Abstract: A tubular gripping device comprising an outer body, a self-locking mechanism, and a retainer member. The outer body defines an inner tubular cavity having a first inner diameter, a second inner diameter, a first load shoulder, and a second load shoulder. The first load shoulder tapers the first inner diameter down to second inner diameter at the second load shoulder. The second load shoulder acts as a stop at the second inner diameter. The self-locking is mechanism positioned substantially co-axially within the tubular cavity of the outer body and proximate the first inner diameter, the self-locking mechanism having a spring expanded and a spring released position. The retainer member has a first retainer position radially restraining the self-locking mechanism in the spring expanded position and a second retainer position allowing the self-locking mechanism to contract to the spring released position to grip an outer surface of a tubular member.

Abstract: A tubular gripping device comprising an outer body, a self-locking mechanism, and a retainer member. The outer body defines an inner tubular cavity having a first inner diameter, a second inner diameter, a first load shoulder, and a second load shoulder. The first load shoulder tapers the first inner diameter down to second inner diameter at the second load shoulder. The second load shoulder acts as a stop at the second inner diameter. The self-locking is mechanism positioned substantially co-axially within the tubular cavity of the outer body and proximate the first inner diameter, the self-locking mechanism having a spring expanded and a spring released position. The retainer member has a first retainer position radially restraining the self-locking mechanism in the spring expanded position and a second retainer position allowing the self-locking mechanism to contract to the spring released position to grip an outer surface of a tubular member.

Abstract: A packer element for use in forming a fluid pressure barrier within a wellbore. The packer element uses a thermoplastic component to accomplish the seal against the interior diameter of a surrounding tubular and an energizing component that is preferably formed of elastomeric material. The thermoplastic component of the packer element provides a sealing surface and defines an energizing chamber within. An energizing chamber is defined within the thermoplastic component and contains energizing elements that, when axially compressed, will urge the sealing surface of the thermoplastic component into sealing engagement with the surrounding tubular.

Abstract: A multi-line back pressure control system for providing two way hydraulic line movement while maintaining back pressure control. Check valves are integrated in hydraulic fluid control lines extending downhole into a wellbore. Each check valve is pilot operated with pressure from another hydraulic line to selectively open the lines for two way fluid communication. Removal of the pilot pressure closes the check valves to provide passive back pressure control against catastrophic wellbore events. Pilot pressure operation between multiple pressurized lines can be provided with valves such as three-way, three-position piloted valves.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for actuating one or more downhole well tools carried by a production or workstring conduit having an imperforate wall and for blocking fluid communication between an activating fluid body and a second fluid source within said well across dynamic seals between actuating members of the well tool, by producing selective signals through the conduit wall detectable by a member to produce an activating signal for actuating the downhole well tool by a downhole energy source.

Abstract: An improved packer (plug/bridge plug) for us in the exploitation of subterranean oil and/or gas reserves comprises a mechanism (50,52) for anchoring the packer (5) within an oil/gas well, a mechanism (55,56,60,65) for setting the anchoring means (50,52), a sealing element (180), and a mechanism for setting the sealing element, wherein the mechanism (60,65,155) for setting the anchoring means (50,52) comprises a biasing mechanism (60,65), and means (155) for releasably retaining the biasing mechanism (60, 65) in an energized state, wherein, in use, when the releasable retaining mechanism (55, 56) are released the biasing mechanism (60,65) act on the anchoring means (50,52) so as to cause the anchoring mechanism (50,52) to move into a deployed position.

Abstract: A well packer has a metal seal which seals between the packer mandrel and the casing. The metal seal includes a seal sleeve located on the exterior of the mandrel. The sleeve has an inner wall and an outer wall radially separated by a channel. The inner channel is initially separated from the exterior of the mandrel by a clearance. An energizing ring is sizably mounted to the mandrel for axial movement relative to the mandrel. Initially, the energizing ring will be located at the entrance of the channel. An actuating device moves the energizing ring into the channel, wedging the walls of the seal sleeve apart. The inner wall seals against the mandrel. The outer wall seals against the casing.

Abstract: This invention relates to a release/anti-preset mechanism for retrieving a down-hole tool and for preventing premature actuation of the tool during insertion thereof into a subterranean well-bore. Release mechanisms for retrieving down-hole tools are known and can be divided into three main types: shear release systems, conventional wireline/coil tubing/drill pipe (WL, CT, DP) actuated systems and hydraulically activated systems. Known mechanisms suffer from a number of problems. Accordingly the present invention provides a retrievable down-hole tool (5) having a release/anti-preset mechanism comprising first and second members (10, 15) radially releasably engagable by a third member (20) which controls radial deflection of one of the first or second members (10, 15).

Abstract: A well control system for providing surface control of downhole production tools in a well. The well control system is capable of detecting well conditions and of generating command signals for operating one or more well tools. An electric conductor transmits electric signals, and a hydraulic line containing pressurized hydraulic fluid provides the power necessary to operate downhole tools. The invention provides a unique system for providing redundant conductors and redundant hydraulic lines to the well tool to continue operation if an electric conductor or hydraulic line becomes disabled. The well control tool also permits the selective operation of multiple production zones in a producing well.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention is a retrievable packer which provides for release between a mandrel and a packing element support structure by virtue of a rotational movement The apparatus is configured so that the packer can be set by letting up on a tubing string or, in some applications where sufficient weight is unavailable, by pulling up on the tubing string. The slips feature a locking mechanism to secure the packing element against the wellbore W. A release mechanism is provided to defeat the lock mechanism and to act upon the slips to draw them inwardly so the apparatus can be removed from the wellbore W.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for actuating one or more downhole well tools carried by a production or work string conduit having an imperforate wall and for blocking fluid communication between an activating fluid body and a second fluid source within said well across dynamic seals between actuating members of the well tool, by producing selective signals through the conduit wall detectable by a member to produce an activating signal for actuating the downhole well tool by a downhole energy source.

Abstract: A pack-off tubing hanger is shown for use in a tubing string extending from a well surface location to a downhole location within a well casing. The hanger body includes an external packing element and gripping slips which support the hanger body within the surrounding casing. A hydraulic line communicates hydraulic pressure from the lower end of the hanger to a setting chamber to hydraulically set the packing elements and actuate the gripping slips. The tubing hanger is releasable by a straight upward pull upon the tubing string extending from the well surface to the tubing hanger.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for telescopically retracting a subterranean well tubing carried perforating gun. The retracting apparatus comprises a cylindrical housing which is carryable into the well on a tubular conduit, such as a work string, production string, or the like. A first chamber is provided within the housing and contains a body of fluid. Telescoping piston means are selectively releasably locked relative to the housing. A second chamber is in selective fluid flow communication with the first chamber. Means in communication with the piston means are provided for carrying the perforating gun. Means for communicating well pressure to the piston means are actuated upon firing of the gun. Means are provided for transferring the body of fluid from the first chamber to the second chamber, whereby during such transferring, the perforating gun is telescopically retracted relative to the housing.

Abstract: A subterranean well casing float tool has a tubular metal housing which is securable to well casing conduit. A valve is carried within the housing and comprises a frame with a valve head and seat carried relative to the frame and biased toward closed position. A compartment includes the valve head for enclosure around a bias, such as a spring, when the valve head is moved away from the valve seat. The valving components are directly secured to the housing by threads having profiled shear surfaces such that the shear area of the valving members is substantially greater than that of the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for completion of a horizontal section of a subterranean well. The apparatus comprises a first packer assembly which is settable in the well by longitudinal manipulation of a tubular workstring. A second packer is carried into the well on the workstring and is settable by application of hydraulic pressure through the workstring. A perforating gun is carried into the well on and in communication with the workstring, together with a gun retractor for telescopically retracting the perforating gun. A valve is also provided for selective communication between the exterior and the interior of the apparatus and is manipulatable to the open position to effect, for example, a fluid flow path from the production zone to the top of the well for transmission of production fluids in the well.

Abstract: A packer assembly is provided for use in a subterranean well and settable only by longitudinal manipulation of a tubular workstring. The assembly has an outer housing and a seal assembly with anchoring slips carried by the housing in retracted position and movable to expanded position along the wall of a casing or the like. A longitudinally extending central mandrel telescopes within the housing. Orienting and setting pins are provided for initial receipt within orienting and setting slots with the setting pins being moved to the orienting slot to permit setting of the packer. The seal assembly and anchoring slips are maintained in retracted position and are responsive to a variation in internal diameter between a first and second tubular conduit to thereafter permit the manipulating device to move the seal assembly and the anchoring slips to expanded position within only the second tubular conduit which has a diameter less than that of the first tubular conduit.

Abstract: A hydraulic packer with seals and slips is actuated by first and second cylinders which move in a first direction to actuate the seals or the slips into setting position with primary and secondary pistons carried within the cylindrical members and tandemly arranged for movement in a second direction to activate the other of the seals and slips. The pistons are selectively secured against longitudinal movement relative to the housing and to each other and the primary piston is released from the housing before release of the secondary piston.

Abstract: A subterranean well casing float tool is comprised of a tubular metal housing which is securable to a well casing conduit. Varing means are implaced within the housing, with substantially all of the components of the valving means, save a biasing means, are thermosetting. The valving means has a thermosetting frame and valve head and valve seat means relative to the frame. A biasing member, such as a compressed spring is used for urging the valve head toward the valve seat to a closed position. A compartment including the valve head is provided for enclosure around the biasing means when the valve head is moved fully away from the valve seat to protect the spring from errosive turbulent fluid flow when the valve head is in the open position relative to the seat. The valving means is directly secured to the housing by means of thread members having profiled shear surfaces such that the shear area of the valving means is substantially greater than that of the metal housing.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for limiting tension produced in a tubular string extending from a packer set in a subterranean well to the well surface. Such apparatus comprises a receptacle secured to the packer and defining an elongated seal bore, and a mandrel telescopically and sealably related to the seal bore, the mandrel being connected to the bottom end of the tubing string. In one embodiment, a collet, incorporated in the receptacle for cooperating with an abutment formed on the mandrel, thereby securing the mandrel and the receptacle in a telescopically contracted position until sufficient tensile force is exerted on the mandrel to cause the collet arms to be expanded by the abutment to permit upward movement of the mandrel relative to the receptacle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inserting a seal stack in a seal bore defined by a well tool located downhole where ambient conditions would cause radial swelling of the seal stack. The seal stack is mounted at the surface in a confined space defined between a mandrel and a constraining sleeve shearably connected to the mandrel. Upon run-in of the mandrel to enter the seal bore, the constraining sleeve engages an upwardly facing surface surrounding the entrance to the seal bore which prevents further downward movement of the constraining sleeve. Application of a downward force effects the shearing of the connection between the mandrel and the constraining sleeve and permits the mandrel and seal stack to be inserted in the seal bore while the constraining sleeve moves upwardly relative to the mandrel.