Abstract: System and method for controlling fluid flows in one or more oil and/or gas wells in a geological formation, the wells each comprising a production tube, the formation containing a water-containing volume with a higher water level, comprising: one or more measuring devices, each mounted in relation to a chosen zone of a well for measuring the distance to the water level in the zone, one or more valve devices comprised in the production tubes for regulating the fluid flow from the surrounding formation to the production tube, one or more control units connected to each of the valves for regulating then on the basis of the measured distance or distances.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an automated method and apparatus for operating an artificial lift well. In one aspect of the present invention, a programmable controller monitors and operates a variety of analog and digital devices. An on-cycle of the well is initiated based on a pressure differential measured between a casing pressure and a sales line pressure. When a predetermined ON pressure differential is observed, the controller initiates the on-cycle and open a motor valve to permit fluid and gas accumulated in the tubing to be urged out of the well. Thereafter, the controller initiates a mandatory flow period and maintains the motor valve open for a period of time. The valve remains open as the system transitions into the sales time period. During sales time, the controller monitors the gas flow through an orifice disposed in the sales line. A differential pressure transducer is used to measure a pressure differential across the orifice.

Abstract: A tubing is used in a well bore capable of furnishing a well fluid. The tubing has an annular member having a passageway. The tubing has at least one port that is connected to detect a composition of the well fluid and control flow of the well fluid into the passageway based on the composition.

Abstract: A closed-loop system is used to complete oil and gas wells. The term “to complete a well” means “to finish work on a well and bring it into productive status”. A closed-loop system to complete an oil and gas well is an automated system under computer control that executes a sequence of programmed steps, but those steps depend in part upon information obtained from at least one downhole sensor that is communicated to the surface to optimize and/or change the steps executed by the computer to complete the well. The closed-loop system executes the steps during at least one significant portion of the well completion process. The completed well is comprised of at least a borehole in a geological formation surrounding a pipe located within the borehole.

Abstract: A self-regulating lift fluid injection tool (100) adapted for placement within production tubing (30). The tool (100) has a control valve (126) that controls the rate of injection of a lift fluid (102) into the formation fluids (104) being produced through the production tubing (30). A sensor (140) monitors the flow rate of the formation fluids (104) through the production tubing (30). The sensor (140) generates a signal indicative the flow rate of the formation fluids (104) which is sent to an electronics package (142). The electronics package (142) generates a control signal in response to the signal received from the sensor (140) that is received by an actuator (176). The actuator (176) adjusts the position of the control valve (126) to regulate the flow rate of the lift fluid (102) therethrough in response to the control signal, thereby optimizing the flow rate of the formation fluids (104).

Abstract: Method for monitoring a reservoir in the subterrane.

Abstract: An electric wireline setting tool includes a controller and a plurality of sensors sensing pressure, temperature, flow rate, current, etc. The controller communicates with the surface and or makes decisions downhole with regard to a motor and pump to tailor their activity to ensure that the tool being set is setting optimally.

Abstract: A controllable gas-lift well having controllable gas-lift valves and sensors for detecting flow regime is provided. The well uses production tubing and casing to communicate with and power the controllable valve from the surface. A signal impedance apparatus in the form of induction chokes at the surface and downhole electrically isolate the tubing from the casing. A high band-width, adaptable spread spectrum communication system is used to communicate between the controllable valve and the surface. Sensors, such as pressure, temperature, and acoustic sensors, may be provided downhole to more accurately assess downhole conditions and in particular, the flow regime of the fluid within the tubing. Operating conditions, such as gas injection rate, back pressure on the tubing, and position of downhole controllable valves are varied depending on flow regime, downhole conditions, oil production, gas usage and availability, to optimize production.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for controlling and monitoring injection zone and production zone parameters in order to control the injected fluid front to avoid breakthrough of the injected fluid to the production zone and thus optimize hydrocarbon recovery.

Abstract: An intermittent gas lift well pumping system containing an accumulator, a gas line, a liquid discharge line, and a battery operated controller. By using one or more constrictions in the gas line and acoustical techniques, accurate liquid level is determined in the pumping system for optimum production. Bypasses are connected between the gas line and the liquid discharge line. Each contains a valve that opens at a preset absolute pressure in the gas line, an orifice, and a one-way valve. The bypasses are strategically placed to prevent overloading of the system. A liquid slug sensor on the upper end of the liquid discharge line and a rabbit in this line enables optimum production and gas conservation.

Abstract: Downhole tools and systems can be actuated chemically by placing a chemical sensor downhole and introducing a chemical slug into fluids being pumped downhole. When the slug reaches the sensor a reaction in the sensor may be employed to trigger an event (e.g., actuation) or may cause a count to increase by one on its way to a full count and actuation of a tool or system downhole.

Abstract: Subsurface wellbore conditions are measured directly in the wellbore while the fluid circulation system is not pumping. The measured values are recorded at the subsurface location and subsequently transmitted to the well surface when circulation is resumed using fluid pulse telemetry (FPT). Real-time measurements made when the fluids are circulating are transmitted real time using FPT. Axially spaced measurements are used to obtain differential values. The apparatus of the invention comprises an assembly carried by a drill string that is used to selectively isolate the area within the well that is to be evaluated. The apparatus includes an assembly having axially spaced inflatable well packers that are used to isolate an uncased section of the wellbore. The apparatus is equipped with self-contained measuring and recording equipment, a fluid receiving reservoir, circulation valving, measurement while drilling equipment, and automated controls.

Abstract: The invention includes a method of scheduling cyclic steaming of a group of petroleum-containing wells including: inputting to a production-predicting means a group of data describing at least in part the past cyclic steaming and resulting production of a group of petroleum-containing wells; processing the data in the production-predicting means and outputting a group of production predictions for the group of wells during a future steaming cycle; inputting the group of production predictions into an optimization means; inputting an initial steaming cycle schedule for the group of wells into the optimization means; processing the group of production predictions and the initial steaming cycle schedule in the optimization means by the steps including: determining a ranking for the initial steaming cycle schedule for the group of production predictions against a pre-determined ranking criteria; producing a group of new steaming cycle schedules based on the ranking of the initial steaming cycle a schedule optimiz

Abstract: Several downhole flow control devices are disclosed which are meterable and are also capable of shutting of a particular zone in a well. The several embodiments include a multiple valve body, a toroidal inflatable valve, and a series of related choke systems. The downhole flow control choke mechanisms each include a downhole electronics package to provide programming or decision making capacity as well as motor actuation systems. Each choke mechanism also includes a system whereby the device can be converted to manual operation and actuated by a conventional shifting tool.

Abstract: Several downhole flow control devices are disclosed which are meterable and are also capable of shutting of a particular zone in a well. The several embodiments include a multiple valve body, a toroidal inflatable valve, and a series of related choke systems.

Abstract: A self-regulating lift fluid injection tool (100) adapted for placement within production tubing (30) is disclosed. The tool (100) has a control valve (126) that controls the rate of injection of a lift fluid (102) into the formation fluids(104) being produced through the production tubing (30). A sensor (140) monitors the flow rate of the formation fluids (104) through the production tubing (30). The sensor (140) generates a signal indicative the flow rate of the formation fluids (104) which is sent to an electronics package (142). The electronics package (142) generates a control signal in response to the signal received from the sensor (140) that is received by an actuator (176). The actuator (176) adjusts the position of the control valve (126) to regulate the flow rate of the lift fluid (102) therethrough in response to the control signal, thereby optimizing the flow rate of the formation fluids (104).

Abstract: A pressure control apparatus for use with wireline pressure equipment. The pressure control apparatus has a first portion which may be located in close proximity to the wireline pressure equipment. The first portion has at least one fluid pressure outlet and at least one controlling mechanism to facilitate control of the fluid pressure outlet. The controlling mechanism is operable by a control system, at least a portion of which is located remote from the first portion in, for instance a control cabin. Also, a method of controlling pressure equipment used in the exploration, production and/or exploitation of hydrocarbons and a regulating device.

Abstract: A downhole string includes a liner and devices positioned outside the liner. One or more control lines extend from the liner devices along the exterior of the liner to one or more connectors that provide connection points inside the liner. The one or more connectors may include electrical connectors (e.g., direct contact connectors), inductive connectors (e.g., inductive couplers), optical connectors (e.g., fiber optic connectors), and hydraulic connectors. The one or more control lines may be electrical lines, fiber optic lines, or hydraulic lines. The downhole string may also be used with a cement protector during cementing operations to protect both the inside of the liner as well as the one or more connectors attached to the liner. The cement protector includes a sleeve that isolates cement from the inside of the liner during a cementing operation so that a liner wiper plug is not needed. The cement protector is engageable to a pulling tool that is attached to a running tool.

Abstract: An axial assembly of pistons is axially disposed in the depending end of tubing in a gas well and packer set above the formation. Gas and fluid from the production zone enters the casing through an orifice below the piston assembly. Fluid in the annulus between the tubing and the casing creates a static head of back pressure against the orifice resulting in decreasing the gas pressure at the well head or flow line, which is sensed by pressure sensors to energize a compressor generating gas under pressure forced down the tubing to move piston rods and close the orifice. The gas pressure lifts the fluid in the annulus to the well head and flow line connected therewith. This cycle is repeated each time gas pressure falls below a predetermined pressure at the well head or flow line.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling a liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons production well (1) activated by injection of gas, the well comprising a production string (2) fitted with an adjustable-aperture outlet choke (9), into which gas, the flow rate of which can be adjusted by means of a control valve (6), is injected, the method being characterized in that it comprises a start-up phase which consists in performing the following sequence of steps: a step of initiating the production of hydrocarbons a step of ramping up to production speed followed by a production phase, during which phases the outlet choke (9) and the control valve (6) are operated in such a way as to maintain the stability of the flow rate of the produced hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A self-regulating lift fluid injection tool (100) adapted for placement within production tubing (30). The tool (100) has a control valve (126) that controls the rate of injection of a lift fluid (102) into the formation fluids (104) being produced through the production tubing (30). A sensor (140) monitors the flow rate of the formation fluids (104) through the production tubing (30). The sensor (140) generates a signal indicative the flow rate of the formation fluids (104) which is sent to an electronics package (142). The electronics package (142) generates a control signal in response to the signal received from the sensor (140) that is received by an actuator (176). The actuator (176) adjusts the position of the control valve (126) to regulate the flow rate of the lift fluid (102) therethrough in response to the control signal, thereby optimizing the flow rate of the formation fluids (104).

Abstract: A method for controlling a gushing hydrocarbon production well is disclosed which utilizes a variable aperture outlet choke and a control system to dampen and minimize the effect of liquid and gas plugs flowing through the system.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for forming multiple wellbores from a single location. A relatively large diameter main wellbore is drilled to a known depth. A plurality of spaced apart wellbores are formed from the bottom of the main wellbore, wherein at least one such wellbore is a production wellbore for producing hydrocarbons from subsurface formations. Wellhead equipment for each production wellbore is installed at main wellbore bottom. Additional devices or equipment are also placed in the main wellbore, preferably near the bottom.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for controlling production operations using fiber optic devices. An optical fiber carrying fiber-optic sensors is deployed downhole to provide information about downhole conditions. Parameters related to the chemicals being used for surface treatments are measured in real time and on-line, and these measured parameters are used to control the dosage of chemicals into the surface treatment system. The information is also used to control downhole devices that may be a packer, choke, sliding sleeve, perforating device, flow control valve, completion device, an anchor or any other device. Provision is also made for control of secondary recovery operations online using the downhole sensors to monitor the reservoir conditions. The present invention also provides a method of generating motive power in a wellbore utilizing optical energy. This can be done directly or indirectly, e.g., by first producing electrical energy that is then converted to another form of energy.

Abstract: A system and method for managing a new well or an existing well. The system includes a sensor and a control disposed within a well, a surface control system at the surface, a continuous tubing string extending into the well, and a conductor disposed on the continuous tubing string. The conductor connects the sensor and control to the surface control system to allow the surface control system to monitor downhole conditions and to operate the control in response to the downhole conditions. Another conductor may also be provided along the continuous tubing string to conduct power from a surface power supply to the control. The conductors are preferably housed in the wall of the continuous tubing string and may be electrical conductors, optical fibers, and/or hydraulic conduits. The control is preferably equipped with a sensor that verifies operation and status of the device and provides the verification to the surface processor via the conductor.

Abstract: A subsurface electro-hydraulic power unit provided by the present invention permits existing hydraulically actuated well tools to be utilized in situations where control lines extending from the tools to the surface are undesirable or economically prohibitive. In a described embodiment, an electro-hydraulic power unit is in communication with a surface control system. The power unit may be supplied with electrical power from the surface control system, or it may include a power supply, such as batteries. The power unit may respond to a signal transmitted from the surface control system to select from among multiple redundant well tools for actuation thereof.

Abstract: A casing differential pressure based control method used in conjunction with a gas-producing well includes the steps of sensing current sales line pressure and well casing and tubing pressures and changing or switching an A valve between open and close states based on differences between selected pairs of these current pressures relative to preset minimum differentials between the same pairs of these pressures. Open Differential Pressure determines when to open the A valve and initiate gas sales. Open Differential Pressure is the preset minimum pressure difference by which the casing pressure exceeds the sales line pressure. Close Pressure determines when to close the A valve and terminate gas sales. Close Pressure is the preset minimum pressure of the casing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for enhancing hydrocarbon production from a subsurface hydrocarbon-bearing formation. The system includes a mechanical fluid treatment unit that substantially reduces the concentration of precursor ions from the injection water. The treated water is injected under pressure into an injection well to cause the hydrocarbons to flow toward a production well. A chemical unit injects selected amounts of additives into the injection well to inhibit in-situ growth of crystals from insoluble salt precipitates formed due to the interaction of precursor ions present in the injected water and ions residents in the reservoir. The selected chemicals and their respective amounts are determined at least partially based on reservoir characteristics and the concentration of precursor ions in the treated water.

Abstract: This invention provides oilfield spooled coiled tubing production and completion strings assembled at the surface to include sensors and one or more controlled devices which can be tested from a remote location. The devices may have upsets in the coiled tubing. The strings preferably include conductors and hydraulic lines in the coiled tubing. The conductors provide power and data communication between the sensors, devices and surface instrumentation. The coiled tubing strings are preferably tested at the assembly site and transported to the well site one reels. The coiled tubing strings are inserted and retrieved from the wellbores utilizing an adjustable opening injector head system. This invention also provides method of making electro-coiled-tubing wherein upper and lower adapters are connected to the coiled tubing and tested prior to transporting the string to the wellbore. The string preferably includes pressure barriers at both ends of the string.

Abstract: A method for optimizing production from a gas lift well includes the steps of: obtaining a statistical model of production behavior of a gas lift well, the production behavior including known patterns of at least one production characteristic and corresponding operating parameters; operating the gas lift well at initial operating parameters; obtaining a real time value of the production characteristic from the gas lift well at the initial operating parameters; comparing the real time value of the production characteristic to the model to determine whether a known pattern is detected; and if a known pattern is detected, adjusting the operating parameters to the corresponding operating parameters. An apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A system adapted for controlling and/or monitoring a plurality of production wells from a remote location is provided. This system is capable of controlling and/or monitoring: (1) a plurality of zones in a single production well; (2) a plurality of zones/wells in a single location (e.g., a single platform); or (3) a plurality of zones/wells located at a plurality of locations (e.g., multiple platforms). The multizone and/or multiwell control system of this invention is composed of multiple downhole electronically controlled electromechanical devices and multiple computer based surface systems operated from multiple locations. Important functions for these systems include the ability to predict the future flow profile of multiple wells and to monitor and control the fluid or gas flow from either the formation into the wellbore, or from the wellbore to the surface.

Abstract: A system used in a subterranean well has a command generator (e.g., a manually operated mud pump) that is configured to furnish a first command stimulus (e.g., pressure pulses having a predetermined signature) downhole. A first assembly (e.g., a testing tool) of the system is located downhole and has a first member (e.g., a valve) that is connected to move the first member in response to the first command stimulus. The movement of the first member generates a second command stimulus, and a second assembly of the system, also located downhole, is connected to respond to the second command stimulus.

Abstract: An improved electrical submersible pump is disclosed in which a processor downhole is utilized to monitor one or more subsurface conditions, to record data, and to alter at least one operating condition of the electrical submersible pump. Novel uses are described for downhole gas compression, the delivery of particulate matter to wellbore sites, and for the disposal of waste.