Abstract: A mandrel in production tubing within a well has a side pocket with an inlet port for connection to an upper control line segment that extends upward alongside the production tubing. An outlet port is below the inlet port for connection to a lower control line segment extending below the pocket. A filter assembly is lowered through the production tubing into the pocket. A valve at a lower end of the pocket is movable from a closed position closing the outlet port to an open position opening the outlet port. A probe mounted to a lower end of the filter assembly engages and pushes the valve from the closed position to the open position while the filter assembly is being seated in the pocket.

Abstract: Provided are systems and methods incorporating design features that may be beneficial over current available well safety valves, such as a sleeved receptacle for a piston, a constrained piston rod, and a trapped flapper valve. A safety valve may comprise: an outer housing having a central bore extending axially through the outer housing, wherein the outer housing comprises an outer wall having a receptacle formed in the outer wall; a sleeve disposed in the receptacle; a piston disposed in the sleeve, wherein the piston is actuated to travel in the sleeve; a spring positioned to apply a biasing force to the piston; and a valve member disposed in the outer housing, wherein the valve member is operable to selectively restrict flow through the safety valve in response to movement of the piston.

Abstract: A steerable drilling system in accordance to an embodiment includes a bias unit integrated with the drill bit to form a steering head and an electronic control system located remote from the steering head and electrically connected to a digital valve of the bias unit.

Abstract: Wellbore systems containing a hydraulically regulated primary safety valve may have their hydraulic regulation transferred to an insert safety valve disposed in a nipple. Transfer of the hydraulic regulation may take place mechanically, such as through axial displacement of a sliding sleeve or by replacement of a hydraulic spool. Wellbore systems configured for axial displacement of a switching mechanism may comprise: a tubing string comprising a nipple and a primary safety valve, the primary safety valve being disposed in the tubing string above or below the nipple; a control line and a balance line in hydraulic communication with the primary safety valve and in latent hydraulic communication with an internal flow pathway within the nipple; and a switching mechanism that is axially displaceable to establish hydraulic communication between an insert safety valve positioned in a bore of the nipple and both the control line and the balance line.

Abstract: A method of forming a structure for a downhole application comprises forming an interfacial material comprising at least one of self-reinforced polyphenylene, polyphenylene sulfide, polysulfone, and polyphenylsulfone between opposing surfaces of a first substrate and a second substrate. A downhole structure and a downhole assembly are also described.

Abstract: A downhole apparatus and method for expelling fluid which comprises a container defining a void which is separated into three separate sections by a floating piston and control member, each having a dynamic seal. A portion of the container defining one of the void sections has a different cross-sectional area than the portion of the container defining another void section. In use, a fluid to be expelled is provided in one void section, and a reduced pressure (compared to the well) is sealed in another void section. The apparatus also comprises a wireless electromagnetic or acoustic receiver. When a signal is received by the wireless receiver to activate the apparatus, a valve or other mechanism maybe activated to release the floating piston and connected control member such that the lower pressure void and differing cross-sectional areas of the container drives and expels fluid out of the apparatus.

Abstract: A modular safety apparatus adapted to allow the flow and create a mechanical seal for a series of electric conductors in wellheads, thus, ensuring pressure control and internal hydraulic integrity and allowing for a method to repair leaks and/or conductor cables that does not require the use of specialized well maintenance equipment, comprising a sealing case attached to a lower connector, joined to another main or intermediating sealing case. The case seals towards the pipe hanger and attaches to the upper connector that seals towards the upper section of the wellhead and attaches to the protective bushing or the upper sealing case to ensure control of well's pressure during its operation or reparation in case of leaks or failures.

Abstract: A well barrier for sealing a downhole conduit is described. The well barrier comprises a housing defining a throughbore having a longitudinal axis, a valve actuator and a flapper valve. The flapper valve includes a flapper attached to the valve actuator. The flapper valve and the valve actuator are axially movable with respect to the housing in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. The flapper is adapted to move from one of a throughbore open and throughbore closed positions to the other of said open and closed positions when the actuator and flapper valve move a predetermined axial distance.

Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus for obtaining a fluid from a formation is disclosed that in one embodiment may include a fluid extraction device having a first probe and a second probe independently extendable form a tool body, a first fluid line and an associated first filter in fluid communication with the first probe for receiving the fluid from the formation and a second fluid line and an associated second filter in fluid communication with the second probe for receiving the fluid from the formation, and a first fixed scraper that cleans the first filter when the first probe is retracted from an extended position and a second fixed scraper that cleans the second filter when the second probe is retracted from an extended position.

Abstract: A packer assembly for dynamically sealing against an inner tubular of a telescoping joint including axially activated packers. The assembly includes an inner housing positionable about the inner tubular of the telescoping joint, the inner housing assembly comprising a packer configured to dynamically seal against the inner tubular of the telescoping joint, and an outer housing assembly positionable about the inner tubular of the telescoping joint and axially below the inner tubular housing, the outer housing comprising a packer configured to dynamically seal against the inner tubular of the telescoping joint.

Abstract: A method of estimating fractures in an earth formation includes: disposing an acoustic tool in a cased borehole in an earth formation, the acoustic tool including a multipole acoustic transmitter and an acoustic receiver; transmitting an acoustic signal into the borehole; measuring deep shear wave (DSW) signals generated from shear body waves reflected in the formation in a far-field region of the formation around the borehole; and estimating at least a location and an orientation of a fracture in the formation based on the DSW signals.

Abstract: A lock system works in combination with a mandrel to allow selective operation and disabling of a downhole tool. In the specific situation of a Smart Collet® the tool is locked from being able to find support when engaged to a mating profile as the tool is moved between landing locations. A lower housing features an external dog that in response to rotation takes with it a collet ring with circumferentially oriented fingers. An outer housing cams the collet heads into a respective groove in the mandrel. Reversal of such relative rotation between the upper and lower housings allows the collet heads to spring out of the mandrel groove for the unlocked position. The lock is adapted for use in a variety of tools. The rotation to unlock and then lock is accomplished by dog interaction with shaped internal profiles in a surrounding tubular assembly at strategic locations where needed.

Abstract: A well barrier for sealing a downhole conduit is described. The well barrier includes a housing defining a throughbore having a longitudinal axis, a valve actuator and a flapper valve. The flapper valve includes a flapper attached to the valve actuator. The flapper valve and the valve actuator are axially movable with respect to the housing in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. The flapper is adapted to move from one of a throughbore open and throughbore closed positions to the other of said open and closed positions when the actuator and flapper valve move a predetermined axial distance.

Abstract: An essentially cylindrical deadleg having a first cross sectional area at one end of the deadleg and a second cross sectional area, the first cross sectional area being smaller than the second cross sectional area.

Abstract: A device is described for a fluid operated valve body 200 for activation of a fluid operated tool, said valve body 200 is connected to a pipe section 11 of a pipe 160 arranged in a well 120 in a formation 140, and the device is characterized in that the valve comprises a plunger piston 5 in a channel 232, which plunger piston 5 is reset from a closed to an open position to let fluid into the tool, said resetting takes place with a piston 210, said piston 210 is brought to a number of stepwise forwards and backwards movements by increasing and decreasing, respectively, the fluid pressure P2, and said movements affect a slide body 14 which is moved stepwise, in one direction, to a position where it opens for balls 8 to fall out of channel 232, thereby releasing the plunger piston 5 to move and open for fluid flow P to the fluid operated tool.

Abstract: A system for pump down operations includes a diversion valve unit that is adjustable between a pumping position and a diversion position and a controller coupled to the diversion valve unit. The system further includes a fluid reservoir, a downhole fluid path between the fluid reservoir and a tool downhole, a driving unit in the downhole fluid path for advancing the tool, and a diversion fluid path between a portion of the downhole fluid path downstream of the driving unit and the fluid reservoir or another fluid receptacle. The diversion valve is in the diversion fluid path and the controller automates the diversion valve position for the diversion valve unit based on a monitored wireline speed or a monitored wireline tension for a wireline unit.

Abstract: A method of actuating one or more isolation valves in a well can include conveying a tubular string into the well, the tubular string including a shifting tool, inserting the shifting tool into an isolation valve, thereby opening the isolation valve, and withdrawing the shifting tool from the isolation valve, the isolation valve remaining open after the withdrawing. A completion system for use in a well can include multiple isolation valves, and a shifting tool which opens one isolation valve, allowing full bore inner diameter and not restricting flow, and closes another isolation valve. A shifting tool for actuating multiple isolation valves in a well can include multiple shifting profiles, whereby one shifting profile opens an isolation valve, and another shifting profile closes another isolation valve.

Abstract: Methods for communicatively coupling components at down-hole locations within a wellbore include introducing first and second cables through which signals are transmissible into the wellbore. Terminal ends of the cables are coarsely aligned by coupling connector housings associated with the cables within the wellbore. The terminal ends are then finely aligned by activating motors to move at least one of the terminal ends within the connector housings until a signal of sufficient strength is transmissible between the first and second cables.

Abstract: A hanger assembly for use in a vertical production tree that includes an annular piping spool member having a side opening, and a hanger having an outer surface profiled to selectively land in the piping spool member and a side opening registered with the side opening of the piping spool member. The hanger assembly also includes a vertical penetrator having an end selectively connected to a submersible device and an opposing end inserted into the hanger, and that is in communication with the side openings.

Abstract: A downhole hydraulic control system includes a hydraulic control module positioned in a well. First and second hydraulically controlled devices are positioned in the well. The first hydraulically controlled device has a first actuator and the second hydraulically controlled device has a second actuator. First and second hydraulic control lines extend uphole of the hydraulic control module in the well. In a first configuration of the hydraulic control module, pressure variations in the first and second hydraulic control lines are operable to independently shift the first and second actuators in respective first directions. In a second configuration of the hydraulic control module, pressure variations in the first and second hydraulic control lines are operable to shift the first and second actuators in respective second directions.

Abstract: A method of pumping production fluid from a wellbore includes deploying a centrifugal pump into a production wellbore; and pumping hydrocarbons from the production wellbore by rotating an impeller of the centrifugal pump in the production wellbore from surface using a drive string, wherein the impeller is rotated at a speed less than or equal to seventeen hundred fifty revolutions per minute.

Abstract: A technique facilitates selectively disengaging a running string from a lateral tube assembly. The running string comprises a running sub which is engageable with the lateral tube assembly. The running string further comprises a window finder which is positioned to extend into a main bore casing window when the running string is deployed downhole with the lateral tube assembly. Additionally, the running string comprises an extension sub which is coupled to the window finder. The extension sub is selectively extensible to disengage the window finder from the main bore casing prior to release of the running sub from the lateral tube assembly via a release force applied through the running string.

Abstract: A system that is usable with a well includes a string and valve assemblies that are disposed on the string. The valve assembly includes at least one control port and at least one radial fluid communication port. The valve assembly is adapted to serially receive an untethered object deployed in the string such that receipt of the object by a valve assembly of the plurality of valve assemblies creates a fluid obstruction to cause the valve assembly to expose the at least one control port of the valve assembly; serially release the untethered object; and jointly respond to pressurization of the string to open the radial fluid communication ports.

Abstract: A downhole wireless actuation based pipe lifting system with wireless communications and data acquisition capabilities for lifting casing from a well formation. The system may be deployed along a casing string with centralizers in the closed position to prevent any resistance that would be created by the centralizers. Upon reaching the proper location in the well, one or more pipe lifting systems may be actuated to lift the pipe from the well formation thereby providing a path for cement to flow around the casing. The system may collect, and store data before, during, and after the cementing process is performed, and may transmit the data wirelessly or by cable.

Abstract: A method of estimating fractures in an earth formation includes: disposing an acoustic tool in a cased borehole in an earth formation, the acoustic tool including a multipole acoustic transmitter and an acoustic receiver; transmitting an acoustic signal into the borehole; measuring deep shear wave (DSW) signals generated from shear body waves reflected in the formation in a far-field region of the formation around the borehole; and estimating at least a location and an orientation of a fracture in the formation based on the DSW signals.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for operating a downhole tool are disclosed. A downhole tool configuration device includes an upper stem movable between an up position and a down position. The upper stem comprises an extended portion. An outer sleeve is selectively coupleable to the upper stem at the up position and the down position and an inner sleeve is selectively coupleable to the upper stem at the up position and the down position. In the up position, the upper stem is operable to transfer tension to the outer sleeve and torque to the inner sleeve. In the down position, the upper stem is operable to transfer torque to the outer sleeve.

Abstract: A control mechanism for use with a safety valve adapted to seal a wellbore is described. The control mechanism comprises at least one valve actuator for engaging with the safety valve, the at least one actuator being moveable, in use, between a valve open position in which the safety valve is open and a valve closed position, in which the safety valve is closed. The control mechanism further comprises biasing apparatus adapted to bias the at least one valve actuator to the valve closed position, wherein, in use, the at least one valve actuator extends from the safety valve up to a wellbore wellhead. In one described embodiment, the safety valve is moved between the open and closed positions by movement of the at least one valve actuator with respect to the wellbore.

Abstract: A downhole valve for fluid energized packers includes a valve sub and a packer. The valve sub further includes a control tube and a rotatable ball, the control tube having at least one closable aperture fluidly coupled to the packer when open, and the rotatable ball rotatable about an axle having at least one flow path closable by a rotation of the ball. The rotatable ball rotates about an axle coupled to a shift sleeve coupled to the lower end of the control tube. The rotatable ball includes a rotation pin extending from its outer surface and a rotation pin sleeve is adapted to rotate the ball in response to a movement of the ball toward or away from the rotation pin sleeve.

Abstract: A gas lift barrier valve mandrel assembly includes a longitudinally extending tubular member that defines a production conduit and has a central longitudinal axis. A side pocket mandrel has a first pocket for accepting a gas lift barrier valve and has a first central axis. The side pocket mandrel has a second pocket for accepting a gas lift barrier valve and has a second central axis. The central axis of the production conduit, first axis and second axis are non-coaxial and are parallel to one another. A passage fluidly connects an outside of the mandrel to an inside of the production conduit and is intersected by the first and second pockets.

Abstract: An actuation tool uses a lock that when released allows a moving magnet to move into position to repel another magnet. The repelling force on the second magnet moves it away from a locking position on a stored potential energy system where the release of the potential energy creates kinetic energy to drive an actuation assembly to set the tool. In a preferred application the tool can be a liner hanger. The release device can be a selectively energized electromagnet or a solenoid that shifts at least one magnet into alignment with at least one second magnet so as to defeat the second magnet from effectively storing the potential energy that can set the tool when the lock is defeated.

Abstract: A pumping assembly includes a hydraulic pump having a hydraulic ram tied to a reciprocating annular piston having a central bore. When the annular piston moves in an upward direction, the hydraulic ram moves toward an extended position extending from the housing. When the annular piston moves in a downward direction, the hydraulic ram moves toward a retracted position retracted within the housing. A polish rod extends up through the central bore of the annular piston and is held in position by a polish rod clamp positioned on top of the hydraulic ram. The polish rod moves with the hydraulic ram. Other pumping systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the actuation of down-hole tools are provided. The down-hole tool that may be actuated and controlled using the apparatus and method may include a reamer, an adjustable gauge stabilizer, vertical steerable tools, rotary steerable tools, by-pass valves, packers, whipstocks, down hole valves, latch or release mechanisms and/or anchor mechanisms.

Abstract: A method includes treating a first formation intersecting a wellbore, preparing a diversion fluid including an inactivated viscosifier and an inactivated thinning agent, and positioning an amount of the diversion fluid to isolate the first formation. An activator is then delivered to the diversion fluid, thereby activating the inactivated viscosifier and triggering a thinning agent activation process.

Abstract: A wellbore treatment tool for setting against a constraining wall in which the wellbore treatment tool is positionable, the wellbore treatment tool including: a tool body including a first end formed for connection to a tubular string and an opposite end; a no-go key assembly including a tubular housing and a no-go key, the tubular housing defining an inner bore extending along the length of the tubular housing and an outer facing surface carrying the no-go key, the no-go key configured for locking the no-go key and tubular housing in a fixed position relative to the constraining wall, the tubular housing sleeved over the tool body with the tool body installed in the inner bore of the tubular housing; and a sealing element encircling the tool body and positioned between a first compression ring on the tool body and a second compression ring on the tubular housing, the sealing element being expandable to form an annular seal about the tool body by compression between the first compression ring and the second c

Abstract: A hydraulically balanced multiple drop well completion has a plurality of hydraulic control lines each of which communicates hydraulic inputs and a plurality of hydraulically operated tools numbering greater than or equal to the number of hydraulic control lines. Each of the hydraulic control lines is connected to at least one of the hydraulically operated tools to communicate hydraulic inputs to actuate the hydraulically operated tools. Each of the hydraulically operated tools discharges hydraulic fluid to one of the hydraulic control lines other than the hydraulic control line from which it receives the controlling hydraulic input.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for evaluating the subterranean formation of a wellbore is presented. The method includes conveying a downhole tool in a wellbore via a cable, and determining the torque in the cable in real-time. The method further involves conveying the downhole tool on a wireline, and automatically triggering an alert when the torque reaches a certain level. The apparatus includes a cable, a downhole tool attached to the cable for conveyance within the wellbore, and a sensor to measure torque in the cable. The apparatus may also include a telemetry system to communicate the torque data to the surface. The downhole tool includes a sensor to measure the relative torque between the downhole tool and the cable in real time.

Abstract: An artificial oil lifting unit uses an endless olephilic absorbent belt, driven by a surface equipment and tensed by a down hole equipment placed in the well production casing. The said absorbent belt (1) is looped over a central pulley (2) from a driving and collecting module (C) and driven by a double toothed belt (4) looped over six pulleys from which five are free (6,7,8,9 and 10). One is a driving pulley (5) placed over an entry shaft (36), the double toothed belt (4) being looped also over the oil absorbent belt on the central pulley and tensed with two identical systems (I) with pulleys commanded from the exterior of the case (13).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disconnecting tool (1) for disconnecting a drill pipe from a lower casing in a bore-hole and having an axial extension along a centre line (2), comprising an axial force generator (4) comprising a first part (5) and a second part (6) and providing an axial movement of the second part in relation to the first part along the axial extension, a wireline (3) powering the axial force generator, and an element (7) comprising a leading part (8) and a trailing part (9), the second part being connected with the trailing part, wherein a fluid channel (10) extends from the leading part to the trailing part for letting fluid through or pass the element when the second part is moved in relation to the first part of the force generator during disconnection.

Abstract: A charging unit, system and method are provided. The system includes an activation unit and a charging unit. The activation unit includes a pump unit, a pressure circuit with an unloader valve to selectively permit fluid to pass from the pump unit to the wellsite component, and an accumulator bank operatively connectable to the pressure circuit to store the fluid under pressure for passage to the wellsite component whereby the wellsite component is selectively activated. The charging unit includes a charging circuit operatively connectable to the pressure circuit to selectively receive the fluid from the pump unit, a charging accumulator operatively connectable to the charging circuit to store the fluid under pressure, and a pressure reducing valve operatively connectable to the charging circuit to selectively pass the fluid from the charging accumulator to the accumulator bank whereby an activation pressure of the fluid provided to the wellsite component is maintained.

Abstract: A control mechanism for use with a safety valve adapted to seal a wellbore is described. The control mechanism comprises at least one valve actuator for engaging with the safety valve, the at least one actuator being moveable, in use, between a valve open position in which the safety valve is open and a valve closed position, in which the safety valve is closed. The control mechanism further comprises biasing apparatus adapted to bias the at least one valve actuator to the valve closed position, wherein, in use, the at least one valve actuator extends from the safety valve up to a wellbore wellhead. In one described embodiment, the safety valve is moved between the open and closed positions by movement of the at least one valve actuator with respect to the wellbore.

Abstract: A device and method to allow a sucker rod to be disconnected at a particular point in a sucker rod string. Typically the disconnect device is located just above the barrel pump where the disconnect device is able to provide tensile and compressive strength similar to the sucker rod string thereby eliminating at least one failure mode for the sucker rod string.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a formation fixation device for securing a tubular in an open-hole wellbore, the formation fixation device comprising a tubular part, a fixation unit and a fluid passage. Furthermore, the invention relates to a downhole fixation system for securing a casing comprising a first end and a second end in an open-hole wellbore and to a method of permanently fixating a tubular part in an open-hole wellbore as well as to use of a formation fixation device according to the invention for fixating a tubular part in an open-hole wellbore.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the actuation of down-hole tools are provided. The down-hole tool that may be actuated and controlled using the apparatus and method may include a reamer, an adjustable gauge stabilizer, vertical steerable tools, rotary steerable tools, by-pass valves, packers, whipstocks, down hole valves, latch or release mechanisms and/or anchor mechanisms.

Abstract: A downhole control system can include a pair of drive lines passing through a wellbore member such as a tubing hanger, and a plurality of hydraulic switches, each in communication with the drive lines. Each hydraulic switch can have a unique pressure band, wherein the switch only responds when the pressure in the drive lines is within the unique pressure band. Once the pressure in the drive lines is within the pressure band, the switch can open or close in response to a pressure differential in the drive lines.

Abstract: A hydraulic jar for delivering impacts downhole. The jarring mechanism includes a cup-type piston that moves through a seal bore. The cup is deformable in response to fluid pressure so that it expands each time it moves through the seal bore to compensate for wear on the lip. Since only minimum interference is required between the piston and seal bore, less material may be used. This reduces the force required to reset the tool, which is particularly advantageous in horizontal wells. The seal bore may be slightly wider at the exit; the cup expands to this exit diameter, ensuring an interference fit as the cup travels back through the smaller diameter entry section. The entry end of the seal bore may include longitudinal grooves. This prevents the piston cup from rupturing by preventing a fluid seal around the lip until the most of cup is inside the seal bore.

Abstract: A production shutdown system for an underwater hydrocarbon production facility, comprising, on the topside: a safety system, and a communications module; and, underwater; drive control means, and an underwater communications component; wherein in use safety signals are passed from the safety system to the drive control means via the topside communications module and the underwater communications component, and wherein the safety system and drive control means are rated according to a prescribed safety level but the communications module and underwater communications component are not so rated.

Abstract: A method includes treating a first formation intersecting a wellbore, preparing a diversion fluid including an inactivated viscosifier and an inactivated thinning agent, and positioning an amount of the diversion fluid to isolate the first formation. An activator is then delivered to the diversion fluid, thereby activating the inactivated viscosifier and triggering a thinning agent activation process.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for remotely operating a setting tool for a liner hanger (402) independent of a ball seating or dart landing. Operating the setting tool independent of the ball seating or dart landing may allow for a sufficient pressure differential to properly set the liner hanger.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for remotely operating a cementing head. Remotely operating a cementing head (202) may allow for continued rotation as well as up or down movements (e.g., of a top drive).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a completion assembly for running into a borehole in a formation through a well head or blowout preventer, comprising a casing string having a first end and a second end, and a drill pipe having a first end and a second end and extending through the well head or the blowout preventer and being releasably connected at the first end with the casing string. Furthermore, the invention relates to a completion method for completing a casing string. Moreover, the invention relates to a completion kit for making a completion assembly according to the present invention.