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: 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: The present inventions contemplate improved annular flow safety valve apparatus and methods in which the valve comprises a bi-directional self-contained electromechanically operated valve assembly including a moveable seal, power source, electric motor, and control system, capable of operating with or without power or control inputs from the surface.

Abstract: Electrical power generators and methods of producing power in a subterranean well are provided. In a described embodiment, fluid flow through a fluid conduit causes a member to displace or vibrate. The displacement of the member is utilized to induce strain in a piezoelectric material, thereby causing the piezoelectric material to produce electricity. Various means may be used to create turbulence in the fluid flow, thereby increasing displacement of the member, resulting in increased power output from the generator.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process and apparatus for treating a wellbore, comprising subjecting a substantially same portion of the wellbore to vibratory waves produced by a plurality of vibratory wave generators. The vibratory waves may have about the same frequency or a plurality of frequencies, and the frequencies may partially overlap, not overlap, or be modulated across a range. Additionally, the frequencies may be modulated in an oval, hoop, and flexural modes. The vibratory waves may be produced by firing the vibratory wave generators simultaneously or in sequence. Preferably, the vibratory waves are acoustically streamed in a viscous boundary layer near obstacles, outside a viscous boundary layer near obstacles, or in a free non-uniform sound field. In a preferred embodiment, a vibrating pipe and a piston pulser are used as vibratory wave generators. In another preferred embodiment, a vibrating pipe, piston pulser, and a valve are used as vibratory wave generators.

Abstract: A downhole apparatus (100) for determining the constituent composition of a produced fluid is disclosed. The apparatus (100) includes a vessel (106) having an interior chamber (108) that receives and contains a sample of the produced fluid. In the interior chamber (108), the sample of the produced fluid is allowed to separate into its constituents. A gauge (200) having an array of transmitter elements (E1-E17) and an array of corresponding receiver elements (R1-R17) disposed oppositely of one another on the vessel (106), is used to transmit and receive energy waves that propagate through the sample of the produced fluid. The receiver elements (R1-R17) detect changes in absorption or scattering of the energy waves transmitted from the corresponding transmitter element (E1-E17) caused by the constituent of the sample of the produced fluid through which that energy wave propagated.

Abstract: A self-regulating lift fluid injection tool (100) adapted for placement within production tubing (30). The tool (100) has a control valve (126) that controls the rate of injection of a lift fluid (102) into the formation fluids (104) being produced through the production tubing (30). A sensor (140) monitors the flow rate of the formation fluids (104) through the production tubing (30). The sensor (140) generates a signal indicative the flow rate of the formation fluids (104) which is sent to an electronics package (142). The electronics package (142) generates a control signal in response to the signal received from the sensor (140) that is received by an actuator (176). The actuator (176) adjusts the position of the control valve (126) to regulate the flow rate of the lift fluid (102) therethrough in response to the control signal, thereby optimizing the flow rate of the formation fluids (104).

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: 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: 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: 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: A self-regulating lift fluid injection tool (100) adapted for placement within production tubing (30) is disclosed. The tool (100) has a control valve (126) that controls the rate of injection of a lift fluid (102) into the formation fluids(104) being produced through the production tubing (30). A sensor (140) monitors the flow rate of the formation fluids (104) through the production tubing (30). The sensor (140) generates a signal indicative the flow rate of the formation fluids (104) which is sent to an electronics package (142). The electronics package (142) generates a control signal in response to the signal received from the sensor (140) that is received by an actuator (176). The actuator (176) adjusts the position of the control valve (126) to regulate the flow rate of the lift fluid (102) therethrough in response to the control signal, thereby optimizing the flow rate of the formation fluids (104).

Abstract: A method of servicing a well and an associated well system provide convenient downhole hydraulic path selection. In a described embodiment, a hydraulic path selector is preconfigured for selection of a desired hydraulic path set, and then the selector is conveyed into a tubular string in which a hydraulic manifold is connected to one or more hydraulically operable tools. When engaged with the manifold, the selector selects the appropriate hydraulic path set, which selection determines which tool is to be operated and/or in what manner the tool is to be operated. In another described embodiment, the selector is operated after engagement with the manifold to select the appropriate path set.

Abstract: A self-regulating lift fluid injection tool (100) adapted for placement within production tubing (30). The tool (100) has a control valve (126) that controls the rate of injection of a lift fluid (102) into the formation fluids (104) being produced through the production tubing (30). A sensor (140) monitors the flow rate of the formation fluids (104) through the production tubing (30). The sensor (140) generates a signal indicative the flow rate of the formation fluids (104) which is sent to an electronics package (142). The electronics package (142) generates a control signal in response to the signal received from the sensor (140) that is received by an actuator (176). The actuator (176) adjusts the position of the control valve (126) to regulate the flow rate of the lift fluid (102) therethrough in response to the control signal, thereby optimizing the flow rate of the formation fluids (104).

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: 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: Electric power is generated downhole in a well using a thermoelectric device. A temperature gradient or differential .DELTA.T present in the well is applied to the thermoelectric device to produce a voltage potential across the output terminals of the device. The thermoelectric device includes a first thermocouple coupled to a heat source and a second thermocouple coupled to a heat sink source. The electric power generated by the thermoelectric device is used to recharge battery packs located downhole or to power electrical devices or systems.

Abstract: A packer for a subterranean oil and/or gas well. The packer has a control signal bypass passage incorporated in the packer body. The control signal bypass passage may be opened and closed via reeled tubing to selectively allow and disallow passage of a control signal through the packer. The packer supports an electric submersible pump for enhancing flow of well fluids. The control signal bypass passage of the packer connects with a control line from the surface and with a separate control line extending downhole from the packer in the well. The control line, downhole from the packer, connects with a safety valve operable by control signal passed from the surface, through the packer, and downhole through the control signal bypass passage of the packer.

Abstract: A longitudinally spaced series of tubular nipple structures are installed in a well flow conductor operatively extended through a subterranean well bore. Each nipple structure has a thinned-wall, increased interior diameter longitudinal section through which a plurality of fluid flow openings laterally extend, and an interior side surface annular tool locator recess, with each such recess having a profile different than those of all of the other tool locator recesses. The thinned-wall longitudinal sections of the nipples facilitate the formation of the flow openings therein. To seal off the flow openings in any selected one of these longitudinal nipple sections, a radially expandable tubular metal patch is supported on a setting tool which is lowered into the well flow conductor. A locator member complementarily and lockably receivable by the locator recess of the selected nipple is also supported on the tool.

Abstract: A sliding sleeve valve useful in a flow conduit to control and vary area of openings open for flow through the valve. The valve has a sleeve having a through flow passage and the sleeve is moveable between open, intermediate and closed positions. When the sleeve is in open position, the area open for flow through the valve is equal to area through the sleeve flow passage. As the sleeve is moved from open position to intermediate positions toward closed position, the area open for flow at each position is reduced to no area open for flow at closed position and conversely. Also disclosed is a pressure operated shifting tool which when lowered into the sleeve valve selectively locates in the valve, engages the sleeve, moves the sleeve upwardly or downwardly between positions and automatically disengages from the sleeve for retrieval. The invertible shifting module in the shifting tool is provided with a positioning sleeve which determines the distance the sleeve is moved when the shifting tool is operated.