Abstract: A downhole shut-in tool includes in one aspect a pilot valve which when opened places a differential pressure across a piston which in turn operably engages a shut-in valve element to close the shut-in tool. An electronic timer assembly and electric drive motor are provided for controlling the action of the pilot valve. The drive motor is controlled by a load sensor which senses that the motor has stalled when an actuator engages a movement limiting abutment. In another aspect a pilot value is provided which can selectively communicate the pressure differential across the piston so as to repeatedly open and close the shut-in valve element. Efficient methods of drawdown and buildup testing using such an automated multiple operating shut-in tool are provided. Associated automated sampling tools are also disclosed.

Abstract: A downhole shut-in tool includes in one aspect a pilot valve which when opened places a differential pressure across a piston which in turn operably engages a shut-in valve element to close the shut-in tool. An electronic timer assembly and electric drive motor are provided for controlling the action of the pilot valve. The drive motor is controlled by a load sensor which senses that the motor has stalled when an actuator engages a movement limiting abutment. In another aspect a pilot valve is provided which can selectively communicate the pressure differential across the piston so as to repeatedly open and close the shut-in valve element. Efficient methods of drawdown and buildup testing using such an automated multiple operating shut-in tool are provided. Associated automated sampling tools are also disclosed.

Abstract: A downhole shut-in tool includes in one aspect a pilot valve which when opened places a differential pressure across a piston which in turn operably engages a shut-in valve element to close the shut-in tool. An electronic timer assembly and electric drive motor are provided for controlling the action of the pilot valve. The drive motor is controlled by a load sensor which senses that the motor has stalled when an actuator engages a movement limiting abutment. In another aspect a pilot valve is provided which can selectively communicate the pressure differential across the piston so as to repeatedly open and close the shut-in valve element. Efficient methods of drawdown and buildup testing using such an automated multiple operating shut-in tool are provided. Associated automated sampling tools are also disclosed.

Abstract: A downhole shut-in tool includes in one aspect a pilot valve which when opened places a differential pressure across a piston which in turn operably engages a shut-in valve element to close the shut-in tool. An electronic timer assembly and electric drive motor are provided for controlling the action of the pilot valve. The drive motor is controlled by a load sensor which senses that the motor has stalled when an actuator engages a movement limiting abutment. In another aspect a pilot valve is provided which can selectively communicate the pressure differential across the piston so as to repeatedly open and close the shut-in valve element. Efficient methods of drawdown and buildup testing using such an automated multiple operating shut-in tool are provided. Associated automated sampling tools are also disclosed.

Abstract: Well testing apparatus for running on a single-conductor electric cable for gathering reservoir information, the apparatus utilizing two pressure gages and a valve, the valve being landable in a downhole receptacle and being operable to shut in the well or to open it for flow by tensioning or relaxing the electric cable, one of the gages sensing well pressures below the valve and the other gage sensing pressures above the valve, both pressure gages sending signals to the surface corresponding to the pressures sensed thereby both while the well is shut in and while it is flowing, the pressure signals being processed by surface readout equipment for real-time display, recording and/or printout, the apparatus including, if desired, a temperature sensor which sends appropriate signals to the surface which not only indicate the well temperatures sensed but the temperatures are used by a computer and its software to automatically correct the pressure readings for temperature affects.