Abstract: A system and method for sensing leakage across a packer in a well, according to which a sensor is disposed in the well for sensing a characteristic of the packer such as vibrations, and a corresponding signal is outputted that is indicative of whether there is any fluid leakage across the device.

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). 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 well completion system and method in which reeled tubing is connected in the completion string which includes a safety valve and a sliding sleeve valve. A straddle assembly is provided within the sliding sleeve valve for sealing against axial flow of fluid and isolating a lateral fluid flow path. A stinger assembly is provided which is insertable within the straddle assembly and connectable to the reeled tubing to lock the reeled tubing relative to the straddle assembly and the sleeve valve. The sliding sleeve valve functions to selectively control the lateral flow of production fluid into the production string for upward flow through the safety valve and the reeled tubing to the ground surface.

Abstract: A well pump assembly suspended by a cable from the surface. The assembly includes a subsurface safety valve and a packer. The packer is hydraulically set and released.

Abstract: A submersible well pump and downhole completion system. The system includes a fluid flow path from the well surface to inject lubricating fluid to increase downhole pump life and/or corrosion inhibitors to protect downhole components from potentially harmful well fluids. The system substantially increases the service life of downhole components used to enhance the production of well fluids. The system also offers ease of assembly at the well surface and installation at the desired downhole location.

Abstract: A seal assembly for use on a downhole well tool such as a wireline locking mandrel. The seal assembly includes a center element, multiple v-rings, wire mesh backup rings, and minimum clearance metal backup rings. The v-rings are manufactured from asbestos yarn impregnated with an elastomer and wrapped with tetrafluorethylene-propylene copolymer or terpolymer.

Abstract: A well pump suspended from a mandrel in a well which is run on a cable placed in tension after the pump supporting mandrel is landed. The mandrel is latched in the well and a much greater force is required to release the mandrel from the tubing than was required to move the mandrel to the latched position. The cable includes multiple wire drum sockets which are moved laterally into recesses in the supporting mandrel and held in place by a moveable sleeve. A space out is provided between the mandrel and the cable. The conductors of the cable are brought out of the space out structure to the exterior of the mandrel and extend down through a penetrator which forms a part of the mandrel. The space out structure, the connection between the space out structure and cable, and the mandrel and penetrator components, and the pump are all held against relative rotation to avoid damage to the conductors.

Abstract: A burner which can be used to dispose of heavy crude waste oil and petroleum products contaminated with drilling mud. The burner includes a nozzle assembly which internally mixes atomizing fluid with the primary fluid being disposed of by the burner. If desired, secondary fluid can be injected into the nozzle assembly to improve the combustion of primary fluid. In the alternative, secondary fluid can be injected into the compound mixture of atomizing fluid and primary fluid exterior to the nozzle assembly.

Abstract: A landing nipple and safety system for installation in wells having a submersible pump for pumping formation fluids to the well surface plus a subsurface safety valve for maintaining the well under control during installation and removal of the pump from the well. The subsurface safety valve may be hydraulically actuated by either the discharge pressure of the pump or input power fluid for hydraulically powered pumps. The landing nipple to which the pump is attached and in which the safety valve is installed can be retrieved from the flow conductor by conventional wireline techniques.

Abstract: A well production system in which a submersible pump is utilized in producing the well and gas produced by the well is bypassed through a packer with a special control valve which is constructed and arranged to permit ready passage of sound waves through the valve to facilitate determining the fluid depth in the well.

Abstract: A landing nipple and safety system for installation in wells having a submersible pump for pumping well fluids to the surface plus a subsurface safety valve for maintaining the well under control during installation and removal of the pump from the well. The subsurface safety valve is hydraulically actuated by the discharge pressure of the pump. The landing nipple on which the pump is mounted and in which the safety valve is installed can be retrieved from the flow conductor by conventional wireline techniques.

Abstract: A submersible pump and safety system for installation in wells having a submersible pump adapted to land within a well flow conductor for pumping well fluids to the surface plus a subsurface safety valve or valves for maintaining the well under control as the pump is run into and removed from the well. The subsurface safety valve is hydraulically actuated by the discharge pressure of the pump. The landing nipple in which the pump and safety valve are mounted has longitudinal flow passageways to communicate pump discharge pressure to the safety valve. The landing nipple and longitudinal flow passageways are designed for improved reliability and minimize the possibility of mechanical damage interrupting control fluid flow to the safety valve.

Abstract: A well safety system for controlling the flow of fluid through well conduits. The system includes a surface controlled subsurface safety valve made up as part of a tubing string extending from the well surface to a subsurface formation within a casing string. A packer, installed below the safety valve, forms a fluid tight seal between the tubing and casing to direct fluid from below the packer into the tubing. The safety valve contains lateral passageways which allow communication of fluid from the bore of the safety valve to the annulus between the tubing and casing above the packer. A valve actuator is releasably secured within the upper portion of the safety valve and forms a fluid tight seal between control fluid pressure in the tubing string above the safety valve and formation fluid pressure in the tubing string below the safety valve. The safety valve can be locked open when control pressure is increased above a preselected value and then released.