Abstract: Downhole tool is provided that includes a body, an intake port for receiving fluid from external the body, a pump, a filtration device, and an exit port. The pump is in fluid communication with the intake port for withdrawing fluid through the intake port. The filtration device has a particulate removing filter, and a flow line extending from the intake port to the filtration device. The filtration device is contained within the body and is in fluid communication with the intake port. The exit port is in fluid communication with the filtration device for ejecting the fluid to external the body.

Abstract: An electrical connector apparatus for use in a downhole tool comprising a housing, a contact screw within outer threads and inner threads, a contact plunger within the inner bore of the housing and a second cylinder protruding from the first cylinder. The contact spring is located between the contact plunger and the contact screw and pre-loads the contact plunger within the housing.

Abstract: Drilling tool (1) for drilling openings in a cement ballast tank (3) of an oil rig in order to gain access to an internal space in the ballast tank comprising an electrical motor (6) driving a first shaft (7); a pump (8) driven by the motor for pumping well fluid in through an inlet (9) and out through an outlet (10); a gear (11) driven by the first shaft extending through the pump for reducing rotation of a second shaft (12); and a drilling head (14) having bits and at least one drilling head fluid channel and being driven by the second shaft (12), the outlet of the pump being fluidly connected with the fluid channel to pump well fluid out through the fluid channel.

Abstract: Systems and methods for obtaining in-situ measurements of mixed formation fluids are provided. A downhole acquisition tool may move to a first station in a wellbore in a geological formation to collect a sample of first formation fluid from the first station. The downhole acquisition tool may move to a second station in the wellbore and a sample of second formation fluid may be collected. A proportion of the first formation fluid and the second formation fluid may be mixed within the downhole acquisition tool in-situ while the downhole acquisition tool is within the wellbore to obtain a formation fluid mixture. The formation fluid mixture may be passed into a fluid testing component of the downhole acquisition tool while the downhole acquisition tool is in the wellbore to measure fluid properties of the formation fluid mixture in-situ.

Abstract: A perforating gun is run in the hole with a valve assembly. Both are remotely actuated with known telemetry techniques. The gun is fired and flow takes place through the gun and is regulated remotely from the surface without further wellbore intervention. The valve assembly can be a sliding sleeve that can be regulated between end positions and in between for flow regulation. Other valve types are contemplated. Signaling can be by acoustic or pressure pulse patterns that work in association with a processor to actuate the gun and the valve assembly in the needed sequence.

Abstract: Methods of actuating a well tool can include releasing chemical energy from at least one portion of a reactive material, thermally expanding a substance in response to the released chemical energy, and applying pressure to a piston as a result of thermally expanding the substance, thereby actuating the well tool, with these steps being repeated for each of multiple actuations of the well tool. A well tool actuator can include a substance contained in a chamber, one or more portions of a reactive material from which chemical energy is released, and a piston to which pressure is applied due to thermal expansion of the substance in response to each release of chemical energy. A well tool actuator which can be actuated multiple times may include multiple portions of a gas generating reactive material, and a piston to which pressure is applied due to generation of the gas.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device comprising: (a) a proximal end of the device comprises an inner first conduit within the lumen of an outer second conduit, (b) a distal end of the device comprises the outer second conduit in fluid communication with a third conduit and a fourth conduit through a Y-shaped, T-shaped or U-shaped junction, (c) the third conduit terminates in a triggering mechanism, and (d) the fourth conduit is in fluid communication through a one-way valve, wherein fluid can only convey in a direction from the fourth conduit towards the second outer conduit, with an aperture.

Abstract: Methods of actuating a well tool can include releasing chemical energy from at least one portion of a reactive material, thermally expanding a substance in response to the released chemical energy, and applying pressure to a piston as a result of thermally expanding the substance, thereby actuating the well tool, with these steps being repeated for each of multiple actuations of the well tool. A well tool actuator can include a substance contained in a chamber, one or more portions of a reactive material from which chemical energy is released, and a piston to which pressure is applied due to thermal expansion of the substance in response to each release of chemical energy. A well tool actuator which can be actuated multiple times may include multiple portions of a gas generating reactive material, and a piston to which pressure is applied due to generation of the gas.

Abstract: An apparatus is for supplying a treatment fluid to a well portion. A container is provided with a fluid chamber which is in closable fluid communication with at least one first outlet, the fluid chamber being defined by front and rear pistons. The front piston, in a starting position, forms a fluid barrier between the fluid chamber and the at least one first outlet, and the rear piston is provided with a rear piston rod projecting from a rear container end. A method is for supplying a treatment fluid to a well portion.

Abstract: A sealing means for debris chambers of a debris extraction tool and a method for dismantling and handling a debris extraction toll using such sealing means are disclosed. The sealing means for a debris chamber for a debris extraction tool may include a cylindrical body sealed at one end and open at the other end. The open end may be connectable to an end of the debris chamber. The method for dismantling a debris extraction tool, wherein the debris extraction tool comprises a plurality of connected debris chambers, may use the sealing means and may include connecting the sealing means to the topmost debris chamber of the debris extraction tool.

Abstract: A downhole tool for use in a well may comprise a vessel having a piston or a valve disposed therein and defining first and second volumes wherein the first volume is configured to receive formation fluid from an inlet port, and an actuator configured to extract formation fluid, the actuator being fluidly isolated from a fluid flow path extending between the inlet port and the first volume. The downhole tool may also comprise a flow-line configured to deliver formation fluid to the vessel, and an actuator configured to register an end of the flow-line with the inlet of the vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus for sampling well production fluids comprises a vessel having an inner chamber. In addition, the apparatus comprises a hydrocarbon fluids outlet conduit in fluid communication with the inner chamber. Further, the apparatus comprises a well fluids inlet conduit coaxially disposed within the hydrocarbon fluids outlet conduit and in fluid communication with the inner chamber. The well fluids inlet conduit has a first portion extending from the vessel and a second portion extending into the inner chamber. The second portion of the well fluids inlet conduit includes a plurality of openings configured to direct the well production fluids radially outward from the well fluids inlet conduit. Still further, the apparatus comprises a sample fluids outlet in fluid communication with the inner chamber.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for use with gas-filled downhole tools are disclosed herein. A disclosed example method includes opening an isolation valve of a downhole tool, wherein the isolation valve is in fluid communication with first and second ports of the downhole tool, and wherein the first and second ports are in fluid communication with respective first and second ends of an interior cavity of the downhole tool; coupling a source of inert gas to the first port and flowing the inert gas into the interior cavity of the downhole tool to expel air from the interior cavity through the second port; closing the second port when the air is expelled from the interior cavity; and closing the isolation valve to seal the inert gas in the interior cavity.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a material into a wellbore comprises a body adapted to be translated along a conduit within a wellbore, with a cavity formed in the body for containing a material to be delivered. The body defines an outlet adapted to be selectively opened to permit the material to be released from the cavity at the required location within the wellbore. In one arrangement the material includes swellable particles which expand upon contact with an activator.

Abstract: Methods of actuating a well tool can include releasing chemical energy from at least one portion of a reactive material, thermally expanding a substance in response to the released chemical energy, and applying pressure to a piston as a result of thermally expanding the substance, thereby actuating the well tool, with these steps being repeated for each of multiple actuations of the well tool. A well tool actuator can include a substance contained in a chamber, one or more portions of a reactive material from which chemical energy is released, and a piston to which pressure is applied due to thermal expansion of the substance in response to each release of chemical energy. A well tool actuator which can be actuated multiple times may include multiple portions of a gas generating reactive material, and a piston to which pressure is applied due to generation of the gas.

Abstract: A marginal oil extraction system having an upper extraction unit, an extraction container, and a lower valve assembly. The marginal oil extraction system uses at least some of these components to cheaply extract oil from a stripper oil well. In some cases the system is capable of separating the oil from the water in the well with a solid barrier and can cheaply remove the oil from above the solid barrier. The system is cheap to install, easy to maintain and provides efficient access to what would otherwise be an inaccessible asset.

Abstract: A dump bailer is disclosed herein comprising a tool body defining a chamber for containing a material to be deposited and an outlet in the tool body through which the material can be deposited. The dump bailer also comprises a piston assembly slideably mounted in the chamber and comprising a swabbing piston, a supply of pressurized fluid, and a valve for releasing the pressurized fluid to act on the swabbing piston to drive it along the chamber to expel material contained therein through the outlet.

Abstract: A method for environmental monitoring and bioprospecting includes the steps of: (a) utilizing a testing device having: (i) a container having a fluid inlet and outlet, (ii) a plurality of capillary microcosms situated within the container, each of these capillaries having an inlet and outlet that are configured so as to allow for fluid flow through the capillaries, each of these capillaries further having a means for covering its inlet and outlet so as to prevent flow through the capillary, (iii) a pump connected to the container outlet, the pump being configured so as to draw fluid from the surrounding environment into the container's inlet and through the capillaries, (iv) connected to the outlet of the container, a means for collecting the flow through the container, and (v) a check valve connected downstream of the container to prevent the backflow of fluid into the container, (b) adding specified test substances to the device's capillaries, wherein these substances are to be analyzed for their ability to

Abstract: A marginal oil extraction system having an upper extraction unit, an extraction container, and a lower valve assembly. The marginal oil extraction system uses at least some of these components to cheaply extract oil from a stripper oil well. In some cases the system is capable of separating the oil from the water in the well with a solid barrier and can cheaply remove the oil from above the solid barrier. The system is cheap to install, easy to maintain and provides efficient access to what would otherwise be an inaccessible asset.

Abstract: A flow sensor is incorporated into a junk basket to sense a flow stoppage due to a plugged screen or plugged cuttings ports in a mill. The sensor triggers a signal to the surface to warn personnel that a problem exists before the equipment is damaged. The sensor signal to the surface can take a variety of forms including mud pulses, a detectable pressure buildup at the surface, electromagnetic energy, electrical signal on hard wire or radio signals in a wifi system to name a few options. Surface personnel can interrupt the signal to take corrective action that generally involves pulling out of the hole or reverse circulating to try to clear the screen or mill cuttings inlets. Other variables can be measured such as the volume or weight or rate of change of either and a signal can be sent to the surface corresponding to one of those variables to allow them to be detected at the surface in near real time.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention are related to devices and methods for sampling groundwater at multiple target depths, wherein each of the devices for sampling groundwater at multiple target depths comprises: a hammer part having a spring for generating inertia and a hammer connected to the spring; a sampling needle part having a needle integral with a impacting part impacted with the hammer; a guiding part for moving the sampling needle part in straight and downward direction; and a sampled water containing part having a sampled water container for collecting the sampled water through the needle.

Abstract: A device for injecting a fluid into an earth formation surrounding a wellbore, comprising a body suitable to be arranged in the wellbore and being provided with means for connecting the body to a tubing, a fluid chamber for storage of said fluid, and a pair of inflatable packers arranged to isolate a portion of the wellbore between the packers from the remainder of the wellbore upon inflation of the packers, the body further being provided with an outlet port located between the packers for flow of fluid from the fluid chamber to outside the device, means for inflating the packers upon the occurrence of a primary fluid pressure in the tubing, and means for ejecting fluid from the fluid chamber via the outlet port to outside the device upon the occurrence of a secondary fluid pressure in the tubing, wherein the secondary fluid pressure is higher than the primary fluid pressure.

Abstract: A positive displacement pump for pumping fluids from a downhole formation to the earth's surface is provided. The pump first comprises a plunger. The plunger is reciprocated axially within the wellbore by a linear actuator, such as a submersible electrical pump, in order to form an upstroke and a downstroke. A pump inlet is disposed near the bottom end of the plunger, while a pump outlet is disposed near the top end of the plunger. The pump is configured such that it is able to pump a first volume of fluid upward within the wellbore during the pump's upstroke, and a second volume of fluid upward within the wellbore during the pump's downstroke. Thus, the pump is “double-acting.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is given for evaluating a well fluid sub-sample at the well surface as the sample is transported to the well surface from a downhole wellbore location. The invention collects a formation fluid sample under pressure. The fluid sample is further pressurized with a traveling piston powered by the hydrostatic wellbore pressure. The pressurized formation fluid sample is contained under high pressure within a fixed volume chamber for retrieval to the well surface. Multiple collection tanks can be lowered into the wellbore during the same run to sample different zones with minimal rig time. A pair of valves in series along the supply/discharge conduit respective to each tank accommodates extraction of a field sample to verify the sample integrity while still on location. The tanks can be emptied at the well surface with an evacuation pressure so that the fluid sample pressure is maintained above a selected pressure at all times or transported to an analytical laboratory.

Abstract: A bailer having a slow rate of descent into a liquid body to minimize agitation. In a first embodiment, a plug closes the upper end of the bailer and a perforation is formed in the plug. Air in the hollow interior of the tubular main body of the bailer is constrained to flow through the perforation as the bailer fills. A back pressure created by the air prevents rapid descent of the bailer and thus prevents rapid filling of the bailer. When the bailer is being emptied, the perforation prevents a vacuum from forming in the space below the plug and above the liquid level, but it provides a partial vacuum and therefore slows down the rate of flow of the liquid as it exits the bailer. Covering the perforation with a thumb creates a vacuum above the liquid level and stops the flow of liquid from the bailer. This eliminates the need for a tool that unseats the valve of the bailer from its valve seat.

Abstract: A sample module is provided for use in a downhole tool to obtain fluid from a subsurface formation penetrated by a wellbore. The sample module includes a sample chamber carried by the module for collecting a sample of formation fluid obtained from the formation via the downhole tool, and a validation chamber carried by the module for collecting a substantially smaller sample of formation fluid than the sample chamber. The validation chamber is removable from the sample module at the surface without disturbing the sample chamber. In another aspect, the present invention provides an improved sample chamber for use in a downhole tool to obtain fluid from a subsurface formation penetrated by a wellbore.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving reservoir communication includes, in one arrangement, use of one or more chambers to create an underbalance condition and/or a fluid surge in the wellbore. In another arrangement, a tool string comprises a packer, a circulating valve, and an atmospheric chamber, in which the circulating valve, when open, is adapted to vent a lower wellbore region below the packer when the packer is set, and the atmospheric chamber is capable of being operated to create an underbalance condition below the packer. In yet another arrangement, an apparatus comprises a subsea wellhead equipment including a blow-out preventer, choke line filled with a low density fluid, and a kill line filled with a heavy fluid. The choke line is adapted to be opened to create an underbalance condition in the wellbore.

Abstract: A pressure relief system includes a closed space having fluid trapped therein, a chamber defined in the closed space, and a pressure responsive member for controlling fluid flow from the closed space to the chamber. Fluid flows from the closed space to the chamber when the pressure in the closed space exceeds a predetermined pressure.

Abstract: To take a sample of liquid and/or gaseous hydrocarbon at the surface or down an oil well, use is made of a flexible bag suspended by a tube from a top region of a wall of a closed receptacle. The bag and the tube are made of a flexible material that is leakproof and inert relative to the sample to be taken, such as a cross-linked polymer. The volume of sample admitted into the bag is controlled so as to avoid stretching the wall of the bag.

Abstract: A tall cylindrical silicone rubber gas permeable tube is adapted to fit in an injection well at least partly below the water table for the bioremediation of organic contaminants and to contain pressurized oxygen and/or other gases supportive of the anaerobic micro-organism activity. The gases slowly diffuse through the bladder at rates that permit their full utilization by dissolution in the underground water.

Abstract: An apparatus for downhole injection and mixing of fluids into a cement slurry. The apparatus includes embodiments which either carry a fluid to the proper injection point in a wellbore or maintain it at the proper injection point until activated. In a first embodiment, the apparatus is characterized as a cementing plug having a fluid holding chamber therein. When the plug is pumped downwardly in the wellbore, the fluid in the chamber is flowed out of the chamber and mixed with the cement slurry by a venturi effect. In a second embodiment, the apparatus is characterized by a casing portion having a fluid holding chamber therein. A solenoid valve controls communication of the chamber with the well annulus, and fluid flow through the well annulus causes the fluid in the chamber to be flowed outwardly by a venturi effect. The second embodiment includes a casing shoe disposed below the fluid holding chamber.

Abstract: For extracting samples of groundwater from a borehole. A down-hole fixture has a check-valve positioned at the foot of the borehole. A sampler is lowered down into the borehole. Pushing down on the sampler causes a stem on the sampler to unseat the check-valve, communicating groundwater with the sampler. A plastic tube running from the sampler to the surface transmits the push from the surface, required to operate the down-hole valve.

Abstract: A packer assembly for a drop-in check valve includes a series of stacked rings in the annulus between the housing of the drop-in check valve assembly and the surface of the bore of the landing sub. The rings include at least two elastomer rings of different hardness. The top elastomer ring is capped off by a multi-part metal ring assembly comprising oppositely facing inner and outer L-shaped rings and a central T-shaped ring. The inner and outer rings have their vertical legs vertically located against the respective adjoining annulus walls and their horizontal legs in line. The trunk of the T-shaped ring is in the gap between the horizontal legs and in contact therewith so that when the elastomer ring radially expands, the metal of the metal rings is maintained in metal-to-metal contact across the annulus. This seals the annulus and prevents extrusion by eliminating all gaps. The lower elastomer ring can likewise be capped by a similar three-part metal ring assembly.

Abstract: A sample bottle makes it possible to sample mixtures of water and gases in deep bore or drill holes. The filling of the volume (4) of the bottle is obtained by placing a volume (4) under a vacuum beforehand. Once in place, the pipe (10) is opened by withdrawing the piston (20) and opening the valve (6). Once the pressures balance, the valve (6) closes again and the piston (20) is reintroduced into the sleeve (8). Pressure compensation is provided by a sliding valve member (46). Emptying takes place by means of the tap (24), which is also initially used to place the volume (4) under a vacuum. The sample bottle is applicable to geothermy, nuclear power stations, oceanography and geochemistry.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing fluid from a wellbore using a reciprocating pump which moves a sucker-rod string through the wellhead of the wellbore, a catch basin is carried by the wellhead in the vicinity where the sucker-rod string exits from the wellhead, the basin being located so that liquid leaking from the wellhead flows down the wellhead and into the basin, sump means spaced from the wellhead and a first conduit means in open communication between the basin and the sump means for draining fugitive liquid from the wellhead into the sump means, and second conduit means carrying first valve means and being in communication between the wellhead and the sump means so that a visual inspection of the liquid passing through the wellhead can be achieved by opening first valve means and viewing the nature and character of the liquid that flows from the wellhead into the sump means.

Abstract: There is disclosed apparatus for facilitating gas production in a flooded or partially flooded gas well. The well is provided with normal casing perforated in the production zone; tubing of about two inches in diameter is run from the surface inside the casing through the production zone, and the lower end is connected to a tool with a cylinder of about six inches diameter surrounding the tubing for a length from about ten to one hundred feet. The bottom of the cylinder is closed normally; fluid rising from the production zone passes through the restricted area between the cylinder and the casing. Means, such as a compressor, for injecting gas, normally gas from the well, is connected to the top of the tubing; the injected gas passes down the tubing and back up between the walls of the tubing and the cylinder at high velocity with a jet-like thrust between the tubing and the casing thereby causing a pull on the producing zone to enhance production.

Abstract: A downhole tool for use with a ball and seat travelling valve associated with a moveable plunger includes a means for causing relative movement between the upper and lower housings forming the downhole tool, whereby a bumping force may be imparted to the plunger to unseat the ball during the downstroke of the downhole tool.

Abstract: A downhole steam sampler for collecting the liquid phase content of a steam flow, immediately prior to the latter being injected into a substrate surrounding a hole or well. A reservoir within the sampler separates and retains the liquid phase while permitting the vaporous phase to pass. Detent means cooperates with a pair of spaced apart flow control valves to permit said valves to be closed simultaneously when the steam sampling operation is completed.

Abstract: An apparatus for taking a sample of formation fluid and obtaining temperature and pressure data when the apparatus is lowered into a well casing or pipe string, said apparatus comprising: a sampling device; a gun perforator; two packers, one positioned above and the other positioned below the sampling device; and valves carried by the sampling device.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for recovering a non-pressurized and uncontaminated fluid sample from deep in a well or the like in an elongated sampler having a sample chamber formed by valves at both ends thereof in a tubular housing for trapping the fluid sample therein comprising, (1) venting the trapped sample fluid from one of the end valves into the well having a vertical portion extending at a predetermined distance above the sample chamber for (1) preventing detrimental pressure to build-up and (2) contamination of the sample fluid during ascent to the surface. A mechanism for carrying out the above method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Hollow tubular members used as piling to support offshore platforms and the like are more easily aligned with a stabbing means. The base of the stabbing means is flexibly attached to the inner surface of one end of a tubular member; the tip of the stabbing means, which is rounded and pointed, projects beyond the end of the tubular member. The stabbing means can be attached to the tubular member for easy removal and can be adapted to couple with a retaining device within a companion tubular member that is to be aligned with the first tubular member. Preferably, a cable is coiled within an elastomeric material that flexibly bonds the stabbing means to the tubular member--the cable can be pulled or ripped from the material to destroy the bond and thereafter permit removal of the stabbing means.

Abstract: A method for collecting a non-pressurized sample of fluid from a well is disclosed and an illustrative sampler for performing the method is shown comprising two elongated sampler chamber interconnected upper and lower valves wherein the upper valve is mounted externally of the chamber and has a vent therein for providing less internal fluid drag in the chamber for improved and faster purging, filling, without subjecting the fluid to high shear rates, and emptying of the sample chamber and for ensuring a non-pressurized true representation sample upon arrival at the surface.