Abstract: An apparatus for performing a well test operation includes a tubular member having a surge chamber and a valve that can control fluid flow from a well into the surge chamber during the well test operation. The apparatus can also include a flow control device, in addition to the valve, for further controlling fluid flow into the surge chamber from the well. Flow rate and pressure data can be measured during the well test operation and used to estimate reservoir properties. Various other systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing a well test operation includes a tubular member having a surge chamber and a valve that can control fluid flow from a well into the surge chamber during the well test operation. The apparatus can also include a flow control device, in addition to the valve, for further controlling fluid flow into the surge chamber from the well. Flow rate and pressure data can be measured during the well test operation and used to estimate reservoir properties. Various other systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments may take the form of a tool string sub. The tool string sub may include a longitudinally extending tubular housing having an outside surface and an inside surface. A stepped circumferential portion of the inside surface of the housing bisects the interior surface of the housing. A degradation part is connected adjacent to the stepped portion of the housing and is supported by the housing and at least one moveable support part protruding inward and beyond the inner surface of the housing. The support part has a first position where the degradation part is at first stress and a second position where the degradation part is at a second stress greater than the first stress. At least one end of the tool string sub is adapted to connect with a tool string.

Abstract: The invention is a sealing system, such as a packer, that is used in a wellbore to seal against an exterior surface, such as a casing or open wellbore. The sealing system includes a swellable material that swells from an unexpanded state to an expanded state thereby creating a seal when the swellable material comes into contact with a triggering fluid.

Abstract: A tool string sub. A longitudinally extending tubular housing has an outside surface and an inside surface. A stepped circumferential portion of the inside surface of the housing bisects the interior surface of the housing. A degradation part is connected adjacent to the stepped portion of the housing and is supported by the housing and at least one moveable support part protruding inward and beyond the inner surface of the housing. The support part has a first position where the degradation part is at one stress and a second position where the degradation part is at a second stress greater than the first stress. At least one end of the tool string sub is adapted to connect with a tool string.

Abstract: The invention is a sealing system, such as a packer, that is used in a wellbore to seal against an exterior surface, such as a casing or open wellbore. The sealing system includes a swellable material that swells from an unexpanded state to an expanded state thereby creating a seal when the swellable material comes into contact with a triggering fluid.

Abstract: The invention is a sealing system, such as a packer, that is used in a wellbore to seal against an exterior surface, such as a casing or open wellbore. The sealing system includes a swellable material that swells from an unexpanded state to an expanded state thereby creating a seal when the swellable material comes into contact with a triggering fluid.

Abstract: A system that is usable with a subterranean well includes a winding, a member and a circuit. The winding is located downhole in the well, and the member moves relative to the winding in response to vibration occurring in the well to cause a signal to be generated on the winding. The circuit is coupled to the winding to respond to the signal to provide power to operate a component located downhole in the well.

Abstract: A well instrumentation system, comprising: a power and data supply; and a plurality of functional units attached to the power and data supply and distributed throughout the well, characterised in that the power and data supply comprises first and second substantially identical cables, and in that each unit comprises a first power supply channel and a first data channel connected to the first cable, a second power supply channel and a second data channel connected to the second cable, and a functional module which draws power from the first power supply channel or the second power channel module, and data from the first data channel or the second data channel. The power and data supply can comprise a surface unit that can be selectably connected to either the first or second cable. The selection of connection of the surface unit to one or other cable is effective to select the corresponding power and data channels in the functional units.

Abstract: A technique is provided to control flow in a well. A well completion comprises one or more flow control valve systems coupled by an electric line and a hydraulic line. Each flow control valve system comprises a flow control valve responsive to hydraulic input via the hydraulic line and an electro-mechanical device. The electro-mechanical device is responsive to inputs via the electric line and is used to control hydraulic input to the corresponding flow control valve.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a well includes a mandrel, a flow control device provided on the mandrel, and an isolation element provided on the mandrel to provide isolation between zones of the well.

Abstract: The invention is a valve that prevents blow-outs through a control line while simultaneously allowing bi-directional flow or pressure transfer through the control line. The invention comprises a shuttle valve disposed in the control line.

Abstract: A technique is provided to control flow in a well. A well completion comprises one or more flow control valve systems coupled by an electric line and a hydraulic line. Each flow control valve system comprises a flow control valve responsive to hydraulic input via the hydraulic line and an electro-mechanical device. The electro-mechanical device is responsive to inputs via the electric line and is used to control hydraulic input to the corresponding flow control valve.

Abstract: A well instrumentation system, comprising: a power and data supply; and a plurality of functional units attached to the power and data supply and distributed throughout the well, characterised in that the power and data supply comprises first and second substantially identical cables, and in that each unit comprises a first power supply channel and a first data channel connected to the first cable, a second power supply channel and a second data channel connected to the second cable, and a functional module which draws power from the first power supply channel or the second power channel module, and data from the first data channel or the second data channel. The power and data supply can comprise a surface unit that can be selectably connected to either the first or second cable. The selection of connection of the surface unit to one or other cable is effective to select the corresponding power and data channels in the functional units.

Abstract: The invention is a system and method used to seal between an open wellbore and a tubing by bringing the wellbore wall inwardly so as to enable sections of earth from the wellbore wall to create the required seal against the tubing. The earth sections that make up the seal can be created by collapsing the relevant parts of the wellbore wall inwardly or by causing the relevant parts of the wellbore wall to swell inwardly.

Abstract: The invention is a system and method used to seal between an open wellbore and a tubing by bringing the wellbore wall inwardly so as to enable sections of earth from the wellbore wall to create the required seal against the tubing. The earth sections that make up the seal can be created by collapsing the relevant parts of the wellbore wall inwardly or by causing the relevant parts of the wellbore wall to swell inwardly.

Abstract: The invention is a system and method used to seal between an open wellbore and a tubing by bringing the wellbore wall inwardly so as to enable sections of earth from the wellbore wall to create the required seal against the tubing. The earth sections that make up the seal can be created by collapsing the relevant parts of the wellbore wall inwardly or by causing the relevant parts of the wellbore wall to swell inwardly.

Abstract: A system that is usable with a subterranean well includes a winding, a member and a circuit. The winding is located downhole in the well, and the member moves relative to the winding in response to vibration occurring in the well to cause a signal to be generated on the winding. The circuit is coupled to the winding to respond to the signal to provide power to operate a component located downhole in the well.

Abstract: The invention is a valve that prevents blow-outs through a control line while simultaneously allowing bi-directional flow or pressure transfer through the control line. The invention comprises a shuttle valve disposed in the control line.

Abstract: The invention is a system and method used to seal between an open wellbore and a tubing by bringing the wellbore wall inwardly so as to enable sections of earth from the wellbore wall to create the required seal against the tubing. The earth sections that make up the seal can be created by collapsing the relevant parts of the wellbore wall inwardly or by causing the relevant parts of the wellbore wall to swell inwardly.