Abstract: A multiple branch well for use with in situ leach mining of deep lying ore bodies. The branch wells may be formed by a method disclosed in a related invention. Each well may have two branches one of which is a producer well and one an injector well. Internally of the main casing from which the two branch casings extend are--from the lower end up--a packer unit, a tubing hanger, and a wireline retrievable hydraulically generated pump. The packer and tubing hanger serve their conventional function of, respectively, blocking the flow of leach fluids and holding the branch tubular casing in place within the main casing. The hydraulic pump joins the tubular casings to maintain a constant ratio of produced fluid to injected fluid. This pump is operated by a pressurized fluid source. Since it is retrievable and hydraulically operated, the pump can be brought to the surface for any repairs or maintenance and it requires less surface plumbing with no down hole electrical power.

Abstract: A downhole tool suction screen assembly includes a top screen assembly adapter, a lower screen assembly adapter, and a tubular screen mandrel connected between the top and lower screen assembly adapters. A cylindrical pump screen is disposed about an outer surface of the screen mandrel. A discharge passage is disposed in the screen assembly for communicating a discharge of a downhole pump with a lower end of the lower screen assembly adapter. A suction inlet passage is disposed in the screen assembly for communicating the outer surface of the screen mandrel with an intake of the downhole pump through the top screen assembly adapter.

Abstract: A downhole tool, comprising, a first cylindrical body member having a longitudinally extending annular cavity disposed therein, and including a relief port for communicating the cavity with a space outside of the tool, the space being filled with a first fluid, a cylindrical extension member having a first end slidably received in the annular cavity and having a second end extending longitudinally from the annular cavity, and an annular floating seal, slidingly disposed in the annular cavity between the relief port and the first end of the cylindrical extension member, for sealingly engaging radially inner and outer surfaces of the annular cavity and for separating a second fluid in the annular cavity between the floating seal and said cylindrical extension member from the first fluid. The downhole tool including the described floating seal structure is utilized for the testing of subsurface formations.

Abstract: A hydraulically operated downhole pump that is connected to or disposed in a string of tubing, and when operated by pressurized oil from the ground surface, is capable of discharging production fluid, gas, and pressurized oil from the well either separately or in desired combinations thereof. The pump includes an elongate housing preferably of such transverse cross section as to be longitudinally movable through a tubing string, with the pump including universal joint connected upper and lower helical screws that rotate in slidable sealing contact with upper and lower double threaded resilient stator blocks secured to the interior of the housing. As pressurized oil is discharged into the upper end of the housing the upper helical screw and associated stator act as a motor to drive the lower helical screw relative to the lower stator block.

Abstract: A borehole water pump having an inflatable packer to permit the borehole casing to be used as the water conduit to the surface. The pump may be operated by a line shaft extending from the surface or by a downhole electric or hydraulic motor. In another embodiment the system utilizes a column pipe with outlet apertures formed through the wall thereof above the packer for allowing flow to the surface by way of the column pipe and the annulus between the column pipe and the borehole wall.

Abstract: A downhole testing apparatus has a modular construction including a pump assembly, a screen assembly, a first packer assembly, an intake port assembly, and a second packer assembly. Improvements are provided in each of the pump assembly, screen assembly, first packer assembly, and intake port assembly.

Abstract: A wire line removable well safety valve in an oil and gas well completion design including a tubing string, a well packer around the tubing string sealing with the well casing, and a submergible well pump on the tubing string below the packer. The safety valve controls flow of pumped well fluids through the tubing string, directs separated gas into the casing annulus around the tubing string above the packer, and shuts off the flow of pumped fluids and separated gas to the surface while permitting recirculation of pumped well fluids between the annulus and tubing string below the packer.

Abstract: A packer assembly for a cable-suspended well pumping system comprises a cylindrical housing carrying an external sealing sleeve of resilient material and a series of axially movable radially expandable slips for gripping a well casing. The slips are operated by liquid pressure developed upon initiation of a downwell pumping operation, by movement of a tubular piston within the housing which is connected to the slips through openings in the housing wall. Further, the slips abut a collar attached to one end of the sealing sleeve so that axial movement of the slips also causes the sealing sleeve to be axially compressed and radially expanded into engagement with the well casing. After pumping is terminated, the slips and seal can be disengaged from the well casing simply by raising the assembly.

Abstract: An inflatable packer system for use in a well testing or treating tool which is attached to a drill string. The inflatable packer system comprises a pump subassembly operated by rotation of the drill string, a check/relief valve subassembly, valve subassembly, packer deflate subassembly, at least one inflatable packer, at least one flow subassembly, at least one recorder subassembly, and a drag spring unit. The packer system may also incorporate a straddle by-pass extension assembly for additional spacing between packers in a two packer straddle test. The inflatable packer system is used to isolate any desired zone or zones in a well bore so that multiple tests involving inflation and deflation of the packer(s) without removing the tool from the well may be performed.

Abstract: A Venturi type tube is coaxially connected with the depending end of an oil well pumping string for installation in a producing oil well for increasing the ratio of oil to salt water obtained from the well.

Abstract: In accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a drill stem testing apparatus that utilizes upper and lower inflatable packer elements to isolate an interval of the borehole includes a unique pump system that is adapted to supply fluids under pressure to the respective elements in response to manipulation of the pipe string extending to the surface. The pump system includes a first pump assembly that is operated in response to rotation of the pipe string for inflating the lower packer element, and a functionally separate second pump assembly that is operated in response to vertical movement of the pipe string for inflating the upper packer element. The rotationally operated pump assembly is uniquely designed to limit the inflation pressure that is supplied to the lower packer, whereas the inflation pressure generated by the vertically operated pump can be monitored at the surface.

Abstract: Method for producing oil from a subsurface formation containing both oil and water is disclosed. The oil and water are separated downhole within the well with the separated water being conveyed through a well bore and discharged into a disposal formation without raising it to the surface of the well, unless the pressure in the dispersal formation is excessive. The oil is separately conveyed through the well bore to the surface. Separation of the oil and water is carried out be a separator assembly which includes an outer shell having an upper end fitted for connection to a pump intake, a lower end having perforations for admitting formation fluid, a centrally disposed collector tube extending through the shell and dividing the shell into a central flow passage and an annular flow passage, and a laminated filter element disposed in the annular flow passage and convolutely wound around the collector tube.

Abstract: A downhole pump of the jet type for use in a borehole in order to produce fluid from the wellbore by employment of a power fluid source located above the surface of the ground. The power fluid flows through the jet pump assembly to cause a pumping action. The jet pump includes a suction chamber formed about a nozzle assembly. The nozzle is spaced from a venturi throat. The venturi throat diverges in a direction away from the nozzle. A deflector device is arranged concentrically with the nozzle and venturi. One end of the deflector is supported by the pump body, and a reduced convergent marginal free end is received within the divergent venturi throat, thereby forming an annulus between the throat and the deflector. The annular area increases in a downstream direction respective to the nozzle. The power fluid exits from the nozzle and enters the inlet of the venturi, causing produced fluid to be pulled into the throat entrance.

Abstract: A pumping rod connecting and disconnecting device comprises: a lower production tubing column and an upper production tubing column having a larger diameter than that of the lower column; a connecting piece provided with a circular seat and a circular groove; a lower assembly mounted onto the upper end of a lower pumping rod column and provided with mounting and locking means, as well as with passage means arranged between the spaces located below and above the device; an upper assembly fixed to the lower end of an upper pumping rod column having a continuous axial conduit; and removable blocking means for blocking the locking means of the upper and lower assemblies, connected to a surface source of hydraulic pressure. The device can be used for pumping by means of floating pumping apparatus.

Abstract: A downhole testing apparatus has a modular construction including a pump assembly, a screen assembly, a first packer assembly, an intake port assembly, and a second packer assembly. The pump assembly includes an improved ratchet assembly for opening and closing a relief port of a discharge passage of said pump. The pump assembly is constructed so that said ratchet assembly and the moving components of the pump are covered with a lubricating fluid contained between upper and lower seals.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing oil from a subsurface formation containing both oil and water is disclosed. The oil and water are separated downhole within the well with the separated water being conveyed through a well bore and discharged into a disposal formation without raising it to the surface of the well, unless the pressure in the dispersal formation is excessive. The oil is separately conveyed through the well bore to the surface. Separation of the oil and water is carried out by a separator assembly which includes an outer shell having an upper end fitted for connection to a pump intake, a lower end having perforations for admitting formation fluid, a centrally disposed collector tube extending through the shell and dividing the shell into a central flow passage and an annular flow passage, and a laminated filter element disposed in the annular flow passage and convolutely wound around the collector tube.

Abstract: Determinations are made of the conditions in a fluid-containing well penetrating a fluid-producing subterranean reservoir by isolating an interval in the well which penetrates the fluid-producing reservoir, withdrawing fluid from the interval and determining conditions such as fluid composition, pressure build-up, and temperature in the interval. The interval is isolated with a packing member surrounding an open conduit means extending in the well from the top of the well to a location adjacent the reservoir. Fluid moves from the reservoir into the conduit means and is withdrawn from the conduit means through an opening in the conduit means above and adjacent the lower end of the conduit means. Determinations are made by lowering measuring tools through the tubing string to a location in the well below the opening through which fluid is withdrawn from the conduit means.

Abstract: A plunger lift system used in wells having a tubing string disposed within casing. An improved plunger catcher and trip assembly is provided within the wellhead to hold the plunger in its upper position while lift gas escapes from the tubing string through the wellhead and formation fluids form a new slug in the lower end of the tubing string. The new system incorporates a conventional mechanical timer or controller to allow simple adjustments to obtain the most efficient product rate from each individual well. The controller determines the time interval during which lift gas is injected into the annulus between the casing and tubing and the time interval during which the plunger is held within the wellhead by the catcher and trip assembly.

Abstract: A jet pump for use downhole in a borehole for producing fluid from the wellbore by employment of a power fluid supplied from the surface of the ground. The power fluid flows through the jet pump assembly to cause a pumping action. The jet pump includes a suction chamber formed about a nozzle. The nozzle is spaced from a venturi throat. The venturi throat diverges in a direction away from the nozzle. A deflecter has one end supported by the pump body and a reduced convergent marginal free end which is received within the divergent throat thereby forming an annulus between the throat and the deflecter. The annular area increases in an outward direction respective to the nozzle. The power fluid exits from the nozzle and enters the inlet of the venturi causing produced fluid to be pulled into the throat entrance. The mixed fluids continue to flow through the throat and about the deflecter and out of the venturi as the fluids are forced to continue through the pump and then to the surface of the earth.

Abstract: The system incorporates conical screens spaced along the producing tubing as mixing means to reduce the separation of gas and oil and enhances the lifting power of the gas. Supplemental lift devices are provided for non-flowing wells. The lift devices incorporate check valves in conjunction with the mixing means to lift the oil in stages. Motive power is provided by one or more jet pumps positioned in the producing zone and at vertically spaced points along the producing tubing.

Abstract: A downhole recirculator for injecting two-phase lixiviant from a tubing string into a leaching interval of an in situ mine field injection hole, and for circulating the injected lixiviant within the leaching interval. The recirculator includes a core device which is adapted to be readily inserted or removed from its operating position in a fixture defining the upper limit of the leaching interval. The core device includes an induction valve arrangement whereby a primary flow of two-phase lixiviant supplied from the minefield surface by way of the tubing string induces a secondary flow of lixiviant from regions of the injection hole near the top of the leaching interval. The primary flow two-phase lixiviant is combined with the secondary flow lixiviant and injected to a region near the bottom of the leaching interval to establish a circulatory motion of lixiviant within the leaching interval.

Abstract: A geothermal energy transfer and utilization system makes use of thermal energy stored in hot solute-bearing well water to generate a thermal working fluid from an injected flow of clean fluid. The working fluid is then used for operating a turbine-driven pump near the well bottom for pumping the hot solute-bearing water in liquid state to the earth's surface, where it is used by transfer of its heat content to a closed-loop generator-turbine alternator combination for the beneficial generation of electrical power. The deep well pump system is supported within the well casing pipe from the earth's surface by a turbine exhaust conduit. In view of the effects of differential expansion on the relative lengths of the well casing pipe and the exhaust conduit, a novel flexible seal is provided between the suspended turbine-pump system and the well casing.

Abstract: The invention disclosed includes a method of and apparatus for reducing the differential pressure holding a section of a drill string by lowering the hydrostatic pressure of the drilling fluid in the well bore adjacent the section being held. This is done by sealing the annulus between a fishing string and the well bore with a packer located above the section being held and lowering the level of drilling mud in the fishing string. In the embodiment described, the drilling mud level is lowered by swabbing drilling mud from the fishing string with a swab that is lowered and raised in the fishing string by a flexible swab line. A seal is provided between the swab line and the upper end of the fishing string to allow drilling mud to be pumped down the fishing string if necessary to for any reason, such as to circulate out a kick. The swab and the packer are provided with valves that can be opened to allow such circulation.

Abstract: Sub-surface water is pumped through a bore hole to an oil-bearing formation by a pump installation in the bore hole including a submergible pump and an adjustable control valve at the discharge side of the pump. The control valve closes automatically when the pump is not operating to prevent reverse flow and loss of flooding pressure and to insure a back pressure on the pump during starting, and is controlled hydraulically from the surface of the earth to vary the flow to the oil-bearing formation. A novel control valve structure provides accurate and reliable control without unduly restricting the flow volume.

Abstract: The present invention is a secondary recovery system normally used for retrieving oil from the producing zone after the bottom hole pressure has decreased so that artificial lift is required for production. An accumulator is positioned in the lower portion of the casing where oil will accumulate from the producing zone. A standing valve is located in the bottom of the accumulator to prevent oil collected therein from leaving the accumulator. Above the accumulator is located a free floating piston having passageways therethrough. By proper control of the pressure line from the surface, oil is gradually moved through the free floating piston into a production tubing thereabove. Next, again in response to surface control, the free floating piston and oil collected thereabove is moved to the surface of the well by a rapid pressurization of the accumulator. Thereafter, pressure is exhausted from the accumulator allowing the piston to drop back to its lowermost position immediately above the accumulator.

Abstract: A tool for use in wells having a first assembly with an internal fluid passage and a port interconnecting the exterior of the first assembly and the passage; a mechanism borne by the first assembly for releasably securing the first assembly in a well in a selected position; a housing enclosing a fluid chamber mounted on the first assembly; a second assembly having an end portion received in the fluid chamber for reciprocal movement in pumping relation to and from the first assembly and an opposite end portion adapted for connection to a pipe string in depending relation; and a valve mechanism selectively operable, upon movement of the end portion of the second assembly to the first assembly, to allow fluid movement from the second assembly into the fluid passage of the first assembly and, upon reciprocal movement of the end portion within the fluid chamber, to pump fluid through the port and first assembly into the second assembly and pipe string.

Abstract: This disclosure pertains to pumping of heavy petroleum products such as crude oil from 8API gravity and greater. A tubing is packed off by a production packer in a well casing and a piston is reciprocated in the tubing below the packer by a pumping rod to pump oil upwardly in the tubing. Above the packer is a standing valve which places the interior of the tubing into fluid communication with the annulus between the casing and the tubing on an upstroke of the piston and closes the communication path on a downstroke of the piston. Above the standing valve is a packing means through which the pumping rod extends, the packing means isolating the interior of the tubing above the packing means from the standing valve below the packing means. The tubing above the packing means is filled with a light weight fluid. Reciprocation of the rod is principally through the lighter weight fluid and the weight of the lifted oil in the annulus is isolated by the standing valve from the tubing below the packing means.

Abstract: A relatively large power fluid tubing is run downhole and connected to a relatively small power fluid tubing. The small power fluid tubing is connected to the valve assembly of a downhole pump. The small diameter tubing and pump is enclosed within a production tubing having the lower end thereof sealed to the pump inlet, with the lower end of the pump being placed in fluid communication with formation fluid. The upper end of the production tubing is vented and supported from the relatively large diameter power fluid tubing. A packer is disposed below the vent. Production from the pump occurs through an annulus which is formed between the small power tubing and the production tubing. Produced fluid from the pump flows through the annulus, through the vent, and up through the borehole annulus, while power fluid flows to the valve assembly of the pump engine by means of the series connected large and small power fluid tubing.

Abstract: An elongated tubular housing, having inlet and outlet ports, forms a fluid passageway. A piston, loosely received by the inlet end portion of the housing, is coaxially connected with a throttle regulator comprising poppet type valves and a stem which extends through and seats the valves on respective end portions of a cage positioned in the outlet end portion of the housing. A spring, interposed between the piston and the cage, normally biases the valves toward an open position and acts to position the balanced valves at the respective end portions of the cage in response to constant fluid pressure drop across the piston.

Abstract: An apparatus for retrieving oil from a producing zone after the bottom hole pressure has decreased to such an extent that artificial lift is required for production. An accumulator is provided by casing sealed off with a packer, or an accumulation chamber located in the area of the casing where oil accumulates. The uppermost portion of the accumulator is vented to atmosphere to allow oil flow therein. A floating piston-type device may be located immediately above the accumulator with a bypass from the accumulator to the top of the floating piston. Pressure is subsequently applied through the vent line to the accumulator to force oil from the accumulator through a stinger tube above the floating piston and subsequently raise the oil and floating piston to the surface. Without the piston, a stinger tube and standing valve may be used to accumulate oil in the production tubing. The vent line may be located inside the production line with the upper casing being used as a pressure storage tank.

Abstract: A system is disclosed, suitable to suppress the discharge pipe string in a deep-well vertical pump. In said system, a top seal is provided located at the top end of the well to hermetically seal the well's wall and form a duct towards the discharge mouth of said well; another seal being located in a cooperative relationship to the upmost impellent device and to the inner wall of the well, in order to allow for the well's wall portion comprised between said both seals to operate as the discharge tubing; said seal being proportional to the fluid pressure inside said wall portion.