Abstract: The present invention provides a hydraulically actuated valve adapted for use in downhole well applications that enables control of several hydraulic devices from a single control line. In one embodiment, the valve has a valve body defining an inlet and first and second outlets. A spring-biased piston is located within the valve body. A pressure responsive indexer engages the piston to move the piston between a first and second position. In its first position, the piston prevents fluid flow from the inlet to the first outlet. In its second position, the piston prevents fluid flow from the inlet to the second outlet.

Abstract: In a broad aspect, the invention may include a subsurface safety valve for controlling a fluid flow through a well conduit. The valve may include a housing that has a bore and is disposed within an annulus defined by the space between the well conduit and the housing. The valve may also have a valve closure member that is movable between an open position and a closed position, and adapted to restrict the fluid flow through the bore when in the closed position. The valve may also include a flow tube that is moveably disposed within the housing and adapted to shift the valve closure member between its open and closed positions. The valve may also include a piston that is moveably disposed within a cylinder in the housing and in mechanical communication with the flow tube. The piston may have a first seal disposed adjacent an upper end of the piston, a second seal disposed adjacent a lower end of the piston, and a third seal disposed between the first and second seals.

Abstract: A seal is provided to prevent contamination by sand or grit in the clearance between a flow tube and the inner housing wall in a safety valve. An enlarged space is provided adjacent the seal to allow accumulation of sand or grit in the annular clearance space without causing seizure of the flow tube. The insert safety valve is assembled without a spacer with a seal mounted to the lower end of the insert valve to engage the bottom sub on the SSV. As a result, particularly for larger sizes of insert safety valves, the assembly is lighter and shorter, which facilitates use of readily available standard lubricator and wireline equipment.

Abstract: A technique for controlling fluid production in a deviated wellbore is disclosed. The technique utilizes a flow pipe the interior of which is in hydraulic communication with the earth's surface. A plurality of flow control valves are disposed at spaced apart positions along the length of the flow pipe. The flow control valves are used to regulate flow along intervals of the flow pipe.

Abstract: A flow control device comprises an outer sleeve having at least one aperture through its wall, and an inner sleeve having at least one aperture through its wall. Relative sliding movement of the sleeves is provided between “open” positions allowing for variable flow of fluid through the apertures of the sleeves and “closed” positions. A pressure-reducing region is arranged to reduce the pressure of fluid flowing through at least one aperture of one of the sleeves.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a multilateral production system. The production system has one or more flow control valves for controlling flow from the one or more lateral bores, and has a main flow control valve for controlling flow from the main bore. All flow control valves are in communication with the main wellbore.

Abstract: A well completion system includes a branching sub disposed within a wellbore. The branching sub includes a branching chamber and a plurality of branching outlet members. The branching outlet members have a retracted state in which an effective diameter of the branching outlet members is less than or equal to a diameter of the branching chamber. The branching outlet members have an expanded state in which the outlet members extend beyond the diameter of the branching chamber. The system further includes a manifold located above the branching outlet members, the manifold in fluid communication with the branching outlet members.

Abstract: The by-pass valve has a selective control already available to control the movement of a piston which is part of the main stream by-pass valve which diverts fluid from the pipe string bore to ports in the outer wall for projection of the fluid stream into a well.

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: 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: An apparatus and operating method allows the completion of multiple production zones in a single wellbore with a single downhole trip. The work string descends with a coaxially combined completion string and service string. The completion string is set into a previously set basement packer. The completion string includes a series of production screens, transverse flow orifices, isolation packers and collet indicating couplings, all prepositioned along the completion string length relative to the basement packer set location. The production sleeves and transverse flow orifices are selectively closed by axially sliding sleeves. The service string includes a crossover flow tool, a SMART collet tool, sleeve shifting tools and sleeve closing tools. With all orifice and screen closure sleeves closed, the procedure proceeds from the lowermost production zone to open the closure sleeves respective to the flow orifice and screens dedicated to a respective production zone.

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: 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: An apparatus (30) and method for regulating fluid flow through a downhole tubing string (28) is disclosed. The apparatus (30) comprises a generally tubular outer housing (32) having a housing port (38) formed through a sidewall portion thereof. First and second seats (78, 68) are disposed within the housing (32), each having sealing surface (82, 76) that are sealingly engageable to one another to substantially prevent fluid flow therebetween. A sleeve (44) is slidably disposed within the first and second seats (68, 78). The sleeve (44) has a flow passage extending generally axially therethrough and is variably positionable relative to the first seat (78) to regulate fluid flow through a sleeve port (46). The sleeve (44) has first and second positions relative to the second seat (68). In the first position, a seal (66) is disposed between the sleeve (44) and the first seat (78), thereby preventing fluid flow through the sleeve port (46).

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: The present invention relates to a pressure actuated valve for use in well completion assemblies. The valve is operable by pressure between three configurations. In a first configuration, the valve is in a locked-closed configuration. In a second configuration, the valve remains closed but is unlocked. In a third configuration, the valve is open. Also disclosed is a method of installing and operating a three pressure actuated valve in a well completion operation.

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: An apparatus for use in a wellbore having a tubing includes a flow control assembly having at least one orifice and a bore capable of communicating with a bore of the tubing. The flow control assembly includes at least one valve adapted to control fluid flow through the at least one orifice to the bore. The at least one valve is adapted to be actuated between an open position, a closed position, and at least an intermediate position. A sand control assembly is coupled to the flow control assembly and includes a sand screen and a flow path defined inside the sand screen in fluid communication with the at least one orifice.

Abstract: A water well recharge throttle valve (1) is configured as a hydraulic actuated flow control device (5) that permits calibrated throttling of water used in Artificial Storage and Recovery (ASR), Salt Water Barrier, Dedicated Recharge and Injection Wells to prevent the free cascading of water and thereby eliminating the entrainment of air which may cause air fouling, bio-fouling, calcite formation with a resultant reduction in permeability of the aquifer.

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: An in-line flow control device for a well chokes flow through a conduit while allowing access therethrough.

Abstract: A completion string for use in a wellbore includes a tubing having a bore and a housing providing a main bore communicating with the tubing bore and further defining plural side bores generally parallel to each other. A plurality of valves are positioned proximal respective side bores to control fluid flow. An actuator is coupled to the valves to actuate the valves to at least open and closed positions. The valves may be part of tubular flow elements mounted to the housing, each tubular flow element including a bore that forms part of a respective side bore. Each valve may include a sleeve valve or a disk valve. The housing may include a side pocket mandrel.

Abstract: A device for regulating fluid flow in a well is provided. The device may include: a body member having a central bore extending therethrough, at least one flow port, and a first valve seat; a sleeve member movably disposed within the central bore of the body member, and having a second valve seat adapted for cooperable sealing engagement with the first valve seat; means for selectively controlling movement of the sleeve member to regulate fluid flow through the at least one flow port; and conduit means -or transmitting energy to the movement means. The conduit means may include a first and a second hydraulic control line, a single hydraulic control line, or a single electrical conductor. The movement means may include: a piston connected to the sleeve member and movable in response to a combination of hydraulic fluid, pressurized gas, spring force, and/or annulus pressure; or an electric motor connected to the sleeve member.

Abstract: A formation isolation valve assembly for use in a well includes first and second fluid paths that are coupled to at least first and second completion zones. A first valve controls fluid flow from the first zone to the first fluid path, and a second valve controls fluid flow from a second zone to the second fluid path. The valves may include ball valves and sleeve valves.

Abstract: In a broad aspect, the invention may include a nipple, a deflector, and a conveying tool. The nipple may include an upper sealing surface and a lower sealing surface. The nipple may also include a discriminator/muleshoe having an alignment profile and an alignment slot. A protuberance/bump may be disposed in the alignment slot. The deflector may include an upper seal and a lower seal adapted for engagement with the upper and lower sealing surfaces, respectively, on the nipple. When the upper and lower seals are engaged with the upper and lower sealing surfaces, fluid circulation is substantially restricted thereby resulting in a increase in pressure that is detectable at the earth's surface. This pressure increase provides a signal that the deflector is properly positioned in the nipple. The conveying tool may include a flexible arm having a latching finger that is releasably engageable with a latching profile in the deflector. The latching profile may be on an inclined, concave surface of a whipstock.

Abstract: A circulation control valve includes a top sub having a bore, a body connected to the top sub and having a first fluid passageway and a second fluid passageway parallel to the first fluid passageway, the bore communicating with both the first fluid passageway and second fluid passageway, a one-way valve in the second fluid passageway, and a first activatable block for the first fluid passageway. Upon upon activation of the block, fluid in the first fluid passageway is blocked and only flows through the second fluid passageway.

Abstract: A device for regulating fluid flow in a well is provided. The device may include: a body member having a central bore extending therethrough, at least one flow port, and a first valve seat; a sleeve member movably disposed within the central bore of the body member, and having a second valve seat adapted for cooperable sealing engagement with the first valve seat; means for selectively controlling movement of the sleeve member to regulate fluid flow through the at least one flow port; and conduit means for transmitting energy to the movement means. The conduit means may include a first and a second hydraulic control line, a single hydraulic control line, or a single electrical conductor. The movement means may include: a piston connected to the sleeve member and movable in response to a combination of hydraulic fluid, pressurized gas, spring force, and/or annulus pressure; or an electric motor connected to the sleeve member.

Abstract: A choke system or valve assembly includes a valve having an orifice through which fluid flow can be choked or controlled. An actuator is adapted to position the valve at one or more incremental positions between an open position and a closed position. The valve, orifice, and actuator may be adapted to provide a substantially consistent (or otherwise predetermined) change in pressure drop and flow rate between different valve positions. This is accomplished by varying the flow area of the valve orifice non-linearly as the valve is shifted or stepped through the several valve positions. Another feature is the ability of the actuator in conjunction with an indexing mechanism to provide substantially precise control of the valve orifice through the several valve positions.

Abstract: A flow and pressure control valve for injecting a fluid into a well, or for pumping the fluid out of the well, includes an outer housing, a mandrel within the outer housing, and a pressure element attached to the mandrel. The pressure element can be pressurized to move radially inward to constrict a longitudinally extending flow passage in the valve between the mandrel and the outer housing. In addition, the mandrel includes annular orifices, and channel segments along the outside diameter thereof, which form tortuous and circumferential flow paths through the valve. The annular orifices and channel segments are constructed to provide a desired frictional head loss, and to control the pressure and flow rate of the injected fluid to prevent cavitation and cascading. Pressurization of the pressure element can also be controlled to vary the tortuous flow path through the flow passage, or to seal the flow passage.

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: An apparatus for remotely controlling fluids in a well is provided. The flow control apparatus may include a body member having a flow port in an outer wall of the body member, and a flow aperture spaced inwardly from the outer wall. A remotely shiftable valve member may be disposed for reciprocal movement within the body member to regulate fluid flow through the flow aperture and flow port. An indexing sleeve may be rotatably disposed within the body member and engaged with the shiftable valve member to shift the valve member within the body member. An operating piston may be engaged with the indexing sleeve and movably disposed within the body member in response to pressurized fluid. A locking mechanism may also be included for locking the shiftable valve member in a closed, or sealing, position. Electrically-operated mechanisms for shifting the valve member is also provided.

Abstract: A downhole tool (100) for selectively providing fluid communication between the interior and the exterior of the tool (100). The tool (100) comprises a housing (102), a safety mandrel (130) slidably received within the housing (102) and an operating mandrel (114) slidably received within the housing (102). The safety mandrel (130) operates between a first position and a second position relative to the housing (102) in response to pressure being applied to the exterior of the housing (102). The operating mandrel (114) operates from a noncirculating position to a circulating position in response to pressure being applied to the interior of the housing (102) once the safety mandrel (130) has operated to its second position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the fluid flow in a wellbore provides a side pocket mandrel having a main bore, an offset bore, and a radial passageway providing communication therebetween. Inlet orifices through the outer wall of the mandrel provide fluid communication between the offset bore and an exterior of the mandrel. A choke, or valve, attached to the mandrel is adjustable at and between an opened and closed position to control the flow rate through the inlet orifices and into the offset bore. The radial passageway and the inlet orifices are sized to provide full bore flow into the main bore and, thus, the tubing. Well tools may be positioned in the offset bore to perform various functions. Examples of such well tools include a seal bore protector adapted to protect the walls of the offset bore; an injection valve adapted to allow flow out of the mandrel only to facilitate injection into the formation; and a pack off valve adapted to seal the offset bore and prevent fluid flow therethrough.

Abstract: The valve, has an orifice and cooperating poppet with the poppet situated to approach the orifice to an extent determined by a controlling crosshead that reciprocates axially in response to manipulation of the mud flow moving through the valve. The amount of restriction provided by the valve is varied by selected manipulation of the drilling fluid flow controls at the surface. Pressure provided to controlled machinery is regulated by a valve by-pass channel. Changes in the standpipe pressure indicates the state of the valve action achieved down hole.

Abstract: The invention relates to valves usable downhole and controlled from the surface hydraulically via control lines or by other techniques. The valve has a minimum flow passage which is preferably oriented along its longitudinal axis and a lateral flow passage which opens upon movement of a valve member via applied control pressure from the surface. Alternatively, the valve comprises a tapered needle movable in a throat. When the valve member shifts, additional flow area is exposed to control the backpressure of a fluid by way of hydraulic pressure control from the surface via the control line. The hydraulic control can be with a single control line acting on a piston attached to the valve member with a return spring opposing such movement, or alternatively, can be carried out with a pair of control lines to actuate reverse movements of the valve member.

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 circulating valve and associated methods of servicing a well provide reliable operation, economical manufacture, and convenient maintenance in the circulating valve which is responsive to flow of fluid therethrough, and increased versatility in well servicing operations utilizing the valve. In a preferred embodiment, a circulating valve includes an upper case having a reverse circulating port formed radially therethrough, a circulating case having a circulating port formed radially therethrough, a lower adapter, a mandrel having a flow port formed radially therethrough, a biasing member, a ratchet, an inner sleeve, and a one-way flow restrictor carried on the mandrel. In an open configuration, fluid communication is permitted between the flow and circulating ports, and between the reverse circulating port and the flow restrictor. In a closed configuration, fluid communication is not permitted radially through the valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to bypass valves for use in wellbores, particularly but not exclusively to bypass valves used during the setting of hydraulic anchor packers. The invention provides a bypass valve for selectively isolating the interior of a down-hole assembly from the exterior thereof, the bypass valve comprising guide pin in received slot being adapted to permit movement of a piston (30) from a first position to a second position in response to a predetermined pressure differential between a bore (58) of the piston (30) and the exterior of a body (4) but normally preventing movement of the piston (30) to a third position in which the bore (58) of the piston (30) is substantially isolated from the exterior of the body (4), and an extension of the guide slot for overriding the guide pins in the slot, so as to permit movement of the piston (30) to the third position.

Abstract: A water well recharge throttle valve is configured as a hydraulically actuated flow control device that permits calibrated throttling of water used in Artificial Storage and Recovery (ASR), Salt Water Barrier, Dedicated Recharge and Injection Wells to prevent the free cascading of water and thereby eliminate the entrainment of air which may cause air fouling, bio-fouling, and calcite formation with a resultant reduction in permeability of the aquifer. The valve includes a fixed tubular member which is selectively mounted in one of three ways: (1) to the lower end of the pump column, below the pump with a check valve/strainer mounted below the unit and including a co-generation/recharge feature; (2) to the lower end of the pump column, and above the check valve and submersible pump; and (3) to the lower end of a drop pipe, with a blind flange connected to the bottom end of the valve, a dedicated recharge well application.

Abstract: A cleaning device for a well bore which is adapted to be connected to a drill string for insertion into the well bore and through which cleaning fluid is pumped, comprises an elongated outer sleeve having an axially extending through bore therein and at least one port in the side wall of the outer sleeve, each of which ports is axially spaced along the outer sleeve. An elongated inner sleeve having, an axially extending through bore therein is coaxial with and axially slidable within the outer sleeve. An annular seating collar is located within the through bore in the inner sleeve and at least one port is provided in the side of the inner sleeve. The ports are axially spaced along the inner sleeve. Pressure sensitive stops means serve to retain the inner sleeve in place within the outer sleeve at each of a plurality of predetermined axially spaced positions in turn.

Abstract: A downhole wash tool for carrying out cleaning operations in a borehole. The tool has a housing on which a plurality of flow-blocking, diverters (e.g. steel) are mounted. The diverters move between a retracted position and an extended position wherein the diverters effectively block flow around the tool. A retainer normally maintains the diverters in their retracted position when in a first position and releases the diverters when in a second position. A spring normally biases the retainer towards its first position. The retainer is hydraulically-actuated through the housing to move it towards its second position. When the cleaning operation is completed, pressure in the workstring is relaxed whereupon the spring moves the retainer back to its first position to retract the diverters.

Abstract: A flow control apparatus and associated methods of using provide enhanced longevity and reliability without requiring complex mechanisms. In a described embodiment, a choke for use within a subterranean well has multiple trim sets which may be selected by manipulation of an inner tubular cage. Additional features include provision of releasable latches to maintain the cage in a desired position, and utilization of biasing members to bias the cage toward a neutral position in which all of the trim sets are closed.

Abstract: A variable bore ram packer designed for use in a standard ram-type blowout preventer used in oil and gas drilling operations is disclosed. The variable bore ram packer includes top and bottom second plates having a central semi-circular opening which is sized to fit closely about the largest diameter pipe the variable bore ram packer will seal against. Anti-extrusion plates having a smaller central arcuate opening sized to fit closely the smallest diameter pipe the variable bore ram packer will seal are attached to the underside of the top plate by guide screws. The guide screws extend through slots in the top plates which control the motion of the guide screws and hence the anti-extrusion plates as the anti-extrusion plates move and seat against different diameter tubular members.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively producing fluids from multiple lateral wellbores that extend from a central wellbore. The apparatus comprises a fluid flow assembly with a selectively openable and adjustable flow control valve in communication with a production tubing, located in the central wellbore between packers, and a lateral wellbore, and a selectively openable access door located adjacent the lateral wellbore allowing and preventing service tool entry into the lateral wellbore. The valve and door are individually controlled from the earth's surface.

Abstract: A retainer valve provides increased safety in wellsite operations. In a preferred embodiment, operation of the retainer valve may be responsive to control line pressure or to tubing pressure. The retainer valve response is controlled by several factors, among which are relative tubing and balance line pressures, and axial positions of a number of pistons relative to a tubular J-slot member. If the control and balance lines are disconnected, or otherwise unavailable for operation of the valve, it may still be operated by manipulation of the tubing pressure at the earth's surface. Thus, the valve may be opened in emergency situations in which the control and balance lines are unavailable, but operation of the valve is still needed in order to safely relieve trapped pressure in the tubing string and/or to kill the well, unlatch a subsea test tree, etc. The retainer valve is also useful as a lubricator valve.

Abstract: A retainer valve provides increased safety in wellsite operations. In a preferred embodiment, operation of the retainer valve may be responsive to control line pressure or to tubing pressure. The retainer valve response is controlled by several factors, among which are relative tubing and balance line pressures, and axial positions of a number of pistons relative to a tubular J-slot member. If the control and balance lines are disconnected, or otherwise unavailable for operation of the valve, it may still be operated by manipulation of the tubing pressure at the earth's surface. Thus, the valve may be opened in emergency situations in which the control and balance lines are unavailable, but operation of the valve is still needed in order to safely relieve trapped pressure in the tubing string and/or to kill the well, unlatch a subsea test tree, etc. The retainer valve is also useful as a lubricator valve.

Abstract: A retainer valve provides increased safety in wellsite operations. In a preferred embodiment, operation of the retainer valve may be responsive to control line pressure or to tubing pressure. The retainer valve response is controlled by several factors, among which are relative tubing and balance line pressures, and axial positions of a number of pistons relative to a tubular J-slot member. If the control and balance lines are disconnected, or otherwise unavailable for operation of the valve, it may still be operated by manipulation of the tubing pressure at the earth's surface. Thus, the valve may be opened in emergency situations in which the control and balance lines are unavailable, but operation of the valve is still needed in order to safely relieve trapped pressure in the tubing string and/or to kill the well, unlatch a subsea test tree, etc. The retainer valve is also useful as a lubricator valve.

Abstract: A retainer valve provides increased safety in wellsite operations. In a preferred embodiment, operation of the retainer valve may be responsive to control line pressure or to tubing pressure. The retainer valve response is controlled by several factors, among which are relative tubing and balance line pressures, and axial positions of a number of pistons relative to a tubular J-slot member. If the control and balance lines are disconnected, or otherwise unavailable for operation of the valve, it may still be operated by manipulation of the tubing pressure at the earth's surface. Thus, the valve may be opened in emergency situations in which the control and balance lines are unavailable, but operation of the valve is still needed in order to safely relieve trapped pressure in the tubing string and/or to kill the well, unlatch a subsea test tree, etc. The retainer valve is also useful as a lubricator valve.

Abstract: A spoolable, flexible sidepocket mandrel positioned in a coiled tubing having an orienting sleeve, a sidepocket, and a deflector guide in which the pocket includes a plurality of separate pocket parts and the guide includes a plurality of separate guide parts, all secured to the inside of a housing for allowing the mandrel to be longitudinally flexible and spoolable. A retrievable longitudinally flexible, spoolable gas lift valve is adapted to be inserted into and retrieved from the sidepocket. The gas lift valve may be of various types including an adjustable flow gas lift valve.