Abstract: A running tool includes subassemblies which release the running tool from the liner hanger in response to application of alternating tensile and compressive forces after application of left-hand torque. A running tool includes subassemblies which set the liner hanger in response to left-hand torque followed by increased pressure, and in response to increased pressure without prior left-hand torque being applied. A running tool includes threaded connections, without torque transmitted through the running tool being transmitted by the threaded connections. A method of setting a liner hanger includes applying a compressive force to the running tool; then applying left-hand torque to the running tool; and then applying a tensile force to the running tool. A method of releasing a liner hanger includes applying left-hand torque to the running tool; and then releasing the running tool from the liner hanger by applying a tensile force to the running tool.

Abstract: A downhole tool (100) for wellbore operations comprises a substantially tubular member (130) that is operably positionable in the wellbore and a rotation member (110) that is rotatably disposed within the substantially tubular member (130). The rotation member (110) has a passageway (112) through which objects may pass into the wellbore. The rotation member (110) rotates about an axis of rotation (x) that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (y) of the substantially tubular member (130) in response to fluid flow through the passageway (112). The rotation member (110) has magnetic properties such that rotation of the rotation member (110) generates a magnetic field that produces useable power.

Abstract: A fluid flow control device (60) for use in a wellbore to control the inflow of production fluids comprises a sand control screen (62) having a base pipe (64) with a first set of openings (66) that allows the production fluids to flow therethrough and a sleeve (74) coaxially disposed adjacent to the base pipe (64). The sleeve (74) has a second set of openings (76) that allows the production fluids to flow therethrough. The sleeve (74) is selectively positionable relative to the base pipe (64) such that a pressure drop in the production fluids is selectively controllable by adjusting an alignment of the first set of openings (66) relative to the second set of openings (76).

Abstract: A power generating system (100) for a downhole operation (10) having production tubing (40) in a wellbore (12) includes a magnetized rotation member (110) coupled to the wellbore (12) within the production tubing (40), the rotation member (110) having a passageway (112) through which objects, such as tools, may be passed within the production tubing (40). Support braces (170, 172) couple the rotation member (110) to the production tubing (40) and allow the rotation member (110) to rotate within the production tubing (40). Magnetic pickups (150, 152) are predisposed about the rotation member (110) within the wellbore (12) and a power conditioner (200) is provided to receive currents from the magnetic pickups (150, 152) for storage and future use.

Abstract: A fluid flow control device (60) for use in a wellbore to control the inflow of production fluids comprises a sand control screen (62) having a base pipe (64) with a first set of openings (66) that allows the production fluids to flow therethrough and a sleeve (74) coaxially disposed adjacent to the base pipe (64). The sleeve (74) has a second set of openings (76) that allows the production fluids to flow therethrough. The sleeve (74) is selectively positionable relative to the base pipe (64) such that a pressure drop in the production fluids is selectively controllable by adjusting an alignment of the first set of openings (66) relative to the second set of openings (76).

Abstract: A power generating system (100) for a downhole operation (10) having production tubing (40) in a wellbore (12) includes a magnetized rotation member (110) coupled to the wellbore (12) within the production tubing (40), the rotation member (110) having a passageway (112) through which objects, such as tools, may be passed within the production tubing (40). Support braces (170, 172) couple the rotation member (110) to the production tubing (40) and allow the rotation member (110) to rotate within the production tubing (40). Magnetic pickups (150, 152) are predisposed about the rotation member (110) within the wellbore (12) and a power conditioner (200) is provided to receive currents from the magnetic pickups (150, 152) for storage and future use.

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: 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: The improved method and apparatus for down-hole oil/water separation during oil well pumping operations includes a conventional sucker rod pump disposed within a tubing string which may be disposed within the casing of a wellbore. The sucker rod pump may be releasably attached to a sucker rod at one end. A side intake valve may be disposed within the tubing string at a position down-hole from the sucker rod pump. A check valve may be located at an elevation above the injection perforations. The sucker rod may also be attached to a pumping jack at the surface of the wellbore. Production piping with an automatic control valve and a back pressure regulator may extend from the tubing string at the surface of the wellbore. A piping loop with a check valve disposed therein may also extend from the production piping terminating on opposite sides of the automatic control valve. In one embodiment, an accumulator may be coupled to the production piping between the back pressure regulator and the piping loop.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for selectively lifting produced fluid, including produced hydrocarbons and a portion of produced water, to a ground surface and for multiplying a hydrostatic head of a column of the produced fluid into a magnified injection pressure for injecting, without lifting to the ground surface, the remaining produced water, subsurface, in a subterranean well.

Abstract: A side intake valve assembly for use in a subterranean well in conjunction with a second or lower valve assembly, and a hollow connecting body for connecting the side intake valve assembly and the second or lower valve assembly. The side intake valve assembly allows water separated from the production fluid to be forced downwardly through the intake valve assembly and the second or lower valve assembly into a water disposal zone. A one-way valve in the side intake valve assembly is a gravity operated ball valve.

Abstract: A high pressure well cementing plug assembly for use in a pipe during the cementing of the pipe in a well bore is provided by the present invention. The assembly basically comprises top and bottom cementing plugs which include high strength inner tubes for supporting high differential pressures exerted on the plugs. The bottom end of the inner tube of the bottom plug is adapted to supportingly engage a float shoe or the like upon landing. Also, the bottom end of the inner tube of the top plug and the top end of the inner tube of the bottom plug are adapted to supportingly engage each other when the top plug lands on the bottom plug. The high strength inner tubes support high pressure differentials exerted on the plugs and prevent the plugs from collapsing or otherwise being damaged.

Abstract: A wireline set baffle for positioning in a well casing after the well casing has already been placed in a wellbore. The apparatus comprises a baffle and a setting or running tool engaged with the baffle and adapted for positioning the baffle at a predetermined location in the wellbore. In one embodiment, a lock ring may be used to lock the baffle to the casing at a predetermined location, and in another embodiment, collet fingers on the baffle may be used to engage the casing. The lock ring may be initially held in a non-engaging position by a lock ring retainer or shear pins. The collet fingers may be initially held in a non-engaging position by a cover which is disengaged from the collet fingers by a blasting cap. Engagement may be with an inner surface of the casing or a recess defined at a casing joint. A method of using the wireline set baffle is also disclosed.

Abstract: An indicating ball catcher for use in a downhole drill pipe or tool string. The ball catcher comprises an upper body portion having an inlet opening smaller than any ball pumped thereto and a lower body portion. An elongated case interconnects the upper and lower body portions. A bypass is provided for allowing fluid flow around any ball caught in the apparatus and preventing the ball from being pumped therefrom. A reverse bypass may be provided so that fluid back flow is allowed without pumping the balls therefrom. In one embodiment, the apparatus can accommodate balls which have a larger cross-sectional area than an inner cross-sectional area of the case. The apparatus provides pressure indications at the surface when a ball reaches the upper body portion and when the ball enters the case.

Abstract: An easily drillable non-metallic, non-rotating plug set for use in well cementing operations.

Abstract: The plug set of the present invention comprises an upper plug having a non-rotation insert retained therein and a lower plug having two non-rotation inserts retained therein. The present invention further includes the use of a non-rotation insert in the floating equipment with which the plug set of the present invention is used.