Abstract: A top sub for connection to a production well tubing string is movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position relative to a mandrel. The engaged position allows an anchor to be set in a well casing by rotating the tubing string. Tension can be applied to the tubing string to move the top sub to the disengaged position, allowing the tubing string to be rotated without rotating the mandrel. The anchor can be moved to a different position, without pulling the tubing string to the surface, by removing tension from the tubing string to move the top sub from the disengaged position to the engaged position, rotating the tubing string in an opposite direction to release the anchor, and resetting the anchor by again rotating the tubing string. Embodiments in which a sealed internal volume of the swivel remains constant are also disclosed.

Abstract: A well tool for applying a pulling or a pushing force to an object in an interior of a well bore comprising: a) an inner member comprising a first elongated member, a second elongated member and an actuation means axially interconnecting the first elongated member and the second elongated member; b) an outer elongated member longitudinally moveably engaged with the inner member; c) a first seal defined between the first elongated member and the outer elongated member, d) a second seal defined between the second elongated member and the outer elongated member; e) a first piston area defined at a first end portion of the outer elongated member between an outer diameter of the outer elongated member and a sealed outer diameter of the first elongated member, f) a second piston area defined at a second end portion of the outer elongated member between the outer diameter of the outer elongated member and a sealed outer diameter of the second elongated member, and g) a sealed chamber defined between the first seal a

Abstract: The invention concerns a section of tubing or other conduit having a flow passage. The flow passage extends through the tubing and incorporates a member extending through the passage and guides which constrain a fluid flowing through the flow passage to flow around the member along a path which is longer than an axial length of the flow passage in a fluid flow direction. The guides may define an annular path. The conduit may comprise an inside wall and the guides may comprise a combination of at least one spiral channel defined along the inside wall and the member may be a sucker rod extending along the flow passage.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating components of a fluid containing liquid and gas comprises a housing having at least one elongate channel. Each channel has an inlet end, an outlet end and rounded walls enabling the fluid flowing through the channel to flow substantially free of turbulent flow. Each channel defines a spiral path through the housing and acts to separate the fluid flowing through the channel into a gas-depleted outer portion and a liquid-depleted inner portion. The apparatus includes a liquid outlet port for the gas-depleted outer portion and a gas outlet port for the liquid-depleted inner portion. The housing may include a mixing chamber in fluid communication with the inlet end of the channel. The mixing chamber may include a surface the fluid impacts against. The apparatus may include a chamber at the outlet end of the channel. The chamber may have a gas outlet port closer to the outlet end of the channel than the liquid outlet port.

Abstract: A well tool for applying a pulling or a pushing force to an object in an interior of a well bore comprising: a) a inner member comprising an first elongated member, a second elongated member and an actuation means axially interconnecting the first elongated member and the second elongated member; b) an outer elongated member longitudinally moveably engaged with the inner member; c) a first seal defined between the first elongated member and the outer elongated member; d) a second seal defined between the second elongated member and the outer elongated member; e) a first piston area defined at a first end portion of the outer elongated member between an outer diameter of the outer elongated member and a sealed outer diameter of the first elongated member; f) a second piston area defined at a second end portion of the outer elongated member between the outer diameter of the outer elongated member and a sealed outer diameter of the second elongated member; and g) a sealed chamber defined between the first seal a

Abstract: A pump is disclosed which has a housing with a upper end and a lower end. A conduit is defined through the housing between the upper and the lower ends. The pump includes an impeller within the housing, an inlet from the conduit to the impeller and an outlet from the impeller. Portions of the impeller may be distributed around the conduit. The pump may also include a motor coupled to the impeller. Portions of motor may also be distributed around the conduit. The outlet from the impeller may be independent of the conduit.

Abstract: The efficiency of progressing cavity pumps is drastically reduced if the liquid being pumped contains large volumes of gas. To alleviate this problem a gas separator is provided which can be attached to the suction of a downhole pump to remove gas from the liquid being pumped prior to the liquid entering the pump inlet. The separator has an elongate housing having an annular chamber with guides which direct the liquid gas mixture to flow in an annular path from the inlet to the outlet end. During this flow centrifugal forces act to displace the gas content to the central region from which it is removed via a separate central gas outlet so that liquid delivered to the pump inlet is greatly reduced in its gas content.

Abstract: In wireline operations, it is known to retrieve objects stuck in a well bore by means of a retrieving force applied to the object through the wireline and a wireline pulling tool attached to the wireline and engaged with the object. The present invention provides a wireline retrieving tool which is adapted to apply a large retrieving force on a pulling tool engaged with an object in the well bore without having that force transmitted directly through the wireline. The retrieving tool is adapted to be lowered into the well bore on the wireline to a position where the pulling tool engages the stuck object. Anchoring apparatus in the tool then anchor the tool against the tubular casing or tubing of the well bore and a controlled retrieving force generated in the tool is applied between the casing or tubing and the pulling tool to dislodge the object. A wireline power generating apparatus is provided to provide a controlled force in the interior of a well casing in a well bore.

Abstract: A device anchors a tubing string within a stationary well casing against rotation in a predetermined angular direction. A housing is installed in-line in the tubing string. Anchoring mechanisms are spaced circumferentially about the housing. Each anchoring mechanism includes a recess and an anchoring member free-floating within the recess. The anchoring member has a fulcrum portion and a bite portion external to the recess. Retaining rings partially overlaying the recess prevent the anchoring member from escaping. A spring urges the anchoring member against the retaining rings and urges the bite portion to contact the well casing such that rotation of the tubing string displaces the anchoring member. Rotation of the tubing string in the predetermined direction seats the fulcrum portion in a seating structure within the recess and causes the bite portion to bite into the well casing, locking against further rotation.

Abstract: In wireline operations, it is known to retrieve objects stuck in a well bore by application of a retrieving force applied to the object through the wireline and a wireline pulling tool attached to the wireline and engaged with the object. The present invention provides a wireline retrieving tool which is adapted to apply a large retrieving force on a pulling tool engaged with an object in the well bore without having that force transmitted directly through the wireline. The retrieving tool is adapted to be lowered into the well bore on the wireline to a position where the pulling tool engages the stuck object. Slips carried on in the tool then anchor the tool against the tubular casing or tubing of the well bore and a controlled retrieving force generated in the tool by an electric motor and hydraulic pump is applied between the casing or tubing and the pulling tool to dislodge the object.

Abstract: Dewaxing control apparatus is adapted for use in a well casing containing a production tubing string defining an annulus within the well casing and a down hole pump which pumps oil upwardly through the production tubing. The apparatus has a housing adapted to be installed in-line with the production tubing. A passage in the housing places the annulus in communication with the interior of the production tubing for purposes of circulating a hot dewaxing oil. A cup packer positioned below the passage closes the annulus against downward liquid flows. A gas by-pass passage in the housing permits gases to be exhausted upwardly through the annulus during oil production despite the presence of the packer. A valve mechanism responsive to pressure developed by pumping hot dewaxing oil down the annulus closes the gas by-pass passage and opens the liquid transfer passage so that the dewaxing oil can flow into the production tubing and back up to the surface.