Abstract: The VoSmart (a Variable Orifice/ Selective Monitored Artificial Recharge Throttle) Valve is a disclosed and the preferred embodiment of a hydraulically actuated flow control device that permits the 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 the resultant reduction in permeability of the aquifer. Wherein the VoSmart 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, 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 the drop pipe, with a blind flange connected to the bottom end of the valve, a dedicated recharge well application.

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 gas flow control device for injecting gas into a production string for recovering pressure and reducing frictional losses, so that critical flow can be reached at lower pressure drops and higher production pressure, includes a nozzle having first and second ends, and a flow path therebetween, and a Venturi having first and second ends, and a flow path therebetween. The first end of the Venturi portion is disposed adjacent to the second end of the nozzle. The Venturi flow path coaxially aligned with the nozzle flow path to provide a continuous flow path through the valve. A method to increase the production rate, improve the lift efficiency, and eliminate or suppress instability in continuous-flow gas lift wells by use of a flow control device that has a gas flow rate performance that is independent of the tubing pressure even when the tubing pressure is as high as 80% to 93% of the casing pressure.

Abstract: A device is provided for controlling fluid flow in oil well casings or drill pipes. The device defines a flowpath for fluid through a casing section or drill pipe with the flowpath including a throttling valve which restricts or prevents the flow of fluid therethrough. This can be used to prevent U-tubing in casings or can be used to locate leaks in drill pipes or can be used to monitor the position of successive fluids of differing viscosities in a casing string.

Abstract: A well tool apparatus (40) comprising a tubular housing (56) and operating mandrel (58) each having autofill ports (74, 76) and bypass ports (128, 130) therein. The well tool apparatus (40) also comprising a normally closed ball valve (96) rotatably disposed within the operating mandrel (58) preventing communication between the upper section (104) and the lower section (106) of the operating mandrel (58) such that internal pressure above the ball valve (96) greater than internal pressure below the ball valve (96) downwardly urges the operating mandrel (58) allowing pressure testing of the pipe string (32) above the ball valve (96) and such that internal pressure below the ball valve (96) greater than internal pressure above ball valve (96) upwardly urges the operating mandrel (58).

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.

Abstract: A device is provided for controlling fluid flow in oil well casings or drill pipes. The device defines a flowpath for fluid through a casing section or drill pipe with the flowpath including a throttling valve which restricts or prevents the flow of fluid therethrough. This can be used to prevent U-tubing in casings or can be used to locate leaks in drill pipes or can be used to monitor the position of successive fluids of differing viscosities in a casing string.

Abstract: The bore selector includes a housing with an upper end having at least a first bore and a lower end with at least second and third bores. The housing includes a central bore extending between the upper and lower ends. A tube has its upper end connected to the first bore and its lower end adjacent the second and third bores. A yoke having an aperture therethrough for passing the tube, is reciprocably mounted within the bore of the housing. The yoke includes cam slots receiving guide lugs projecting from the sides of the tube. A hydraulic actuating means is also mounted in the lower end of the housing for reciprocating the yoke whereby as the yoke is reciprocated within the housing, the guide lugs move within the cam slots to shift the lower end of the tube between the second and third bores. A cage is mounted within the lower end of the housing to ensure alignment and sealing engagement between the lower end of the tube and the face of the housing around the second and third bores.

Abstract: An automatic choke has two piston-cylinder assemblies mounted within a housing having an inlet and an outlet. The piston-cylinder assemblies are connected in a closed hydraulic loop configuration. One piston-cylinder assembly is responsive to pressures at the inlet and the other piston-cylinder assembly controls valve at the outlet.

Abstract: A sliding sleeve valve useful in a flow conduit to control and vary area of openings open for flow through the valve. The valve has a sleeve having a through flow passage and the sleeve is moveable between open, intermediate and closed positions. When the sleeve is in open position, the area open for flow through the valve is equal to area through the sleeve flow passage. As the sleeve is moved from open position to intermediate positions toward closed position, the area open for flow at each position is reduced to no area open for flow at closed position and conversely. Also disclosed is a pressure operated shifting tool which when lowered into the sleeve valve selectively locates in the valve, engages the sleeve, moves the sleeve upwardly or downwardly between positions and automatically disengages from the sleeve for retrieval. The invertible shifting module in the shifting tool is provided with a positioning sleeve which determines the distance the sleeve is moved when the shifting tool is operated.

Abstract: Disclosed is a new and novel poppet type safety valve useful in flow conduits in fluid storage well systems. The safety valve is programmable to automatically close at various predetermined ratios of production mass flow rate-ambient pressure to prevent undesirable high flow rates or uncontrolled out-flow of fluid stored in a reservoir if the flow conduit or wellhead is damaged. This safety valve is lowered into and locked and sealed in a landing nipple in the well conduit. The safety valve has a variable bias which biases the valve member toward open position and a variable flow restrictor which is automatically actuated by a sensing actuator continually sensing reservoir pressure to vary the restricted annular flow area between the valve housing and inside of the well conduit for closure at the desired flow rate. The valve element has a through flow passage with locking recesses in the flow passage into which the sensing actuator may be releasably locked.

Abstract: To divert sufficient fluid flow through an unsealed bearing section of a downhole drilling motor, a flow control apparatus is provided for insertion between the power section of the motor and the bottom of a drill bit which is to be turned by the motor. The flow control apparatus includes a variable flow channel having a selectable effective cross-sectional area preferably embodied by a valve. A selected effective cross-sectional area is chosen by a control mechanism, such as a snap ring or a spring used to control the position of a valve member of the valve in response to different flow rates of fluid pumped through the valve depending upon whether the drill bit is on-bottom or off-bottom. In one embodiment the apparatus is incorporated within the interior of a drill bit which has angled flow channels to direct flushing fluid flow to side wall locations where reaming occurs. Flow through these outlets is controlled by positioning of the valve member.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing pressure pulses in an oil well fluid medium is established which includes a main valve member moveable relative to a supporting member by a pressure gradient between two flow channels. The main valve body is longitudinally moveable relative to the supporting body, and a gap is provided between the two bodies. The gap is opened for fluid flow which prevents the development of dead water zones and the buildup of sedimentary deposits to prevent restriction of movement between the two bodies. The gap includes one or more throttle zones to assist in maintaining the necessary gradient between the two flow channels.

Abstract: A well safety system with two surface controlled subsurface safety valves. The invention allows various alternatives for controlling injection into and production from a gas storage well. For maximum production, gas can flow from the underground storage reservoir to the well surface via a tubing string and the annulus between the tubing and well casing. The invention provides at least two alternative flow paths for injecting kill fluids into the well bore.

Abstract: An oil or gas well flapper-type safety valve is joined in the tubing string and has a cylindrical valve body with a valve seat therein. A flapper valve is hingedly supported from the valve body for movement between a closed position wherein the valve is seated against the seat and an open position wherein the valve is pivoted from the seated position. A control link is attached to the flapper valve at a point removed from the hinge. Control structure is provided for applying a force to the valve through the control link to selectively pivot the valve between its closed and open position. The control structure includes an hydraulically operated piston moveable in a valve control cylinder. The piston is attached to one end of the control link and is biased by a compression spring toward the valve to seat the valve.

Abstract: A downhole flow controller for use in recharge, injection and aquifer storage recovery (ASR) wells to prevent the free cascading of water and thereby eliminate the entrainment of air which may cause plugging of an aquifer wherein the controller includes a fixed tubular member which is selectively mounted to the lower end of a pump column of a well and in which an inner upwardly biased flow regulating tubular member is axially movable so as to automatically adjust the flow through vertically alignable openings through each of the fixed and movable tubular members dependent upon the direction of fluid flow, pressures and operating conditions within the well pump column and aquifer. In some embodiments, an adjustable flow regulating sleeve may be provided exteriorly of the fixed tubular member in order to vary the flow of fluid through the openings therein.

Abstract: A control system for use on fluid conducting pipe strings in earth boreholes to permit cycling of fluid flow between preselected flow rates to change conditions downhole as a result of surface exercise of fluid flow controls. A resulting change of state downhole is indicated by a change in fluid flow related pressure detectable at the surface.

Abstract: A marine riser safety valve is disclosed which, when placed in series with a deep water marine riser string, prevents collapse of riser pipe when inadvertent gas influx replaces the drilling fluid column. A cylindrical body is provided having a depression formed therein with at least one diaphragm port from the central bore of the body through the wall of the depression. A valve port is provided axially from the depression. A cylindrical member including a cylindrical diaphragm and a valve sleeve are joined end-to-end. The cylindrical member is disposed about the exterior of the body with the elastomeric diaphragm covering the depression and the valve sleeve covering the valve port. When a differential pressure develops across the wall of the diaphragm of a predetermined threshold, the diaphragm constricts into the body depression and moves the valve sleeve axially, opening the valve port to permit sea water influx.

Abstract: Safety equipment for land or marine well completions is disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention a gate valve is provided in which the gate has a removable insert so that in one position of the valve, the insert can be removed (or inserted) via an upper vertical passage of the valve to provide full-bore access via an attached blowout preventer stack to the well head below.In another embodiment of the invention a gate valve is provided having at least two vertical passages through the gate. The first is large enough to provide full-bore access via an upper passage in the housing of the valve. The second is of a smaller diameter to provide vertical communication with tubing disposed in a lower vertical passage and in an upper vertical passage.Either of the above embodiments may be used in a lateral production tree where the gate is provided with an "L" or "T" shaped passage in another lateral portion of the gate and lateral outlets are provided in the valve housing.

Abstract: A steam generator including a combustion chamber having fuel and air inlets at the upstream end and a water inlet at the downstream end to inject water into the flue gas, a vaporizer in communication with the downstream end of the combustor and a pressure control to vary the size of the discharge opening of the vaporizer and thus control the pressure within the combustor and vaporizer, including; a slideably movable plug attached to and operable by a fluid operated piston.

Abstract: A drilling choke for controlling flow of drilling fluids from a well comprising: a body having an inlet and outlet and an intermediate cavity therebetween; a seat member coaxially disposed in the body outlet; an operator assembly removably attached to the body; and a stem assembly connected to the operator assembly for axial movement thereof. A portion of the stem assembly is removable, upon removal of the operator assembly from the body, without otherwise disturbing the operator assembly.

Abstract: Mud choke apparatus is disclosed, and the preferred embodiment has the form of a hollow, tubular body receiving a mud flow introduced from a lateral port, the flow being directed through an axial passage and past a valve seat. The valve seat is a replaceable, hardened metal liner and is formed with a gradual taper so that the mud flows from the large end through the tapered, smaller end. Thereafter, it flows out of the body through an axial opening. The flow of mud is throttled by a tapered, hardened plug serving as a valve element which is received into the valve seat. A hydraulic cylinder and piston with a connecting rod move the plug. The plug has a surrounding, perpendicular shoulder which seals and seats against a shoulder on the insert to fully close the throttling valve apparatus. Flow is choked by inserting the tapered plug with controlled clearance into the tapered valve seat.

Abstract: This apparatus disclosed in its preferred form is a choke for controlling the flow of drilling mud which is highly abrasive. The abrasive drilling mud is introduced through a lateral port and an elongate, tubular body. In the tubular body, a fluid actuated, double acting piston is forced to a choke control position. The piston has appended to it a centralized, tubular extension which receives a sleeve of wear resistant material. The sleeve is positioned in a circular chamber communicated to the lateral port where the drilling mud is introduced. It travels toward a seat downstream of the body. The seat is formed of hardened material. The downstream outlet of the body is additionally lined with a wear resistant sleeve. An alternate embodiment is also disclosed. A hydraulic control system for operation of the choke is also disclosed.

Abstract: A test valve assembly is provided which is adapted to be lowered on a tubular string between upper and lower tubular sections into position within a blowout preventer stack at the upper end of a well bore of a subterranean oil or gas well. The apparatus has first and second fluid flow passageways within a housing. A valve member is disposed between the flow passageways and is shiftable to open position to communicate the flow passageways during selective incremental testing of the well and is manipulatable to closed position to isolate the flow passageways prior to and subsequent to selective incremental testing of the well. Means are provided which are responsive to mechanical manipulation of the tubular string for shifting of the valve member between closed and open positions. The apparatus and the tubular string may be selectively latched with respect to one another without manipulation of the valve member between closed and open positions.

Abstract: This apparatus disclosed in its preferred form is a choke for controlling the flow of drilling mud which is highly abrasive. The abrasive drilling mud is introduced through a lateral port and an elongate tubular body. In the tubular body, a fluid actuated, double acting piston is forced to a choke control position. The piston has appended to it a centralized tubular extension which receives a sleeve of wear resistant material. The sleeve is positioned in a circular chamber communicated to the lateral port where the drilling mud is introduced. It travels toward a seat downstream of the body. The seat is formed of hardened material. The downstream outlet of the body is additionally lined with a wear resistent sleeve.

Abstract: Disclosed is an axially movable valve for admitting fluid to a fluid starved region. The admitted fluid feeds a pressure generating pump. Fluid pressure generated by the pump provides a force to further open the valve and to move a tool actuator. The valve opens with minimal sliding friction resistance. During the opening sequence, the flow area of the valve gradually increases. This abstract is neither intended to define the scope of the invention, which, of course, is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to limit the invention in any way.

Abstract: A method of achieving gas induced production of liquid from wells wherein the wells have a production tubing string extending to a production formation wherein such wells may have insufficient gas production for achieving continuous production of liquids from such wells. The method includes establishing a liquid accumulation chamber being located downstream of a gas accumulation chamber and being in communication with the tubing string, while the gas accumulation chamber is in communication with the production formation. Liquid from the production formation is produced by maintaining a condition of predetermined low flow of gas and liquid produced from the production formation. The method includes accumulating a predetermined quantity of liquid within the liquid accumulation chamber during the predetermined low flow condition, while simultaneously accumulating a quantity of gas within the gas accumulation chamber.

Abstract: A full flow bypass valve comprising mutually telescoping inner mandrel and outer housing members with hydraulic impedance means therebetween to provide a predetermined time delay when the members are relatively telescoped in a first direction and to provide substantially unrestricted relative telescoping movement between the members in the opposite direction. A valve mechanism provides simultaneous closure of bypass ports through the wall of the housing member when the mandrel and housing members reach full telescopic contraction. Pressure responsive means are provided for maintaining the bypass valve in a closed position regardless of internal or external pressures applied thereto.

Abstract: An improved eccentrically weighted drill collar is provided which has a basically stronger structure and stress carrying ability than the eccentrically weighted collar heretofore in field use. The eccentric weighting is provided by a series of blind holes extending down one side of the drill collar. The stronger structure and stress carrying ability is afforded by arranging such holes so that they vary in size in a cyclical pattern along the length of the drill collar.

Abstract: A subsurface control which can be installed and retrieved from the interior of a borehole by a wireline. The apparatus is preferably located at the bottom of the borehole and controls the flow of well fluids by a pulse flow-type operation which shuts in the well prior to reaching the critical flow rate, and re-establishes flow after sufficient pressure buildup in the borehole and formation. The apparatus more efficiently utilizes well energy in lifting liquid to the surface of the ground, and includes apparatus which cyclically flows the well in response to flow rate and bottomhole pressure. In one embodiment of the invention, the apparatus is used in combination with a free traveling plunger.