Abstract: Disclosed is a gravel pack service tool that utilizes an internal closure device to set a packer. One disclosed system includes a completion string including at least one packer, a service tool configured to be arranged within the completion string and having an interior that provides a flow path for fluids and a crossover tool, and a closure device arranged within the flow path and being actuatable between an open position and a closed position in response to a signature pressure pulse detected by the closure device, wherein, when the closure device is in the open position, the fluids are able to bypass the closure device and flow to lower portions of the service tool, and wherein, when the closure device is in the closed position, the fluids are prevented from bypassing the closure device and a pressure within the service tool is increased to set the at least one packer.

Abstract: The invention provides a downhole initiator tool (10, 210, 410, 610) for use in initiating a downhole operation, and a method of use. The downhole initiator tool comprises a mandrel (34, 234, 434, 634), an initiator assembly (26, 226, 426, 626), and an anchor assembly (28, 228, 428, 628) mounted on the mandrel. The anchor assembly comprises a radially extendable anchor member (26, 226, 426, 626) for engaging an outer bore structure. The anchor assembly and the mandrel are axially moveable relative to each other in a first axial direction to sequentially extend the anchor member and activate the initiator assembly.

Abstract: A completion running tool includes a body that defines a central flow passage and one or more radial flow ports. A piston is coupled to the body at a releasable coupling and positioned for longitudinal movement within a piston chamber defined radially between the body and an outer shroud. A prop sleeve is positioned in the central passage and defines one or more apertures that facilitate fluid communication between the central passage and a piston setting chamber via the one or more radial flow ports. The prop sleeve is movable within the central flow passage between a first position, where the prop sleeve radially supports the releasable coupling and thereby prevents disengagement of the piston, and a second position, where the piston is able to disengage from the releasable coupling and move within the piston chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are implementations of various technologies for a method for seismic data processing. The method may receive seismic data for a region of interest. The seismic data may be acquired in a seismic survey. The method may determine an exclusion criterion. The exclusion criterion may provide rules for selecting shot points in the acquired seismic data. The method may determine sparse seismic data using statistical sampling based on the exclusion criterion and the acquired seismic data. The method may determine simulated seismic data based on the earth model and shot points corresponding to the sparse seismic data. The method may determine an objective function that represents a mismatch between the sparse seismic data and the simulated seismic data. The method may update the earth model using the objective function.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling a downhole device in a well, comprises a body having a control slot engaging a pin. Movement of the pin relative to the control slot switches the device between active and inactive states. The slot has at least one loop and at least one elongated axial track spaced around the body with respect to the at least one loop. The pin can move in the at least one elongated axial track between different configurations of the pin and slot which correspond to active and inactive configurations of the downhole device. Each of the at least one elongated axial track is connected to one of the at least one loop via a deviate branch track, and the control slot has no separate, dedicate return path for returning the pin from the deviate branch track to the elongated axial track.

Abstract: An electrically powered hydraulic fracturing system having pumps for pressurizing fracturing fluid, piping for carrying fracturing fluid, and vibration reducing equipment for use with the piping. The vibration reducing equipment includes helical coils that support the piping. The coils are made of a wire rope made of strands of steel cable twisted together. Grooved fittings are provided on some piping connections, and which allow pivoting between adjacent fluid conveyance members. Swivel joints are strategically located in the piping which allow rotational flexing between adjacent sections of the piping; thereby attenuating vibration in the piping but without stressing the piping.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to apparatus, systems, and methods of fracturing a geological structure including the application of kinetic energy (e.g., from high velocity frack fluid) to a subterranean structure. In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to apparatus, systems, and methods for delivery of high velocity fluid to a well using a down hole valve and/or throttling system. The present disclosure relates to apparatus, systems, and methods of generating pressure using accumulators (e.g., high pressure accumulators) at the surface of a well.

Abstract: A method for fracturing a formation includes positioning a fluid treatment string in the formation. The fluid treatment string includes a port configured to pass fracturing fluid from within the string's inner bore to outside the string, and a sliding sleeve located inside string and configured to move by fluid pressure within the inner bore of the fluid treatment string between (i) a first position in which the sliding sleeve covers the port and (ii) a second position in which the sliding sleeve exposes the port to the inner bore. The method also includes applying a fluid pressure within the inner bore such that the sliding sleeve moves from the first position to the second position without the sliding sleeve engaging a sealing device, and pumping fracturing fluid through the inner bore and through the port to fracture a portion of the formation.

Abstract: An indexing tool is incorporated into a tubular string. The indexing tool is intended to function as a variable travel stop so that on initial landing other tools associated with the string will not extend to an operating position for tools that would otherwise operate on contact with relative movement. The indexing device can prevent a shifting device from engaging a valve operator when the index device initially lands on a support either during normal operation or in an emergency such as when shear rams have cut the string to allow it to fall so that a blowout preventer can be operated to engage opposed rams. In such an emergency the barrier valve operator will not be actuated and the string is later fished with the barrier valve closed. A pickup and set down force then allows the barrier valve to open when desired.

Abstract: A tool for cleaning valves and other devices in subterranean wells. The tool is cylindrical in shape and has several components, including a pressurized gas housing, a fluid housing, and multiple jet ports extending radially. The tool is lowered into the subterranean well and positioned so that the multiple ports are aligned with the valve or other device to be cleaned. A jarring action on the tool releases the pressurized gas into the fluid housing, thereby forcing the fluid out of the fluid housing and through the multiple jet ports. The fluid flowing through the multiple jet ports cleans the valve or other device.

Abstract: A valve on an inner string can only be closed with multiple movements in opposed directions that occur after a predetermined force is held for a finite time. Holding the force against resistance eventually allows movement that arms the valve. A set down and pickup force will then close the valve. The surrounding string has a constriction that interacts with a j-slot to rotate a wedge with a first peak into alignment with a peak on a second wedge that can only translate against a spring bias. The second wedge is eccentrically linked to a ball that rotates between and open and a closed position.

Abstract: A snubbing plug is configured to be secured within a component of a mineral extraction system by an internal locking mechanism. In addition, the snubbing plug enables pressure equalization of regions above and below the plug before removal of the plug. Upon insertion of the snubbing plug into a well component, pressure may be equalized via fluid pathways through the snubbing plug. The pathways are sealed closed during snubbing operations and opened again when snubbing operations are complete. Manipulation of the fluid pathways may be accomplished via rotation of a load ring within the snubbing plug.

Abstract: The invention concerns a unit for a down hole well tool comprising a tool unit comprising at least one first fluid conduit and a return fluid conduit in use forming a well annulus space between the tool unit and the well bore. The tool unit is arranged with at least one piston provided for dividing the well annulus space into at least two well annulus spaces. The communication of fluid between the adjacent well annulus spaces at each side of the piston is controlled by the relative movement between the first fluid conduit and a control element.

Abstract: A geothermal liner system with packer for sealing a producing zone within a wellbore has a mandrel placed in an interior of the wellbore, a packer releasably affixed around an outer surface of the mandrel, and a sleeve positioned adjacent an end of the mandrel. The liner system is generally tubular and may include joint casings and a mandrel, all being tubular-shaped. The packer is expandable upon exposure to wellbore conditions. The sleeve has perforations in a wall thereof. The mandrel is slidable relative to the packer when the packer expands against the wellbore. The sleeve is selectively controlled to manage production from sealed wellbore zones. The system is stabilized through various wellbore conditions, such as geothermal heat, by being adjustable for thermal expansion of parts of the system.

Abstract: A downhole tool (10) for use in isolating a formation in a well bore from fluid pressure introduced from the surface. Mounted in a work string, the tool provides an axial throughbore (18) and radial outlets (40, 42) above and below a permanent sealing element (26), such as a diverter cup. Valve members (44, 50) which may be nested sleeves located within the axial bore are manipulated by activation through the work string, to move sequentially such that (a) a first circulation path is created around the seal, via the radial outlets and independent of the axial throughbore; (b) the axial throughbore is obstructed and a second circulation path is estate fished between the axial throughbore and the upper radial outlet; and (c) flow is re-established through the axial bore while maintaining the second flow path.

Abstract: Subterranean reservoir monitoring method, computer system with programming code for implementing the method, and computer readable media and data signal embodying such programming code, the method including one or more of: (a) reservoir screening; (b) reservoir modeling; (c) generating model seismic data from a model; (d) model modification based on current VSP data; (e) repeating step (c) and step (d) until differences between the model and VSP data are as desired; (f) obtaining model production data from a reservoir model, and if necessary modifying the model and returning to step (c); (g) generating seismic model data for time t; and (h) comparing seismic model data with actual seismic data for time t, and if necessary modify the reservoir model and return to step (f) or modify the model of the subteranean and return to step (c).

Abstract: There is disclosed apparatus for use in cementing a liner within an outer casing, wherein a ball is lowered into a diverter and thus guided into a pocket in one side thereof to permit passage of a pump down plug into a lower wiper plug.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides a system and method for selectively sealing a drill string or other tubular member. In one aspect, a sealing member, such as a valve, allows a certain level of flow of drilling fluids and/or other fluids through one or more flow channels when the valve is open. To close the valve, the flow rate is increased so that a backpressure develops and urges the valve to a closed position. The valve can remain in position in the drill string and alternately open and close depending on the flow rate and/or the pressure drop through the valve. The valve also comprises a removable plug disposed in the valve to provide access with, for example, wireline tools to a region below the valve in a wellbore.

Abstract: A downhole valve is disclosed for use in a tubing-conveyed string of tools in a well bore, constructed to be actuated to open under pressure forces by dropping a drop bar from the well surface through the tubing. The valve, deployed in the well in a closed condition, has a frangible member arranged to be broken by the drop bar to enable the valve to open. The valve opens under well pressure forces when well pressure exceeds tubing pressure, and opens under tubing pressure forces when tubing pressure exceeds or substantially equals well pressure. The valve is particularly useful when opened in conjunction with the detonation of a perforating gun for overbalanced or underbalanced well perforation. Methods of operating a string of tools including the valve are also disclosed.

Abstract: A two-way retrievable packer plug is installed in the production bore of a flow conductor by straight insertion, and is retrieved by a one trip straight pull operation. The plug assembly includes a core mandrel which is enclosed within a tubular latch mandrel on which an annular seal assembly is mounted for sealing engagement against the production bore of a flow conductor. A latch key is yieldably biased by a coil spring for interlocking engagement with a latch retainer lug carried on a landing receptacle attached to the flow conductor. The latch key is moveable from a radially extended position in which it is engageable against the latch retainer lug so that the latch key is blocked against axial displacement relative to the landing receptacle as the plug mandrel is inserted into or withdrawn out of the flow conductor.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a retrievable gravel packer for circulation and squeeze type gravel packing. The gravel packer includes a compression-set packer element, a J-slot assembly to releasably maintain the gravel packer in an unset mode, a ratchet assembly to releasably lock the gravel packer in a set mode, an intake passage to receive fluid from a tubing string, a return passage to receive fluid from a gravel screen below the gravel packer, a circulation passage extending from the exterior of the gravel packer to intake passage, a closeable crossover assembly to receive fluid from the return passage; a first check valve to prevent back flow back to the intake passage from the interior of the interior of a gravel screen therebelow, a second check valve adapted to selectively open the intake passage to the circulation passage, and a check valve release for removing said second check valve means from the junction of the intake and circulation passages.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a weight-set single-zone gravel packer which may be retrieved from a gravel screen after gravel packing or, alternatively, left in place attached to the screen as a production packer. The gravel packer includes a compression-set packer element, a first J-slot assembly to releasably maintain the gravel packer in an unset mode, a ratchet assembly to releasably lock the gravel packer in a set mode, an intake passage to receive fluid from a tubing string, a return passage to receive fluid from the interior of a gravel screen below the gravel packer, a closeable crossover assembly to receive fluid from the return passage to the wellbore annulus above the gravel packer, a first check valve to prevent flow down to the gravel screen through the return passage, a second check valve adapted to selectively connect the intake passage with the gravel packer, and a second J-slot assembly for selectively disconnecting the tubing string from the gravel packer.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a retrievable gravel packer for circulation and squeeze type gravel packing. The gravel packer includes a compression-set packer element, a J-slot assembly to releasably maintain the gravel packer in an unset mode, a ratchet assembly to releasably lock the gravel packer in a set mode, an intake passage to receive fluid from a tubing string, a return passage to receive fluid from a gravel screen below the gravel packer, a circulation passage extending from the exterior of the gravel packer to intake passage, a closeable assembly crossover to receive fluid from the return passage, relief ports between the intake passage and the return passage, a first valve for closing said intake passage from said circulation passage, a second valve for opening communication through said relief ports, a check ball at the lower end of the gravel packer, and a check ball release assembly for selectively releasing the check ball from the gravel packer.

Abstract: A packer actuated vent assembly comprising an outer barrel attached to a packer body, and a mandrel extension attached to the lower end of the mandrel of the packer. A valve means on the mandrel extension has a slidable valve element which slidably engages a medial portion of the outer peripheral surface of the mandrel and normally is in the opened position. The valve element has a boss thereon which engages a shoulder on the barrel and is thereby moved from the opened to the closed position when the packer mandrel, and therefore the mandrel extension, is properly manipulated to seat the packer. This combination of elements enables a tubing string to be run downhole into a borehole with the tubing string in the open configuration, so that fluid contained within the annulus flows through the opened valve means into the tubing string, thereby balancing the fluid pressure on either side of the tubing string; and when the packer is set, the interior of the tubing string is isolated from the borehole annulus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for annulus flow systems in which a safety valve controls flow adjacent the packer and the safety valve is operated by control of tubing pressure exerting an upward force on the valve operator and an urging device such as a weight string of tubing exerting a downward force on the operator. In one form the control valve is a foot valve below the packer which is automatically closed by removal of the actuator. In other forms the control valve is removable with the tubing string and a separate foot valve may be provided below the packer, if desired. The system may be designed to close the safety valve in direct response to a reduction in pressure in the well annulus, or it may be designed to reduce or increase tubing pressure and close the safety valve in response to any well condition sensed at the surface which would include a reduction in annulus flow pressure.

Abstract: A crossover tool for use with concentric tubing strings. The apparatus disclosed provides the ability to treat and/or gravel pack a producing zone in a well, and is particularly suited for use in a multiple-zone well. The crossover tool may be locked in any one of three positions: a circulate mode, a closed test mode, or a closed bypass mode to facilitate movement of the tool within the well bore. All operation of the crossover tool is effected by reciprocation of the pipe string to which it is attached. Alternative embodiments are also disclosed which dispense with the closed test mode.