly provides instructions in a computer readable format to regulate the collection of liquid aliphatic hydrocarbons from the well with the dipper assembly. The stripper device includes a recovery assembly having a pivot element coupled to a lubricator pipe and to the wellhead. The pivot element renders the lubricator pipe to communicate with the wellhead in a first position and renders the lubricator pipe apart from the wellhead in a second position to expose the wellhead free of obstructions including those from the lubricator assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a parameter of a production fluid in a wellbore by providing an initially blocked isolated communication path between a sensor and an aperture formed in a sleeve. The isolated communication path is subsequently unblocked to allow measurements of the parameter of the production fluid.

Abstract: A sampling tool to sample core samples from a wellbore is disclosed. A core sampling storage module includes a pressure housing to store a plurality of core samples, a core tube within the pressure housing, the core tube to store a plurality of core samples drilled from a downhole formation, a pressure housing cover that is configured to be selectively rotated to an open position or a closed position, an activation mechanism to receive a command, and based on the command, open or close the pressure housing cover, a push rod to selectively install a plug to cover the core tube, wherein when the plug is installed the pressure housing maintains a pressure.

Abstract: A fluid container reloading tool for a downhole fluid sampling tool (114) is described. The reloading tool includes an elongated cylindrical body. The body may include a bottom opening sized to engage with a fluid sampling tool deployed within a borehole. A cache (263) of empty fluid containers (210) may be included within the body (201). A piston may be coupled to at least one of the fluid containers in the cache of fluid containers. The piston may be used to transfer the cache of fluid containers into the fluid sampling tool. The reloading tool may also include a pump in fluid communication with the piston.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for collecting and preserving in representative condition a fluid sample from a reservoir which comprises: positioning a sample container including a sampler in the vicinity of a subterranean zone to be sampled, and wherein the step of collecting and preserving the sample comprises allowing or causing the sample to first flow into the sample receptacle, wherein the movement of the sample into the sample receptacle is restricted by the movement of a sampling piston, and wherein the movement of the sampling piston is further controlled by the rotation of an electrical motor connected to the sample piston by mechanical linkage such that the rotation of the electric motor in either direction translates to lateral movement of the sample piston, the lateral movement of the sample piston in turn allowing sample to enter the sample receptacle, and wherein once an adequate volume of sample has been collected, reversing the direction of the electrical motor will serve to cause the sample piston to

Abstract: Systems and methods for accessing a second or additional volume of sampled formation fluids identical to a first volume of formation fluids collected in a primary sample bottle during the downhole sampling process. The second volume can be accessed, extracted and analyzed without having to interfere with the first volume or the integrity of the primary sample. The second volume may be captured in a flowline coupled to the primary sample bottle and accessed using a secondary or mini-sample bottle.

Abstract: A plunger system for maximizing the liquid lift potential of a plunger arranged for vertical travel in a conduit in a gas/oil production well. The plunger system comprises an elongated plunger body mandrel having an upper or first end and a second or lower end with a fluid transmitting bore extending longitudinally therethrough, from the second or lower end of the plunger body and into at least a central portion of the plunger body, a plurality of curvilinearly shaped, replaceable wear pads arranged in a controllably radially displaceable manner on the plunger body, and at least one fluid ejecting nozzle arranged extending through a side wall of the plunger body.

Abstract: A stripper device for a wellhead defining the terminus of an aliphatic hydrocarbon production well. The stripper device includes a lubricator assembly having a lubricator pipe in communication with the wellhead and a dipper assembly traversing within the lubricator pipe and the well. A controller assembly provides instructions in a computer readable format to regulate the collection of liquid aliphatic hydrocarbons from the well with the dipper assembly. The stripper device includes a recovery assembly having a pivot element coupled to a lubricator pipe and to the wellhead. The pivot element renders the lubricator pipe to communicate with the wellhead in a first position and renders the lubricator pipe apart from the wellhead in a second position to expose the wellhead free of obstructions including those from the lubricator assembly.

Abstract: Proppant pillar placement in a fracture with a stabilized slurry treatment fluid. A method of placing a proppant pack by injecting a well treatment fluid comprising proppant and a stabilized slurry, and a slurry destabilizing system to consolidate solids from the slurry, and placing the proppant in the fracture in a plurality of proppant clusters forming pillars spaced apart by fluid flow channels from the formation through the fracture toward the wellbore. Also, a system for implementing the method, and the propped fracture system obtained as a result of placing the proppant pack into the fracture according to the method.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus log an underbalanced open hole well without killing the well or causing formation damage to maintain well control during the process. The installation of the well logging equipment is accomplished while holding the underbalanced open hole at its optimal pressure, then conveying the logging string on a drill string into the open hole portion to total depth and logging while removing the logging string from the total depth to be logged with a cable side entry sub. The invention also provides a unique configuration of equipment to accomplish the logging using what is normally referred to as tough logging condition techniques.

Abstract: An apparatus for estimating a property of a fluid of interest downhole includes: a carrier configured to be conveyed through a borehole penetrating an earth formation; an emitter disposed at the carrier and configured to emit electromagnetic energy; and a sample chamber configured to contain a sample of the fluid of interest and having a window transmissive to electromagnetic energy emitted by the emitter, the electromagnetic energy interacting with the sample of the fluid of interest with a characteristic related to the property; wherein a path of the emitted electromagnetic energy from the emitter to the window of the sample chamber traverses a gas or a vacuum.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a fluid flow in a borehole may include a tool body that retrieves a fluid sample from a subsurface formation. The tool body has a fluid conduit having an inlet for receiving the fluid sample and an outlet for conveying the fluid sample to a selected location. A mandrel selectively blocks flow across the fluid conduit; and a seal disposed on the mandrel includes at least one chevron seal element that cooperates with the mandrel to selectively block flow across the fluid conduit.

Abstract: A sampling apparatus, comprising a primary flowline, a secondary flowline, a dump flowline not provided down-stream of the secondary flowline, and a relief valve provided in the dump flowline, may be disposed in a wellbore penetrating a subterranean formation. A method of use of the sampling apparatus may comprise flowing fluid from the subterranean formation and into the primary flowline; diverting fluid from the primary flowline to a sample chamber through the secondary flowline; diverting fluid from the primary flowline to the wellbore through the dump flowline; and controlling the pressure in the sample chamber using the relief valve. The sampling apparatus may be used to terminate storage of a fluid sample in a sample chamber while continuing to pump fluid from the formation.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding and launching down-hole actuation devices that has a body, a bottom end, a top end and a long bore between the ends. Moveable and protruding into the long bore are retainers upon which down-hole actuation devices may rest. Retainers are moved by a lockable hydraulic drive system. Additionally, a method for loading the apparatus with down-hole actuation devices and for launching said devices into a well bore is provided.

Abstract: An electric submersible pump (ESP) assembly comprises an integrated sub-assembly encased within a shroud. The integrated sub-assembly comprises a downhole monitoring gauge, a motor, a well fluid intake, a seal section, a mounting member, and an electrical conduit extending between the mounting member and the motor. The intake has a plurality of intake slots positioned a select distance from the mounting member in order to minimize the space for the accumulation of gas within the shroud. The electrical conduit sealingly extends through the mounting member to a receptacle located on an upper portion thereof. Conductors are encased within the conduit and are connected between the receptacle and the motor. The conduit prevents the conductors from being affected by reservoir fluid and pressures.

Abstract: Methods and devices for mixing a first fluid with a second fluid downhole include a chamber having a first end, a second end and an opening for fluid to flow there through. A top surface of a perforated piston is capable of contacting the second end and a top surface of a piston is capable of contacting a bottom surface of the perforated piston. The perforated piston is located at a first position within the chamber based upon characteristics of a first fluid. A first fluid delivery system supplies the first fluid and a second fluid delivery system supplies a second fluid to the chamber, wherein the second fluid is at a pressure that moves the piston approximate to the first end. An actuating device applies a force against the bottom surface of the piston to inject the fluids through channels of the perforated piston to produce spray droplets.

Abstract: An electric submersible pump (ESP) assembly comprises an integrated sub-assembly encased within a shroud. The integrated sub-assembly comprises a well fluid intake having a shroud hanger formed in an upper portion thereof, a seal section having a motor head formed in a lower portion thereof, and an electrical conduit extending between the shroud hanger and the motor head. The intake has a plurality of fluid entry slots positioned a select distance from the shroud hanger in order to minimize the space for the accumulation of gas within the shroud. The electrical conduit sealingly extends through the shroud hanger to a receptacle located on an upper portion thereof. Conductors are encased within the conduit and are connected between the receptacle and the motor head. The conduit prevents the conductors from being affected by reservoir fluid and pressures.

Abstract: Methods and devices for mixing a first fluid with a second fluid downhole include a chamber having a first end, a second end and an opening for fluid to flow there through. A top surface of a piston is capable of contacting the second end of the chamber. The piston is located at a first position within the chamber based upon characteristics of a second fluid. A fluid delivery system supplies the first fluid and supplies a second fluid through a first opening of the chamber, wherein the second fluid is at a pressure that moves the piston approximate to the second end of the chamber. The piston includes an agitator mixing device that is attached to a bottom surface of the piston, wherein mixing of the first fluid with the second fluid primarily occurs upon movement of the piston by actuating device.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods to inject fluids downhole, such as: a sample chamber configured to provide a fluid in a wellbore extending into a subterranean formation; a flow line configured to be fluidly coupled to the subterranean formation; a piston disposed in and separating the sample chamber into first and second chambers; a first fluid port fluidly coupling the first chamber to the flow line; a second fluid port fluidly coupling the second chamber to a fluid source having a pressure greater than the pressure in the first chamber; and a flow regulator fluidly coupled to the first or second fluid port, and configured to regulate the flow of the fluid provided in the sample chamber into the formation.

Abstract: Method of treating, especially, horizontally deviated wellbores where various treating solutions such as, acids, slurries, proppants, fracturing fluids, flushing fluids, or sealants are transferred into an annulus formed by a casing in the well and a working string. The working string has a seal member providing a sliding seal with the casing, a perforated nipple above the seal, and a check valve above the perforated nipple for preventing back flow through the working string to the surface. The working string has a seal element at the wellhead to avoid treating solutions leaking from the annulus out the wellhead. Treating solution of the desired make-up is pumped into the annulus, through the perforated nipple, down the working string, along the horizontal deviated wellbore, then into the strata or formation through a dispersing tool for the particular treating solution.

Abstract: Methods and systems for testing a subterranean formation penetrated by a wellbore are provided. A testing tool has a plurality of packers spaced apart along the axis of the tool, and at least a testing port. The testing tool is positioned into the wellbore and packers are extended into sealing engagement with the wellbore wall, sealing thereby an interval of the wellbore. In some embodiments, the wellbore interval sealed between two packers is adjusted downhole. In one embodiment, the location of the testing port is adjusted between two packers. The methods may be used to advantage for reducing the contamination of the formation fluid by fluids or debris in the wellbore.

Abstract: A well intake with an anti-coning end portion provides for withdrawal of fluid hydrocarbons, such as oil and gas, from pockets that contain an underlying layer of water. The anti-coning end portion may include a tube having an upwardly turned or upwardly facing end or mouth, a tube having a non-circular cross section, a tube having one or more baffles, or a combination thereof, in order to prevent or block the formation of cyclonic or swirling flow patterns of water in the vicinity of the well intake.

Abstract: A downhole oilfield completion method comprises determining a surge profile for a wellbore and assembling a downhole completion tool having an interior surge volume and comprising a surge attenuation system operable to reduce a surge of the downhole completion tool based at least in part on the surge profile. The method also comprises running the downhole completion tool into the wellbore and surging the wellbore by admitting wellbore fluid into the interior surge volume, the surge reduced at least in part by the surge attenuation system.

Abstract: A method for use in a wellbore includes the steps of providing an elongated, closed tubular body defining an internal chamber wherein the tubular body has an external surface formed with treated areas and an elongated recess extending longitudinally of the tubular body and running through the treated areas; retaining a detonating device in the recess adjacent the external surface of the tubular body; positioning the tubular body with the explosive in a wellbore adjacent perforation tunnels previously formed in a surrounding well formation and filled with debris; and activating the detonating device to rupture the tubular body inwardly along the external surface forming the recess at the treated areas to expose the chamber within the tubular body to a dynamic underbalanced pressure condition such that fluid from the wellbore and debris from the perforation tunnels is drawn through the wellbore and into the chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding and launching down-hole actuation devices that has a body, a bottom end, a top end and a long bore between the ends. Moveable and protruding into the long bore are retainers upon which down-hole actuation devices may rest. Retainers are moved by a lockable hydraulic drive system. Additionally, a method for loading the apparatus with down-hole actuation devices and for launching said devices into a well bore is provided.

Abstract: An oil and gas well production unit for the retrieval of oil and gas from a diminishing oil and gas production field. The unit comprises a well casing within the field attached to a lubricator assembly. A plunger is arranged for reciprocable travel within a tubing in the casing and the lubricator to assist in the production of oil and gas removal from the oil and gas well production unit. A plunger examination port is arranged within the lubricator assembly to permit determination of the amount of wear of the plunger without having to remove the plunger from the lubricator assembly.

Abstract: A fluid extraction system and method for the removal of fluid from subterranean wells. The system comprising: an upper extraction unit; an extraction container; a valve assembly engaged to the extraction container; a drainage tray engaged to the upper extraction unit; a curvilinear gear engaged to the upper extraction unit and the drainage tray; and, a linear gear engaged to the extraction container.

Abstract: An underground plume of water and soil which has been contaminated typically by H2S and/or hydrocarbon leakage from underground fuel containers is mitigated by a process of injecting a combination of colloids, peroxides and enzymes. This is accomplished by obtaining core samples to determine the extent of contamination thereby defining the perimeter of the plume, and drilling a series of injection well sites on a pavement or other surface to mitigate the leakage. In a first stage of mitigation, a colloid containing micelles is pressured into the injection wells, the colloid functioning to neutralize hydrocarbons, MTBE, solvents, and similar compounds, thereby mitigating the plume contamination. In a second stage, if mitigation of the plume contamination proves insufficient using colloid treatment, peroxides are then pressured into the injection wells. Typical peroxides could include hydrogen peroxide and various other peroxides.

Abstract: A zone isolation assembly array (794) for a well (712) includes a first zone isolation assembly (722A) and a second zone isolation assembly (722B). The first zone isolation assembly (722A) selectively inhibits fluid communication between a first zone (726) and a second zone (728) of the well (712). The second zone isolation assembly (722B) can be positioned between the first zone isolation assembly (722A) and a surface region (32) of the well (712) in an in-line manner. The second zone isolation assembly (722B) selectively inhibits fluid communication between the second zone (728) and a third zone (796) of the well (712). In another embodiment, the zone isolation assembly array (794) includes a first docking receiver (748A), a second docking receiver (748B), a first docking apparatus (750A) and a second docking apparatus (750B). The docking receivers (748A, 748B) can be positioned in an in-line manner. The second docking apparatus (750B) is coupled to the first docking apparatus (750A).

Abstract: A formation testing apparatus and method are disclosed. In one aspect, a fluid is drawn from a formation, one or more sensors measure pressure of the fluid during the during drawing of the fluid, and a processor estimates an inflection point from the pressure measurements and controls the drawing of the fluid from the inflection point until the pressure of the fluid drops to a selected level.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting a fluid from a subterranean formation are disclosed. A fluid sample container has an elongated body. The elongated body includes an internal cavity, a first end having a first opening for receiving the downhole fluid into the internal cavity, a second end axially displaced from the first end, the second end having a second opening for expelling at least a portion of the downhole fluid from the internal cavity. Fluid collecting includes establishing fluid communication with a formation of interest and the fluid sample container receiving the downhole fluid into the internal cavity through the first opening and expelling at least a portion of the downhole fluid from the internal cavity through the second opening.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for collecting a downhole fluid are disclosed. A method includes receiving a downhole fluid into a downhole sub from a first borehole wall portion adjacent a formation of interest and expelling at least a portion of the received downhole fluid from the downhole sub to a second borehole wall portion, wherein substantially all of the expelled downhole fluid enters the second borehole wall portion. An apparatus includes a downhole sub, a formation sampling member coupled to the downhole sub for collecting the downhole fluid from a first borehole wall portion adjacent a formation of interest, a sample expulsion member coupled to the downhole sub for expelling at least a portion of the collected downhole fluid from the downhole sub to a second borehole wall portion, wherein substantially all of the expelled downhole fluid enters the second borehole wall portion.

Abstract: A replaceable DC electric motor and kit for a groundwater sampling and pumping device and system for withdrawing groundwater from a well. The motor is provided with means to align the motor with an alignment pin in the groundwater sampling device.

Abstract: A downhole fluid sample container includes a fluid sample container detachably coupled to a downhole sub, the fluid sample container having an internal chamber for receiving the downhole fluid. At least one semimetal (for example, silicon or germanium) window is coupled to the fluid sample container, the window being substantially transparent to electromagnetic energy wavelengths within a selected band. A method includes transmitting electromagnetic energy from an electromagnetic energy source to downhole fluid through at least one semimetal window in a container, receiving an electromagnetic energy response with a spectrometer, and estimating the downhole fluid property based at least in part on the electromagnetic energy response.

Abstract: A fluid monitoring system for a subsurface well in a subterranean formation includes a first zone isolator, a second zone isolator, a fluid inlet, a first pressure canister and a first gas-in line. The first and second zone isolators are positioned in the subsurface well. The fluid inlet receives fluid from the subterranean formation. The first pressure canister is positioned between the first zone isolator and the second zone isolator. The first pressure canister receives the fluid at an in-situ pressure. The first gas-in line selectively delivers a gas to the first pressure canister to pressurize the first pressure canister so that the first pressure canister is adapted to be removed from the subsurface well at a substantially similar pressure as the in-situ pressure. In one embodiment, the first pressure canister receives the fluid at an in-situ temperature.

Abstract: A docking receiver (48) for a subsurface well (12) having a fluid inlet structure (29), a riser pipe (30) and a docking apparatus (50) includes an upper section (372A) and a lower section (374A). The upper section (372A) is secured to the riser pipe (30). The lower section (374A) is secured to the fluid inlet structure (29). The lower section (374A) receives the docking apparatus (50) into an engaged position wherein fluid communication between a first zone (26) and a second zone (28) of the well (12) is inhibited. The lower section (374A) includes a contact surface (376A) and a distal region (377A). The contact surface (376A) contacts the docking apparatus (50) when the docking apparatus (50) is in the engaged position. The distal region (377A) is positioned more distally from a surface region (32) of the well (12) than the contact surface. The lower section (374A) can have a lower inner diameter (380UD, 380LD) that varies within the distal region (377A).

Abstract: An alternative apparatus and pumping method for retrieving liquids from a wellbore without the use of a pumping unit as customarily used in oil field operations.

Abstract: An improved oil well pumping unit and method thereof configured for use on new or existing oil wells. The present invention is for mechanical operation of the subsurface pump and replaces existing mechanical pumping units. The present invention multiplies input purchased energy through mechanical links, pressurized fluid and/or gas, moving weights and counterweights and a control system in order to pump produced fluid through a new or existing conventional reciprocating oil well pump.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided injecting drop balls into a wellbore, such as for actuating downhole tools. A ball magazine adapted for storing drop balls, in two or more transverse ball chambers, is axially movable in a magazine housing mounted at a transverse port to a fluid passage in fluid communication with the wellbore. The magazine is serially actuable for aligning a first and subsequent chambers with the transverse port for injecting stored balls to the wellbore. An indicator, such as a rod extending from the magazine housing, can be used to indicate the relative location of the chamber and transverse port. The apparatus can be used in a system and methodology for actuating two or more downhole tools spaced at intervals along the wellbore.

Abstract: A gas lift apparatus for use with a well bore sealing device includes a tubing string coupled to the well bore sealing device, a gas inlet port in the tubing string extending between the well bore above the sealing device and a flow bore in the tubing string to provide a first flow path, and a second flow path in the tubing string wherein the first flow bore extends the first fluid path to a location in the well bore below the sealing device and the second flow path. A method for producing a fluid from a well bore zone below a set sealing device disposed in a production tubing includes providing a gas to a well bore annulus formed by the production tubing, flowing the gas downwardly into the production tubing and then through the sealing device, flowing the gas through the well bore zone and then into the well bore zone and flowing the fluid upwardly through the well bore zone, then into the production tubing and through the sealing device to the surface of the well.

Abstract: A method to clean a wellbore and the near wellbore area adjacent to the wellbore of a hydrocarbon bearing formation adjacent to the production zone of the wellbore is provided. A method to clean a casing inserted into a wellbore is also disclosed. A method for cleaning a wellbore of fracturing fluid, with or without proppant is also disclosed. Each of the methods includes the steps of injecting either liquid carbon dioxide or a treatment medium comprising liquid carbon dioxide into a wellbore through tubing such that the location at which the treatment medium is administered may be controlled. In some embodiments, pressure within the wellbore is regulated in order to either maintain the treatment medium in the liquid state, or allow at least a portion of the treatment medium to vaporize upon introduction into the wellbore. Once the treatment medium has at least partially vaporized it will loosen and/or entrain undesirable materials from within the wellbore or casing.

Abstract: Well fluid extraction apparatus includes a resiliently downwardly biased discharge head and a canister lowerable from the discharge head into the well to receive fluid therefrom, and then liftable into telescoped engagement with the discharge head. A specially configured seal structure between the discharge head and canister resiliently exerts a downward releasing force on the raised canister to facilitate its subsequent separation from the discharge head. An embodiment of the discharge head is pressure balanced to prevent gas pressure in the well from driving it upwardly. Leveling structure is provided for operatively connecting the apparatus to the vertically sloped upper end of a well casing and vertically leveling the connected apparatus.