Abstract: An apparatus for generating pressure pulses in a drilling fluid flowing through a bore of a downhole tubular. A housing containing a rotor is located in the bore. Drilling fluid flowing through the housing actuates rotation of the rotor relative to the housing, which in turn drives movement of an actuator valve assembly to vary flow of drilling fluid between the bore and an actuator chamber defined by the actuator valve assembly and the housing. The resulting variation in drilling fluid pressure within the actuator chamber actuates a pulse valve assembly to vary flow of drilling fluid through the housing and into the bore. The varying drilling fluid pressure may be used to induce a percussive effect in a drill bit assembly coupled to the downhole tubular.

Abstract: Disclosed are intelligent casing collars and cement wiper plugs used in wellbore cementing operations. A disclosed well system includes a casing string extending from a surface location within a wellbore, an annulus being defined between the casing string and the wellbore, a casing collar included in the casing string and having one or more sensors configured to measure at least one fluid property of a fluid present within the annulus, a cement wiper plug arranged within the casing string and communicably coupled to the casing collar such that measurement data obtained by the one or more sensors is conveyed to and received by the cement wiper plug, and a pulser associated with the cement wiper plug and configured to transmit pressure pulses to the surface location, wherein the pressure pulses correspond to the measurement data received from the one or more sensors.

Abstract: A method of increasing a permeability of a strata includes positioning an electromagnetic tool at a first location of the strata, generating a first time-varying magnetic field using the electromagnetic tool, and applying a first time-varying magnetic force to a first magnetic material of the strata using the first time-varying magnetic field, where the strata includes a first plurality of pores. The method further includes fracturing the strata to increase the permeability of the strata proximate the first location using the first time-varying magnetic force.

Abstract: A tool string includes at least one downhole tool having an electronics package associated therewith, and an air shock tool having a housing operatively coupled to the downhole tool. The air shock tool has a piston movably arranged within a piston chamber defined in the housing, and the electronics package is operatively engaged with the piston such that axial movement of the electronics package correspondingly moves the piston. If a shock impact load propagates through the tool string in an uphole direction, the piston operates to reduce the shock impact assumed by the electronics package.

Abstract: A system for use with a subterranean well can include a fluid oscillator which discharges pulsating fluid from a tubular string in a direction at least partially toward an end of the tubular string proximate a surface of the earth. A method can include discharging a fluid from the tubular string, thereby applying a reaction force to the tubular string, which reaction force biases the tubular string at least partially into the well. Another method can include discharging a pulsating fluid from a fluid oscillator in a direction at least partially toward an end of the tubular string, and drilling into an earth formation with a drill bit connected at an opposite end of the tubular string in the well.

Abstract: Selected designs for reciprocating pumps and down-hole well-stimulation equipment reflect disparate applications of identical technical principles (relating to, e.g., the vibration spectrum of an impulse). In certain of these designs, the vibration spectrum is controlled, suppressed and/or damped using tunable components to limit destructive excitation of resonances; in others the vibration spectrum is tuned at its source for maximum resonance excitation. For example, tunable fluid ends control valve-generated vibration to increase fluid-end reliability. By down-shifting the frequency domain of each valve-closing impulse shock, initial excitation of fluid end resonances is minimized. Subsequent damping and/or selective attenuation of vibration likely to excite one or more predetermined (and frequently localized) fluid end resonances represents further optimal use of fluid end vibration-control resources.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are presented for mixing fluid flowing through a wellbore extending through a subterranean formation. A static mixer assembly is positioned in a tubing string, the mixer having a plurality of vanes extending radially into an interior fluid flow passageway. Downhole tools are movable through a tool passageway defined in the static mixer assembly. The tools can pass unobstructed by the fixed vanes. Alternately, the tool can flex the elastic vanes as it passes through, the vanes returning to position after passage of the tool. The vanes are preferably circumferentially spaced and longitudinally spaced. The vanes can extend from an interior wall surface of the assembly or from a sleeve inserted into the mixer assembly.

Abstract: A mixing device has an elongate shell, an inlet, an outlet and at least one shear orifice between the inlet and the outlet. A hydration passage is located between the shear orifice and the outlet. The hydration passage has a flow area greater than a total shear flow area of the shear orifice, greater than an inlet flow area of the inlet and greater than an outlet flow area of the outlet. During operation, a polymer is mixed in a fluid flow flowing to the intake of a positive displacement pump, which pumps the fluid through the mixing device and into an injection conduit leading into a well. The shear orifice produces high shear separation of molecules of the polymer. The hydration passage causes hydration under pressure of the various polymer molecules in addition to blending the various chemicals and/or gases with other components of the fluid flow stream.

Abstract: A downhole tool comprises a housing having a longitudinal bore and an agitator assembly disposed within the longitudinal bore of the housing. A removable component is disposed within the longitudinal bore and can be removed from the housing so as to at least partially open the longitudinal bore.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are presented for mixing fluid flowing through a wellbore extending through a subterranean formation. A static mixer assembly is positioned in a tubing string, the mixer having a plurality of vanes extending radially into an interior fluid flow passageway. Downhole tools are movable through a tool passageway defined in the static mixer assembly. The tools can pass unobstructed by the fixed vanes. Alternately, the tool can flex the elastic vanes as it passes through, the vanes returning to position after passage of the tool. The vanes are preferably circumferentially spaced and longitudinally spaced. The vanes can extend from an interior wall surface of the assembly or from a sleeve inserted into the mixer assembly.

Abstract: A downhole mixing tool and method for removing sand and other debris from a wellbore which combines the sand with a treatment fluid so that the sand is lifted to the surface of the well for removal. The tool includes a chamber into which the sand laden fluid is drawn and the treatment fluid is introduced. Ports into the chamber are arranged to provide a pressure drop to draw the sand laden fluid into the chamber and a mixing time within the chamber before sand laden fluid of lower viscosity exits the chamber to travel to the surface. Additional features include blades on the tool for breaking up obstructions prior to being drawn into the chamber and a lubricating line through the tool to introduce lubricating fluid to the blades.

Abstract: A debris collecting tool for use within a wellbore is provided. The tool comprises a filter body having an upstream end and a downstream end. A first fluid passage extends longitudinally between the upstream and downstream ends of the filter body, and at least one second fluid passage connects the first fluid passage with the exterior of the filter body. A filter is located between the first fluid passage and the at least one second fluid passage. The tool further comprises a flow controller movable between a first position in which fluid is prevented from entering the at least one second fluid passage from the exterior of the filter body, and a second position in which fluid is permitted to enter the at least one second fluid passage from the exterior of the filter body. An agitator body is attached to the upstream end of the filter body, and includes at least one radially projecting agitation member. Methods of using the tool to collect debris and clean a wellbore are also provided.

Abstract: A vortex-controlled variable flow resistance device ideal for use in a backpressure tool for advancing drill string in extended reach downhole operations. The characteristics of the pressure waves generated by the device are controlled by the growth and decay of vortices in the vortex chamber(s) of a flow path. The flow path includes a switch, such as a bi-stable fluidic switch, for reversing the direction of the flow in the vortex chamber. The flow path may include multiple vortex chambers, and the device may include multiple flow paths. A hardened insert in the outlet of the vortex chamber resists erosion. This device generates backpressures of short duration and slower frequencies approaching the resonant frequency of the drill string, which maximizes axial motion in the drill sting and weight on the bit. Additionally, fluid pulses produced by the tool enhance debris removal ahead of the bit.

Abstract: A vortex-controlled variable flow resistance device ideal for use in a backpressure tool for advancing drill string in extended reach downhole operations, especially in horizontal wells. The shape, frequency and duration of the pressure waves generated by the device are controlled by the growth and decay of vortices in the vortex chamber(s) of a flow path. The flow path includes a switch, such as a bi-stable fluidic switch, for reversing the direction of the flow in the vortex chamber. The flow path may include multiple vortex chambers, and the device may include multiple flow paths, through which flow may be parallel or sequential. This device generates backpressures of short duration and slower frequencies approaching the resonant frequency of the drill string, which maximizes axial motion in the drill sting and weight on the bit. Additionally, fluid pulses produced by the tool enhance debris removal ahead of the bit.

Abstract: An air injection system for aerating well water with a stream of air and having, a water circulation conduit extending down into the well, an aeration chamber extending upwardly within the well from the circulation conduit, at least one air and water discharge opening adjacent an upper end of the aeration chamber, a support disposed to support the aeration chamber at a predetermined depth in the well, and, an air compressor and a hose connected to supply air to a lower region of the aeration chamber, thus causing upward flow of air and water in the aeration chamber thereby inducing upward flow of water through said water circulation conduit from the bottom of the well to the aeration chamber.

Abstract: A downhole tool comprises a body defining a fluid inlet and two or more fluid outlets. A valve arrangement cycles the proportion of fluid directed from the inlet to each of the outlets. One of the outlets may be associated with a fluid pressure responsive device, such as a cleaning blade.

Abstract: A technique is provided to facilitate movement of fluids in wells where the fluids have a relatively high gas-to-liquid ratio. A submersible pump is combined with a separate, dedicated mixer. The dedicated mixer is positioned upstream of the components of the submersible pump designed to move the well fluid. The mixer reduces large gas structures and homogenizes the fluid flow fed into the submersible pump.

Abstract: A fluid actuated downhole tool for inducing movement of a downhole apparatus is described. The tool comprises a body for coupling to downhole apparatus, the body being adapted to accommodate now of fluid therethrough and including a flow-modifying arrangement for modifying the flow of fluid through the body. The flow-modifying arrangement is configurable in an inactive configuration and in an active configuration. The fluid activated tool is selectively operated from the surface by varying an operating condition which causes the flow through the tool to either bypass or flow through the flow-modifying arrangement to induce movement of the downhole apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for vibrating a downhole drill string operable to have a drilling fluid pumped therethrough. The apparatus comprises a tubular body securable to the drill string and having a central bore therethrough, a valve in the tubular body for venting the drilling fluid out of the drill string and a valve actuator for cyclically opening and closing the valve. The method comprises pumping a drilling fluid down the drill string and cyclically venting the drilling fluid through the valve so as to cyclically reduce the pressure of the drilling fluid in the drill string. The valve may comprise a tubular body port and a corresponding rotor port selectably alignable with the tubular body port as the rotor rotates within the central bore. The valve actuator may comprise at least one vane on the rotor for rotating the rotor as the drilling fluid flows therepast.

Abstract: A sample tank for receiving and storing sampled connate fluid from a subterranean geological formation. The sample tank includes a piston coaxially disposed within the tank. The piston can be disposed close to the end of the tank where the sampled fluid is introduced into the tank and urged along the length of the tank as sampled fluid is added to the tank. The piston includes an agitator for mixing the fluid and keeping particulates suspended within the fluid. The agitator includes a magnetic member, and is rotated by applying a varying electromagnetic field to the member.

Abstract: A wellbore cleaning assembly is run into a wellbore to be cleaned on a work string. The cleaning assembly comprises a number of cleaning elements for cleaning a wall of the wellbore; and an oscillator coupled to the at least one cleaning element by a force transmission element, for generating an axial oscillating movement of the at least one cleaning element relative to the work string.

Abstract: An apparatus to alter the flow of a fluid (e.g., drilling fluid, mud, cement, etc.) in a wellbore for example by creating turbulence in the flowing fluid. In one embodiment the apparatus includes a plurality of blade members extending outward from an elongated member. The elongated member is attached to the exterior surface of a tubular that is then positioned in a wellbore. The apparatus passively altering the flow of a fluid in the wellbore.

Abstract: An enclosed circulation tool for a well including a tubular body having a top end, a bottom end and an interior cavity. A progressive cavity pump positioned at the bottom end of the body, the pump having a rotor mounted within a stator. The rotor has an upper end and a lower end, with the upper end extending into the interior cavity. A drive is coupled to and adapted to rotate the rotor in order to draw sand into the interior cavity. A first fluid passage is provided along which fluids from pumped from surface pass to fluidize solids within the interior cavity. A second fluid passage is provided along which fluidized solids from within the interior cavity pass to surface.

Abstract: A laminar flow tool is for channeling water, air or other fluids through a down drill pipe or tubing for pressurization of other tools or other purposes. The tool provides a flow divider having an 180 degree twist separating a driven fluid chamber from a buffer fluid pocket. Fluid in the tool is calmed as it travels and loses some of the spin (“turbulence”) inherent in the water or other fluid. A buffer pocket on one side absorbs shocks and stabilizes the driven side. Ports in the buffer side help equalize pressure.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method and apparatus for filling casing and/or a casing string and provides for the flow back of such fluids in a wellbore during casing running operations. The tool comprises a piston valve which is automatically pressure actuated. Thus, the valve will open and close without manual and/or outside mechanical intervention. Further, the design and construction of the piston valve helps to substantially reduce erosive wear to the piston valve and its components.

Abstract: A downhole impeller device for use within a well, comprising: a body connectable to a drill string and having an external diameter smaller than the well diameter so as to form an annulus between the body and the well; and one or more impeller members extending from the outer surface of the body such that rotation of the or each impeller member impels drilling fluid within the annulus.

Abstract: A technique is provided to facilitate movement of fluids in wells where the fluids have a relatively high gas-to-liquid ratio. A submersible pump is combined with a separate, dedicated mixer. The dedicated mixer is positioned upstream of the components of the submersible pump designed to move the well fluid. The mixer reduces large gas structures and homogenizes the fluid flow fed into the submersible pump.

Abstract: A rotary jetting tool for connection to a hollow, fluid conducting workover string has a main tool body with a hollow central passageway and a rotatable jet carrier mounted on a depending central shaft. A rotor, with fluid conducting passageways is mounted on the central shaft for rotation and limited axial movement and has fluid flow reaction outlets to urge rotation and axial movement. A striking lug on the rotor cooperates with a reaction lug on the jet carrier to provide incremental rotation and a jet head, with jet orifices directed to impact mineral deposits in the well bore is connected to the jet carrier and houses the rotor, so as to receive and discharge workover string fluid flow through the jet orifices as the jet head rotates.

Abstract: A method for cleaning oil wells to increase the flow of oil thereof by use of a unique aqueous cleaning emulsion comprising of water, hydrocarbon solvent, detergent and mineral acid. This one step method provides for the simultaneously cleaning/removal of asphaltine and/or paraffin and scale. This method can be used alone or with the assistance of a wash tool which is a combination pressure and surge wash tool having a nipple assembly. A by-pass port is coupled to the nipple assembly and a diverter cup is coupled to the by-pass port. A plurality of pressure wash cups are positioned on the tool. A pressure wash port is located between the plurality of pressure wash cups and a pump shoe assembly is coupled to a bottom pressure wash cup.

Abstract: A stimulator device and associated method is provided for a subterranean liquid well comprising a pump adapted for selectively evacuating vapor from the borehole of the well above a liquid column in the borehole to opposingly impinge the liquid column to hydrostatically agitate a subterranean formation from which the liquid originates.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a method is provided for clearing the inside of a wellbore including inserting a wellbore clearing system into the wellbore. The wellbore clearing system includes an anchor adapted to be positioned within the wellbore, an agitator operable to be moved relative to the interior surface of the wellbore, and a linkage coupling the agitator to the anchor. The method further includes securing the anchor within the wellbore and moving the agitator relative to the interior surface of the wellbore. The movement of the agitator is operable to at least partially eliminate a restriction to a flow of minerals or other resources in the wellbore.

Abstract: The pressure reading tool includes a housing with an interior chamber and an orifice extending from the chamber to the exterior of the housing. A pulse member with a magnetostrictive ring and an excitation source are disposed within the chamber to produce a highly agitated fluid discharge through the orifice. The magnetostrictive ring, chamber volume, and orifice cooperate to induce Helmholtz resonance frequencies in the fluid in the chamber to thereby enhance the agitation of the fluid discharge. A sheathing encapsulates the pulse member to protect it from contact with the fluid. A dampening element is also interposed between the pulse member and housing to isolate vibration.

Abstract: Apparatus connected to the downhole end of a tubing string for cleaning and flushing wells has a threaded connection to the string and at least one primary jet to direct circulating gases toward the downhole end of the well, together with a plurality of secondary jets which are arranged around the exterior of the tubular member and directed upwardly at an acute angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tubular member and skewed radially at an acute angle with respect to the surface of the tubular member the skew angle being opposed to the thread angle so as to tend to tighten the threaded connection and the upwardly directed gas volume being approximately one and one-half to four times that which is directed toward the downhole end of the well.

Abstract: A power generator for use in a wellbore formed in an earth formation, including an internal combustion engine having a cylinder and a piston defining a combustion chamber in the cylinder, the engine being arranged to induce a reciprocating movement to the piston relative to the cylinder upon combustion of a combustible gas mixture in the combustion chamber, and a linear electricity generator having a stator and a drive shaft. The generator is arranged to generate electricity upon a reciprocating movement of the drive shaft relative to the stator, and the piston is connected to the drive shaft so as to transmit the reciprocating movement of the piston to the drive shaft.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for causing pressure variations in a wellbore. A valve mechanism and a sealing device are provided in the wellbore. The valve mechanism is part of a valve device which may be actuated between an open position and a closed position. The valve device is actuated to the closed position to allow an increase in pressure below the sealing device and is actuated to the open position to allow a fluid to pass through the valve device up the wellbore. The valve device is alternately actuated between the closed position and the open position to cause cyclical pressure variations in the wellbore below the sealing device. The valve device includes the valve mechanism, a fluid passage, a control mechanism for controlling the valve mechanism, and a delay mechanism for delaying the actuation of the valve device from the open position to the closed position.

Abstract: The proposed device for operation of free flowing and gas lift oil wells relates to production of gas-liquid mixtures, and particularly of gasified oil, and can be used in wells if either the productive formation flows naturally or when compressed gas is artificially supplied to lift the liquid (i.e. gas lift production) and can be made in two embodiments. In first embodiments of the device for operation of free flowing and gas lift oil wells a device for modifying of a gas-liquid flow structure is placed inside a lift tubing string employed to lift the liquid and gas, which device is made in form of, at least, one float ball valve where radius and weight of the ball are selected depending on speed of the gas-liquid flow and diameter of the ball 0.8-0.9 of inner diameter of tubes of the lift tubing string.

Abstract: The pressure reading tool includes a housing with an interior chamber and an orifice extending from the chamber to the exterior of the housing. A pulse member with a magnetostrictive ring and an excitation source are disposed within the chamber to produce a highly agitated fluid discharge through the orifice. The magnetostrictive ring, chamber volume, and orifice cooperate to induce Helmholtz resonance frequencies in the fluid in the chamber to thereby enhance the agitation of the fluid discharge. A sheathing encapsulates the pulse member to protect it from contact with the fluid. A dampening element is also interposed between the pulse member and housing to isolate vibration.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning calcites and other extraneous matter from the perforated casing of a sub-terrainian water well comprises a plurality of elongate explosive members 14 for lowering into the well, detonators 16 for detonating each member 14 to produce an explosion which propagates longitudinally of the well, and a plurality of short tubular attenuators 19 circumscribing the explosive members 14 at intervals along the length thereof. Each tubular attenuator 19 comprises a steel tube 20 and an annular ring 21 extending around the tube at a point along the length thereof.

Abstract: A swabbing tool for wells that filters particulates from fluids passing through the swabbing tool. The swabbing tool comprises a mandrel, at least one swab cup on the mandrel, the mandrel and swab cup being arranged to allow fluids to pass from below to above the swab cup; and a sifter attached to the swabbing tool below the swab cup for filtering particulates from fluid passing from below to above the swab cup. The sifter is barrel shaped and is provided with a sealing element attached to the sifter to force fluid into the sifter. The sifter has an interior and the sealing element is dimensioned to seal against a casing or tubing wall and force fluid into the sifter. The openings in the sand sifting element may be slots, with a size between 0.125 mm to 0.635 mm.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing fluid cavitation is provided. For a given channel cross-section of a pressure line, the flow is accelerated so as to reach a speed at which Re>Recr, where Re is the Reynolds number and Recr is the critical Reynolds number; the flow is then interrupted for a time less than half of the phase of the hydraulic shock. The device for cavitation of fluid flow is mounted in the channel of a pressure line and includes a cavitator which has the form of a working body placed in the casing and can move radially inside the line and, to a limited extent, along the axis of the line. The maximum cross-section surface of the working body in a plane perpendicular co the axis of the line is more than 0.8 of the passage of the line but not equal to it.

Abstract: The proposed invention relates to wellbore technologies and is intended to produce action on productive rock. Device for hydrodynamic action on wall of a well comprising a casing jointed with the pipe conduit directly or via a roller support and inside of which the mechanism for cavitating of flow of a liquid, mechanism for directing and splitting of the flow and mechanism for interrupting of the discharge jets are sequentially placed. The mechanism for cavitating of flow of a liquid is made in form of an auto-oscillating system. And specifically it can be made in a form of a ball with its diameter ratio to inner diameter of the casing of 0.9-0.98 and a limiter of axial motion; or a ball with its diameter ratio to inner diameter of the casing less than 0.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for treating a wellbore, comprising subjecting a substantially same portion of the wellbore to vibratory waves produced by a plurality of vibratory wave generators. The vibratory waves may have about the same frequency or a plurality of frequencies, and the frequencies may partially overlap, not overlap, or be modulated across a range. Additionally, the frequencies may be modulated in an oval, hoop, and flexural modes. The vibratory waves may be produced by firing the vibratory wave generators simultaneously or in sequence. Combinations of a vibrating pipe, piston pulser, or valve may be used as vibratory wave generators. In a preferred embodiment, the thickness and change of thickness of a mudcake on the interior surface of a wellbore are measured to evaluate the effectiveness of the wellbore treatment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning oil wells to increase the flow of oil is disclosed. The combination pressure and surge wash tool has a nipple assembly. A by-pass port is coupled to the nipple assembly. A diverter cup is coupled to the by-pass port. A plurality of pressure wash cups are positioned on the tool. A pressure wash port is located between the plurality of pressure wash cups. A pump shoe assembly is coupled to a bottom pressure wash cup.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing the production of newly developed water wells and existing wells that have suffered a reduction in capacity due to plugging. A gas line directs gas under pressure to a relief valve carried in the production string at a location in the production zone of the well. When the applied pressure reaches the pressure setting of the relief valve, the valve opens to apply air sidewardly in bursts which create shock waves to dislodge built up material from the well screen and the surrounding filter pack and formation fractures. Following each burst, the pressure conditions create a flushing effect which draws water back into the well along with the bacteria and particles that were dislodged. A submersible pump or airlift assembly in the production string then delivers the dislodged materials to the surface.

Abstract: A method of removing formation damage through the controlled injection of fluids into the formation, followed by a controlled sudden release of pressure in the formation, an under-balanced surge, which causes fluid and damaging materials to flow back into the well bore. This method is most effective when repeated more than once.

Abstract: A system and method for restarting a downhole pump that has seized due to an accumulation of debris above the pump and around the pump intake. The system consists of a flexible annulus sealing element fitted on a joint of production tubing where the annulus seal can be activated by pumping fluid down the well annulus from surface. The tool includes tubing and check valve arrangements such that fluid from the well annulus above the flexible annulus sealing element can enter the production tubing immediately above the downhole pump and circulate debris back to surface as well as introduce fluid to the pump intake to mobilize debris accumulated at the pump intake.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device in connection with a method for transport or flow of gas and liquid in a pipe, by which method there is in the overall or part of the pipe mounted static mixing elements for achieving favorable flows in the pipe, and for the purpose of being able to stimulate petroleum wells which have terminated production or almost terminated production due to high pressure head resistance, it is according to the invention suggested that the pipe which is used, is a production tubing or production string extending substantially vertically from a production reservoir having a low pressure, and that the mixing elements residing in the tubing is arranged in such a manner that the gas bubbles in the oil are distributed optimally as carriers in the oil, for thereby reducing and evening out the pressure head resistance in the tubing.

Abstract: There is described a process for the stimulation of an oil reservoir or an oil well for enhanced oil recovery and/or seismic mapping of the reservoir, wherein a sound source is used. This sound source is operated by pressurized oil from the oil well by a hydraulic power unit at the surface, and the oil is conducted to an accumulator located in the sound source via a supply line.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in gravel packing a well includes a tool body adapted to be lowered into the well, a screen coupled to the tool body, and a resilient member coupled to the screen. The apparatus is placed at a selected position in the well, and sand control media is disposed between the screen and the well while the resilient member is periodically excited to vibrate the screen.