Abstract: A well tool includes a deformable liner configured to be positioned within a wellbore. The deformable liner is configured to be deformed radially. The well tool includes a first inflatable packer configured to be positioned within the deformable liner. The first inflatable packer is configured to be inflated while positioned within the deformable liner to deform the deformable liner radially. The well tool includes a second inflatable packer configured to be positioned around the deformable liner. The second inflatable packer is configured to be inflated to an inner wall of the wellbore.

Abstract: Pressure activated counting/indexing mechanisms for hydraulic fracturing sleeves and related processes are provided. The hydraulic fracturing apparatuses can include a tubular body having a housing and a flow port, a movable inner sleeve within the tubular body slidable from a first position blocking the flow port and a second position exposing the flow port; an inner indexing mechanism capable of being moved through a plurality of positions and can include the inner sleeve having a counting track comprising a plurality of different grooves; and a counting mechanism that can include a circular ring and pin that can be axially and rotationally movable in the counting track; an actuating mechanism can rely on the auto-jay counting mechanism to provide a mechanical signal to either allow an actuating member to pass through and not open the flow ports or be retained so pressure shifts the sleeve to open the flow ports.

Abstract: Fluid transfer device and method that allows for sterile wet connections, allows the connection to be reversed, and allows the connection to be reconnected, while leaving the connectors sterile and reusable under pressure. In certain embodiments, the device includes a first member and a second member, the latter adapted to receive the former in locking engagement upon actuation of the device to create fluid communication between the two in a sterile manner. Each of the members include a door that when opened, allows the first member to be linearly displaced into the second member to allow fluid to be transferred. When fluid transfer is complete, the first member can be retracted from the second member, and the doors closed.

Abstract: An annular barrier to be expanded in an annulus between a well tubular structure and an inside wall of a borehole downhole, includes a tubular part for mounting as part of the well tubular structure. The tubular part has a longitudinal axis, an expandable sleeve surrounding the tubular part and having an outer face, each end of the expandable sleeve being fastened to the tubular part by a connection part, an annual barrier space between the tubular part and the expandable sleeve, an aperture in the tubular part or the connection part for letting fluid into the space in order to expand the sleeve, and a self-actuated device arranged in the aperture having an open and a closed position.

Abstract: Disclosed are subsurface safety valves having multiple pistons used to increase the opening force. One safety valve includes a housing having a piston bore defined therein and configured to receive hydraulic fluid pressure, the piston bore providing an upper bore having a first diameter and a lower bore having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, a piston assembly movably arranged within the piston bore and comprising an upper piston arranged in and configured to sealingly engage the upper bore and a lower piston arranged in and configured to sealingly engage the lower bore, and a connecting rod coupling the upper and lower pistons, wherein a cavity is defined between the upper and lower pistons within the piston bore and the piston rod extends within the cavity.

Abstract: A downhole tool actuation system has a fluid path defined by a bore formed within a tubular body of a tool. A reciprocating sleeve is located within the bore and the sleeve has a segmented seat with a fluid by-pass. At least one seat segment is positioned by an outer diameter of the sleeve to complete the seat, and a relief is formed in a wall adjacent the outer diameter of the sleeve. When the seat is occupied by an obstruction, only a portion of the fluid path is obstructed and fluid impinging the obstruction causes the sleeve to move in the direction of flow until the at least one segment is relieved by the relief thereby releasing the obstruction.

Abstract: A downhole plug includes a body and an element system disposed about the body. The plug further includes a first and second back-up ring member having two or more tapered wedges. The tapered wedges are at least partially separated by two or more converging grooves. First and second cones are disposed adjacent the first and second back-up ring members.

Abstract: A method for wellbore treatment includes running a liner into a wellbore, the liner including a wall, an inner bore defined by the wall, a first port through the wall, a second port though the wall spaced axially from the first port, a first removable closure for the first port and a second removable closure for the second port; positioning the liner in an open hole section of the wellbore to create an annulus between the liner and a portion of the wellbore wall and with the second port downhole of the first port; inserting a treatment string assembly into the liner, the treatment string assembly including a tubing string and an annular seal about the tubing string and being insertable into the inner bore of the liner; setting the annular seal to create a seal between the tubing string and the liner downhole of the second port; and while the first port is closed to fluid flow therethrough, pumping wellbore treatment fluid into an annular area between the tubing string and the liner such that the fluid passes

Abstract: A tubular actuating system includes, a tubular, a plurality of same plugs runnable within the tubular, an alterable actuator disposed at the tubular that is alterable in response to passage of a first of the plurality of same plugs run into contact therewith, a second of the plurality of same plugs is seatingly engagable with the alterable actuator run thereagainst when in an altered condition such that pressure built up against the second of the plurality of same plugs causes actuational movement of the alterable actuator, and a flapper seat movably disposed at the alterable actuator between at least a first position defined by the alterable actuator in an unaltered position and a second position defined by the alterable actuator in an altered position.

Abstract: A high circulation rate packer (50) for establishing a sealing and gripping engagement with a well casing (34) disposed in a wellbore (32). The packer (50) includes a packer mandrel (54), a seal assembly (72) slidably disposed about the packer mandrel (54) that has a running position and a radially expanded sealing position and a cover (74) that is slidably disposed relative to the packer mandrel (54). The cover (74) has a running position wherein the cover is disposed about the seal assembly (72) and a retracted position wherein the cover (74) is at least partially removed from about the seal assembly (72).

Abstract: The present invention provides a cementing system and method for wellbores by cementing an annulus between a wellbore casing and a wellbore. In at least one embodiment, the invention includes a landing collar defining a restricted passage, a wellbore casing defining a passage coupled to the landing collar, a top cementing plug for sealingly engaging the wellbore casing, a bottom cementing plug for sealingly engaging the wellbore casing, and a fluid injection assembly coupled to the wellbore casing for injecting fluidic materials into the wellbore casing and controllably releasing the top cementing plug and the bottom cementing plug into the wellbore casing. The bottom cementing plug includes a plug body defining a plug passage, a frangible membrane for sealing the plug passage, and a one-way valve for controlling the flow of fluidic materials through the plug passage. The invention also includes the bottom cementing plug and methods for operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to bypass valves for use in wellbores, particularly but not exclusively to bypass valves used during the setting of hydraulic anchor packers. A bypass valve (2) is provided with a piston (30) slidably mounted adjacent a body member (4) having at least one opening (20) extending therethrough. The piston (30) is moveable between a first position establishing a passage from the interior of the body (4) to the exterior thereof via the at least one opening (20) and a second position isolating the interior of the body (4) from the exterior thereof. A second piston may be provided for increasing, in response to a predetermined fluid pressure differential across the length of the piston (30), the force exerted on the piston (30) by a given flow of fluid through the bypass valve (2) such that the resultant force on the piston (30) is insufficient to move the piston (30) to the second position.

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: Cementing plugs for use in the cementing of casing in oil and gas wells. The cementing plugs are well-suited for use with a polycrystalline diamond compact drill bit.

Abstract: Cementing plugs for use in the cementing of casing in oil and gas wells. The cementing plugs are well-suited for use with a polycrystalline diamond compact drill bit.

Abstract: Cementing plugs for use in the cementing of casing in oil and gas wells. The cementing plugs are well-suited for use with a polycrystalline diamond compact drill bit.

Abstract: A well test string includes an annulus pressure responsive tester valve and a tubing conveyed perforating gun including a tubing pressure actuated time delay firing mechanism. A compression set packer is disposed in the test string between the tester valve and the perforating gun. The packer includes a bypass valve for communicating the well below the packer with the tubing bore. The bypass valve is operably associated with the packer so that the bypass valve is open prior to setting the packer and so that the bypass valve is closed as the packer is set. The compression set packer also includes a one-way equalizer valve for allowing one-way fluid flow from the well below the packer to the tubing bore. The equalizer valve is operably associated with a bypass valve so that the equalizer valve is inoperable when the bypass valve is open, and so that the equalizer valve is operable when the bypass valve is closed.

Abstract: An improved tool for controlling the rate of flow of cement into a well to control the consolidation of a formation is disclosed. The tool comprises a housing, an actuator and a valve member, motion of which is controlled by axial motion of the actuator within the housing. In the preferred embodiment, the valve member includes a fixed size choke orifice which controls the flow of cement into the formation. The tool is operated by lowering it into a well with the valve open, fixing the housing to the casing of the well, pumping cement below the valve, lowering the actuator with respect to the housing to close the valve, and pressurizing the well to force the cement into the formation at a rate controlled by the size of the choke orifice.

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: A well tool having reciprocating portions can be locked in a predetermined position by a latching mechanism which is responsive to externally applied pressure, as opposed to mere movement of the reciprocating elements to the predetermined position. The actuating pressure can be applied through the annulus or through a pipe string in which the tool is located.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tubing valve which may be used for selectively closing passages through tubular members and the like. The valve includes first and second housing members which may be mutually moved and which carry a latch assembly for limiting such movement between a first configuration and a second configuration. Each of the housing members further includes a valve member wherein the two valve members may be in mutual sealing engagement with the housing members in the first configuration. The valve members are not in sealing engagement with the housing members in the second configuration, thereby permitting fluid communication, for example, through the tubular passage. At least one of the valve members comprises a piston in sliding, sealing engagement with the corresponding housing member whereby fluid pressure within the tubular passage urges sealing engagement between the first and second valve members when the housing members are in the first configuration.

Abstract: A dual packer apparatus comprises a tubular outer assembly including upper and lower packers interconnected and spaced apart by tubular spacers. Ports in the outer assembly provide for communication with a well zone between the two packers and a well zone below the lower packer. A tubular inner assembly may be separately assembled and inserted into the outer assembly as assembled. The apparatus may be alternately placed in a number of different operating positions downhole by manipulation of an operating string attached to the inner assembly. Various design features provide special protection for annular seals between the two assemblies. An improved sensor and method of installing the sensor in the inner assembly are also provided.

Abstract: An annulus pressure responsive sampler valve comprising a power section and a sampler section having an annular sample chamber therein; the sampler valve having a full bore therethrough.

Abstract: A retrievable well safety valve in a cased well system including a tubing string, a dual packer downhole around the tubing sealing with the casing and submersible pump in the tubing string below the packer.The safety valve controls flow of pumped fluids through the tubing to surface and directs gas flow into the casing annulus above the packer. When the safety valve is landed in cooperating tubing nipples above the packer, separated central annular flow passages are formed for pumped fluids and gas respectively.A ball valve in the central flow passage controls pumped fluid flow therethrough and an annular valve coupled to the ball valve controls gas flow from below the packer through the annular flow passage around and by the ball valve.When the ball valve is in the down and open position, the valve ball member engages a lower seat, which maintains the central and annular flow passages separate and prevents comingling flow of fluids and gas.

Abstract: A hydraulic setting tool for use with a packer having expandable anchor means for anchoring the packer in a well bore, a conduit to permit flow through the packer, and a slidable valve positioned in the conduit having an open lower position and a closed upper position. Inner and outer tubular portions are telescopically interengaged with the inner portion receiving a slidable mandrel. The tool conduit is connected to the inner sleeve with a shearable tension collar, the mandrel passing through the collar and into the conduit for engagement with the valve. Annular pistons are provided between the inner and outer sleeves and between the mandrel and the inner sleeve. A flapper valve is pivotally attached on one side to the inner sleeve for sealing the top of the mandrel. Pressurization of the inner sleeve via tubing string from which the tool and the packer are suspended pressurizes the annular spaces beneath the pistons thus forcing the inner sleeve as well as the mandrel upwardly to set the tool.

Abstract: Apparatus for setting in a bore a well tool of the type having radially expandable anchor means and a mandrel-actuated slidable valve for permitting flow through the tool. Inner and outer sleeves are telescopically interengaged for suspension from a conduit string for lowering into a well bore. A shearable tension sleeve connects the tool to the lower end of the inner sleeve. A vertically shiftable mandrel having a longitudinal bore therethrough is received within the inner sleeve for engaging the well tool valve. A ball is received within a slot in the inner sleeve and is urged into a groove formed in the mandrel by a locking collar disposed about the inner sleeve. Annular pistons are provided between the inner and outer sleeves for moving the inner sleeve upwardly responsive to pressurization of the conduit string. Such upward movement shifts the mandrel downwardly with respect to the inner sleeve and shifts the locking collar to effect locking of the inner sleeve to the mandrel in its shifted position.

Abstract: A subsurface control valve for use in shutting off a well bore. The valve comprises a valve assembly and a stinger assembly, which is run into the well bore on drill pipe with a packer placed below the valve in the string. The valve is open as the string is run into the well bore, the packer then being set, and a sliding valve in the tool being closed by a plurality of rotations of the stinger assembly, which is removed from the well bore after the sliding valve is closed. To re-open the sliding valve, the stinger assembly is run back into the well bore, into the valve assembly, and rotated a number of times in the opposite direction. The present invention includes a spring-loaded stinger to constantly bias the stinger into engagement with the sliding valve and a bearing on the stinger assembly to facilitate alignment and rotation between the stinger assembly and valve assembly so as to limit the torque applied to the valve 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: Disclosed is a well latch for locking well tools in a well flow conductor. The latch housing has a pressure equalizing passage extending through its wall. A valve controls flow through the equalizing passage. Keys, carried by the latch housing, are expanded outwardly into a locking groove of a well flow conductor to lock the well latch therein. A fishing neck, associated with the latch, permits retrieval of the latch. This abstract is neither intended to define the scope of the invention, which, of course, is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting in any way.

Abstract: An elongated tubular assembly is provided defining a longitudinal central passage therethrough. Longitudinally spaced opposing packer structures are carried by and extend about the exterior of the tubing assembly and the latter includes a bypass passage extending therealong, independent of the central passage, opening at its opposite ends to the exterior of the tubular assembly on the remote sides of the packer structures. The tubular assembly further includes generally radial perforation wash fluid passages opening inwardly into the central passage at their inner ends and outwardly of the exterior of the tubular assembly intermediate the packer structures. The tubular assembly is disposed in a tubing string immediately above a full opening and full closing tubing section disposed therebelow and supporting a drag block at its lower end and the tubular assembly is disposed immediately below a selectively openable and closable fluid bypass tube section disposed thereabove.

Abstract: A well bottom hole fluid pressure measuring structure including external to internal pressure transducer fluid passage communicating structure with pressure balancing on engaged probe members to prevent undesired pressure lift separation of one probe section from another. A locking mandrel, landing nipple and probe structure is provided with positioning of the probe to the lock set state holding the mandrel in a locked state such that fluid pressure differential across the mandrel cannot unlock the probe from the mandrel.

Abstract: A bit packer for use with a string of dual concentric drill pipe, having inner and outer tubular members concentrically arranged to mate with the inner and outer pipes of the drill string to provide an annular conduit for fluid from surface to bit and a central conduit for fluid and cuttings from bit to surface, is particularly characterized by flexible packing means mounted slidably and rotatably on the outer tubular member. The packing means deform against the hole wall to seal the annular space between the outer member and the hole wall. Upper and lower ports provide fluid communication between the annular conduit and the annular space; when the packer is moved downwardly in the hole the packing means slides upwardly to close the upper port and open the lower port; when the packer is moved upwardly in the hole, the converse occurs. A milling collar is provided above the packing means.

Abstract: A retrievable well safety valve in a cased well system including a tubing string, a dual packer downhole around the tubing sealing with the casing and submersible pump in the tubing string below the packer.The safety valve controls flow of pumped fluids through the tubing to surface and directs gas flow into the casing annulus above the packer. When the safety valve is landed in cooperating tubing nipples above the packer, separated central annular flow passages are formed for pumped fluids and gas respectively.A ball valve in the central flow passage controls pumped fluid flow therethrough and an annular valve coupled to the ball valve controls gas flow from below the packer through the annular flow passage around and by the ball valve.When the ball valve is in the down and open position, the valve ball member engages a lower seat, which maintains the central and annular flow passages separate and prevents comingling flow of fluids and gas.