Abstract: A method and apparatus for effecting the perforation of a well casing and the adjoining production formation comprises a tubular housing connected between a perforating gun housing and the lower end of a tubular string. The perforating gun housing contains a firing mechanism, and the tubular housing contains a radial port normally closed by a sleeve. The sleeve is inserted at the surface in an open bottom, annular chamber, thus trapping surface ambient air between one end of the sleeve and the closed end of the fluid pressure chamber. The other end of the fluid pressure chamber is connected by fluid passage means to the interior of the perforating gun housing, hence gas pressure generated by the discharge of the perforating gun and formation fluid pressure produced by formation fluids flowing through the newly formed perforations are brought in contact with the other end of the sleeve.

Abstract: The invention provides a subterranean well casing perforating gun device which employs shaped explosive charges to perforate the well casing. The device generally defines an outer tubular housing assembly concentrically insertable in the well and defining a vertical axis, cylindrical chamber. A tubular carrier of polygonal cross sectional configuration is insertable in the chamber in concentric relationship to the cylindrical wall of the cylindrical chamber. Each of the faces of the carrier have a plurality of spaced passages therethrough, each passage having a configuration substantially corresponding to the configuration of the polygonal face. A shaped charge container has its cylindrical body insertable in any selected one of the passages and a radial flange on the outer end for abutting the polygonal face portion adjacent the respective passage, thereby limiting the insertion of each of the containers into the selected passage.

Abstract: A formation protection valve is normally held in an open position relative to an annular elastomeric valve seat by an inserted wash pipe during performance of a gravel packing operation in a subterranean well. Upon removal of the wash pipe, a valve head swings downwardly to a sealing position on an annular elastomeric valve seat. A valve seat support structure is mounted below the annular valve seat to provide support of the inner periphery of the annular valve seat against downward fluid pressure forces exerted on the valve head. The elastomeric valve seat is shearable by a subsequently inserted tubing string, which also effects the displacement of the valve seat support structure to a radially outwardly disposed position wherein it no longer interferes with the passage of the tubing string therethrough.

Abstract: A well system includes a free lift plunger, and a gas supply line and associated motor valve for supplying intermittently injection gas to effect the lifting of the plunger and a slug of production liquid to the outflow line. The motor valve is diaphragm operated; and a control for this motor valve includes a known type of mechanical timer and associated valve which alternately pressurizes and vents its outlet line to alternately effect the closing and opening of the motor valve. An auxiliary control for this system includes a pilot valve and magnetic actuator which responds to the arrival of the lift plunger at the delivery point to effect the closing of the motor valve. A magnet, pivotally mounted on a lever, maintains the pilot valve closure member in a normal first condition, and is shifted by the arrival of the magnetic plunger to shift the valve closure member to a second condition to effect the closing of the motor valve.

Abstract: A combination well flow control device having a passage therethrough for conducting fluids from the exterior to the interior of the tubing, this device having pressure responsive valve means therein for controlling flow of fluids such as well treating chemicals through the flow passage at very low rates and also having a bypass passage which is initially closed by a sleeve valve but which is openable to permit high injection rates therethrough as for injecting water or the like fluid into the tubing at a very high rate as for killing the well. When the sleeve valve has been moved to bypass opening position, the valve flow passage is short-circuited through the bypass, and in one embodiment that portion upstream of the sleeve valve is shut off. After the sleeve valve has been moved to open position, it will remain at that position. The device also includes a check valve for preventing backflow therethrough regardless of whether the bypass is open or closed.

Abstract: A latch for anchoring well tools in landing receptacles such as nipples or side pocket mandrels in well flow conductors, the receptacles having a locking recess providing a lock shoulder which may be fully annular or only 180 degrees in extent. The latch includes a housing having windows in the wall thereof and a locking lug in each window movable both radially and axially of the housing to engage and disengage the receptacle lock shoulder. A spring biases the lugs downwardly. A lock sleeve slidable on a central core normally holds the lugs against inward movement from expanded locking position and has a recess in its outer surface which allows the lugs to move up and retract thereinto to pass obstructions in a well, the spring returning the lugs to expanded position as soon as such obstruction has been passed. Shearing a pin permits the lock sleeve to be lifted to a position to allow the lugs to retract freely.