Abstract: The present invention provides a packer releasing tool for releasing a packer from a wellbore where the packer is coupled to a tubing string and has a releasing profile with a packer uphole shoulder and a packer downhole shoulder. The packer releasing tool preferably comprises a toplock assembly removably coupled to a downlock assembly. It also includes a toplock key that is movably coupled to the toplock assembly and that has a toplock key profile engageable against the packer releasing profile. Also present is a downlock lug that is movably coupled to the downlock assembly and that has a downlock lug profile engageable against the packer releasing profile. In one embodiment, the packer releasing tool has an outer diameter that is less than the inner diameter of the tubing string. This unique configuration allows the packer to be pulled without the need of first removing the production string.

Abstract: A slip having a passageway for installation of lines therethrough and associated anchoring device provides uniform gripping engagement with a wellbore without unduly stressing the slip or casing, and without requiring complex manufacturing and assembly. In a described embodiment, a slip has slip segment, transitional and C-ring axial portions. The slip segment portion includes multiple axially elongated and circumferentially spaced apart slip segments. Each slip segment is attached to an axial end of the C-ring portion by a transitional element. When the slip is extended into engagement with a wellbore, the transitional portion permits the slip segments to flex and uniformly apply a gripping force to the wellbore.

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 well packer adapted to be set and reset in a well bore without removal of the packer from the well bore including a packer mandrel adapted to be connected with a tubing string, an interlocking segment assembly on the packer mandrel for releasable connection with the mandrel, a drag spring assembly connected with the interlocking segment assembly for frictional engagement with a well bore wall, a locking slip assembly coupled with the drag spring assembly for locking the packer with the well bore wall, a seal element package assembly connected with slip assembly for sealing around the packer mandrel with the well bore wall, and a detent ring between the slip assembly and the seal element package permitting initial setting of the upper ends of the slips and preloading of the seal element package preliminary to final setting of the slips and expansion of the seal element package.

Abstract: Improved equipment and methods for treating wells by processes such as acidizing, gravel packing, and the like, wherein provision is made for removing the excess acid, gravel, and the like, from the well while the work string or pipe, on which the equipment is run into the well, remains connected to the well packer. The pipe string is disconnected from the packer only when it is ready to be removed from the well. Provision is also made for repeating the cleanout operation any number of times, making it possible to perform a series of treating operations during a single trip into the well and removing the excess treating medium after each such treating operation in the series.