Abstract: A hydraulically set concentric packer with multiple umbilical bypass through the piston. In a described embodiment, a packer for use in a subterranean well includes a piston which displaces to set the packer in the well, and a line extending through the piston. The piston has concentric inner and outer diameters, and is concentric with an inner mandrel and an outer housing of the packer.

Abstract: A sequential hydraulic well control system provides actuator selection and operation utilizing pressure applied to hydraulic lines in a sequence. In a disclosed embodiment, an actuation control device of a well control system includes multiple pistons, at least one of which is included in a latch for selectively permitting and preventing displacement of another of the pistons. When one of the pistons displaces in response to pressure applied sequentially to hydraulic inputs of the control device, an associated actuator is placed in fluid communication with the inputs.

Abstract: A control system for use in controlling actuation of tools in a subterranean well. In a described embodiment, a control system includes a well tool, an actuator for the well tool and a control module interconnected between the actuator and first and second fluid lines. The control module is operative to meter a predetermined volume of fluid from the actuator to the second line in response to pressure applied to the first line.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed that provide for transmitting data from a downhole location to the surface. In one embodiment, a communications medium provides data transfer capabilities to the surface. A first downhole instrument is associated with the communications medium in order to measure a first downhole parameter and transmit first data relative to the first downhole parameter to the surface via the communications medium at a first time. A second downhole instrument is associated with the communications medium in order to measure a second downhole parameter and transmit second data relative to the second downhole parameter to the surface via the communications medium at a second time such that the first data is interleaved with the second data.

Abstract: A multi-line back pressure control system for providing two way hydraulic line movement while maintaining back pressure control. Check valves are integrated in hydraulic fluid control lines extending downhole into a wellbore. Each check valve is pilot operated with pressure from another hydraulic line to selectively open the lines for two way fluid communication. Removal of the pilot pressure closes the check valves to provide passive back pressure control against catastrophic wellbore events. Pilot pressure operation between multiple pressurized lines can be provided with valves such as three-way, three-position piloted valves.

Abstract: A hydraulically operated fluid metering apparatus provides discharge of a known volume of fluid to an actuator of a well tool. In one described embodiment, the fluid metering apparatus is connected to a hydraulic input of a well tool actuator. Discharge of the known volume of fluid to the actuator input causes a piston of the actuator to displace a known distance, thereby producing a known increment of actuation of the well tool. The discharge of the known volume of fluid may be repeated to produce a desired total degree of actuation of the well tool.

Abstract: A system for transmitting hydraulic control signals and hydraulic power to downhole well tools while reducing the number of hydraulic lines installed in the wellbore. Hydraulic control signals can be furnished at relatively lower pressures, and the hydraulic pressure within the line can be selectively increased over a threshold level to provide hydraulic actuation power. The system can provide multiple control paths through a few number of hydraulic lines to provide flexibility and verification of well tool operation. Closed loop hydraulic operation monitors well tool operation, and a combination of pressurized hydraulic lines can provide an operating code for selective downhole well tool control. Four hydraulic lines can provide independent control and actuation of seven well tools, and additional combinations can be constructed.

Abstract: A system for transmitting hydraulic control signals or hydraulic power to downhole well tools while significantly reducing the number of hydraulic lines required. Hydraulic control signals are furnished at relatively low pressures to actuate a selected well tool, and the hydraulic pressure is selectively increased over a threshold level to provide hydraulic power to the well tool. The hydraulic control actuation signals can be controlled by selectively pressurizing different hydraulic lines in a selected sequence and by selectively powering the fluid pressure within a selected hydraulic line. The combination of selective sequential actuation and selective fluid pressure provides multiple actuation combinations for selectively actuating downhole well tools. Additional combinations can be provided by changing the pressurization sequence, magnitude, absolute time, duration, and pressurization profile within a discrete time period.