Abstract: Disclosed herein are sealing assemblies which include a mandrel; an inner element formed around the mandrel; an outer element formed around the inner element; and a plurality of slats arranged between the inner and outer elements. The slats have a friction-reducing agent on the surface of the slats. Also disclosed herein are methods for zonal isolation within a wellbore. The methods include providing a mandrel; providing an inner element formed around the mandrel; providing an outer element formed around the inner element; providing a plurality of slats arranged between the inner and outer elements; and axially compressing the inner element and the outer element to radially expand the inner element and outer element. The slats have a friction-reducing agent on their surface.

Abstract: A technique is provided for controlling actuation of a well component. A resistance device is deployed in a tool string and connected to a well tool to be actuated. The resistance device comprises a deformable body and a deforming member that move relative to one another during actuation of the well tool. Deformation of the deforming member provides constant resistance and consequent control over component actuation.

Abstract: A connection between coiled tubing and a connector includes a plurality of dimples formed by a tubing, each dimple is disposed within a respective pocket formed in a connector to form at least two rows of dimple-pocket connections, wherein the fit of the dimples within the pockets of the rows graduates from tighter to looser along the length of the connection. The connection may further include a seal member positioned between the tubing and the connector positioned between at least two of the rows of dimple-pocket connections formed. A method of connecting coiled tubing to a connector includes the steps of graduating the dimple-pocket connections from tighter to looser along the length of the connection.

Abstract: A technique facilitates joining of coiled tubing sections. A framework has one or more movable stands with features designed to grip and manipulate an end of a coiled tubing section. The ability to hold and selectively move an end of a coiled tubing section or the ends of both coiled tubing sections enables an operator to easily prepare the coiled tubing ends and to couple the coiled tubing ends with a coiled tubing connector.

Abstract: A connection between coiled tubing and a connector includes a plurality of dimples formed by a tubing, each dimple is disposed within a respective pocket formed in a connector to form at least two rows of dimple-pocket connections, wherein the fit of the dimples within the pockets of the rows graduates from tighter to looser along the length of the connection. The connection may further include a seal member positioned between the tubing and the connector positioned between at least two of the rows of dimple-pocket connections formed. A method of connecting coiled tubing to a connector includes the steps of graduating the dimple-pocket connections from tighter to looser along the length of the connection.

Abstract: A connection between coiled tubing and a connector includes a plurality of dimples formed by a tubing, each dimple is disposed within a respective pocket formed in a connector to form at least two rows of dimple-pocket connections, wherein the fit of the dimples within the pockets of the rows graduates from tighter to looser along the length of the connection. The connection may further include a seal member positioned between the tubing and the connector positioned between at least two of the rows of dimple-pocket connections formed. A method of connecting coiled tubing to a connector includes the steps of graduating the dimple-pocket connections from tighter to looser along the length of the connection.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are sealing assemblies which include a mandrel; an inner element formed around the mandrel; an outer element formed around the inner element; and a plurality of slats arranged between the inner and outer elements. The slats have a friction-reducing agent on the surface of the slats. Also disclosed herein are methods for zonal isolation within a wellbore. The methods include providing a mandrel; providing an inner element formed around the mandrel; providing an outer element formed around the inner element; providing a plurality of slats arranged between the inner and outer elements; and axially compressing the inner element and the outer element to radially expand the inner element and outer element. The slats have a friction-reducing agent on their surface.

Abstract: A technique is provided for controlling actuation of a well component. A resistance device is deployed in a tool string and connected to a well tool to be actuated. The resistance device comprises a deformable body and a deforming member that move relative to one another during actuation of the well tool. Deformation of the deforming member provides constant resistance and consequent control over component actuation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling inflation and deflation of spaced inflatable packer elements of a straddle stimulation tool within a well casing of a well. A straddle stimulation tool is positioned by tubing at a desired location within the well casing. Fluid is pumped through the tubing and tool at a rate inflating the spaced inflatable packer elements within the well casing and establishing an annulus interval. The inflation control retains pressure within the inflated packer elements and permits the flow of stimulation fluid into the annulus interval for stimulation of the formation. After completion of well stimulation, the packer element pressure control is moved to a packer equalizing position by tension applied via the tubing to equalize packer pressure with casing annulus pressure, deflating the packer elements and permitting conveyance of the straddle stimulation tool within the well casing by the tubing string.

Abstract: A subsurface well safety valve having a housing with a valve closure member which is controlled by a flow tube which includes an improved hydraulic actuating mechanism. The housing includes a cylinder with a straight portion and a curved portion which is adapted to receive hydraulic fluid from the surface and a piston is movable in the cylinder and connected to the flow tube for moving the flow tube to an open position. The piston includes a metal seal and a flexible portion connected to the top of the metal seal and the flexible portion is adapted to move through the curved portion of the cylinder. A valve and a valve seat are provided in the cylinder above the piston for sealing the hydraulic fluid from the well surface when the valve is open and for engaging and holding the flexible portion and the piston in the open position.

Abstract: A temporary and retrievable protector sleeve for protecting a well landing nipple during working of the well. A landing nipple having a tubular body with a plurality of arcuate no go lugs circumferentially positioned. A body has a support for engaging the no go lugs on the interior of the nipple for supporting the body from the nipple. A releasable latch on the body releasably latches the body to the no go lugs. A spring engages the latch and yieldably urges the latch into a locking position. A sleeve section telescopically engages the body and the latch and retracts the latch and releases the body from the no go lugs when the section is moved relative to the body.

Abstract: A hydraulic actuated communication nipple for switching control fluid from one location to a second location in a well tool. A body having a longitudinal bore includes a control fluid passageway adapted to be connected to the well surface. A vertical moving sleeve in the body opens communication from the fluid passageway to the bore and is connected to a hydraulic piston in the fluid passageway which includes a bypass opening normally passing fluid through the passageway. A ball dropped down the control line seats on the piston, closes the fluid passage, moves the sleeve, and opens the fluid passageway to the bore. The piston also actuates a vertical moving plug to seal off the outlet with a metal-to-metal seal. A dual communication nipple may be provided which are internally connected by a line to move the fluid displaced by a piston.

Abstract: A dynamic metal-to-metal seal for use in a double acting piston and cylinder for use in high pressures and temperatures. First and second metal cup seals engage the piston and face in opposite directions for sealing against the cylinder wall whereby the higher pressure in the cylinder acting against the first or second seal will move the piston. In order to prevent high differential pressures across the seals when the piston is actuated, means are provided for transmitting fluid pressure from the lower pressure in the cylinder to the cylinder between the cup seal. The piston includes first and second oppositely directed seats with first and second metal seals telescopically movable on the piston adjacent one of the seats and each metal seal includes a sealing surface adapted to mate with one of the seats. Each metal seal also includes an outwardly directed cup seal extending away from their seats and sealingly engaging the cylinder.

Abstract: An electrical power feedthrough connection for supporting and sealing a well electrical cable. A sealing insulator which is longitudinally split includes one or more cavities. An elongated connector is positioned in each cavity connecting the ends of two lines of the electrical cable with potting compound positioned in the cavity for sealing about the connector. A sealing grommet at each end of the insulator aligns the lines of the electrical cable with the cavities of the insulator. A cable gripping retainer is positioned adjacent each grommet remote from the insulator. A housing surrounds the insulator, grommet and retainers and includes first and second telescoping parts with threaded means for telescoping the first and second parts together.