Abstract: A method of well testing, including treating, whereby a testing string including a tool bore closure valve is run into the well bore with the valve in an open mode, the string may be automatically filled, a packer may be pressure tested without cycling the tool bore closure valve, and fluids may be spotted into the testing string, displacing wellbore fluids from the bottom of the testing string, prior to running the test.

Abstract: A pressure limiter and pump for use in a testing string. The pressure limiter has an outer case and an inner mandrel which form an enclosure defining an annulus therebetween. The inlet and outlet check valves in the annulus define a pumping chamber therebetween which opens toward the pump. Fluid in the pumping chamber is never vented to the well annulus. In a first embodiment, a transversely mounted pressure limiter piston provides communication between the pumping chamber and a lower portion of the testing string when actuated. In the second and third embodiments, a pressure limiter piston is reciprocably disposed in the annulus between the case and mandrel; at a predetermined pressure differential, the pressure limiter piston reciprocates such that the volume in the pumping chamber is increased.

Abstract: A multi-mode testing tool operable as a drill pipe tester, formation tester, nitrogen displacement valve or circulation valve. Tool mode is changed responsive to pressure cycling in the well bore. A ball valve in the tool bore may also be operated by pressure cycling when the tool is in its formation tester mode. Also disclosed is a pressure responsive double-acting piston power mechanism, and a ball and slot ratchet assembly.

Abstract: The tubing tester valve of the present invention comprises a tubular housing assembly having a downwardly closing, spring biased flapper valve disposed therein near the top thereof. A tubular mandrel assembly is disposed within the housing assembly below the flapper valve, and is secured to the housing assembly with shear pins. The tubing tester valve may be permanently opened through the application of annulus pressure from the rig floor to the annulus surrounding the pipe string, which pressure moves the mandrel assembly upward to rotate the flapper valve to an open position. In order to assure that the mandrel assembly does not retract downwardly, thus permitting the flapper valve to reclose, a spring biased locking means is provided to hold the mandrel assembly in its "up" position.

Abstract: A slip joint for use in a well string and having a removable torque transmitting key. The slip joint includes an outer female mandrel having a central opening therethrough in which is slidingly positioned a male mandrel, also defining a central opening therethrough. In one embodiment, the male mandrel defines at least one longitudinal slot therein and the female mandrel defines a transverse opening therethrough adjacent the slot. The torque transmitting key is positioned in the transverse opening and extends into the slot. In the second embodiment, the inner mandrel includes a flat surface thereon and the outer mandrel has a longitudinal slot therein adjacent the flat surface. The key includes a ring portion having a flat surface therein engageable with a flat surface on the male mandrel and a lug portion extending from the ring portion into the slot.

Abstract: An annulus pressure responsive tester valve includes a tool housing having a flow passage disposed therethrough. A ball valve is disposed in the flow passage and rotatable between closed and open positions. An actuating mandrel is operably connected to the ball valve. An annular power piston is disposed within the housing and reciprocates relative to the housing in response to changes in well annulus pressure. A lug and slot ratchet assembly operably connects the ball valve with the power piston for moving the ball valve between its closed and open positions in response to movement of the power piston within the housing.

Abstract: A sampler valve including a tubular housing defining a cylindrical chamber of enlarged diameter in comparison to the remainder of the full bore extending through the valve, an axially slidable sample chamber mandrel adapted to span the length of the enlarged diameter chamber in a sealing manner to thereby create an annular sample chamber while simultaneously trapping a fluid sample therein, and drain means to remove a trapped sample from the sample chamber. The sample chamber mandrel is operated by a power mandrel responsive to a predetermined level of well annulus pressure surrounding the sampler valve, the power mandrel being initially secured in place against axial movement by shear means shearable at the aforesaid predetermined pressure. A time-delay means to retard the movement of the power mandrel after shearing of the shear means is also included.

Abstract: Pressure operated circulation valve and method for using the same. A cylindrical housing has an open longitudinal passageway therethrough and a circulation port disposed through a wall thereof. A valve mandrel is slidably received in the housing and is moveable between a position in which fluid may be circulated only between the passageway and the exterior of the housing, a position in which fluid may be circulated only between the exterior of the housing and the passageway, and a position in which fluid may not be circulated in either direction. An annular piston is operatively connected to the valve mandrel and has a first side exposed to pressure exterior of the housing and a second side expose to pressure interior of the housing to permit movement of the valve mandrel to its various positions by application of pressure to the interior and exterior of the housing.

Abstract: Pressure operated circulation valve with releasable safety and method for operating the same. A valve mandrel slidably received within a housing is frangibly restrained in a lower position blocking a circulation port through the housing. An upper power mandrel is frangibly restrained in a lower position beneath the valve mandrel for moving the valve mandrel upwardly responsive to an increase in internal housing pressure. A safety mandrel is frangibly restrained beneath the upper power mandrel and blocks communication of internal housing pressure to the lower end of the upper power mandrel until the safety mandrel is moved upwardly responsive to an increase in annulus pressure. Thus, the circulation valve is opened by first raising the annulus pressure by a pre-determined amount and thereafter increasing internal housing pressure.

Abstract: A lost-motion valve actuator which provides the ability to run a tool bore closure valve in a testing string into a well in an open mode, apply pressure to the well annulus surrounding the string without cycling the valve, thereafter reduce pressure, closing the valve subsequent to the initial pressure increase, and subsequently opening the valve with pressure increases and closing it with pressure decreases, thus permitting the tool bore closure valve to subsequently respond in a normal manner (open on pressure increase, close on pressure decrease) to pressure changes in the annulus subsequent to the first pressure increase/decrease cycle.

Abstract: Assembly for reducing the force applied to a guide lug received in a slot. An outer telescoping member includes a guide lug extending from the radially inner surface thereof which is received in a groove formed on the radially outer surface of an inner tubular member with the lug and groove controlling relative axial movement between the inner and outer tubular members. The inner tubular member includes a load lug on the radially outer surface thereof for abutting against an annular shoulder disposed about the radially inner circumference of the outer tubular member to prevent the guide lug from exerting significant axial forces on the groove.

Abstract: A multi-mode testing tool operable as a drill pipe tester, formation tester, nitrogen displacement valve or circulation valve. Tool mode is changed responsive to pressure cycling in the well bore. A ball valve in the tool bore may also be operated by pressure cycling when the tool is in its formation tester mode. Also disclosed is a pressure responsive double-acting piston power mechanism, and a ball and slot ratchet assembly.

Abstract: A packer portion and actuating portion for a tubing conveyed well perforating system used for the completion of formations for both testing and production which system may be actuated either mechanically by a sinker drop bar or hydraulically by pressure in the annulus between the well bore and tubing string above the packer portion located in tubing string.