Abstract: A method of attaching a branch outlet fitting to a metal pipe buried beneath the earth's surface while causing reduced disturbance to the earth above the pipe, comprising digging a vertical excavation from the earth's surface to expose a short length of the pipe; positioning a first fitting portion on a lower surface of the pipe; positioning a second fitting portion on an upper surface of the pipe in alignment with the first fitting portion, the first and second fitting portions having welding material thereon adjacent the pipe surfaces and each other; and from the earth's surface, activating the welding material to physically and sealably secure the fitting portions to the pipe and to each other.

Abstract: Devices and methods for selectively closing and opening flow of production fluid (oil, gas, or water) through the flowbore of a production string by chemically altering the phase of fluid media flowing through the production tubing to form a substantially solid plug or blockage. The phase of the fluid media is altered by selectively injecting a predetermined catalyst into a portion of the flowbore wherein it is desired to create a plug or blockage. When it is desired to remove the blockage, a dissolving agent is selectively added to the flowbore via a reversing sub to reverse the phase of the blockage from solid to liquid/gas. As the blockage is dissolved, flow is reestablished within the flowbore.

Abstract: A method of attaching a branch outlet fitting to a metal pipe buried beneath the earth's surface while causing reduced disturbance to the earth above the pipe, comprising digging a vertical excavation from the earth's surface to expose a short length of the pipe; positioning a first fitting portion on a lower surface of the pipe; positioning a second fitting portion on an upper surface of the pipe in alignment with the first fitting portion, the first and second fitting portions having welding material thereon adjacent the pipe surfaces and each other; and from the earth's surface, activating the welding material to physically and sealably secure the fitting portions to the pipe and to each other.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a surface controlled subsurface safety valve (SCSSV) that includes a moveable component of the SCSSV and a stationary component of the SCSSV. A sensor element is also included which is configured to sense position of the moveable component relative to the stationary component. Further disclosed herein is a method for sensing position of an object which includes placing a component comprising magnetostrictive material in a location calculated to be contacted by a separate component and causing a stress on the material with the separate component. The method further includes measuring a change in magnetic permeability of the material.

Abstract: Various techniques for holding open an SSSV using expansion technology are disclosed. A sleeve is delivered to the SSSV and expanded mechanically or hydraulically to deposit the deformed sleeve in position over a flapper or against a flow tube holding the flapper in the open position.

Abstract: Various techniques for holding open an SSSV using expansion technology are disclosed. A sleeve is delivered to the SSSV and expanded mechanically or hydraulically to deposit the deformed sleeve in position over a flapper or against a flow tube holding the flapper in the open position.

Abstract: The hydraulic control system for operating a flow tube in a subsurface safety valve is disclosed. An isolation piston is used in conjunction with an operating control line and an engagement control line. Both control lines run from the surface. The isolation piston is spring loaded to equalize pressure across a dynamic piston to allow the flow tube to be shifted by a power spring to allow in turn the subsurface safety valve to close. Application of pressure on the engagement control line directs pressure applied through the operating control line to the top of the dynamic piston thus shifting the flow tube downwardly to open the subsurface safety valve. In an alternative embodiment, a coaxial control line directs fluid to the top of the dynamic piston and additionally to a parallel path leading to the bottom of the dynamic piston where a control valve is mounted.