Abstract: A method of determining changing well characteristics at downhole locations based on changes in detected temperatures by permanently installed downhole sensors. The methods and tools utilized involve the establishing of baseline temperature profiles, for example, at the outset of well operations. The installed sensors may be powered are rechecked on a periodic or continuous basis for substantial deviations to the temperature profiles which are indicative of particular well condition changes such as the depositing of asphaltene or decreases in fluid velocity.

Abstract: A method of determining changing well characteristics at downhole locations based on changes in detected temperatures by permanently installed downhole sensors. The methods and tools utilized involve the establishing of baseline temperature profiles, for example, at the outset of well operations. The installed sensors may be powered are rechecked on a periodic or continuous basis for substantial deviations to the temperature profiles which are indicative of particular well condition changes such as the depositing of asphaltene or decreases in fluid velocity.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing a well test operation includes a closed chamber testing system having a downhole flow control device. In some embodiments, a method of performing a well test operation includes performing a well test operation with a closed chamber testing system having a downhole flow control device and estimating the reservoir properties based on pressure and flow data measured during the well test operation.

Abstract: A variable throat Venturi flow meter includes an upstream pipe section having an upstream cross-sectional area, a throat section having a variable throat cross-sectional area that is smaller than the upstream cross-sectional area, and a plurality of section-varying elements adapted to temporarily vary the throat cross-sectional area to allow a downhole tool to pass through the throat section.

Abstract: A fluid flow metering device comprises a ball valve locatable in a fluid flow, having at least two transverse bores through the ball valve, a first transverse bore and a second transverse bore. The first transverse bore includes a fluid flow metering apparatus for measuring the rate of fluid flow through the first transverse bore. The ball valve is preferably rotatable between a first metering position where fluid is flowable through the first transverse bore and a second open position where fluid is flowable through the second transverse bore. In addition, the second transverse bore is dimensioned so that a tool is movable through the second transverse bore when the ball valve is in the second open position.

Abstract: A variable throat Venturi flow meter includes an upstream pipe section having an upstream cross-sectional area, a throat section having a variable throat cross-sectional area that is smaller than the upstream cross-sectional area, and a plurality of section-varying elements adapted to temporarily vary the throat cross-sectional area to allow a downhole tool to pass through the throat section.

Abstract: A fluid flow metering device comprises a ball valve locatable in a fluid flow, having at least two transverse bores through the ball valve, a first transverse bore and a second transverse bore. The first transverse bore includes a fluid flow metering apparatus for measuring the rate of fluid flow through the first transverse bore. The ball valve is preferably rotatable between a first metering position where fluid is flowable through the first transverse bore and a second open position where fluid is flowable through the second transverse bore. In addition, the second transverse bore is dimensioned so that a tool is movable through the second transverse bore when the ball valve is in the second open position.