Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for collecting downhole debris wherein the apparatus comprises a tubular member extending between first and second ends connectable to a production string connectable in fluidic communication with the production string and having an open flow path therethrough between the first and second ends, at least one coiled member extending between first and second ends, said second end being operably connected to the tubular member and a top cap secured to the first end of the coiled member and adapted to sealably close a top end of the coiled member. The method comprises extending the coiled member in response to an upward flow through the tubular member so as to permit upward flow of fluids and solid particles and compressing the coiled member in response to a downward flow so as to permit fluid flow between coils of the coiled member while retaining solid particles thereover.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for collecting downhole debris wherein the apparatus comprises a tubular member extending between first and second ends connectable to a production string connectable in fluidic communication with the production string and having an open flow path therethrough between the first and second ends, at least one coiled member extending between first and second ends, said second end being operably connected to the tubular member and a top cap secured to the first end of the coiled member and adapted to sealably close a top end of the coiled member. The method comprises extending the coiled member in response to an upward flow through the tubular member so as to permit upward flow of fluids and solid particles and compressing the coiled member in response to a downward flow so as to permit fluid flow between coils of the coiled member while retaining solid particles thereover.

Abstract: An apparatus for selectably injecting materials into a well comprises an elongate inner casing having first and second sets of selectably closable passages therethrough and an outer casing extending between the first and second ends surrounding the inner casing so as to form an annular cavity therebetween. The first end of the outer casing is sealably connected to the inner casing and the second end of the outer casing has a free edge proximate to the second set of passages. The first set of passages extends through the inner casing into the annular cavity such that fluid passing through either of the first or second sets of passages enters an exterior of the apparatus at a common location.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for assisting transportation of a tool down a wellbore. The apparatus comprises an elongate body having an exterior surface extending between top and bottom ends, a connector at the bottom end operable to be secured above the tool and at least one passage formed into the exterior surface defining a first flow path having an entrance and an exit oriented towards the top end of the elongate body. The method comprises securing the elongate body to a top end of a tool in a wellbore, directing a flow of fluid down the wellbore to a position above the elongate body, separating the flow of the fluid into an inner portion and an outer portion through radially separated paths and redirecting the inner portion to flow upwards into the outer portion of the flow of the fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for assisting transportation of a tool down a wellbore. The apparatus comprises an elongate body having an exterior surface extending between top and bottom ends, a connector at the bottom end operable to be secured above the tool and at least one passage formed into the exterior surface defining a first flow path having an entrance and an exit oriented towards the top end of the elongate body. The method comprises securing the elongate body to a top end of a tool in a wellbore, directing a flow of fluid down the wellbore to a position above the elongate body, separating the flow of the fluid into an inner portion and an outer portion through radially separated paths and redirecting the inner portion to flow upwards into the outer portion of the flow of the fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus for selectably injecting materials into a well comprises an elongate inner casing having first and second sets of selectably closable passages therethrough and an outer casing extending between the first and second ends surrounding the inner casing so as to form an annular cavity therebetween. The first end of the outer casing is sealably connected to the inner casing and the second end of the outer casing has a free edge proximate to the second set of passages. The first set of passages extends through the inner casing into the annular cavity such that fluid passing through either of the first or second sets of passages enters an exterior of the apparatus at a common location.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for displacing a sleeve within a downhole tool wherein the apparatus comprises an outer mandrel, and a sleeve extending between first and second ends slidably located within the outer mandrel wherein the sleeve and mandrel form first, second and third annular chambers therebetween. The first annular chamber is in fluidic communication with an interior of the sleeve. The second annular chamber is in fluidic communication with an exterior of the mandrel. The third annular chamber is substantially sealed. The method comprises pressurizing the second chamber through bores extending through the sleeve and releasing the pressure within the second chamber so as to permit a vacuum within a third sealed chamber and a pressure from an exterior of the mandrel to pressurize a first chamber to draw the sleeve towards a second end of the outer mandrel thereby uncovering the valve openings.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for displacing a sleeve within a downhole tool wherein the apparatus comprises an outer mandrel, and a sleeve extending between first and second ends slidably located within the outer mandrel wherein the sleeve and mandrel form first, second and third annular chambers therebetween. The first annular chamber is in fluidic communication with an interior of the sleeve. The second annular chamber is in fluidic communication with an exterior of the mandrel. The third annular chamber is substantially sealed. The method comprises pressurizing the second chamber through bores extending through the sleeve and releasing the pressure within the second chamber so as to permit a vacuum within a third sealed chamber and a pressure from an exterior of the mandrel to pressurize a first chamber to draw the sleeve towards a second end of the outer mandrel thereby uncovering the valve openings.