Abstract: A circulating valve assembly can include a valve controlling flow between an interior and an exterior of the assembly, another valve controlling flow between sections of a flow passage extending through the assembly, and an actuator that both opens one valve and closes the other valve in response to each of multiple positive pressure differentials from the interior to the exterior. A system for use with a well can include a circulating valve assembly controlling flow through a tubular string and a well tool connected in the tubular string downstream of the assembly. In one configuration of the assembly, the flow passes through the well tool. In another configuration, the flow passes from the tubular string to an annulus external to the tubular string, with the flow substantially bypassing the well tool. The assembly cycles between the configurations in response to alternating increases and decreases in the flow.

Abstract: A circulating valve assembly can include a valve controlling flow between an interior and an exterior of the assembly, another valve controlling flow between sections of a flow passage extending through the assembly, and an actuator that both opens one valve and closes the other valve in response to each of multiple positive pressure differentials from the interior to the exterior. A system for use with a well can include a circulating valve assembly controlling flow through a tubular string and a well tool connected in the tubular string downstream of the assembly. In one configuration of the assembly, the flow passes through the well tool. In another configuration, the flow passes from the tubular string to an annulus external to the tubular string, with the flow substantially bypassing the well tool. The assembly cycles between the configurations in response to alternating increases and decreases in the flow.

Abstract: A downhole tool for use in a well has a mandrel with an expandable sealing element disposed thereabout. The mandrel has a head portion threadedly connected thereto. A shoulder in the head portion and an upper end of the mandrel define an annular space. A sleeve with a bore therethrough may be positioned in the annular space. The head portion may be removed and a solid plug installed so that it fits within the annular space and so that the downhole tool will act as a bridge plug. The downhole tool has slip rings made up of a plurality of individual slip segments that are adhesively bonded to one another at the sides thereof.

Abstract: A downhole tool releasing mechanism which includes a collet for releasably engaging a mandrel of a downhole tool. A retaining band is circumferentially disposed about the fingers of the collet for maintaining engagement of the collet and the mandrel prior to application of a predetermined axially directed force on the releasing mechanism. Upon application of such a force the collet fingers expand, breaking the shear band, the mandrel is released and the downhole tool is disengaged.

Abstract: A downhole tool that is capable of isolating communication pressure from below the set downhole tool, and is capable of being converted to a frac plug is provided. The downhole tool includes a packer with a ball seat defined therein. A plug is disposed at a lower end of the downhole tool to isolate the upper well from the lower well. A sealing ball is carried with the packer into the well by a setting tool. The movement of the sealing ball away from the ball seat is limited by isolation of the sealing ball from the lower well. A rod is disposed through the downhole tool contacting the plug. The rod is partially disposed in the ball seat, preventing the sealing ball from sealing. When the packer is set, flow within the well is isolated, thereby allowing treatment of the well above the packer. With the application of sufficient pressure, the sealing ball applies force to the rod which shears the plug from within the tool. The tool is converted to a standard frac plug.

Abstract: A downhole tool releasing mechanism which includes a collet for releasably engaging a mandrel of a downhole tool. A retaining band is circumferentially disposed about the fingers of the collet for maintaining engagement of the collet and the mandrel prior to application of a predetermined axially directed force on the releasing mechanism. Upon application of such a force the collet fingers expand, breaking the shear band, the mandrel is released and the downhole tool is disengaged.

Abstract: A downhole tool for use in a well has a mandrel with an expandable sealing element disposed thereabout. The mandrel has a head portion threadedly connected thereto. A shoulder in the head portion and an upper end of the mandrel define an annular space. A sleeve with a bore therethrough may be positioned in the annular space. The head portion may be removed and a solid plug installed so that it fits within the annular space and so that the downhole tool will act as a bridge plug. The downhole tool has slip rings made up of a plurality of individual slip segments that are adhesively bonded to one another at the sides thereof.

Abstract: A run-in and retrieval device for a downhole tool comprises a first set of lugs disposed on a first component of the device connected to a tool string, and a second set of lugs disposed on a second component of the device connected to the downhole tool, wherein the first set of lugs interact with the second set of lugs in a connected position. A method for running at least one downhole tool into a well bore comprises forming a releasable connection between an overshot connected to a tool string and a mandrel connected to the at least one downhole tool, running the at least one downhole tool into the well bore via the tool string, manipulating the at least one downhole tool in the well bore; and, rotating the overshot less than 360 degrees with respect to the mandrel to release the connection therebetween.

Abstract: Apparatus for cutting openings in a wall of a well. The apparatus includes a mandrel with a jetting sleeve slidably disposed about the mandrel. The mandrel has a plurality of slots defined therein and the jetting sleeve has a plurality of jetting openings aligned with the slots so that fluid will pass through the mandrel, the slots in the mandrel, and the jetting openings. The jetting nozzles are received in the jetting openings and travel in the slots in the mandrel. The flow of jetting fluid through the mandrel causes the jetting sleeve to move on the mandrel so that slots may be cut in the wall of the well.

Abstract: Systems and methods particularly suitable for open hole formation testing are provided. In a described embodiment, a method of performing a test on a formation intersected by a wellbore includes the steps of flowing fluid into an apparatus from the formation, displacing a fluid barrier of the apparatus in one direction, flowing the formation fluid out of the apparatus and back into the formation by applying pressure to the apparatus, and displacing the fluid barrier in an opposite direction.

Abstract: Systems and methods particularly suitable for open hole formation testing are provided. In a described embodiment, a method of performing a test on a formation intersected by a wellbore includes the steps of flowing fluid into an apparatus from the formation, displacing a fluid barrier of the apparatus in one direction, flowing the formation fluid out of the apparatus and back into the formation by applying pressure to the apparatus, and displacing the fluid barrier in an opposite direction.

Abstract: Systems and methods particularly suitable for open hole formation testing are provided. In a described embodiment, a method of performing a test on a formation intersected by a wellbore includes the steps of flowing fluid into an apparatus from the formation, displacing a fluid barrier of the apparatus in one direction, flowing the formation fluid out of the apparatus and back into the formation by applying pressure to the apparatus, and displacing the fluid barrier in an opposite direction.

Abstract: Integrated drilling and evaluation systems and methods for drilling, logging and testing wells are provided. The drilling and evaluation systems are basically comprised of a drill string, a drill bit carried on a lower end of the drill string for drilling a well bore, logging while drilling means included in the drill string for identifying subsurface zones or formations of interest, packer means carried on the drill string above the drill bit for sealing a zone or formation of interest below the packer means, and a fluid testing means included in the drill string for controlling the flow of well fluid from the zone or formation of interest into the drill string. The drilling and evaluation systems and methods for using the systems allow one or more subsurface zones or formations of interest in a well to be drilled, logged and tested without the necessity of removing the drill string from the well.

Abstract: An improved mechanical system selectively locks the tester valve of an annulus pressure responsive tester valve in position for an indeterminate number of well annulus pressure cycles. The tester valve also features a multi-range metering cartridge which is operable to meter fluid over a wide range of differential pressures. The metering cartridge provides an adjustable resistance flow path which permits fluid flow across the cartridge. The resistance of the flow path is adjustable by selectively diverting the fluid through a series of fluid flow resistors. Resistance may be increased either by adding a number of flow resistors serially or by adding a single flow resistor which itself provides a greater fluid flow resistance.

Abstract: An improved mechanical system selectively locks the tester valve of an annulus pressure responsive tester valve in position for an indeterminate number of well annulus pressure cycles. The tester valve can be closed upon demand. The forces which accomplish opening of the ball valve act across a power piston, but the forces which close the valve act across an actuating piston. The tester valve can be run into a well with an operating element of the tester valve, in a first position such as a closed position. Upon reaching the desired depth within the well and setting of an associated packer system, well annul us pressure is then increased to a first level above hydrostatic pressure to move the power piston and thus move the tester valve to an open position. During a normal mode of operation, well annulus pressure can be cycled between hydrostatic pressure and the first level to open and close the tester valve.

Abstract: An improved mechanical system selectively locks the tester valve of an annulus pressure responsive tester valve in position for an indeterminate number of well annulus pressure cycles. The tester valve can be closed upon demand. The forces which accomplish opening of the ball valve act across a power piston, but the forces which close the valve act across an actuating piston. The tester valve can be run into a well with an operating element of the tester valve in a first position, such as a closed position. Upon reaching the desired depth within the well and setting of an associated packer system, well annulus pressure is then increased to a first level above hydrostatic pressure to move the power piston and thus move the tester valve to an open position. During a normal mode of operation, well annulus pressure can be cycled between hydrostatic pressure and the first level to open and close the tester valve.

Abstract: An annulus pressure responsive tool of the type which contains lateral circulation ports and a ball valve, each operable between open and closed positions to configure the tool into different modes of operation. These modes include a well test position in which the ball valve is open and the circulation ports are closed, a blank position in which the ball valve and circulation ports are both closed, and a circulating position in which the ball valve is closed and the circulating ports are open. Through manipulation of annulus pressure, the tool mode can be changed during the annulus pressure release to move out of the well test position and into the blank and circulating positions. An operating mandrel assembly is slidably disposed within the exterior housing of the tool and its movement dictates the positions of both the circulation ports and the ball valve.

Abstract: A well testing tool for use in high pressure wells where it is desired to pressure test the equipment includes a mandrel that is ported to the interior of the test string. The ported mandrel allows pressure to equalize between the interior of the string and an annular chamber formed between the mandrel and the tool housing, and thereby eliminates the tendency of the mandrel to deform into the chamber.

Abstract: A system for controlling a plurality of downhole apparatus comprises a housing inside which a biasing force is provided. An activating force can be received in the housing so that the activating force acts in opposition to the biasing force. The plurality of downhole apparatus are selectively operated in response to different magnitudes of the activating force acting in opposition to the biasing force. The present invention also provides a corresponding method.

Abstract: A downhole tool apparatus for use in a well includes a housing having a cylindrical chamber defined therein. A power piston is slidably disposed in the cylindrical chamber and divides the cylindrical chamber into first and second chamber portions on opposite sides of the power piston. First and second explosive charges are contained within the housing and communicated with the first and second chamber portions on opposite sides of the power piston. Firing of the first explosive charge moves the power piston in a first direction. Firing of the second explosive charge moves the power piston back in a second direction opposite the first direction. Thus, the operating power for a downhole tool is provided by selective firing of explosive charges which provide the operating pressure to move the power piston of the tool.