Abstract: The present application pertains to a swivel insertable into a casing ram. The swivel comprises an inner mandrel having an upper end section and a lower end section configured to be operably connectable and rotatable with an upper workstring section and a lower workstring section, the inner mandrel comprising a longitudinal passage forming a continuation of a passage in the workstring. An outer housing is configured to seal the inner mandrel inside the outer housing. The outer diameter of the outer housing and the length of the outer housing is configured to fit a casing ram. In contrast to prior art tools placed within annular blowout preventers which have limited differential pressure ranges, the instant device allows for differential pressure during operation as high as 10,000 psi or more. The instant devices also may allow for aggressive frac pack treatments and facilitate reverse out operations.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices, systems and methods for actuating tools in a well in a reservoir, such as sliding sleeves used to direct fracturing fluid into the reservoir. The sleeves are actuated using drop balls that seat in the tool with sufficient force to cause the sleeve to move. The drop balls are made from a frangible material having a compressed or deformed shape memory alloy component therewithin. After the drop balls have actuated the sleeves in the well, they are exposed to a temperature change from below to above the transition temperature of the shape memory alloy such that the component expands and the frangible material fragments into pieces, such that the pieces allow unobstructed fluid flow in the well. Optionally, a heating element can be used to effect the temperature change.

Abstract: An autonomous active flow control valve system for regulating and controlling flow across well segments is disclosed. In one example embodiment, the valve system includes a central control unit and one or more flow control devices communicatively coupled to the central control unit. Each flow control device includes at least one valve and at least one sensor for sensing various well or flow parameters. The central control unit receives sensor data from the sensor and controls the valve according to a pre-programmed control protocol. The valve may be opened, closed, and adjusted in response to detected well or flow parameters in order to maintain a desirable flow profile across well segments either in production or injection well.

Abstract: A flow energy harvesting device having a harvester pipe includes a flow inlet that receives flow from a primary pipe, a flow outlet that returns the flow into the primary pipe, and a flow diverter within the harvester pipe having an inlet section coupled to the flow inlet, a flow constriction section coupled to the inlet section and positioned at a midpoint of the harvester pipe and having a spline shape with a substantially reduced flow opening size at a constriction point along the spline shape, and an outlet section coupled to the constriction section. The harvester pipe may further include a piezoelectric structure extending from the inlet section through the constriction section and point such that the fluid flow past the constriction point results in oscillatory pressure amplitude inducing vibrations in the piezoelectric structure sufficient to cause a direct piezoelectric effect and to generate electrical power for harvesting.

Abstract: Self-initialized packers for use in high temperature steam injection applications in wellbores are provided. The packers include an actuating mechanism for setting a packing element for sealing within an openhole or cased hole. The actuating mechanism includes an actuator sleeve that includes an actuating element constructed from a shape memory alloy that has a transformation temperature range greater than a geothermal temperature of the wellbore, and is actuated upon heating from steam injection. Systems and methods of using the packers are also provided.

Abstract: An autonomous active flow control valve system for regulating and controlling flow across well segments is disclosed. In one example embodiment, the valve system includes a central control unit and one or more flow control devices communicatively coupled to the central control unit. Each flow control device includes at least one valve and at least one sensor for sensing various well or flow parameters. The central control unit receives sensor data from the sensor and controls the valve according to a pre-programmed control protocol. The valve may be opened, closed, and adjusted in response to detected well or flow parameters in order to maintain a desirable flow profile across well segments either in production or injection well.

Abstract: An improved particle or sand filtering apparatus, method and system is disclosed. The apparatus may be adapted to filter particles or sand from a particle-laden hydrocarbon fluid by employing a stacked multi-layered screen in an X-Y plane and having at least one screen comprised of a plurality of first wires and a plurality of second wires that are woven. The stacked screen may be placed within a production tubing in a wellbore for the production of hydrocarbons from the wellbore. The apparatus is configured to facilitate passage of particle-laden fluid through the screen in a direction that is substantially parallel to an X-Y plane of the screen.

Abstract: A flow energy harvesting device having a harvester pipe includes a flow inlet that receives flow from a primary pipe, a flow outlet that returns the flow into the primary pipe, and a flow diverter within the harvester pipe having an inlet section coupled to the flow inlet, a flow constriction section coupled to the inlet section and positioned at a midpoint of the harvester pipe and having a spline shape with a substantially reduced flow opening size at a constriction point along the spline shape, and an outlet section coupled to the constriction section. The harvester pipe may further include a piezoelectric structure extending from the inlet section through the constriction section and point such that the fluid flow past the constriction point results in oscillatory pressure amplitude inducing vibrations in the piezoelectric structure sufficient to cause a direct piezoelectric effect and to generate electrical power for harvesting.

Abstract: Self-initialized packers for use in high temperature steam injection applications in wellbores are provided. The packers include an actuating mechanism for setting a packing element for sealing within an openhole or cased hole. The actuating mechanism includes an actuator sleeve that includes an actuating element constructed from a shape memory alloy that has a transformation temperature range greater than a geothermal temperature of the wellbore, and is actuated upon heating from steam injection. Systems and methods of using the packers are also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for insertion of a component into an oil or gas well. Typically, the well includes a cased hole section and may also include an uncased hole section. In some applications, the well deviates substantially from the vertical direction. The apparatus may include a tool member and an engagement mechanism mounted upon the tool member. The engagement mechanism is configured for selective frictional engagement to the cased hole section of the well. A piston is connected to the tool member and is configured for extension relative to the tool member. The component for insertion into the well may be a sand control screen, a perforating gun, or other device.