Abstract: A method of progressively gravel packing is provided which enables individual sections of a continuous wellbore portion to be gravel packed in succession. In a described embodiment, multiple well screens are positioned in a wellbore. A continuous portion of the wellbore is isolated using, for example, one or more packers, with the well screens being disposed in the isolated portion. The isolated wellbore portion is then progressively gravel packed in successive individual predetermined sections of the isolated wellbore portion.

Abstract: Systems and methods particularly suitable for open hole formation testing are provided. In a described embodiment, a method of performing a test on a formation intersected by a wellbore includes the steps of flowing fluid into an apparatus from the formation, displacing a fluid barrier of the apparatus in one direction, flowing the formation fluid out of the apparatus and back into the formation by applying pressure to the apparatus, and displacing the fluid barrier in an opposite direction.

Abstract: An expandable well screen has a desirable thin-wall construction together with a simplified fabrication method. In fabricating the screen, a flexible sheet of metal mesh filter media is diffusion bonded to an inner side of a perforated metal sheet which is then deformed to a tubular shape to form a filter structure having an outer perforated tubular shroud interiorly lined with the filter media. The tubular filter structure is telescoped onto a perforated base pipe and has its opposite ends sealingly secured thereto to complete the expandable well screen.

Abstract: Apparatus and corresponding methods are disclosed for controlling fluid flow within a subterranean well. In a described embodiment, a longitudinally spaced apart series of selectively set and unset inflatable packers is utilized to substantially isolate desired portions of a formation intersected by a well. Setting and unsetting of the packers may be accomplished by a variety of devices, some of which may be remotely controllable. Additionally, a series of fluid control devices may be alternated with the packers as part of a tubular string positioned within the well.

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 hydraulic control system for downhole tools enables convenient selection and actuation of a well tool assembly from among multiple well tool assemblies installed in a well. Each well tool assembly includes a control module having a selecting device and a fluid metering device. A predetermined range of pressure levels on one of multiple hydraulic lines causes the well tool assembly to be selected for actuation, a differential between pressure on that hydraulic line and pressure on another hydraulic line determines a manner of actuating the selected well tool assembly, and pressure fluctuations on one of the hydraulic lines causes fluid to be transferred from another hydraulic line to an actuator of the well tool assembly.

Abstract: An explosive system is disclosed which may be used in repair of damaged casing. In a described embodiment, an explosive system includes a flexible elongated tubular container with a liquid explosive disposed within the container. As an alternative, the liquid explosive may be flowed into a wellbore without being retained within a container. The liquid explosive is detonated in the wellbore, thereby fragmenting the damaged casing and forcing it out into a formation surrounding the wellbore.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided which permit well testing operations to be performed downhole in a subterranean well. In various described methods, fluids flowed from a formation during a test may be disposed of downhole by injecting the fluids into the formation from which they were produced, or by injecting the fluids into another formation. In several of the embodiments of the invention, apparatus utilized in the methods permit convenient retrieval of samples of the formation fluids and provide enhanced data acquisition for monitoring of the test and for evaluation of the formation fluids.

Abstract: A downhole power generator produces electrical power for use by downhole tools. In a described embodiment, a downhole power generator includes a member that is vibrated in response to fluid flow through a housing. Vibration of the member causes a power generating assembly to generate electrical power.

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 early formation evaluation tool is provided which includes formation fluid sampling capabilities. In one embodiment, fluid pressure in a drill string in which the tool is interconnected is utilized to operate packers of the tool and to operate fluid samplers of the tool. To successively control actuation of the samplers, a ratchet mechanism responsive to altering fluid pressures in the drill string aligns a piercing member with a series of frangible pressure barriers associated with the samplers.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for absorbing shock downhole in a wellbore. The kinetic energy from a moving tool is absorbed to dissipate such energy, to decelerate the moving tool, or to prevent impact damage s from contact between the tool and other downhole components. An actuator has an interference fit with a body such as the interior wall of a tubing section. When the moving tool actuates the actuator to move the actuator relative to the body, kinetic energy is dissipated into the body as the body elastically deforms due to the moving actuator. The amount of energy dissipated can be determined from the strength of the body, the contact dimensions between the actuator and body, and the length of moving contact between the actuator and body.

Abstract: Methods and systems for dispensing a product from a container into a tire are provided. In a described embodiment, a method of dispensing a product into a tire inflation port includes the steps of attaching a flexible conduit to the inflation port and then operatively attaching the conduit to container of the product. A system for dispensing a product into an inflation port of a tire includes: a container having the product pressurized therein, and a valve selectively permitting and preventing flow of the product from the container; and a conduit assembly including a flexible conduit extending between a container connector and a port connector, the container connector being configured for connection to the container for flow of the product from the container into the conduit, and the port connector being configured for connection to the inflation port for flow of the product from the conduit into the tire.

Abstract: An air conditioning system flush solvent and associated method of flushing air conditioning systems provides enhanced removal of moisture in air conditioning systems. In a described embodiment, an air conditioning system flush solvent consists essentially of a proportion of heptane less than or equal to approximately 70% and a proportion of isopropyl alcohol greater than or equal to approximately 29%.

Abstract: A subsea subterranean well completion has a tubing string with a portion that extends through a region of the completion exposed to temperatures sufficiently low to potentially create wax and/or hydrate deposits within the tubing string during pre-production or shut-down periods. In order to inhibit or remove the formation of these deposits, the well completion is provided with a flow assurance system operative to create a flow of heating fluid which is recirculated through the space between the tubing string portion and the well casing/production riser structure in a manner causing the heating fluid to flow along the outer side of the tubing string portion without previously or subsequently traversing the interior of the tubing string. The heat absorbed by the tubing string inhibits or removes wax and/or hydrate formation in production fluid therein without the previous necessity of using a chemical injection system to inject plug-inhibiting chemicals into the interior of the tubing string.

Abstract: An expandable well screen has a desirable thin-wall construction together with a simplified fabrication method. In fabricating the screen, a flexible sheet of metal mesh filter media is diffusion bonded to an inner side of a perforated metal sheet which is then deformed to a tubular shape to form a filter structure having an outer perforated tubular shroud interiorly lined with the filter media. The tubular filter structure is telescoped onto a perforated base pipe and has its opposite ends sealingly secured thereto to complete the expandable well screen.

Abstract: A circulating valve and associated methods of using same provide control of fluid flow within a subterranean well. In a described embodiment, a circulating valve includes a fluid pressure storage chamber in fluid communication with the exterior of the valve. When positioned in a wellbore, fluid pressure in an annulus between the valve and the wellbore is stored in the storage chamber. A subsequent, relatively rapid, increase in the annulus fluid pressure causes the valve to operate.

Abstract: A downhole tractor is provided that includes a housing and a first wheel assembly coupled to the housing that is operable to translate away from the housing in a first direction. The first wheel assembly has a first electric motor, a first wheel, and a first reduction gear assembly coupled between the first electric motor and the first wheel. A second wheel assembly is coupled to the housing and is operable to translate away from the housing in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction. The second wheel assembly has a second electric motor, a second wheel, and a second reduction gear assembly coupled between the second electric motor and the second wheel. A fluid ram is coupled to the first and second wheel assemblies for selectively translating the first and second wheel assemblies toward and away from the housing. A first controller is provided for controlling the flow of current to the first and second electric motors.

Abstract: A tubular casing section for a subterranean well has side wall apertures therein which are temporally sealed with plug structures. The plugged casing section is positioned within a wellbore at a selected subterranean formation and cemented in place within the wellbore. The plugs are removed, such as by melting, fracturing, shearing or corrosion, and a stimulation tool is lowered into the casing and operated to pierce through the cement lining at the unplugged casing side wall apertures and into the surrounding subterranean formation to establish communication between the formation and the interior of the casing.

Abstract: A thermal insulation vessel is provided that includes a first housing has a first internal cavity and an inner wall. A first plurality of magnets are coupled to the first housing and positioned proximate the inner wall in circumferentially spaced-apart relation. A second housing is positioned in the first internal cavity and has a second internal cavity and an outer wall. A second plurality of magnets is coupled to the second housing and positioned proximate the outer wall in circumferentially spaced-apart relation. The second plurality of magnets interacts with the first plurality of magnets to maintain a gap between the inner wall and the outer wall. The vessel may be used to thermally isolate components within or for use with various downhole tools. Magnetic levitation eliminates most and possibly all pathways for conductive heat transfer.