Abstract: A frac plug with a flapper positioned within a shearable housing. More specifically, embodiments are directed towards an upper portion of the shearable housing that is configured to be separated from an insert responsive to flowing back through the frac plug.

Abstract: A frac plug with a flapper positioned within a shearable housing. More specifically, embodiments are directed towards an upper portion of the shearable housing that is configured to be separated from an insert responsive to flowing back through the frac plug.

Abstract: An apparatus, a system and a process may be used for regulating a wellhead control mechanism. The apparatus may control actuation of the wellhead control mechanism by moving a moveable body of the apparatus between a first position and a second position. When the apparatus is in the first position, a valve actuator is actuatable. When the apparatus is in the second position the valve actuator is physically interfered from actuating. Additionally, when the apparatus is in the second position, the wellhead control mechanism cannot be actuated and is held in either an open, a partially open or a closed position. Further, a system may directly control an actuation of a wellhead actuation mechanism.

Abstract: A downhole tool and method therefor use a deviated flow path to prevent/mitigate fallback of solids during shutdown of an ESP. The deviated flow path leverages the direction of fallback downhole and the relative inertias of the solid particulates and the fluid to minimize fallback into the ESP. The particulates change flow direction more slowly than fluid, and thus largely avoid the deviated flow path to instead fall through a bypass path during fallback. This obviates the need for mechanical valves that may be subject to excessive mechanical wear or other issues associated with solid particulates.

Abstract: A frac plug with a flapper positioned within a shearable housing. More specifically, embodiments are directed towards an upper portion of the shearable housing that is configured to be separated from an insert responsive to flowing back through the frac plug.

Abstract: Certain conditions or triggering events require preventing or throttling the discharge of a servicing fluid from a pump to a wellhead or a borehole. Powering down may not be desirable or may require a duration that allows the condition or triggering event to persist. Selectively and automatically activating one or more pressure control valves may throttle or prevent the servicing fluid from being pumped from the pump during the power down sequence or without requiring a power down sequence. Selective activation of a pressure control valve may introduce pressurized fluid into a cylinder of the pump extending a rod to force or maintain a suction valve in an open position. While the suction valve is in the open position, the stroke of the plunger may not create enough pressure to pump the servicing fluid causing the servicing fluid to flow between a fluid header and a chamber of the pump.

Abstract: A zonal isolation device conveyed into the wellbore with a propped flapper valve. The zonal isolation device comprises a deformable sealing element and a support ring movably disposed within the inner bore of the sealing element. A flapper valve coupled to the support ring is configured to engage a sealing surface of support ring. The flapper valve blocks fluid flow through the zonal isolation device in a fully closed position, allows unrestricted fluid flow through the zonal isolation device in a fully open position, and allows restricted fluid flow through the zonal isolation device when held by a propping component in an intermediate or partially open position. The zonal isolation device is anchored to the wellbore by an anchoring assembly engaged with a wedge coupled to the downhole end of the sealing element.

Abstract: A downhole tool includes a tubular having an outer surface and an inner surface defining a flowbore having a longitudinal axis, and a backpressure valve cartridge arranged in the flowbore. The backpressure valve cartridge includes a valve seat and a flapper valve pivotally mounted relative to the valve seat. The backpressure valve cartridge is shiftable along the longitudinal axis to shift the flapper valve between a first position, wherein the flapper valve rests on the valve seat, and a second position, wherein the flapper valve is pivoted away from the valve seat.

Abstract: A buoyancy assist tool has an outer case with a rupture disk assembly connected therein. The buoyancy assist tool defines the upper end of a buoyancy chamber in a well casing. A sleeve in the outer case traps the rupture disk membrane after it has ruptured to provide full bore flow through the casing.

Abstract: A well safety valve, comprising: a first sub assembly, wherein the first sub assembly comprises: an outer housing having a central bore extending axially through the outer housing, wherein the outer housing comprises an outer wall having a receptacle formed in the outer wall; a piston disposed in the receptacle; a rod, wherein the rod is disposed at an end of the piston, wherein a first magnetic sleeve is disposed around the rod; a flow tube disposed in the central bore of the outer housing, wherein the flow tube comprises a second magnetic sleeve on an exterior surface of the flow tube; and a valve member disposed in the outer housing; and one or more magnetic sensors disposed in the outer housing between the first magnetic sleeve and the second magnetic sleeve; and a second sub assembly, wherein the second sub assembly is coupled to the first sub assembly.

Abstract: A plug system including a housing, a member movably disposed in the housing, a seat disposed at the member, the seat receptive to an object, and a flapper connected to the member and closable onto the member when the member is shifted by the object.

Abstract: A valve apparatus that includes a first containment area having a fluid disposed therein at a first fluid pressure and a second containment area disposed below the first containment area having a fluid disposed therein at a selective fluid pressure where the selective fluid pressure can be increased and decreased, the second containment area in fluid communication with the first containment area. The valve apparatus also includes a valve disposed between the fluid in the second containment area at the selective fluid pressure and the fluid in the first containment area at the first fluid pressure. The valve apparatus includes a third containment area disposed below the second containment area having a fluid disposed therein at a third fluid pressure wherein the third fluid pressure is higher than the first fluid pressure, the second containment area in fluid communication with the third containment area.

Abstract: Provided are electric safety valves and methods of use. An electric safety valve comprises an electric actuator positioned in an interior chamber of the electric safety valve; the interior chamber comprising a dielectric fluid and being pressure and temperature compensated with a flow passage extending axially through the electric safety valve. The pressure and temperature compensation is performed via a compensating subassembly in pressure communication with the interior chamber thereby providing a section-balanced electric safety valve. The electric safety valve further comprises a protective sleeve separating the interior chamber from the flow passage. The electric safety valve further comprises at least one compression spring rod coupled to a closure member capable of restricting or preventing fluid flow through the flow passage.

Abstract: A valve arranged to close a flow path extending through it, on the loss of an electrical voltage supplied to a driving motor of an actuation element, the driving motor, which comprises a stator and a rotor, being arranged to, via transmission elements, displace the actuation element between at least a first position, in which the actuation element is arranged at a distance from a spring-loaded, rotatable valve element, and a second position, in which the actuation element holds the spring-loaded, rotatable valve element in an open position, the rotor of the driving motor surrounding and being connected to a roller nut which is provided with a number of supported thread rollers which are distributed around and are threadedly engaged with the actuation element, the actuation element being a flow pipe which forms a flow path and is axially displaceable away from its second position by means of an actuator spring.

Abstract: A frac system including a frac tree. The frac tree includes a frac head. The frac head defines a first inlet, a second inlet, and an outlet. The frac head receives frac fluid through the first inlet and directs the frac fluid to the outlet fluidly coupled to a wellhead. A valve couples to the second inlet of the frac head. A flapper valve is within the frac head. The flapper valve moves between an open position and a closed position to control fluid flow to the valve through the second inlet. The flapper valve aligns with a first axis of the outlet and the second inlet in the closed position and aligns with a second axis of the first inlet in the open position.

Abstract: A bearing assembly for use in a bottom hole assembly includes a reactive portion and a fluid restrictor portion, the portions being operatively coupled by a mandrel of the bottom hole assembly. The fluid restrictor portion comprises a piston valve component disposed in a stationary valve component, the piston valve component and stationary valve component arranged to generate fluid pressure variations, the fluid pressure variations causing axial movement of the piston valve component. The reactive portion comprises an oscillation assembly mounted between a housing and the mandrel, the oscillation assembly responsive to movement of the mandrel in the housing applying force to the oscillation assembly. The mandrel of the bottom hole assembly is directly mounted to the piston valve component.

Abstract: A well system includes a tubing string and a subsurface safety valve interconnected with the tubing string and including a housing that defines a central flow passageway and includes a flapper pivotable within the central flow passageway between closed and open positions. A flow tube is positioned within the central flow passageway and engageable with the flapper to move the flapper to the open position. An actuation piston is operatively coupled to the flow tube, a balance piston is operatively coupled to the flow tube, and a lock-open piston is engageable with an actuator sleeve operatively coupled to the flow tube. A lock-open tool is positionable within the central flow passageway to convey hydraulic pressure into a lock-open piston bore and thereby actuate the lock-open piston to an actuated position that moves the flow tube and permanently locks the flapper in the open position.

Abstract: A downhole tool having a flapper valve assembly for controlling the backflow of fluid into a tubing string that includes at least one flapper. The downhole tool also includes a deformable element that maintains the at least one flapper in an open position after the deformable portion is deformed. A downhole tool having a flapper valve assembly for controlling the backflow of fluid into a tubing string that includes at least one flapper. The downhole tool also includes a sleeve slidably disposed within at least a portion of the flapper valve assembly and the downhole tool. The downhole tool includes a deformable and dissolvable seat disposed uphole and adjacent to the sleeve and a dissolvable fluid blocking member to engage with the seat to shift the sleeve from first position to a second position within the downhole tool. Methods of using these downhole tools are provided.

Abstract: A valve apparatus that includes a first containment area having a fluid disposed therein at a first fluid pressure and a second containment area disposed below the first containment area having a fluid disposed therein at a selective fluid pressure where the selective fluid pressure can be increased and decreased, the second containment area in fluid communication with the first containment area. The valve apparatus also includes a valve disposed between the fluid in the second containment area at the selective fluid pressure and the fluid in the first containment area at the first fluid pressure. The valve apparatus includes a third containment area disposed below the second containment area having a fluid disposed therein at a third fluid pressure wherein the third fluid pressure is higher than the first fluid pressure, the second containment area in fluid communication with the third containment area.

Abstract: An isolation valve for use in a wellbore includes a tubular housing and an upper flapper disposed in the housing and pivotable relative thereto between an open position and a closed position. An upper piston is operable to open or close the upper flapper. A lower flapper is disposed in the housing and pivotable relative to the housing between an open position and a closed position. A lower piston is operable to open the lower flapper. An opener passage is in fluid communication with the pistons and an opener hydraulic coupling. A closer passage is in fluid communication with the pistons and a closer hydraulic coupling.

Abstract: There is provided a flow control apparatus including a housing, a port, a flow control member, a sensor, and a trigger. The housing includes a housing passage. The port extends through the housing. The flow control member includes a fluid responsive surface, and is configured for displacement, relative to the port, such that fluid communication is effected between the port and the housing passage. The sensor is coupled to the housing for sensing an actuating signal. The trigger is configured for effecting fluid communication between the housing passage and the fluid responsive surface, in response to the sensing of an actuating signal by the sensor, for effecting displacement of the flow control member.

Abstract: A method of drilling a wellbore includes deploying a drill string into the wellbore through a casing string disposed in the wellbore. The casing string has a pressure responsive element and a hydraulic line in communication with the element and extending along the casing string. While drilling the formation, the method includes monitoring a pressure of the hydraulic line to ensure control of the formation.

Abstract: A safety valve including at least one tubular housing having an interior surface. A flow path provided within an interior of the at least one tubular housing. A movable flow path blocking member arranged to block the flow path in a closed condition of the blocking member and open the flow path in an open condition of the blocking member. A first seal bore on the interior surface of the at least one tubular housing. A hydraulic control chamber within a wall of the at least one tubular housing; and, a second seal bore on the interior surface of the at least one tubular housing; wherein the hydraulic control chamber is disposed longitudinally between the first and second seal bores. The second seal bore is disposed longitudinally between the hydraulic control chamber and the movable flow path blocking member. Also included is a method of accommodating a high control pressure wireline insert safety valve within a tubing retrievable safety valve.

Abstract: Apparatus, computer readable medium, and program code for identifying rock properties in real-time during drilling, are provided. An example of an embodiment of such an apparatus includes a downhole sensor subassembly connected between a drill bit and a drill string, acoustic sensors operably coupled to a downhole data interface, and a surface computer operably coupled to the downhole data interface.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer programs for monitoring a drilling operation in a subterranean formation include receiving, from a first sensor array, one or more seismic signals caused, at least in part, by the drilling operation in the subterranean formation; receiving, from the first sensor array, one or more electromagnetic signals generated by an electro seismic or seismoelectric conversion of the one or more seismic signals caused, at least in part, by the drilling operation in the subterranean formation; and determining a property of one or more of the drillstring and the subterranean formation based, at least in part, on the seismic signals and the corresponding electromagnetic signals received from the first sensor array. The first sensor array is arranged to monitor the drilling operation.

Abstract: A technique provides a component actuation system in a space efficient form. A movable actuator member may be positioned within a corresponding housing in a manner which forms an annulus between the movable actuator member and the surrounding wall of the housing. A spring is located in the annulus and is designed such that the spring extends part way along a circumference of the actuator member to create an open annular region between circumferential ends of the spring. The open annular region provides space for a system related component without requiring additional longitudinal or radial space.

Abstract: Degradable polylactic or polyhydroxyalkanoate polymers may be used to viscosify aqueous fluids for use in wells. Sand control screen or liner can be coated with a solid degradable polymer during placement in a well. Mechanical changes or flow changes in a well can be caused by solid degradable polymer that changes physical properties after it is placed in a well. Parts of devices or entire devices can be made of solid degradable polymer that converts to a fluid after selected times in an aqueous environment in a well.

Abstract: A downhole tool that selectively opens and closes an axial/lateral bore of a tubular string positioned in a wellbore used to produce hydrocarbons or other fluids. When integrated into a tubular string, the downhole tool allows individual producing zones within a wellbore to be isolated between stimulation stages while simultaneously allowing a selected formation to be accessed. The downhole tools and methods can be used in vertical or directional wells, and additionally in cased or open-hole wellbores.

Abstract: A wellbore servicing system including a work string and a valve tool defining an flowbore, wherein the valve tool is transitionable from a first mode to a second mode, from the second mode to a third mode, and from the third mode to a fourth mode, wherein the valve tool transitions from the first mode to the second mode upon an application of pressure to the flowbore of at least a threshold pressure, wherein the valve tool transitions from the second mode to the third mode upon a dissipation of pressure from the flowbore to not more than the threshold pressure, and wherein, in the first mode, the valve tool allows fluid communication via the flowbore in a first direction and disallows fluid communication in a second direction. Further, in the second, and third modes, the valve tool allows fluid communication in both the first and second directions.

Abstract: A method of drilling a wellbore includes drilling the wellbore through a formation by injecting drilling fluid through a drill string and rotating a drill bit. The drill string includes a shifting tool, a receiver in communication with the shifting tool, and the drill bit. The method further includes retrieving the drill string from the wellbore through a casing string until the shifting tool reaches an actuator. The casing string includes an isolation valve in an open position and the actuator. The method further includes sending a wireless instruction signal to the receiver. The shifting tool engages the actuator in response to the receiver receiving the instruction signal. The method further includes operating the actuator using the engaged shifting tool, thereby closing the isolation valve and isolating the formation from an upper portion of the wellbore.

Abstract: A subsurface safety valve is operable to close a fluid flow path by virtue of an axially movable flow sleeve. The valve includes a recockable linear actuator and a latch mechanism so that the valve can be moved from an open to a closed position as a result of axial movement of the flow sleeve without overcoming the pressure head and frictional forces currently encountered in conventional safety valves.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention disclose enhanced and improved well production tools for increasing the stability of production zones in a wellbore. Various embodiments of the present invention generally relate to apparatuses, systems, and processes for efficiently and effectively isolating zones within a wellbore.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus enable reliable and improved isolation between two portions of a bore extending through a casing string disposed in a borehole. A downhole deployment valve (DDV) may provide the isolation utilizing a valve member, such as a flapper, that is disposed in a housing of the DDV and is designed to close against a seat within the housing. The DDV includes an operating mechanism for opening/closing the DDV. In use, pressure in one portion of a well that is in fluid communication with a well surface may be bled off and open at well surface while maintaining pressure in another portion of the casing string beyond the DDV.

Abstract: A valve assembly employable with a downhole tool configured for conveyance in a wellbore extending into a subterranean formation and method of operating the same. The valve assembly includes an actuator and a sensing apparatus configured to provide a first signal based on an environment associated with the valve assembly and a second signal based on a characteristic of the valve assembly. The valve assembly also includes a controller configured to provide a third signal to the actuator to alter the characteristic in response to the first and second signals.

Abstract: A wellbore valve assembly including a valve member which is moveable relative to the valve seat, the valve assembly being receivable in a wellbore tubing having a first end and a second end, the valve member being moveable between an open position relative to the valve seat, and a position in which the valve member is seated against the valve seat, the valve assembly including a valve member biasing device for biasing the valve member towards the open position, the valve member being operable to close in the event of a force which exceeds a predetermined value being applied in either direction relative to the direction in which the valve member biasing device acts.

Abstract: A safety valve for an effluent-production installation, the safety valve comprising a longitudinal shell in which there extends a production tube defining an inside volume for effluent flow. The tube is movable in translation inside the shell in an axial direction between an advanced position in which effluent flow is authorized from the bottom of the installation towards the surface, and a retracted position in which effluent flow is prevented. The valve includes a connection duct between a feed line for feeding at least one additive from the surface and an injection line for injecting the additive downhole, a safety plug being provided in the connection duct in order to close or open the duct depending on whether the production tube is in its retracted position or its advanced position.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus enable reliable and improved isolation between two portions of a bore extending through a casing string disposed in a borehole. A downhole deployment valve (DDV) may provide the isolation utilizing a valve member, such as a flapper, that is disposed in a housing of the DDV and is designed to close against a seat within the housing. The DDV includes an operating mechanism for opening/closing the DDV. In use, pressure in one portion of a well that is in fluid communication with a well surface may be bled off and open at well surface while maintaining pressure in another portion of the casing string beyond the DDV.

Abstract: A debris removal system includes a tubular. A closure mechanism arranged to at least partially close an interior of the tubular. An injector mechanism having an exit arranged downhole of the closure mechanism; wherein debris removing material ejected from the injector mechanism is directable towards the closure mechanism. Also included is a method of removing debris in a downhole tubular.

Abstract: A method for producing fluid from a subterranean formation includes configuring a body to at least partially fill with a selected fluid; and actuating a flow restriction element using the body. The selected fluid may be water. An apparatus for controlling flow of a fluid into a wellbore tubular may include a selectively buoyant body, and a flow restriction element responsive to a movement of the selectively buoyant body. The selectively buoyant body includes a membrane configured to block a flow of hydrocarbons into the selectively buoyant body. The flow restriction element may include a flapper, a sliding sleeve, and a poppet valve. The body may be at least partially filled with a permeable material, which includes, but is not limited to, open-cell foam, reticulated metal foam, shaped sintered powder and capillary tubes.

Abstract: A completion apparatus (4) for completing a wellbore comprises a) a tool to alternatively open and close a throughbore (15) of the completion; b) a tool (13) to alternatively open and close an annulus defined between the outer surface of the completion and the inner surface of the wellbore; c) a tool to alternatively provide and prevent a fluid circulation route from the throughbore of the completion to the said annulus (11); and d) at least one signal receiver and processing tool (9) capable of decoding signals received relating to the operation of tools a) to c).

Abstract: A system and method comprising at least one ported sleeve assembly and a flapper assembly positioned downwell of the ported sleeve assembly. The system provides for the use of multiple ported sleeve assemblies for each stage of a hydrocarbon producing well that can be opened with a single element, and multiple stages, each have thFracturinge ability to be opened with a single element size.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for autonomously controlling flow of fluid in a subterranean well, where fluid flow is controlled based on a fluid characteristic, such as viscosity or density, which changes over time. Fluid flows into a vortex assembly where a centrifugal force is imparted to the fluid. A less viscous fluid will have a relatively greater velocity and centrifugal force than a more viscous fluid. The fluid exits the vortex chamber by both a vortex outlet and a peripheral outlet. An autonomous valve element moves between an open position, in which fluid flows freely through the peripheral outlet, and a closed position, in which fluid flow through the peripheral outlet is restricted. The valve element is moved by the centrifugal force of the fluid, such that a fluid having a higher centrifugal force moves the valve element to the closed position, thereby reducing the total fluid flow through the vortex assembly.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus enable reliable and improved isolation between two portions of a bore extending through a casing string disposed in a borehole. A downhole deployment valve (DDV) may provide the isolation utilizing a valve member, such as a flapper, that is disposed in a housing of the DDV and is designed to close against a seat within the housing. The DDV includes an operating mechanism for opening/closing the DDV. In use, pressure in one portion of a well that is in fluid communication with a well surface may be bled off and open at well surface while maintaining pressure in another portion of the casing string beyond the DDV.

Abstract: A pressurizing device includes a main housing having a central bore therethrough and a ball drop module removably disposed within the main housing, the ball drop module including a ball seat hingedly attached within the ball drop module and configured to receive a dropped ball, wherein the ball seat is configured to rotate about a hinge from a closed position to an open position when a pressure above the ball seat exceeds a preset limit.

Abstract: A flapper valve for a surface controlled, sub-surface safety valve has a seat and a curved flapper. The seat has a seating rim, and the curved flapper has a sealing rim and can pivot relative to the seat. The flapper's sealing rim corresponds in shape to the seating rim. Both rims have lobes disposed outside a circular perimeter. Also, the undulating edges of the rims have corresponding outcroppings and incroppings. When a flow tube moves towards or away from the flapper, the flapper's lobes protect the flapper's sealing rim as the flapper's inside surface engages the moving flow tube. Moreover, the rims can have a groove and a ridge that engage one another when the rims close.

Abstract: A rubber bullet-shaped cylindrical device that functions to non-invasively plug a gushing pipe of high pressure oil. The steel belted inflatable rubber plugging device with attached high pressure hoses is inserted into a gushing oil well pipe while it pumps shipboard a high pressure stream of recycled oil itself that will not freeze at the gushing oil well to fight or knife through the oil and the pressure of the oil gushing to assist with inserting and descending the apparatus into the pipe while the operator follows a sequence of operational steps. A hose that has a vacuum applied to reduce the size of the inflatable bladder to allow it to fit it into the pipe unrestricted until it stops at the right location then recycled oil that will not freeze is pumped into the bladder to seal the oil well and to allow the cement pouring operation.

Abstract: A flapper equalizer plunger embodies a unitary coiled spring that is compressed by the flow tube to shift the plunger to equalize pressure across the flapper before the flow tube tries to move the flapper. The hydraulic control system then need only to overcome the force of a flapper pivot spring to swing the flapper 90 degrees to an open position behind the flow tube. The integral spring is produced with a wire EDM technique and can be symmetrical or asymmetrical around its periphery as a way of offsetting off-center impact from the bottom of the flow tube. The plunger can be rotationally locked if it is asymmetrical. The pitch can be constant or variable and the output force greatly exceeds the force provided by an independent coiled spring.

Abstract: A downhole tool and system are provided. In at least one specific embodiment, the downhole tool can include a tubular housing having an inner bore and a valve seat. A sleeve can be disposed in the inner bore and can be configured to move between a first position and a second position within the tubular housing. A flapper valve can be coupled to the tubular housing, such that the flapper valve is stationary when the sleeve is in the first position. The flapper valve can be pivotable between an open position and a closed position when the sleeve is in the second position. A biasing member can be coupled to the flapper valve and to the tubular housing. The biasing member can be configured to bias the flapper valve toward the valve seat.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an isolation valve with debris control. In one aspect, an isolation valve for use as part of a casing string is provided. The isolation valve includes a housing having a bore and a valve cavity. The isolation valve further includes a valve member movable between a first position in which the valve member obstructs the bore of the housing and a second position in which the valve member is disposed in the valve cavity. Further, the isolation valve includes a flow tube configured to allow movement of the valve member between the first and second positions. Additionally, the isolation valve includes an engagement assembly adapted to engage the flow tube to substantially prevent debris from entering the valve cavity when the valve member is in the second position. In another aspect, a method of operating an isolation valve in a wellbore is provided.

Abstract: A flapper for use as a component of a safety valve designed for deployment in a well bore having well bore fluids. The flapper includes a flapper body forming a flapper valve bore therethrough. The flapper body forms a groove proximate to the flapper bore. The flapper also includes a plunger member sized and configured to be received in the flapper valve bore. The plunger member includes a first end portion and a second end portion. Additionally, the flapper includes a leaf spring including a primary end portion and a secondary end portion, the primary end portion of the leaf spring detachably attached to the second end portion of the plunger member and unattached to the flapper body and the secondary end portion of the leaf spring being sized and configured to be received and retained in the groove and to bias the plunger member into the flapper valve bore.