Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus are provided for obtaining multiple fluid samples from subterranean formations of interest. The present invention is particularly well suited for testing nuclear migration in ground water utilizing test wells surrounding a nuclear test site. A plurality of flow ports are provided in the casing each at a depth of a formation of interest, and a sliding sleeve is positioned over each port. A wireline tool is lowered to the selective depth, and downhole electric motor energized to power a pump and pass pressurized fluid to move a first dog radially outward. The downhole tool may be axially moved until the first dog locks into a groove provided in the casing. Fluid entering the casing is sealed above and below the sliding sleeve. Fluid pressure may then be applied to move a second dog radially outward to engage the sliding sleeve, and a control valve regulated to apply fluid pressure to axially move the sleeve and open the port.

Abstract: The outer, sealing cover of an inflatable packer comprises an alternating series of thick and thin annular portions which act to effect greater sealing stresses and to inhibit the propagation of cracks or tears in the elastomeric cover. Bonding with only portions of the underlying slats as well as a tapered contour and spacing from an end fitting act to help to retain the cover in its proper position during running and retrieval as well as decreasing the likelihood of the development of cracks and/or tears.

Abstract: A zone isolation apparatus is provided which allows for selective communication of fluid between a workstring and one or more subterranean zones. Fluid-pressure actuated packers may be placed in any desired location within a workstring without regard to the placement of the other packers, allowing maximum user flexibility and on-site configuration of the zone isolation apparatus. Each packer includes a rotary coupling to allow rotation of the workstring during running and sealing modes of operation. A latch mechanism is provided to prevent premature or accidental inflation.

Abstract: An inflatable stimulation tool designed to be deployed by coil tubing having a shuttle valve which reciprocates within the bore of a tubular mandrel. The shuttle valve, in cooperation with a reciprocally movable outer mandrel which is disposed about an inner mandrel, opens and closes various ports in the device to alternately seal and unseal the inflatable packer element. The shuttle valve also operates to open and close a flow passage through the inner mandrel to permit the passage of various stimulation fluids through the tool and into the well bore.Upon deflation of the inflatable packing means, which leaves the packing means in a somewhat distended state, the element is urged to its original close relationship with the mandrel by a return spring which cooperates with the lower tool structure to which one end of the rubber packing element is clamped to longitudinally stretch the element.

Abstract: A straddle packer is disclosed using two inflatable packing elements mounted on a mandrel. After the packing elements are inflated, the mandrel can be moved relative to the packing elements to various positions to sample, test, treat, etc. the formation. Resilient connecting means between the mandrel and the packer require a substantial force that is detectable at the surface to move the mandrel to another position. A pin and J-slot control the movement of the mandrel relative to the packer and limit the movement so that a substantial increase in force at the surface indicates that the mandrel is properly positioned.

Abstract: The completion tool is formed by two identical inflation valve bodies, two identical casing members screwed to the two valve bodies respectively, two identical packer mandrels with packers coupled to said inflation valve bodies, and a valve sleeve coupled to the other ends of the two casing members and to the two packer mandrels. A piston is slidably located in the sleeve valve for movement between opened and closed positions. One casing, with its valve body and packer mandrel and packer is screwed to one end of the sleeve valve and the other casing with its valve body and packer mandrel and packer is coupled to the other end of the sleeve valve by way of an adapter coupling. The packers are bonded in annular slots formed in the packer mandrels at opposite ends to allow the packers to be expanded outward. Valve structure is provided in the valve bodies for allowing the packers to be inflated. A central passageway and outer by-pass passageway are formed through the completion tool.

Abstract: An improved sealing is provided for repairing a breach of down hole casing integrity, while maintaining substantially unrestricted annular fluid communication through the length of the well bore which comprises a casing sleeve supported on a tubing string for providing an alternate liquid or gas flow route about the tubing string at the defective portion of the casing. The casing sleeve is disposed between and connected to a first and second seal support housing assembly, each of which has an internal bore and a retaining end portion dimensioned to prevent a tubing collar of the tubing string from passing therethrough. Resilient casing engaging members are supported on each of the first and second seal support housing assemblies such that the resilient casing engaging members provide an effective seal between the first and second seal support housing assemblies and an adjacently disposed internal wall of the casing.

Abstract: A well tool having an anchor device, straddle packers above and below a port and an internal valve which are operated by longitudinal motion in an inflatable packer device. The well tool anchor is armed by a hydraulic operated plug and set upon downward motion in a locating profile groove in a well bore. The tool when attached to a string of tubing can be filled with cement slurry and downward motion used to anchor the well tool in a profile groove in an inflatable packer; to set the straddle packers above and below an access port on an inflatable packer; and then to open a valve to admit cement slurry to the inflatable packer. After filling the inflatable packer with cement slurry, an upward motion is used to close the valve, unset the straddle packers and release the anchor to move to another location where the operation can be repeated. At the conclusion of operations, a circulation valve is opened by pressure to reverse out cement slurry from the tubing string.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing a block squeeze cementing job. The invention provides for perforating the wellbore above and below the desired well formation on a single wireline trip and setting a lower packer on a wireline above the lower perforations. A stinger is positioned in the lower packer, and secondary packer elements on an upper packer are set above the upper perforations. Cementing of the lower perforations is carried out through the lower packer. The secondary packer elements are unset, and the stinger is repositioned adjacent to the upper perforations. Primary packer elements on the upper packer are then set, and the cementing of the upper perforations is carried out through the upper packer and stinger. Setting of the secondary packer elements requires only vertical movement of the tubing string and no rotation. Both cementing steps are carried out on a single tubing trip. The upper packer is retrievable, and the lower packer is of a drillable type.

Abstract: The invention is an oil well capping device that may be forced into an oil well casing through which oil and/or gas under high pressure is emanating, to temporarily completely obstruct the flow of such oil until repairs to the well head structure have been completed before the device is removed, and includes a well sealing arrangement utilizing an axial compression system that causes elastomeric material elements mounted on an elongated shaft to radially expand and temporarily and safely seal off the well casing.

Abstract: A hydraulic set packer for use in a well bore as part of a testing apparatus. The packer comprises a housing defining a generally annular piston chamber therein. A cylindrical portion of an annular piston is slidably disposed in the piston chamber. The piston also has a shoe portion adjacent to a packer element on the housing. An inner mandrel is disposed in the housing, and the housing and inner mandrel define a passageway therein such that fluid pressure may be applied to the piston for moving it against the packer element such that the packer is set in sealing engagement with the well bore. The passageway extends the full length of the housing so that it may be in communication with another hydraulic packer positioned therebelow. One or more packers may be used in a downhole tool on a testing string for use in testing a well formation. The packer may also be used on a tubing string for testing a blowout preventer.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus are provided for obtaining multiple fluid samples from subterranean formations of interest. The present invention is particularly well suited for testing nuclear migration in ground water utilizing test wells surrounding a nuclear test site. A plurality of flow ports are provided in the casing each at a depth of a formation of interest, and a sliding sleeve is positioned over each port. A wireline tool is lowered to the selective depth, and downhole electric motor energized to power a pump and pass pressurized fluid to move a first dog radially outward. The downhole tool may be axially moved until the first dog locks into a groove provided in the casing. Fluid entering the casing is sealed above and below the sliding sleeve. Fluid pressure may then be applied to move a second dog radially outward to engage the sliding sleeve, and a control valve regulated to apply fluid pressure to axially move the sleeve and open the port.

Abstract: A fluid squeeze monitor downhole tool and a method of monitoring formation squeeze features a tool body that can be placed downhole at a desired elevational location to produce a controlled, localized reduction of pressure head and measure the resultant inward displacement of the borehole wall. The reduction in head is accomplished by draining the fluid in a bladder (or collapsible container) located on the tool body into a reservoir "sump" that is incorporated into the downhole tool.

Abstract: An inflatable packing device is provided for use in wellbore containing fluid. The inflatable packing device provides a seal between a conduit carrying the inflatable packing device and an interior surface within the wellbore. A cylindrical housing is provided having a central longitudinal axis, and including upper and lower collar members. A means for securing the cylindrical housing to the conduit is provided. An annular inflatable wall with upper and lower ends is secured to the upper and lower collar members respectively, with the annular inflatable wall disposed over at least a portion of the cylindrical housing. The annular inflatable wall includes an inner elastomeric sleeve covered by an array of movable slats. Upper and lower elastomeric annular covers are disposed over a portion of the annular inflatable wall between the upper and lower collar members of the cylindrical housing.

Abstract: A novel hydraulic set packer is set independently of the setting of two other straddle packers, the straddle packers being set by other than hydraulic means, such as by inflation or compression. If the straddle packers are set by inflation, a novel inflate deflate valve is associated with both straddle packers for providing an additional method to deflate the inflatably set straddle packer. If the straddle packers are compression set, it may be necessary to allow a top staddle packer to set only after the bottom straddle packer is already set, that is, the top straddle packer is not permitted to set when the straddle packer assembly is being pushed into a deviated/horizontal borehole or through a restriction in the borehole. Accordingly, a novel hydraulic ratchet, disposed above a bottom straddle packer on a tubing but below the top straddle packer on the tubing, will enable the top straddle packer to set only after the bottom straddle packer is already set.

Abstract: A method for sealing elongated hollow cavities (2), such as circular-cylindrical pipes, tubes, drill holes or the like, in which a body (1) is placed in the cavity in sealing contact with the inner surface (4) of the cavity. The method has at least one essentially annular, elastic sealing element (3) sealingly mounted in a radially and circumferentially extending gap present in the body (1) and which is caused to be urged radially outwards into sealing abutment with the inner surface (4) of the cavity (2), by means of pressure (p) applied internally of the body. There is also a device for carrying out the mehtod.

Abstract: Apparatus for eliminating non-naturally occurring, subsurface, liquid toxic contaminants from soil, includes a fracturing assembly for pneumatically fracturing the soil, the fracturing assembly including a tubular probe which receives a pressurized gas, the probe including a soil penetrating portion adapted to be inserted in a well in the soil and an above soil portion in fluid communication with the soil penetrating portion, the soil penetrating portion including a tube which receives the pressurized gas, first and second packers connected with the tube for pressing against walls of the well so as to provide a sealed area in the well between the first and second packers, a nozzle position in the sealed area in fluid communication with the tube for supplying the pressurized gas into the soil, the nozzle including at least one orifice therein which fluidly connects the soil with the tubular probe and an adjustment assembly which permits relative movement between the first and second packers in response to soil

Abstract: An expandable packer is disclosed for repairing a rupture in an underground conduit. The device includes a first packer section formed proximate a first end and having a first inflatable bladder mounted peripherally thereon. A second packer section is formed proximate a second end and has a second inflatable bladder mounted peripherally thereon. A packer discharge coupling is releasably interconnectable with the first section and includes discharge port means. A packer extension section extends between the discharge coupling and the second packer section. There are means for releasably coupling one end of the packer extension section with the second packer section. The discharge coupling includes means for releasably interconnecting the opposite end of the extension section with the discharge coupling. Compressed air or other gas is selectively introduced into the bladders to inflate the bladders so that they sealably engage the conduit.

Abstract: The improved annular seal of the present invention provides a seal across an annular space between facing cylindrical surfaces and includes an outer annular ring, inner annular ring, the gap between the outer annular ring and the inner annular ring being suitably sealed at one end thereof so that the open end is open to admit pressure which is to be sealed between the two rings, an outer sealing element on the exterior of said outer annular ring, and an inner sealing element on the interior of the inner annular ring so that pressure exerted between the annular rings urges them apart and their sealing elements against the surfaces of the annular space. In another form of the invention three annular rings are provided with one end of the inner and outer rings being sealing to the end of the intermediate ring and with sealing elements on the exterior of the outer ring and on the interior of the inner ring so that the sealing elements are urged into sealing engagement with the surfaces of the annular space.

Abstract: A fluid flow control system, assembly and method for wells in which a sliding sleeve valve is connected in a string of well tubing in a wellbore casing. The sliding sleeve valve functions to selectively control the lateral flow of fluid through the assembly into the annulus between the assembly and the wellbore casing. A straddle assembly is locked within the sleeve valve assembly for isolating a lateral flow path. A stinger assembly is provided which receives reeled tubing and is insertable to lock within the straddle assembly to create a flow path between the reeled tubing and exterior of the sleeve valve.

Abstract: A wash tool includes a housing having upper and lower packer cups attached thereto for sealing between the housing and a casing bore and defining an upper well annulus portion, an intermediate well annulus portion, and a lower well annulus portion. The housing has an upper fluid bypass passage defined therethrough communicating the upper portion and intermediate portion of the well annulus. The housing includes a lower fluid bypass passage defined therethrough for communicating the intermediate portion and the lower portion of the well annulus. A longitudinal housing bore is defined through the housing and has an open lower end so that fluid in the lower portion of the well annulus may return up through the housing bore. The lower packer cup wipes the casing bore as it advances downward through the casing. The fluid exiting the upper bypass passage exits through downwardy directed jets so as to jet wash the intermediate portion of the well annulus as the tool advances down through the casing bore.

Abstract: The process involves creating an internal lining in a bore, e.g., for repairing well casings. A plurality of layers of resilient strip material having an adhesive material, in uncured condition and interspersed between overlapping surfaces of the strip material and between the outer surface thereof and the bore, are applied in spiral fashion by means of a mandrel to the portion of the bore to be lined. Pressure is then applied to the internal surface of the liner to force the liner against the inner surface of the bore, preferably by inflation of a packer or packer assembly whose length is substantially the length of the liner, until the adhesive is cured. The mandrel for creating the liner in a bore includes a portion adapted to receive the spirally-wrapped strip material, a packer at the upper end of the wrappable portion of the mandrel and a packer terminating at the lower end of the wrappable portion of the mandrel and extending therebelow.

Abstract: A straddle packer apparatus includes a housing having a central opening. The housing has inflation passages, treating fluid passages, and equalizing passages defined therein. Upper and lower longitudinally spaced packers are mounted on the housing on opposite sides of an outlet of the treating fluid passage. An inner mandrel is slidably received in the central opening of the housing. The mandrel has a mandrel bore and has upper and lower inflation ports, upper and lower equalizing ports, and a treating port, all of which communicate with the mandrel bore. A lug and endless J-slot is operably associated with the housing and mandrel for controlling a telescoping position of the mandrel relative to the housing in response to telescoping reciprocation without rotation of the mandrel relative to the housing.

Abstract: A cup type formation packer shoe is provided to be used in well cementing operations for cementing either casing or tubing in existing casing in a well bore. This packer shoe includes packer cups which are forced into sealing engagement with the existing casing by the cement being displaced into the annulus between the existing casing and the new casing. Further, the packer cups support the column of cement in the annulus preventing flow downwardly past the packer shoe.

Abstract: An apparatus for isolating a testing zone in a bore hole screen casing includes a lower plug member sealingly positionable at a desired longitudinal point within the casing and an upper plug that is independent of the lower plug is also sealingly positionable at another desired point along the longitudinal bore of the screen casing. The isolated test zone is defined between the lower and upper plug members and both the longitudinal length of the isolated test zone and the location of the test zone are selectively variable. A fluid carrying conduit is connected to the upper plug member and is in communication through a bore in the upper plug member with the isolated test zone for accessing and sampling fluid therein.

Abstract: A pressure limiter for use with a positive displacement pump and an inflatable packer. The pressure limiter includes an outer housing with an inner mandrel disposed therein. Slidably disposed between the mandrel and housing is a generally annular piston. A spring biases the piston toward a closed position. Packer pressure acts upwardly on the piston tending to move it to an open position in which pump discharge pressure is relieved to a well annulus. A check valve prevents premature relief of pressure of the packer. Once the piston is in an open position, packer pressure will maintain it in the open position until pressure is relieved from the packer.

Abstract: Modifications are provided for both single unit and dual unit inflatable packers or bridge plugs permitting such inflatable tools to be inserted in a well through the primary tubing string which in turn is suitably sealably anchored in the well above the producing formations. The inflatable tool is inserted into the well on a conduit, such as coiled tubing, and fluid pressure transmitted through the conduit is utilized to effect the expansion and setting of the inflatable elements of the inflatable tool. The conduit is connected to the inflatable tool by a fluid pressure operated release mechanism and, following the inflation of the inflatable element or elements, the conduit may be utilized to supply treatment fluid or cementing fluid to a formation isolated by the inflatable tool.

Abstract: Treating apparatus arranged to be positioned in well bores that includes a packer that is retrievable and resettable and that provides a spaced pair of sealing elements to isolate a zone in the well bore. A valve operable within the packer is moveable among positions wherein fluid can be circulated through the operations, an open position wherein the treating fluids can be injected into the zone to be treated, and a closed position wherein the selected zone can be sealed off.

Abstract: A unitary assembly (10); is disclosed for isolating a leak in a side pocket mandrel (12) between the tubing annulus (16) about a tubing string (14) and the interior (20) of the tubing string. The unitary assembly includes an upper packer (22), and a lower packer (24) interconnected by a tailpipe (26). The upper packer (22) is preferably set by a wireline tool and the lower packer is preferably set hydraulically. This eliminates the need for a drilling or workover rig to be setup over the well when patching a leak.

Abstract: Process for obtaining increased yields of minerals from bedded ore desposits in the absence of natural confining beds, by confining the flow of leach solution to the mineralized zone through operation of wells comprising, (a) injecting ground water into the barren zones above and below the mineralized zone while simultaneously injecting leaching solution into the mineralized zone at a single injection well location, and (b) recovering ground water from barren zones while simultaneously recovering leaching solution from the mineralized zone at a single recovery well location.

Abstract: A washing tool (24) attached to the lower end of a pipe string (18) includes a mandrel (28) between upper and lower subs (30, 32). The mandrel (28) has opposed spaced end sections (54 56) connected with an intermediate section (58). Each end section (54, 56) has a fluid inflatable elastomeric packer (64) thereon inflatable at a relatively low fluid pressure, and intermediate section (58) has a leaf spring (86) over a port (84) which is opened by outward movement of the leaf spring (86) at a second higher predetermined fluid pressure within the pipe string (18).

Abstract: There is disclosed apparatus for use in completing oil or gas wells having two or more perforated production zones which includes packers and assemblies for closing off the annular space between the tubing string and the well bore intermediate adjacent zones to isolate one from the other in order to produce from each individually.

Abstract: Relatively rotatable inner and outer tubular bodies include ports for communicating a well string in which the bodies are connected with the well bore. A seal between the bodies surrounds the port in one of the bodies to control communication between the bodies and well bore when the bodies are rotated to align and misalign the ports. A restrainer engages the well bore to restrain one of the bodies while the other is rotated by the well string and a receptacle with a port between seals that engage the well bore is provided so that a treating fluid placed in the well string may be pumped down while the body ports are open to discharge well string fluid to the well bore and when the treating fluid reaches the bodies, the ports are closed so the treating fluid may be discharged through the receptacle ports into the well bore zone isolated between the seals on the receptacle.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved tool for washing the perforations in an oil or gas well bore casing. The tool includes a tubular mandrel having orifices, between pairs of pressure sealing packer cups, for discharging a cleaning fluid into the area between the tool and the casing. The longitudinal spacing between the packer cups is variable by means of variable length spacer sleeves placed between the packer cups. The mandrel having an axial internal by-pass tube for passing cleaning fluid and debris through the mandrel. The by-pass tube having a telescoping section for accommodating the elongation and contraction of the tube due to temperature changes. The by-pass tube also permits entering the tool into the casing by eliminating vacuum or pressure build-up in the casing.

Abstract: A device adapted to clean well screens and to open aquifer formations including high pressure water jets directed at the formation through the screen and including a pumping device to extract the water forced from the jets and to create turbulence to cause washing action, and the method of cleaning the screen comprising directing jets of water through the screen and causing a turbulent washing action by which the screen is washed.

Abstract: A packer, preferably utilized for dual string operations, comprising a plurality of axially stacked body elements including, from the bottom up, a hydraulic housing, a lower cone element, an annular slip cage containing radially expansible slip elements, an upper cone element, a lower packing expander, an expandable packing element, an upper packing expander, a receptacle, and a retainer plate. All of said elements are provided with two bores equal in diameter to that of the tubing string to be run which extend entirely through the axial stack. One bore accomodates a long string mandrel and the other bore accomodates a short string mandrel conventionally connected to a short tubing string. The short string mandrel is connected at one end to the hydraulic housing and at the other end to the receptacle housing. Fluid pressure is applied to concurrently effect the downward movement of the hydraulic housing and the upward movement of the lower cone to set the packer into engagement with the conduit wall.

Abstract: An improved tubing packer including a sleeve connected in the tubing string and having an outer diameter close to the inner diameter of the string into which it is to seal and a plurality of external grooves having pressure compensating material therein, a liner within the sleeve and spaced therefrom, pressure responsive piston between said sleeve and said liner, the pressure responsive piston and said sleeve having coacting multiple camming surfaces which coact to force the sleeve outward into tight gripping and sealing engagement with the interior of the well string and a source of pressure fluid supplied to the pressure responsive piston.

Abstract: A plurality of packing elements are mounted in vertically spaced relationship on a tubing string with the spacing of the elements corresponding generally to the spacing of a plurality of sets of perforations in a well conduit. The lowermost packing unit is provided with radially expanding locking elements which engage a locking groove provided in the well conduit. All packing units incorporate expandable elastomeric sealing members and are set by the application of tension to the tubing string and are unset by the subsequent application of a higher degree of tension to the tubing string.

Abstract: A wellhead system having a casing hanger (C) with a first sealing surface (20) within a wellhead (W) with a second sealing surface (16) spaced from said first sealing surface (20) forming annulus (14) in combination with a pack-off assembly (P) including a wedge ring (42), which in this embodiment, supports a pack-off (64) which has a first metal-to-metal seal (S-1) which sealingly engages the first sealing surface (20) upon initial movement of the pack-off (64) into the annulus (14) and a second metal-to-metal seal (S-1) which sealingly engages the second sealing surface (16) upon further movement of the wedge ring (42) urging said second pack-off seal (S-2) radially outwardly towards the first sealing surface (20). Each metal-to-metal seal may be provided with elastomeric sealing means. Two types of metal-to-metal seals (S-1, S-2) and two types of lock down means, wicker ring (40) and split ring (10), are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for completing a drainhole wellbore with casing but without conventional cementing of the casing wherein in the drainhole portion of the wellbore a casing string composed of alternating casing subs and external casing packer subs is employed, the external casing packer subs carrying an elastic member adapted to be expanded and form a seal between the exterior of the casing string and the wellbore wall, and one or more of the external casing packer subs is activated to expand the elastic member carried by same thereby providing for isolation of discreet segments of the casing string in the drainhole portion of the wellbore to allow for localized production and remedial treatments in the drainhole wellbore.

Abstract: In the representative embodiment of the invention described herein, formation-treating apparatus is adapted to be dependently supported in a well bore from a pipe string and which includes upper and lower telescoped body members adapted to be selectively moved between upper and lower operating positions for controlling the injection of treating fluids into one or more earth formations traversed by the well bore. A pair of spaced packer elements are mounted on the lower member above and below a discharge port and cooperatively arranged for isolating a well bore interval that is to be treated by discharging one or more treating fluids in the pipe string from the port. To control the injection of treating fluids, retrievable valve means are also cooperatively arranged within the body members and adapted to be alternatively seated on upper and lower full-bore valve seats in the upper and lower bodies in response to movement of the bodies to their operating positions.

Abstract: A lock, particularly suitable for locking a top packer against upward movement relative to a lower packer in a well bore, includes a radially movable latch member slidably mounted in a radial cavity defined in an inner mandrel which is movable relative to an outer member to which the top packer is connected in the exemplary use. Spring biasing elements are used to retain the latch member in a disengaged position until, from within the mandrel, an actuating pressure is exerted radially outwardly on the latch member with a force greater than the biasing force of the spring biasing elements and a radially inwardly acting force exerted by a hydrostatic pressure existing externally of the outer member but communicated internally thereof. When this occurs, gripping teeth on the latch member interlock with an engagement surface on the interior of the outer member.

Abstract: A method for cementing a casing or a liner traversing earth formations comprising the supplemental injection of cement at a pressure greater than the pore pressure in the earth formations during a cementing operation to enchance the effectiveness of the cement integrity by maintaining hydrostatic pressure in an annulus between the pipe and the borehole at a location where the pore pressure of the earth formations is apt to impair the cement integrity in the annulus thereby preventing annular migration of gas or liquids in the cement seal between the earth formations and a liner or casing.

Abstract: A method of controlling subterranean placement of underground fluids, such as liquids, includes(a) positioning a tubing joint longitudinally in a borehole in the earth to locate the split and gun at selected depth,(b) rotating the tubing to orient the split azimuthally so that a gun in the tubing is aimed in a desired direction laterally,(c) discharging the gun to cause its projectile to travel in said desired direction in the formation, thereby opening up a lateral shot hole in the formation,(d) and pumping fluid under pressure down the borehole to discharge into the shot hole into a selected zone laterally spaced from the tubing.

Abstract: A downhole packer assembly includes a first packer tool with a flexible tubular packer body which is radially extendable by virtue of fluid pressure in a packer set chamber. A generally annular packer foundation, including an upper packer head, is connected to the upper end of the packer body. The tool defines a bypass flow system for permitting flow of fluid from the packer set chamber to a central longitudinal flowway of the assembly and from this central flowway to the exterior of the assembly. A control sub adjacent the packer foundation is movable with respect to the packer foundation between a first position, for opening the bypass system, and a second position, closing the bypass system. The control sub is preferably further operative, in its first position, to permit communication between the central flowway and the packer set chamber, and in its second position, to close the packer set chamber. A second packer tool is connected in tandem with the first tool.

Abstract: A parallel flow tube assembly for producing or treating formations in a well bore wherein the formations are isolated by upper and lower spaced packers. The parallel flow tube assembly includes a coupling member having parallel bores therein. A seal sleeve extends downwardly therefrom for sealingly engaging the interior of the upper packer. A tube extends downwardly through and in sealing engagement with the lower packer and said coupling member is connected to a primary tubing string that is in fluid communication with the formation below the lower packer and a secondary tubing string that is connected in communication with the formation located between the packers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus operable on a wireline logging cable for sampling and testing bore hole fluids, transmitting the results obtained from such testing to the surface for determination whether or not the particular sample undergoing testing should be collected and brought to the surface. The apparatus comprises a downhole tool having an inflatable double packer for isolating an interval of the bore hole coupled with a hydraulic pump, the pump being utilized sequentially to inflate the double packer and isolate an interval of the bore hole and to remove fluids from the isolated interval to test chamber means where resistivity, redox potential (Eh) and acidity (pH) are determined, and finally to dispose of selected samples to one or more sample container chambers within said tool or to reject them into the bore hole if not selected.

Abstract: A geomechanical probe for a drilling well comprises a logging box located between two inflatable preventers and including a plurality of tracers movable radially and urged outwards by springs for engaging the well wall. The tracers are mounted on pistons which are received in cylinders and urged radially inwards by springs for retracting the tracers, the pistons being driven outwardly to displace the tracers into working positions abutting the well wall by supply of actuating fluid to the cylinders. The positions of the tracers is determined by differential transformers having cores fixed for radial movement with respective tracers.The preventers are inflated with pressurised fluid which is supplied thereto along passages in the probe which also supply pressurized fluid to the well space between the preventers to act upon the well wall.

Abstract: A system is provided for gravel-packing a zone of a well. An operating string of the system includes a liner hanger setting tool. A liner string is concentrically disposed about the operating string and has its upper end detachably connected to a lower end of the liner hanger setting tool. The liner hanger setting tool includes a rotatable ball valve disposed in a housing bore thereof. The liner string and operating string are lowered together on an outer drill pipe string into the well until a liner hanger of the liner string is located at a desired location. Then the liner hanger is set within the well at a desired location in response to an increase in pressure within the outer tubing string. Then the ball valve of the liner hanger setting tool is opened in response to an increase in pressure within a well annulus.

Abstract: A well drilled with air or gas as a circulating medium traversing pay zones with greater than normal pressures or pressures such that hydrocarbons would permeate drilling fluids and cement is drilled and completed while permitting a continuous flow of hydrocarbons from the well until it is desired to shut the well in at the surface. The intermediate casing string and the production casing string cooperate with the tubing so that the cement for the production string may be positioned without contact with the hydrocarbons.