Abstract: A self-regulating lift fluid injection tool (100) adapted for placement within production tubing (30). The tool (100) has a control valve (126) that controls the rate of injection of a lift fluid (102) into the formation fluids (104) being produced through the production tubing (30). A sensor (140) monitors the flow rate of the formation fluids (104) through the production tubing (30). The sensor (140) generates a signal indicative the flow rate of the formation fluids (104) which is sent to an electronics package (142). The electronics package (142) generates a control signal in response to the signal received from the sensor (140) that is received by an actuator (176). The actuator (176) adjusts the position of the control valve (126) to regulate the flow rate of the lift fluid (102) therethrough in response to the control signal, thereby optimizing the flow rate of the formation fluids (104).

Abstract: A self-regulating lift fluid injection tool (100) adapted for placement within production tubing (30) is disclosed. The tool (100) has a control valve (126) that controls the rate of injection of a lift fluid (102) into the formation fluids(104) being produced through the production tubing (30). A sensor (140) monitors the flow rate of the formation fluids (104) through the production tubing (30). The sensor (140) generates a signal indicative the flow rate of the formation fluids (104) which is sent to an electronics package (142). The electronics package (142) generates a control signal in response to the signal received from the sensor (140) that is received by an actuator (176). The actuator (176) adjusts the position of the control valve (126) to regulate the flow rate of the lift fluid (102) therethrough in response to the control signal, thereby optimizing the flow rate of the formation fluids (104).

Abstract: A self-regulating lift fluid injection tool (100) adapted for placement within production tubing (30). The tool (100) has a control valve (126) that controls the rate of injection of a lift fluid (102) into the formation fluids (104) being produced through the production tubing (30). A sensor (140) monitors the flow rate of the formation fluids (104) through the production tubing (30). The sensor (140) generates a signal indicative the flow rate of the formation fluids (104) which is sent to an electronics package (142). The electronics package (142) generates a control signal in response to the signal received from the sensor (140) that is received by an actuator (176). The actuator (176) adjusts the position of the control valve (126) to regulate the flow rate of the lift fluid (102) therethrough in response to the control signal, thereby optimizing the flow rate of the formation fluids (104).

Abstract: Electric power is generated downhole in a well using a thermoelectric device. A temperature gradient or differential .DELTA.T present in the well is applied to the thermoelectric device to produce a voltage potential across the output terminals of the device. The thermoelectric device includes a first thermocouple coupled to a heat source and a second thermocouple coupled to a heat sink source. The electric power generated by the thermoelectric device is used to recharge battery packs located downhole or to power electrical devices or systems.

Abstract: A flow control apparatus and associated methods of using provide enhanced longevity and reliability without requiring complex mechanisms. In a described embodiment, a choke for use within a subterranean well has multiple trim sets which may be selected by manipulation of an inner tubular cage. Additional features include provision of releasable latches to maintain the cage in a desired position, and utilization of biasing members to bias the cage toward a neutral position in which all of the trim sets are closed.

Abstract: A flow control apparatus and associated methods of using provide enhanced longevity and reliability without requiring complex mechanisms. In a described embodiment, a choke for use within a subterranean well has multiple trim sets which may be selected by manipulation of an inner tubular cage. Additional features include provision of releasable latches to maintain the cage in a desired position, and utilization of biasing members to bias the cage toward a neutral position in which all of the trim sets are closed.

Abstract: A flow control apparatus and associated methods of using provide enhanced longevity and reliability without requiring complex mechanisms. In a described embodiment, a choke for use within a subterranean well has multiple trim sets which may be individually selected by manipulation of a sleeve relative to an inner tubular cage. In another described embodiment, a single trim set is provided. Additional features include provision of a separate valve to selectively permit or prevent fluid flow through the single or multiple trim sets.

Abstract: A removable injection valve insert assembly is disclosed for deploying in production tubing of a well casing. The production tubing includes a landing nipple with an inlet and a sliding side-door which covers and seals the inlet when in a closed position and uncovers the inlet when in an open position. The insert assembly controls the flow of flushing fluid that is injected into the inlet from an annular source between the casing and the production tubing. The valve directs the controlled flushing fluid to an injection line, which in turn injects the flushing fluid into the production stream of the well. Preferably, the injected flushing fluid is injected below the casing perforations. The insert assembly comprises a body having upper and lower ends, a first passage formed in the body for receiving the fluid from the inlet and a second passage in communication with the first passage for housing a flow control valve. The body also includes a by-pass passageway which allows production flow across the insert.

Abstract: A concentric wet connector system useful for connecting, disconnecting and reconnecting small diameter fluid lines (40, 42, 44) and electrical lines (46) downhole in oil and gas wells, the system comprising first and second slidably engageable well tubulars (32, 38) coaxially disposed around a longitudinal bore, each well tubular having a circumferentially extending wall section containing at least one auxiliary conduit leading to a connector port 64 paired and communicating with a connector port 66 of the other tubular. The connector ports in each well tubular are preferably spaced apart both circumferentially and longitudinally.

Abstract: A remotely-adjustable valve employable in an enhanced-lift recovery system and a method of adjusting the same.

Abstract: A wet concern for latchingly connecting an electric cable between surface equipment and a previously installed electrically powered well tool at a remote, downhole location in a well for transmitting electrical energy or signals thereto or therefrom. One form of the wet connector is released electrically (reverse polarity being used), and another form of the connector is released by tensioning and slackening the electric cable a predetermined plurality of times. Systems using such wet connectors are disclosed, as are methods for their use. The wet connector can be used in conjunction with an electric cable for installing certain tools in a well, especially where it is desirable to deposit such tools gently with no jarring.

Abstract: A wet connector for latchingly connecting an electric cable between surface equipment and a previously installed electrically powered well tool at a remote, downhole location in a well for transmitting electrical energy or signals thereto or therefrom. This wet connector comprises a male connector on the downhole well tool and a female connector on the electric cable. The female connector carries a non-conductive liquid which is expelled therefrom during mating with the male connector to wash and cleanse the electrical contacts of both the male and the female connectors. One form of the wet connector is released electrically (reverse polarity being used), and another form of the connector is released by tensioning and slackening the electric cable a predetermined plurality of times. Systems using such wet connectors are disclosed, as are methods for their use.

Abstract: A wet connector for latchingly connecting an electric cable between surface equipment and a previously installed electrically powered well tool at a remote, downhole location in a well for transmitting electrical energy or signals thereto or therefrom. One form of the wet connector is released electricaly (reverse polarity being used), and another form of the connector is released by tensioning and slackening the electric cable a predetermined plurality of times. Systems using such wet connectors are disclosed, as are methods for their use. The wet connector can be used in conjunction with an electric cable for installing certain tools in a well, especially where it is desirable to deposit such tools gently with no jarring.

Abstract: Apparatus including a side pocket mandrel for inclusion in a well tubing string for removably receiving an instrument in its offset receptacle bore for monitoring at least one parameter such as pressure, temperature or the like, at a downhole location, there being an electrical conductor wire extending from equipment at the surface downward to the side pocket mandrel and a plug in the lower end of the receptacle for electrically connecting the instrument in the receptacle with the conductor wire extending from the surface so that electrical energy may be transmitted downhole to power the instrument, that the instrument may generate electrical signals representing data sensed in the well and transmit them to the surface for processing and immediate display, printout, or storage. Suitable kickover tools and running tools are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus including a side pocket mandrel for inclusion in a well tubing string for removably receiving an instrument in its offset receptacle bore for monitoring at least one parameter such as pressure, temperature or the like, at a downhole location, there being an electrical conductor wire extending from equipment at the surface downward to the side pocket mandrel and a plug in the lower end of the receptacle for electrically connecting the instrument in the receptacle with the conductor wire extending from the surface so that electrical energy may be transmitted downhole to power the instrument, that the instrument may generate electrical signals representing data sensed in the well and transmit them to the surface for processing and immediate display, printout, or storage. Suitable kickover tools and running tools are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus including a side pocket mandrel for inclusion in a well tubing string for removably receiving an instrument in its offset receptacle bore for monitoring at least one parameter such as pressure, temperature or the like, at a downhole location, there being an electrical conductor wire extending from equipment at the surface downward to the side pocket mandrel and a plug in the lower end of the receptacle for electrically connecting the instrument in the receptacle with the conductor wire extending from the surface so that electrical energy may be transmitted downhole to power the instrument, that the instrument may generate electrical signals representing data sensed in the well and transmit them to the surface for processing and immediate display, printout, or storage. Suitable kickover tools and runing tools are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus including a side pocket mandrel for inclusion in a well tubing string for removably receiving an instrument in its offset receptacle bore for monitoring at least one parameter such as pressure, temperature or the like, at a downhole location, there being an electrical conductor wire extending from equipment at the surface downward to the side pocket mandrel and a plug in the lower end of the receptacle for electrically connecting the instrument in the receptacle with the conductor wire extending from the surface so that electrical energy may be transmitted downhole to power the instrument, that the instrument may generate electrical signals representing data sensed in the well and transmit them to the surface for processing and immediate display, printout, or storage. Suitable kickover tools and running tools are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus including a side pocket mandrel for inclusion in a well tubing string for removably receiving an instrument in its offset receptacle bore for monitoring at least one parameter such as pressure, temperature or the like, at a downhole location, there being an electrical conductor (wire) extending from equipment at the surface downward to the side pocket mandrel and a plug in the lower end of the receptacle for electrically connecting the instrument in the receptacle with the conductor (wire) extending from the surface so that electrical energy may be transmitted downhole to power the instrument, that the instrument may generate electrical signals representing data sensed in the well and transmit them to the surface for processing and immediate display, printout, or storage.

Abstract: A riser connector for connecting two riser members. The first riser member has a profile shoulder and the second riser member has an expandable ring for engaging the shoulder of the first riser member thereby making a connection. The second riser member has a locking sleeve movable to a position wherein the locking sleeve holds the expandable ring in engagement. The locking sleeve is automatically activated by the relative movement of the riser members. When the locking sleeve is in its second position, an actuator sleeve in the bore of the locking sleeve automatically moves to a position wherein the locking sleeve is locked in its second position.The riser connector is disconnected by a tool attached to the end of a pipe string which is inserted in the bore of the riser members. The tool engages the actuator sleeve and shifts it to a position wherein the locking sleeve is unlocked.