Abstract: Methods and apparatus for utilizing a downhole deployment valve (DDV) to isolate a pressure in a portion of a bore are disclosed. Any combination of fail safe features may be used with or incorporated into the DDV such as redundant valve members, an upward opening flapper valve or a metering flapper below a sealing valve. In one aspect, a barrier or diverter located in the bore above a valve member of the DDV permits passage through the bore when the valve member is open and actuates when the valve member is closed. Once actuated, the barrier or diverter either stops or diverts any dropped objects prior to the dropped object reaching and potentially damaging the valve member. In another aspect, the tool string tripped in above the DDV includes an acceleration actuated brake that anchors the tool string to a surrounding tubular if the tool string is dropped.

Abstract: A safety valve has a lock open feature that is actuated by expanding or penetrating the flow tube to disconnect the link between the piston in the hydraulic control system and the flow tube. In normal operation, downward movement of the piston moves the flow tube against a power spring. When the flow tube is expanded, penetrated, or otherwise altered, the piston no longer acts on the flow tube and the flow tube can be simply pushed down and locked in position with the flapper wide open.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electric-hydraulic power unit. In one illustrative embodiment, the power unit comprises a body having a movable pressure barrier positioned therein, the movable pressure barrier defining first and second chambers therein, a configurable flow path in fluid communication with the first and second chambers, and at least one valve for configuring the flow path in a first state wherein fluid may flow within the flow path only in a direction from the first chamber toward the second chamber, and a second state wherein fluid within the flow path may flow in both directions between the first and second chambers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a drilling with casing includes therewith a drill shoe configured for later drilling through thereof in situ, with cutters retainable thereon in response to the forces encountered during borehole drilling, yet moveable from the envelope through which the later drill shoe will pass when cutting through the in situ drill shoe. The drill shoe includes one or more profiles thereon, into which blades carrying the formation drilling cutters are disposed. The profiles include at least one projection thereon, which is received within a mating slot in the blades. The blades also may be configured to have opposed sections which are configured with respect to one another to have an included angle of less than ninety degrees.

Abstract: Methods of expanding well tools, which permit operation of the well tools after expansion, are provided. In a described example, a cementing tool includes a valve and a packer. After the cementing tool is expanded, the valve is selectively opened and closed, and the packer is sealingly engaged in a wellbore.

Abstract: A control system for a hydrocarbon well is also disclosed. A control valve system is used to control the flow of fluid being produced by the well. A real time sensor is provided downhole and is used to make real time measurements of phase characteristics of the fluid. A controller is used to control the valve system so as to reduce the risk of undesirable phase transitions in the fluid based on the real time measurements made by the sensor. The sensor includes an acoustic transducer configured to emit acoustic energy into the fluid at a level which causes a phase transition in the fluid. The controller determines the level of acoustic energy emitted into the fluid, and also determines the pressure associated with a phase transition using the level of emitted acoustic energy.

Abstract: Devices and methods for fluid flow control within a production tubing string wherein a temporary flow blockage is established and selectively removed from the tubing string so that pressure testing or operation of a hydraulic tool within the string may be performed. A flow control device includes a housing that defines a flowbore therethrough with a restricted diameter portion. The restricted diameter portion presents a seating surface for a plug member and is provided by an annular shell that is shaped to project convexly inwardly. The shell may be fashioned of metal, elastomer or another suitable material, and it is capable of yielding to permit passage of a plug member upon application of a suitably great amount of fluid pressure. In operation, a plugging member is dropped in to the tubing string from the surface of the well and seats upon the seating surface.

Abstract: A sleeve valve for fluid flow between a hydrocarbon reservoir and a well includes a first sleeve and a second sleeve which are relatively movable between a first position in which at least one opening in the first sleeve is aligned or misaligned with at least one opening in the second sleeve in order to admit or shut off the fluid flow. The first sleeve is provided with a radially movable sealing element that has a sealing surface adapted to rest against the second sleeve around the second sleeve opening, and at least one tension element presses the sealing element with its sealing surface against the second sleeve. A method for the assembly of such a sleeve valve includes a sealing element and a tension element placed in the outer sleeve opening and a clamping tool is adapted to the opening in the sealing element and moved outwards together with the sealing element until the sealing element is flush with the inner surface of the outer sleeve.

Abstract: A drilling mud diverter and method of use for horizontal drilling operations wherein drilling muds are diverted to a single portal of the bore where the drilling muds are recovered for removal or reprocessing, the mud diverter having a diverter unit with a central cylindrical core with enlarged end caps and an inflatable bladder mounted on the core, the diverter unit having a bypass passage through the unit blocked by a pressure relief valve that allows drilling muds blocked by the diverter unit to pass through the unit only when a preset pressure is reached; the method of use including the procedure for installing the mud diverter into an enlarged bore using the drilling pipe and removing the mud diverter using the drilling pipe, cables or other alternative equipment.

Abstract: The present invention provides for dynamic sealing in a flow control device. In an embodiment, the flow control device comprises a closure sleeve adapted to slide over the tubing hole. The closure sleeve has a front edge having a wave-like surface. One or more seals are mounted downstream of the tubing hole. The one or more seals cooperate in a fluid-tight manner with the closure sleeve. A protective sleeve is mounted in alignment with the closure sleeve and proximate to the one or more seals. The protective sleeve has a top edge adapted for mating engagement with the wave-like surface of the front edge of the closure sleeve. A return mechanism is provided for automatically returning the protective sleeve to a covering position in which the protective sleeve covers the first seal when the first seal is not covered by the closure sleeve.

Abstract: A pressure reducing apparatus and a method of operating a pressure reducing apparatus are provided. The apparatus is operable to reduce the pressure and flow rate of oil being discharged from a well head to downstream processing equipment. The device has central flow channel configured to receive a flow of oil and reduce the pressure in the oil. The apparatus has internal components formed of a ceramic material that resists erosion and wear caused by sand and other debris in the oil. In one embodiment of the invention, a ceramic outer sleeve is disposed in the central flow channel and cooperates with a ceramic inner sleeve having an orifice. The ceramic inner sleeve is interchangeable with other ceramic sleeves having different orifices to modify the pressure and flow characteristics of oil as it is discharged to the downstream processing equipment.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a simple coupling means for interfacing linear acting actuator shafts with valves or hydraulic chokes. The coupling means of the present invention allows either an actuator or an interconnected valve or choke to be rapidly, safely, and efficiently interchanged with a replacement part. The present invention is broadly applicable to a wide variety of actuator types having rectilinear motion outputs and to a large variety of valve and choke types which are operated by linear motions, including gate valves with or without balanced stems.

Abstract: A sleeve valve for fluid flow between a hydrocarbon reservoir and a well including a fixed outer sleeve with openings and a movable inner sleeve with openings which can be aligned and misaligned with the outer sleeve openings in order to admit or shut off the fluid flow. The outer sleeve opening is provided with a movable sealing element that has a through-going radial opening adapted to rest around the opening in the inner sleeve, and a tension element presses the sealing element against the inner sleeve. A portion of the side face of the sealing element forms a pressure face which under the effect of pressure in a pressure chamber presses the sealing element against the inner sleeve. The pressure chamber is via at least one connection connected to at least one pressure source whereby pressure propagation from the pressure source to the pressure chamber causes the sealing element to be pressed even more against the inner sleeve.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for locating joints in coiled tubing operations. The apparatus is adapted for running into a well on coiled tubing and for use during reverse circulating and fracturing operations. The apparatus having a central passageway for fluids, a collar locator module, a one-way valve coupled to the central passageway to allow for the flow of fluids in one direction but not the other, a port coupled to the central passageway to allow fluids to exit when the one-way valve is functioning, a movable cover module to cover the port to build up pressure in the central passageway, and a flow diverting module for permanently diverting the flow of fluids from the port to the central passageway.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of regulating the flow rate of formation fluids produced from a determined zone of an underground well whose cased wall is provided with orifices through which said formation fluids can pass, said method consisting in applying a tubular structure along the casing in said zone, which tubular structure prevents the fluids from flowing directly while also preserving a flow path along which the fluids can flow via the annular space outside the tubular structure so as to generate head loss. The invention also relates to a device for implementing said method, which device is essentially constituted by a radially-expandable tubular structure that can be applied against the inside wall of the casing, the structure being provided with means for preserving the flow of the fluids via a path running along the casing and along the structure, in order to generate head loss.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for obstructing the passage of fluid within a fluid flow conduit and subsequently reconfiguring the tool to allow substantially full-bore passage therethrough. Pressure developed upstream of the obstruction can be utilized to operate pressure actuated tools such as liner hangers. Equipment used in subsequent wellbore operations such as drill pipe darts can pass undamaged through the opened port. In an embodiment, the flow through a tubular is obstructed by placing a ball on an expandable ball seat, developing a pressure differential across the ball seat, equalizing the pressure after the hydraulically actuated tool completes its function, and mechanically manipulating the drill string to open the expandable ball seat and allow the ball to pass through.

Abstract: The drain element for collecting hydrocarbons comprises a screen (TM) surrounding a suction cylinder (CA) extending in a longitudinal direction (AL). The screen is made up of rods (TT, TC) which extend along said longitudinal direction (AL) and which are regularly spaced apart around the suction cylinder. At least one of said rods is hollow in order to form a collector rod (TC), said collector rod (TC) having a lateral orifice and communicating with the inside of the suction cylinder via one of its ends.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for utilizing a downhole deployment valve (DDV) to isolate a pressure in a portion of a bore are disclosed. Any combination of fail safe features may be used with or incorporated into the DDV such as redundant valve members, an upward opening flapper valve or a metering flapper below a sealing valve. In one aspect, a barrier or diverter located in the bore above a valve member of the DDV permits passage through the bore when the valve member is open and actuates when the valve member is closed. Once actuated, the barrier or diverter either stops or diverts any dropped objects prior to the dropped object reaching and potentially damaging the valve member. In another aspect, the tool string tripped in above the DDV includes an acceleration actuated brake that anchors the tool string to a surrounding tubular if the tool string is dropped.

Abstract: A side-pocket gas lift mandrel having tapered end caps threaded onto the ends of the mandrel with metal-to-metal sealing threads. The thickness of each made up thread set is the same as the thickness of the small end of each end cap, resulting in a mandrel having the same outside diameter as if the end caps were welded on, without sacrificing any inside diameter in the small ends of the end caps, compared to a welded mandrel.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for controlling the flow rate of a fluid in tubing (4), said apparatus (5) comprising at least one hole (7) passing through the wall of said tubing and a moving shutterjacket (8) mounted to engage said hole. According to the invention, said apparatus further comprises deflector means (9) covering said jacket and said hole so that said deflector means directs the fluid through the wall of said tubing.

Abstract: In systems and methods for production of hydrocarbons fluids from a formation surrounding a wellbore, a production assembly is cemented into place, and excess cement is then cleaned from the production tubing and liner. Thereafter, hydrocarbon fluids are produced and artificial gas lift assistance is provided. All of this may be accomplished in a single trip (mono-trip) of the production tubing.

Abstract: In a hydrocarbon production well, a control processor 32 selectively sends light to each of one or more gas lift valves 28 to cause injection of an injection fluid (such as nitrogen gas) from a pressurised annulus 22 into a production fluid (hydrocarbon) in production 18 tubing, and/or to each of one or more inlet valves 60, to control the rate of flow of the hydrocarbon (oil). The control processor 32 receives feedback data from sensors 48 54 50 66 near to each gas lift 28 or inlet 60 valve and otherwise provided in the well bore which measure pressure, temperature or flow rate. The sensors communicate by sensor fibre optic lines 42 which run in the well bore 10. The control processor 32 sends control signals by operating a laser light source to selectively to send laser light to each valve 28 60 through valve operating light fibres 36 which also run through the well bore 10.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for locating joints in coiled tubing operations. The apparatus is adapted for running into a well on coiled tubing and for use during reverse circulating and fracturing operations. The apparatus having a central passageway for fluids, a collar locator module, a one-way valve coupled to the central passageway to allow for the flow of fluids in one direction but not the other, a port coupled to the central passageway to allow fluids to exit when the one-way valve is functioning, a movable cover module to cover the port to build up pressure in the central passageway, and a flow diverting module for permanently diverting the flow of fluids from the port to the central passageway.

Abstract: There is provided a downhole device for controlling the flow of fluids through an oil and/or gas production well comprises a deformable chamber which contains an electromagnetic field or other stimuli responsive gel and a fluid passage which is closed off in response to a volume increase of the gel and the deformable chamber.

Abstract: A pressure reducing assembly for high pressure oil wells is disclosed. The assembly includes a metallic body having inlet and outlet channels that are lined with ceramic inserts. The assembly may also include a removable pressure reducing device that is preferably formed of a ceramic material. Pipe spool pieces associated with the pressure reducing assembly transition the narrow interior flow diameter of the assembly to the larger interior flow diameter of downstream oil process piping. The spool pieces have metallic bodies, with flow channels that are lined with ceramic inserts. The ceramic inserts are disposed within the metallic spool, and are preferably designed with a flow channel taper that gradually increase the interior flow diameter from that of the outlet channel of the pressure reducing assembly to that of the process piping.

Abstract: Disclosed here is a production control system having a series of nested tubular members including at least one axial flow channel and at least two annular flow channels. At least one valve configured and positioned to control flow from each flow channel is provided. Further disclosed herein is a production apparatus having a series of nested tubulars connected to one another such that at least an axial flow channel and at least two annular flow channels are formed. A valve is associated with each of the flow channels and is configured and positioned to independently control flow from each of the flow channels. Further disclosed herein is a method for controlling commingling of flows from multiple zones.

Abstract: Device for annular isolation in oil/gas wells comprising a production tube, the production tube comprises coaxially positioned, cylindrical sleeve (5) having in one end an at least partially radially directed opening slot (2), said sleeve including a cylindric sealing crown (1) coupled in one end to a release mechanism (3, 4) adapted to push the sealing crown (1) out through the opening, said sealing crown (1) in its other end being expandable in the tangential direction.

Abstract: A subterranean well production system utilizes a single well to perform both hydrocarbon fluid production and water dumpflooding processes. The well has a primary wellbore that is communicated with first and second subterranean zones respectively containing hydrocarbon fluid and higher pressure water. A second, lateral wellbore extends from the primary wellbore and communicates with the first zone. A remotely controllable routing system, including a valved production tubing structure extending through the primary wellbore, is operable to (1) flow hydrocarbon fluid from the first zone to the surface via the production tubing and (2) simultaneously dumpflood water from the second zone into the first zone, via the production tubing, to increase the pressure within the first zone and thereby increase the hydrocarbon fluid production rate.

Abstract: A system and method for closing a subterranean valve (22) to terminate a reverse cementing operation is disclosed. The system comprises an interrogator (44) operably associated with the valve (22) that detects at least one detectable member (52) that is associated with an interface (50) between a first fluid (48) and a cement composition (54) that is pumped through an annulus (26) between a pipe string (20) and a wellbore (18). The detectable member (50) is detectable by the interrogator (44) when the detectable member (50) comes within communicative proximity with the interrogator (44). Once the interrogator (44) detects the detectable member (50), the interrogator (44) sends a signal indicating it is time to close the valve (22), thereby terminating the cementing process and allowing the cement (54) to set in the annulus (26) into a hard, substantially impermeable mass.

Abstract: A control device for regulating flow of fluid selectively with respect to two passages of a completion tool positioned within well bore tubing. The device incorporates a valve that is electrically driven to selectively block to prevent fluid flow through one of two passages of a Y-tool. The device operates to prevent recirculation of product fluid when an electrical submersible pump (ESP) is operating and alternately closes this passage with respect to fluid flow when the pump is not operating to permit intervention work within the well bore below the location of the ESP.

Abstract: In a broad aspect, the present invention is a downhole hydraulic multiplexer, which is comprised of one or more piloted shuttle valves, and method of using. The invention takes one or more input signals from a surface control panel or computer, said signals may be electric or hydraulic, and converts said signals into a plurality of pressurized hydraulic output channels. The invention is shown in a variety of preferred embodiments, including a tubing deployed version, a wireline retrievable version, and a version residing in the wall of a downhole completion tool. Also disclosed is the use of multiple shuttle valves used in parallel or in series to embody a downhole hydraulic fluid multiplexer, controllable by and reporting positions of said shuttle valves to said surface control panel or computer.

Abstract: There is provided a downhole device for controlling the flow of fluids through an oil and/or gas production well comprises a deformable chamber which contains an electromagnetic field or other stimuli responsive gel and a fluid passage which is closed off in response to a volume increase of the gel and the deformable chamber.

Abstract: A method of regulating flow through a first tubular structure in a well provides flow control by use of an expandable second tubular structure inserted into the first tubular structure and deformed therein. In a described embodiment, a liner has sealing material externally disposed thereon. Expansion of the liner within a screen assembly may be used to sealingly engage the liner with one or more well screens of the screen assembly, and may be used to regulate a rate of fluid flow through one or more of the well screens.

Abstract: Then invention generally provides an apparatus and method for providing a more uniform gravel pack in the well bore. An alternative pathway is provided within the apparatus to by-pass a sand bridge formed in the wellbore. The reentry point of the slurry into the wellbore can be predetermined based upon the conditions of the formation.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for actively controlling the flow of hydrocarbon fluids from a producing formation at the downhole sand screen. A preferred embodiment of the invention provides a fluid flow annulus within the production tube inside of the screen. In a first flow control configuration, fluid passing through the screen is required to flow along the annulus to find a flow aperture into an interior flow bore. A static flow control device within the annulus between the sand screen and a first flow aperture dissipates flow energy by forcing the flow through a restricted area that helically winds about the flow annulus. Dissipation of the flow energy increases the pressure reduction from the screen into the production bore and reduces the flow velocity. In a second flow control configuration, flow control structure within the flow annulus obstructs all flow along the annulus. A third flow control configuration removes all flow restrictions within the flow annulus.

Abstract: The present invention provides an artificial lift apparatus that monitors the conditions in and around a well and makes automated adjustments based upon those conditions. In one aspect, the invention includes a pump for disposal at a lower end of a tubing string in a cased wellbore. A pressure sensor in the wellbore adjacent the pump measures fluid pressure of fluid collecting in the wellbore. Another pressure sensor disposed in the upper end of the wellbore measures pressure created by compressed gas above the fluid column and a controller receives the information and calculates the true height of fluid in the wellbore. Another sensor disposed in the lower end the tubing string measures fluid pressure in the tubing string and transmits that information to the controller. The controller compares the signals for the sensors and makes adjustments based upon a relationship between the measurements and preprogrammed information about the wellbore and the formation pressure therearound.

Abstract: A pressure maintenance assembly for a domestic water well system. The assembly comprises a pressure maintenance valve having an inlet side and an outlet side, a pressure tank in fluidic communication with the outlet side, and a calibrated bypass. When the valve is closed, the calibrated bypass provides fluidic communication between the inlet side and the outlet side. The size of the calibrated bypass and the pressure tank are adapted and constructed to permit a flow rate between the inlet side and the outlet side that will fill the pressure tank in a time interval less than twice the time required to pump a volume of water that will dissipate heat generated by the pump when it is turned on.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of operating devices (such as devices in a wellbore or other types of devices) utilizes actuators having expandable or contractable elements. Such expandable or contractable elements may include piezoelectric elements, magnetostrictive elements, and heat-expandable elements. Piezoelectric elements are expandable by application of an electrical voltage; magnetostrictive elements are expandable by application of a magnetic field (which may be generated by a solenoid in response to an electrical current); and heat-expandable elements are expandable by heat energy (e.g., infrared energy or microwave energy). Expandable elements are abutted to an operator member such that when the expandable element expands, the operator member is moved in a first direction, and when the expandable element contracts, the operator member moves in an opposite direction.

Abstract: An injection fluid tubing assembly for handling a flow of fluid [is taught. The assembly] includes tube having a port formed through its wall, a sliding sleeve valve retained within the tube and moveable between a closed position in which it blocks the port and an open position for permitting the flow of fluid to pass through the port and a channel for diverting the flow through the port to prevent the flow from passing directly radially outwardly through the wall of the tube.

Abstract: Inflow regulation device for a production pipe for production of oil or gas from an oil- and/or gas reservoir (9), where the production pipe comprises a lower drainage pipe with drainage pipe sections (5) with one or more drainage pipe elements (2; 2a, 2b) having opening(s) (3; 3a, 3b) for inflow of oil and/or gas to an inner space (8) of the drainage pipe section. The inflow may be regulated by a movable sleeve (1) that abuts one adjacent side surface of the drainage pipe section (2; 2a, 2b) and where the sleeve is provided with a portion(s) (6) being able to cover/uncover the opening(s) in the drainage pipe element. The sleeve further comprises helical spurs/recesses (14, 15) that in conjunction with one adjacent abutting surface (18, 21) of the drainage pipe element (2; 2a, 2b) forms channels (16, 17) that may connect the reservoir (9) with the inner space (8) of the drainage pipe. The helical spurs/recesses (14, 15) may be constituted by one or more pair(s) of left- and/or right-oriented spurs/recesses.

Abstract: A permanently installed, remotely monitored and controlled transient pressure test system is provided. This system utilizes shut-in/choke valves, pressure sensors and flow meters which are permanently associated with the completion string to perform transient pressure tests in single and multiple zone production and injection wells. The present invention permits full bore testing which thereby eliminates undesirable wellbore storage effects. The present invention further allows for pressure testing limited only to a selected zone (or zones) in a well without expensive well intervention and without halting production from, or injection into, other zones in the well. The permanently located pressure test system of this invention also allows for real-time, downhole nodal sensitivity and control. This pressure test system may be permanently deployed either in production wells or injection wells.

Abstract: A drainage pipe section for a horizontal subterranean well has a base pipe coaxially circumscribed by a tubular structure having a longitudinally intermediate portion defined by a sand screen assembly. An annular flow passage is formed between the base pipe and the tubular structure and communicates with the interior of the base pipe via base pipe sidewall openings positioned inwardly adjacent opposite end portions of the tubular structure. Annular adjustable flow control members having variable length labyrinth passages recessed into their outer sides are coaxially interposed in the annular flow passage between the opposite ends of the sand screen assembly and the base pipe sidewall openings. The flow control members are sealed within the annular flow passage by means of a rubber coating adhered to their outer side surfaces, and an adhesive type sealant material injected into annular spaces between the flow control members and facing portions of the base pipe.

Abstract: A well control valve assembly prevents flow from or to completion segments further downhole from the well control valve assembly once the stimulation stimulation/shifter string has been removed from the production tubing string. The well control valve assembly features a shaped flapper plate which, when opened, conforms closely to the shape and size of the production tubing string's interior diameter. The flapper plate is biased toward a closed position by a compression spring arrangement that includes an arm which levers the plate upward toward a seating surface. The valve assembly's closure is mechanically induced and is not responsive to a sensed well condition.

Abstract: An apparatus for the protection of instrumentation placed within a drill string in a well, as during drilling comprising support structure, including a carrier sized for reception in the string, and; elastomeric structure carried by the support structure and including multiple elastomeric pads spaced about a longitudinal axis defined in the well, the pads extending generally longitudinally, and protruding in directions radially of the axis to absorb radial loading and torsional loading exerted in direction about the axis, and to deflect in said directions of radial and torsional loading.

Abstract: There are disclosed methods and apparatus for perforating and treating zones of a well, as by hydraulic fracturing, stimulating and acidizing, and otherwise performing related activities within a well, wherein a plurality of perforating assemblies containing shaped charges are connected as part of a casing liner which is lowered into a well bore and then anchored therein by a column of cement in the annulus between the liner and bore to locate the assemblies opposite zones in a horizontal section of the well. Work strings are lowered into selected assemblies to cause tools carried thereby to sequentially detonate the shaped charges to perforate the zone opposite thereto and to selectively open or close the perforated zones by shifting a sleeve within a housing of the assembly as well as treating the perforated zones.

Abstract: A production pipe for production of oil or gas from a well in an oil and/or gas reservoir, or for injection of fluids into a well in an oil and/or gas reservoir, includes a production pipe with a lower drainage pipe. The drainage pipe is divided into sections with one or more inflow restriction devices which control the flow of oil or gas from the reservoir into the drainage pipe on the basis of calculated loss of friction pressure along the drainage pipe, the calculated productivity profile of the reservoir, and the calculated inflow of gas or water.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved apparatus and method for measuring downhole flowing and shut-in pressures to determine the condition of the reservoir and the potential of the well as a stimulation candidate. The tool string of the present invention is a novel combination of existing equipment that allows an electronic pressure gauge and shut-in tool to be run into the hole with coiled tubing. The present invention, in most cases, solves the potential problem of having to shut in or kill a flowing well prior to and after performing pressure testing, preventing lost production or potential well damage due to the killing operation. In addition, the present invention provides accuracy over current coiled tubing systems by reducing the effects of wellbore storage on pressure build-up testing.

Abstract: A gravel pack screen assembly includes a bit or sub having a flow passage which may accept a wash pipe. The wash pipe may be inserted past a flapper-type closure member which moves to a closed position upon withdrawal of the wash pipe after completion of the installation of the gravel pack assembly. The closure member can be formed of a porous material to permit the flow of liquid through the bit or sub flow passage into the interior of the gravel pack screen but to prevent flow of gravel packing or produced sand into the interior of the screen. The closure member may serve as a backup to a conventional one-way valve and permit additional gravel pack material to be placed in the flow passage upon completion of the gravel pack installation and in the event of early or late failure of the one-way valve.

Abstract: A hydraulic safety pin is interconnected between a device, such as a pressure controlled firing head associated with a perforating gun, and a small diameter tubing in a wellbore. When, the small diameter tubing is filled with fluid under pressure, the hydraulic safety pin allows the fluid to fill the small diameter tubing but prevents the pressure of the fluid in the small diameter tubing from accidentally detonating the firing head when the pin is disposed in a first position; however, when the tubing is already filled with fluid under pressure, the hydraulic safety pin allows the pressure of the fluid in the small diameter tubing to detonate the firing head when the pin is disposed in a second position. The hydraulic safety pin may be installed in a special coupling, and multiple special couplings may be used in a tool string disposed in a wellbore.

Abstract: A down-hole decelerator for decelerating a device dropped down a borehole in a drilling mud column has an elongate casing immersible in the mud flow with its longitudinal axis along the axis of the borehole. A plunger is slidable axially within the casing to vary the volume of two chambers within the casing and terminates outside the casing in a nose for impacting on a landing plate within the borehole when the decelerator reaches the end of its travel on being dropped down the borehole.

Abstract: An adhesive composition comprising(A) An epoxide resin component,(B) A hardener component, and incorporated in either or both/or (A) and (B) a thermoplastic polymer, mixtures thereof and application of said mixtures to substrate surfaces to adhere said surfaces together are described.