Abstract: A plug for plugging wells, and in particular oil and gas wells, is provided. The plug has a plug body formed from an outer metal tube of a reduced thickness. The plug also has reinforcement means, attached to an inner surface of the outer tube, that give the plug a cross-sectional structural strength that is at least equivalent to that of a thicker metal tube. The plug has a central heater receiving void located along the axis of the plug to enable a plug deployment heater to be received therein. Also provided is a plug assembly with a variable cross-sectional area in a plane perpendicular to the plane in which the assembly is deployed during the plugging of underground conduits.

Abstract: The present invention includes drill pipe screens and related methods that provide reliable long-term filtering of drilling fluids used to operate alternator turbines that are used to provide power in measurement while drilling (MWD) systems without allowing debris to pass through the screens to the turbines, and without causing intermittent pressure spikes at times when the screens are not completely clogged while maintaining desired circulation rates of drilling fluids. Embodiments of the invention include cylindrical bodies having alternating sets of elongated slots and peripheral ports located thereon to provide filtering of and relief to drilling fluids under pressure.

Abstract: A sand check filter for preventing solids from reentering into a pump. The filter is designed to mount atop a conventional rod pump. The filter allows well fluid, that contains high solids, to pass through the pump under normal operation while eliminating the solids from being swept back into the pump barrel. The filter includes a sleeve that has radial flutes that allows the sleeve from hanging up, sticking to or wedging itself to the valve rod. The sleeve is rotated on the valve rod to create a valve effect atop the filter. This prevents the fluid from passing through the inner diameter of the screen and forces solids within the fluid to be redirected to the outer diameter of the filter. This allows the fluid to be filtered before reentering the pump.

Abstract: A wellhead vault for preventing alteration of the wellhead of a water supply. The vault is a heavy bell-shaped structure, formed of concrete, and having a downwardly facing concavity, and the vault placed over, with the concavity around the wellhead. The vaults too heavy to be removed by human lifting. Lifting elements are provided to allow the vault to be installed and removed by heavy construction equipment. The vault has a vent that communicates between the concavity and the outside, allowing air, but not liquid, liquid or solid contaminants, or animals, to pass through.

Abstract: A system for production of petroleum from an earth formation. The system includes: an injection assembly disposable within a first borehole for injecting a thermal source into the formation, the injection assembly including an injector extending from a distal end of the assembly; and a production assembly disposal within a second borehole for recovering material including the petroleum from the formation, the production assembly including a collector extending from a distal end of the assembly. At least one of the injector and the collector includes at least a first conduit and at least a second conduit concentric with the first conduit, the first conduit having a first distal end and the second conduit having a second distal end, the first and second distal ends located at different locations along a length of at least one of the first and second borehole.

Abstract: Operators manufacture a wellscreen by forming a wire-wrapped screen on a base pipe. Rather than stopping and restarting winding, the desired length of screen is completed along the base pipe, and then the wire screen is segmented into a plurality of screen sections as required for the various zones and details of the implementation. Operators arrange the screen sections relative to one another on the base pipe, which can have different lengths with and without perforations. On the free ends of these separate screen sections, mating split ring components fit around the free ends and the base pipes. Male edges of one split ring component mate to complementary female edges of another to form the end ring around the screen section and base pipe, and longitudinal welds made in seams along the mating edges affix the split ring components together.

Abstract: A fracturing and gravel packing tool has features that prevent well swabbing when the tool is picked up with respect to a set isolation packer. An upper or jet valve allows switching between the squeeze and circulation positions without risk of closing the wash pipe valve. The wash pipe valve can only be closed with multiple movements in opposed direction that occur after a predetermined force is held for a finite time to allow movement that arms the wash pipe valve. The jet valve can prevent fluid loss to the formation when being set down whether the crossover tool is supported on the packer or on the smart collet.

Abstract: A fracturing and gravel packing tool has features that prevent well swabbing when the tool is picked up with respect to a set isolation packer. An upper or jet valve allows switching between the squeeze and circulation positions without risk of closing the wash pipe valve. The wash pipe valve can only be closed with multiple movements in opposed direction that occur after a predetermined force is held for a finite time to allow movement that arms the wash pipe valve. The jet valve can prevent fluid loss to the formation when being set down whether the crossover tool is supported on the packer or on the smart collet.

Abstract: A flow control apparatus for use in a wellbore comprises a screen, a first inflow control device and a second inflow control device, wherein a fluid inflow path is provided through the screen and from an outer portion to an inner portion of each inflow control device. A method of cleaning a flow control apparatus such as that described above comprises providing in a wellbore a flow control apparatus comprising at least one screen and at least one inflow control device wherein a fluid inflow path is provided through the at least one screen and from an outer portion to an inner portion of the at least one inflow control device, targeting the at least one inflow control device with a treatment fluid and delivering the treatment fluid such that the fluid flows in a reverse direction along the fluid inflow path.

Abstract: Methods and systems for completing multi-zone formations. The method can include placing a gravel pack assembly within a borehole. The gravel pack assembly can include a first sand control extension. A first sand control screen can be disposed adjacent the first sand control extension. The first sand control extension can have a flowpath that is selectively opened and closed. A first isolation packer can be disposed adjacent the first sand control screen. A second isolation packer can be disposed adjacent the first isolation packer. A second sand control extension can be disposed adjacent the second isolation packer. The second sand control extension can include at least a second flowpath that is selectively opened and closed. A second sand control screen can be disposed adjacent the second sand control extension. A lower seal can be disposed adjacent the second sand control screen.

Abstract: A method of flushing a wellbore fluid from a downhole tool containing a bearing package includes pumping hydraulic oil through at least one of a hydraulic inlet line and at least one of a pneumatic inlet line connected to the main housing and into an annulus formed between the bearing package and a main housing of the downhole tool, wherein the hydraulic oil replaces the wellbore fluid in the annulus, removing the wellbore fluid from the annulus through at least one hydraulic outlet line and at least one pneumatic outlet line connected to the main housing, pumping air through the at least one pneumatic inlet line connected to the main housing and removing the hydraulic oil from the at least one pneumatic inlet line connected to the main housing, and removing the hydraulic oil through at least one pneumatic outlet line connected to the main housing.

Abstract: An end cap for a well drilling screen for use in a water producing well. The end cap provides a water jet for use in inserting the screen into a layer of sand, and includes a check valve which prevents sand and particulates from entering the well tube. Also provided is a connection which allows the end cap to disengage from a drill string.

Abstract: A stimulation system configured for use in open-hole wells. The system may alternatively or additionally be configured for multi-zone stimulation applications. The system includes assemblies which employ techniques and configurations for isolating recovery screens downhole even without the presence of well casing. In this manner protection may be provided from dowhnole contaminants such as water which might otherwise leak in from adjacent formation layers.

Abstract: Pseudo-isothermal chemical reactor (1) for catalytic reactions with a vertical axis, comprising a substantially cylindrical shell (2), Closed at the opposite ends by upper (4) and lower (3) bottoms respectively, a reaction zone (8) in which a catalytic bed (11) and a plurality of flat, boxed, plate-shaped heat exchangers (12), having the shape of a parallelepiped and having long sides parallel to said vertical axis and short sides perpendicular to it, situated in said reaction zone and supported in an arrangement on parallel cords at a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A drilling fluid test device including a cell body having a pressurization inlet configured to allow for pressurization of the cell body, a fluid inlet configured to provide a test fluid, a filtrate outlet configured to discharge a filtrate, and a fluid outlet configured to discharge the fluid. The device also including a filter medium disposed in the cell body and a cleaning system disposed in the cell body and configured to clean the filter medium. Additionally, a method of testing a drilling fluid including injecting a drilling fluid into an automated testing cell, the automated testing cell having a filter medium. Furthermore, pressurizing the automated testing cell, forming a filter cake on the filter medium, and separating the drilling fluid into a filtrate and a residual drilling fluid. Additionally, transferring the filtrate to a filtrate collection vessel and determining a volume of filtrate in the filtrate collection vessel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a downhole cementing apparatus run into a borehole on a tubular. The apparatus is constructed on the pipe in such a way that pressure surge during run-in is reduced by allowing fluid to enter the pipe and utilize the fluid pathway of the cement. In one aspect of the invention, an inner member is provided that filters fluid as it enters the fluid pathway. In another aspect of the invention, various methods are provided within the cementing apparatus to loosen and displace sediment in the borehole prior to cementing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a downhole cementing apparatus run into a borehole on a tubular. The apparatus is constructed on the pipe in such a way that pressure surge during run-in is reduced by allowing fluid to enter the pipe and utilize the fluid pathway of the cement. In one aspect of the invention, an inner member is provided that filters fluid as it enters the fluid pathway. In another aspect of the invention, various methods are provided within the cementing apparatus to loosen and displace sediment in the borehole prior to cementing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a downhole cementing apparatus run into a borehole on a tubular. The apparatus is constructed on the pipe in such a way that pressure surge during run-in is reduced by allowing fluid to enter the pipe and utilize the fluid pathway of the cement. In one aspect of the invention, an inner member is provided that filters fluid as it enters the fluid pathway. In another aspect of the invention, various methods are provided within the cementing apparatus to loosen and displace sediment in the borehole prior to cementing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a downhole cementing apparatus run into a borehole on a tubular. The apparatus is constructed on the pipe in such a way that pressure surge during run-in is reduced by allowing fluid to enter the pipe and utilize the fluid pathway of the cement. In one aspect of the invention, an inner member is provided that filters fluid as it enters the fluid pathway. In another aspect of the invention, various methods are provided within the cementing apparatus to loosen and displace sediment in the borehole prior to cementing.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus and methods for washing a wellbore ahead of an expansion swedge and radially expanding a sand-control screen jacket in a subterranean well. The methods and apparatus can be used in either the bottom-up or top-down direction and can accomplish borehole washing and screen expansion in a single trip.

Abstract: Embodiments of a pump protection system are disclosed which may be used to enclose, protect, and improve the efficiency of a submersible pump. The pump protection system of the instant invention prevents unwanted materials from clogging the pump intake port and from entering the pump intake port to damage the internal parts of the pump. The pump protection system may be back flushed to clean the pump protection system without damaging the pump. The pump protection system also prevents entrained gasses from entering the pump. A pressure relief valve is also disclosed which provides back pressure on the pump at pump startup.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a long interval within a wellbore wherein a treatment fluid is delivered to selected levels within the interval by blocking flow to certain zones while allowing flow to others. A treatment tube extends substantially through the interval and is comprised of a perforated conduit which is open at its upper end and which has a plurality of openings spaced along its length. Each of the openings have a valve seat within the conduit at its entrance which is adapted to receive a valve to seal and block flow through that opening. In operation, a treatment fluid is flowed through the treatment tube and out the openings into different levels within wellbore. At desired intervals, the valve are introduced into the treatment fluid and are carried into the treatment tube to seat at a respective opening to thereby block flow through that opening while allowing continued flow through others.

Abstract: Described is a device for driving into the ground which includes a drive point, a fluid passage section, an annular seal and an annular drive rod. The annular seal is the widest member and fits snugly in a borehole formed after the device is driven into the ground to form a seal. Specially configured drive points are also described.

Abstract: Described is a device for driving into the ground which includes a drive point, a fluid passage section, an annular seal and an annular drive rod. The annular seal is the widest member and fits snugly in a borehole formed after the device is driven into the ground to form a seal. Specially configured drive points are also described.

Abstract: Described is a device for driving into the ground which includes a drive point, a fluid passage section, an annular seal and an annular drive rod. The annular seal is the widest member and fits snugly in a borehole formed after the device is driven into the ground to form a seal. Specially configured drive points are also described.

Abstract: A sand screen having a plurality of sintered, substantially spherical plastic members covering a perforated mandrel is releasably suspended from a packer mandrel by a locking mandrel and a landing nipple. The sand screen and locking mandrel are retrievable with the assistance of a running tool which is insertable into the bore of the locking mandrel. According to this arrangement, the sand screen can be removed and replaced without retrieving the packer or the production tubing. In one embodiment, the sand screen is enclosed within the bore of a sliding side valve. The sliding side valve can be opened and closed as desired for selectively admitting production from various producing zones, or for isolation of a damaged screen. In another embodiment, an auxiliary sand screen having a plurality of sintered, substantially spherical plastic members covering a perforated mandrel is inserted into the bore of a primary screen, for example, a conventional wire-wrap sand screen.

Abstract: A sand control screen installation for a well includes an auger type sand control screen connected to a length of smooth-walled tubing which is disposed in a tubing seal support sub connected to a packer and having a frangible coupling interconnecting the tubing with the sub whereby the assembly may be pre-installed in a wellbore, the packer set and the tubing decoupled from the sub for reciprocation relative thereto while a fluid tight seal is maintained between portions of the wellbore to prevent underbalanced or overbalanced fluid flow during installation of the sand control screen. In an alternate embodiment, the tubing seal support sub has suitable lock mechanism for installation in a landing nipple in wells with pre-installed tubing strings and packers.

Abstract: The flow apertures of a perforated mandrel are temporarily sealed by a foil covering sheet which is made of a sacrificial material, for example, zinc, aluminum and magnesium The sacrificial covering sheet prevents dirty completion fluid from passing through and in and out of the screen as it is run into the hole, thereby protecting the screen from plugging. During the time the screen mandrel is temporarily sealed by the sacrificial foil covering, cleaning fluid is circulated through the work string and is returned through the annulus between the screen and the open well bore for removing filter cake, drilling debris and lost circulation material. After the annulus has been cleaned, the annulus is filled with an acid solution or caustic solution, which dissolves the sacrificial foil and opens the base pipe perforations.

Abstract: A sintered metal screen is releasably suspended from a packer mandrel by a locking mandrel and a landing nipple. The sintered metal screen and locking mandrel are retrievable with the assistance of a running tool which is insertable into the bore of the locking mandrel. According to this arrangement, the sintered metal sand screen can be removed and replaced without retrieving the packer or the production tubing. In one embodiment, the sintered metal screen is enclosed within the bore of a sliding side valve. The sliding side valve can be opened and closed as desired for selectively admitting production from various producing zones, or for isolation of a damaged screen. In another embodiment, an auxiliary sintered metal screen is inserted into the bore of a primary screen, for example, a conventional wire-wrap sand screen.

Abstract: A well screen device having body member, screen member attached to the body member, cup member attached to the body member for positioning the device in a fluid flow path, and channel member for conducting screened fluid from the screen. The device's cup member extends outwardly or is extensible outwardly from the device sufficiently to contact the interior surface of the flow path in which the device is emplaced to prevent the flow of unscreened fluid beyond the device. The body member can be solid or hollow with plugged ends. Spacer members can be used to mount the cup member to the body member and to provide a portion of the channel member for conducting the screened fluid past the cup member.

Abstract: A well screen filter is formed with inner and outer concentric screens defining an annular filtering space filled with filtrating medium. A lower perforated plate supporting the filtrating materials has passages allowing transit of fine particles entrained into the filter with formation fluid to a sedimentation tube preventing clogging of the filtering pack. A top perforated plate may be provided to prevent clogging of upper pack areas. Openings in the outer screen extend elevationally higher than corresponding openings in the inner screen so that as the filtrating materials compact during production the inner screen openings always remain covered by the pack. A method of installing the sand control filter is also disclosed, utilizing a wash down media of glass or polymer spheres surrounding the filter to assist in stabilization of formation sand when the well is initially placed in production.