Abstract: A downhole circulating valve includes a generally tubular outer housing having an axially extending internal passageway including an internal seat and at least one generally radially extending opening formed through the housing intersecting the internal seat. A valve element is rotatably disposed within the internal passageway. The valve element has an axially extending internal bore and a head portion disposed at least partially within the internal seat. The head portion includes at least one generally radially extending seal element. The valve element has a first position relative to the housing, wherein the seal element is not aligned with the opening, thereby allowing fluid communication between the opening and the internal passageway.

Abstract: Certain aspects and embodiments of the present invention are directed to a dual closure system disposed within a wellbore and capable of preventing the production of fluids from a fluid-producing formation to the surface. The dual closure system can include a passive closure mechanism and a subsurface safety valve coupled to an electric submersible pump positioned within a passageway defined by the tubing string. The passive closure mechanism and the subsurface safety valve can prevent production of fluid in the absence of the subsurface safety valve. The subsurface safety valve can be positioned within a passageway defined by a tubing string such that the subsurface safety valve can apply force to the passive closure mechanism. The force applied to the passive closure mechanism can maintain the passive closure mechanism in an open position, allowing movement of fluid to the surface in the presence of the active closure mechanism.

Abstract: Certain aspects and embodiments of the present invention are directed to a subsurface safety valve disposed in a wellbore through a fluid-producing formation. The subsurface safety valve can include a closure mechanism. In some embodiments, the subsurface safety valve can be coupled with an electric submersible pump. The subsurface safety valve coupled to the electric submersible pump can be positioned in a passageway defined by a tubing string via a power cable coupled to the electric submersible pump. In some embodiments, the subsurface safety valve can include at least one terminal. The at least one terminal can form an electrical connection between the subsurface safety valve and the electric submersible pump. The subsurface safety valve can receive power from the electric submersible pump via the electrical connection.

Abstract: Certain aspects and embodiments of the present invention are directed to a subsurface safety valve that can be disposed in a wellbore that is through a fluid-producing formation. The subsurface safety valve can include a closure mechanism, a sleeve, and a control line. The closure mechanism can be positioned in a passageway defined by a tubing string. The closure mechanism can be configured to prevent a flow of fluid to a portion of the passageway that is closer to a surface of the wellbore than the closure mechanism. The sleeve can be positioned in the passageway adjacent to the closure mechanism. The control line can communicate pressure to a piston from a pressure source within an inner diameter of the tubing string, causing the piston to apply a force to the sleeve. The sleeve can open the closure mechanism in response to the force being applied to the sleeve.

Abstract: Surface controlled subsurface control valves for use in wells and methods of controlling the same. In one embodiment, a valve includes a valve body, a bore closure assembly, a mechanical linkage, a drive assembly, and a control assembly. The valve body defines a bore for fluid to flow through when the bore closure assembly is in an open position. When the bore closure assembly is in its closed position, the bore closure assembly prevents fluid from flowing through the bore. The mechanical linkage is operatively connected to the bore closure assembly and to the drive assembly. The primary control assembly determines a force to apply to the mechanical linkage based on a present operating condition of the valve and causes the drive assembly to apply the determined force to the mechanical linkage. As a result, the mechanical linkage drives the bore closure assembly.

Abstract: A wellbore servicing system, comprising a first sleeve system, the first sleeve system comprising a first sliding sleeve at least partially carried within a first ported case, the first sleeve system being selectively restricted from movement relative to the first ported case by a first restrictor while the first restrictor is enabled, and a first delay system configured to selectively restrict movement of the first sliding sleeve relative to the ported case while the restrictor is disabled.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a wellbore servicing system, comprising a tubular string, a first sleeve system incorporated within the tubular string, the first sleeve system comprising a first sliding sleeve at least partially carried within a first ported case, the first sleeve system being selectively restricted from movement relative to the first ported case by a first restrictor while the first restrictor is enabled, and a first delay system configured to selectively restrict movement of the first sliding sleeve relative to the first ported case while the first restrictor is disabled; a second sleeve system incorporated within the tubular string, the second sleeve system comprising a second sliding sleeve at least partially carried within a second ported case, the second sleeve system being selectively restricted from movement relative to the second ported case by a second restrictor while the second restrictor is enabled.

Abstract: Surface controlled subsurface control valves for use in wells and methods of controlling the same. In one embodiment, a valve includes a valve body, a bore closure assembly, a mechanical linkage, a drive assembly, and a control assembly. The valve body defines a bore for fluid to flow through when the bore closure assembly is in an open position. When the bore closure assembly is in its closed position, the bore closure assembly prevents fluid from flowing through the bore. The mechanical linkage is operatively connected to the bore closure assembly and to the drive assembly. The primary control assembly determines a force to apply to the mechanical linkage based on a present operating condition of the valve and causes the drive assembly to apply the determined force to the mechanical linkage. As a result, the mechanical linkage drives the bore closure assembly.

Abstract: A wellbore servicing system, comprising a first sleeve system, the first sleeve system comprising a first sliding sleeve at least partially carried within a first ported case, the first sleeve system being selectively restricted from movement relative to the first ported case by a first restrictor while the first restrictor is enabled, and a first delay system configured to selectively restrict movement of the first sliding sleeve relative to the ported case while the restrictor is disabled.

Abstract: In carrying out the principles of the present invention, in accordance with an embodiment thereof, an annular choke apparatus, and methods of use, are provided for use within a subterranean well. In broad terms, a choke tool apparatus is provided which includes an outer housing having an outer housing wall with at least one flow port therethrough, and a variable annular flow-area choke disposed within the outer housing, the variable annular flow-area choke having a first generally tubular member sealingly disposed within the outer housing, the first tubular member having a shoulder with a sealing surface, a second generally tubular member slidingly and sealingly disposed within the outer housing, the second tubular member having a shoulder with a sealing surface, the second member movable between a sealed position wherein the sealing surfaces are in sealing abutment and an open position wherein the sealing surfaces are spaced apart. The sealing surfaces preferably provide a metal-to-metal seal.

Abstract: In carrying out the principles of the present invention, in accordance with an embodiment thereof, an annular choke apparatus, and methods of use, are provided for use within a subterranean well. In broad terms, a choke tool apparatus is provided which includes an outer housing having an outer housing wall with at least one flow port therethrough, and a variable annular flow-area choke disposed within the outer housing, the variable annular flow-area choke having a first generally tubular member sealingly disposed within the outer housing, the first tubular member having a shoulder with a sealing surface, a second generally tubular member slidingly and sealingly disposed within the outer housing, the second tubular member having a shoulder with a sealing surface, the second member movable between a sealed position wherein the sealing surfaces are in sealing abutment and an open position wherein the sealing surfaces are spaced apart. The sealing surfaces preferably provide a metal-to-metal seal.

Abstract: A hydraulically operated fluid metering apparatus provides discharge of a known volume of fluid to an actuator of a well tool. In one described embodiment, the fluid metering apparatus is connected to a hydraulic input of a well tool actuator. Discharge of the known volume of fluid to the actuator input causes a piston of the actuator to displace a known distance, thereby producing a known increment of actuation of the well tool. The discharge of the known volume of fluid may be repeated to produce a desired total degree of actuation of the well tool.

Abstract: An apparatus (30) and method for regulating fluid flow through a downhole tubing string (28) is disclosed. The apparatus (30) comprises a generally tubular outer housing (32) having a housing port (38) formed through a sidewall portion thereof. First and second seats (78, 68) are disposed within the housing (32), each having sealing surface (82, 76) that are sealingly engageable to one another to substantially prevent fluid flow therebetween. A sleeve (44) is slidably disposed within the first and second seats (68, 78). The sleeve (44) has a flow passage extending generally axially therethrough and is variably positionable relative to the first seat (78) to regulate fluid flow through a sleeve port (46). The sleeve (44) has first and second positions relative to the second seat (68). In the first position, a seal (66) is disposed between the sleeve (44) and the first seat (78), thereby preventing fluid flow through the sleeve port (46).

Abstract: A hydraulically operated fluid metering apparatus provides discharge of a known volume of fluid to an actuator of a well tool. In one described embodiment, the fluid metering apparatus is connected to a hydraulic input of a well tool actuator. Discharge of the known volume of fluid to the actuator input causes a piston of the actuator to displace a known distance, thereby producing a known increment of actuation of the well tool. The discharge of the known volume of fluid may be repeated to produce a desired total degree of actuation of the well tool.