Abstract: A system and method for controlling production fluid flow from a chamber extending between a casing disposed in a downhole bore and tubing disposed in the casing. A plurality of valves are disposed in respective openings formed in the tubing, and a passage is formed in each valve for connecting the chamber and the tubing interior. The valves are selectively closed to prevent any fluid flow through the passage, and selectively opened to permit fluid flow from the chamber, through the passage, and into the interior of the tubing. Thus, the volume of fluid passing from the chamber, through the valve members, and to the interior of the tubing is controlled.

Abstract: A downhole pressure activated device and a method of operating a tool comprises a chamber which has a fluid port for communication between the chamber and downhole fluid located outwith the device. The fluid port preferably comprises a check valve and a fluid flow restrictor connected in parallel, where preferably, the check valve permits fluid flow into the chamber and substantially prevents reverse flow. The chamber is provided with a pressure transmission means by which a pressure in the chamber greater than that in the downhole fluid is capable of being applied to a tool to be operated by the device.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for inserting tubing into a well bore by supplying a leading end of a well bore tubing towards the well bore, with a piston on the leading end of the well bore tubing; and supplying fluid under pressure to the piston to force the piston and the leading end of the well bore tubing downwardly into the well bore.

Abstract: A method and apparatus have been developed which inserts and withdraws tubing from pipes without bending or kinking the tubing. Beneficially, the method and apparatus may be employed to insert and withdraw tubing to depths greater than ever possible before. The method involves using a thruster pig to provide force to inject the tubing. The thruster pig uses a pressure differential to urge the tubing into and out of the pipe. Advantageously, check valves or relief valves allow fluid to be pumped down the tubing and out the front of the thruster pig, and then to flow back through the valves and up the annulus between the pipe and the tubing.

Abstract: A self-locating reentry system is provided to allow reliable reentry from a primary wellbore into one or more secondary wellbores. The reentry system may include one or more self-locating assemblies which may be engaged with selected portions of a lateral opening disposed between the primary wellbore and a respective secondary wellbore. Each self-locating assembly and respective key or lug cooperate with each other to provide optimum location and alignment relative to the lateral opening for communication of well tools and smaller diameter tubing strings between the primary wellbore and the associated secondary wellbore. A retaining mechanism is preferably provided to maintain the locator lug or key in its first retracted position until the reentry system is at a desired downhole location relative to the selected lateral opening.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for the servicing or workover of a hydrocarbon well. The apparatus includes a pair of hydraulic cylinders pivotally mounted to a pair of base beams connected to each other. The cylinders are moveable from a horizontal position for transportation to a vertical position for operation in which position the two cylinders flank a wellhead and are adapted to lift the wellhead and attached production tubing using a workover beam and a lifting sub. The wellhead and production tubing can be rotated as or after they are elevated. A motor may be mounted to the workover beam to rotate the wellhead and the tubing. A calibrated pressure gauge may be used to indicate the weight being lifted. The apparatus can be wheel mounted and towed behind a crane truck. The advantage is a safe, economical and timesaving apparatus for performing jobs that previously required the setup and operation of a workover rig.

Abstract: A downhole safety valve and method of operating a safety valve are provided. In general, the safety valve includes a housing having an interior fluid flow passage therethrough and at least one circulating port in the housing for providing fluid communication between the interior fluid flow passage and the exterior of the housing. A piston is operatively positioned within the housing for movement between a first position and a second position in response to a fluid pressure differential between the interior fluid flow passage and the exterior of the housing. A slip is operatively connected to the piston, whereby over a first range of the movement of the piston the slip moves with the piston, and over a second range of the movement of the piston the slip does not move with the piston. A first valve is positioned within the housing for opening and closing the interior fluid flow passage of the housing, and a second valve is positioned within the housing for opening and closing the circulating port.

Abstract: A running tool is disclosed to deliver tools downhole, preferably supported on a wireline. The running tool will not release the downhole tool before the desired depth is reached, even if an obstruction is encountered. The tool has the ability to release upon application of pressure in the wellbore. The tool features a floating piston with a pre-charged chamber on one side. Hydrostatic pressure acts on the opposite side of the floating piston as the running tool descends. When the downhole tool reaches its desired depth and becomes supported, slacking on the wireline traps the hydrostatic on one side of the floating piston. Applied wellbore pressure, acting on a release piston exposed to the trapped hydrostatic on its opposite side, shifts the release piston and releases the running tool from the downhole tool. On the way uphole, the trapped hydrostatic pressure is released.

Abstract: A control system for a subsurface safety valve (SSV) comprising of a control line from the surface in fluid communication with the top side of an actuating piston which moves a flow tube downwardly to open the SSV. A balance line runs from the surface to the bottom side of the same actuating piston to put the actuating piston in pressure balance. A buildup of pressure in the control line overcomes a return spring to open the valve, while removal of pressure from the control line allows the return spring to close the valve. Seals and leakpaths are provided through the actuating piston so that, depending on the hydrostatic pressure in the control line and the size of the return spring, the various failure modes of the actuating piston seals and control line or balance line will preferentially result in a fail-closed situation in the SSV.

Abstract: A method for deploying a progressing cavity pump in a deviated well. The method allows a wireline deployment system to be used in moving a progressing cavity pump through a deviated well. The wireline is connected to a pump-down tool which is lowered into the production tubing. The pump-down tool allows a seal to be formed between an interior surface of the production tubing and the pump-down tool. This allows pressure, such as hydraulic pressure, to push the progressing cavity pump through well deviations to a desired location.

Abstract: A downhole running tool (10) for use in positioning an item, such as a length of tubing (12) , in a bore comprises a body (11, 22) defining a fluid passage, an arrangement (20, 30) for creating a flow restriction, to create an increase in fluid pressure in the passage, and a fluid actuated retaining member (34) mounted on the body for engaging an item (12) to be carried into a bore on the tool (10). The retaining member (34) is in fluid communication with the body fluid passage above the flow restriction arrangement (20, 30) and is movable to a retracted position to release the item (12) by application of fluid pressure forces.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for installing a metal annular seal (54) between the outer rough surface of a casing member (11) which has had a portion thereof cutaway with a remaining portion projecting upwardly from the upper end of a casing head (12). A slip installation tool (18) mounted on the upper end of the casing head (12) carries a slip assembly which includes segmented slips (42), a bushing (22), and a cam member (42). The slip installation tool (18) secures the slips (40) about the outer rough surface of the casing (11) as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 with bushing (22) acting as a supporting base or foundation to oppose the forces from the camming action because of support from lock down screws (24). After mounting of the slip assembly about the casing (11), the installation tool (18) is removed, and the metal seal (54), formed of a relatively soft metal material, is mounted over the extending end of the casing (11). Positioning of the tubing head (50) on the casing head (12) as shown in FIGS.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for stabilizing a PC pump suspended from production tubing. The stabilizing apparatus is connected to the pump and comprises a tubular body having a cylindrical wall, a longitudinal bore contiguous with the production tubing and three or more circumferentially-spaced linkages are disposed in longitudinal slots formed in the exterior of the tubular body. Each linkage comprises at least a passive and an active link pivotally connected end-to-end in series, the passive link being pivoted from the body. An annulus is formed within the cylindrical wall and contains a longitudinally movable annular piston pivotally connected to the active link. The annulus is connected to the bore so that the piston is pressurized dynamically with fluid from the bore. Fluid pressure drives the piston, actuating the active link, thereby causing the linkage to expand radially outwards, the radial force being proportional with the fluid pressure.

Abstract: A wellhead isolation tool is mounted to a wellhead to isolate the bore of the wellhead from a treating fluid being injected. The isolation tool has a housing which has an upper section and a lower section. A valve is connected between the upper and lower sections. A mandrel is slidably carried in the housing and moves from an upper position spaced entirely in the housing to a lower position extending through the bore of the wellhead. In the lower position, the upper end of the mandrel is below the valve. This allows the valve to be closed and the upper section removed. The treating line is attached to the upper end of the valve. The nozzle has annular recesses formed in it to enhance turbulence to reduce erosion.

Abstract: During a production of hydrocarbons a method and a device are used for producing a flow of hydrocarbon-containing formation fluid from a formation at a bottomhole of a well, automatically maintaining a pressure of the formation fluid at the bottomhole of the well at a level sufficient for maintaining an optimum flow of the formation fluid from the formation at the bottomhole of the well towards a wellhead by changing a parameter of a flow passage of an automatically maintaining unit arranged in the well in response to changes in properties of the formation and formation fluid, and performing the changing of the parameter of the flow passage of the automatic maintaining unit in response to a difference of a formation fluid flow parameter upstream and downstream of the automatic maintaining means.

Abstract: A wiper plug launching tool includes a body arranged to be lowered into a liner on a running string, the body having a tubular upper portion and a cylindrical lower portion, upper and lower wiper plugs loaded into the lower portion, each of the plugs having upwardly facing elastomer cups that are reduced in diameter during loading, a drive rod movably mounted in the upper portion of the body, a first piston or dart that is pumped down the running string and into engagement with the drive rod so that pressure applied to the first dart forces the rod downward to cause ejection of the lower wiper plug into the liner where cups of the plug expand to provide a moving seal at the lower end of a column of cement, and a second piston or dart that is pumped down into engagement with the first dart to force the rod further downward and cause ejection of the upper wiper plug into the liner where the cups of this plug expand to provide a moving seal at the upper end of the column of cement.

Abstract: A shifting tool is provided which is preferably hydraulically actuated. A built-up hydraulic force overcomes a retaining piston, which, in turn, frees up a pivoting linkage whose movements are opposed by a coil spring. The coil spring urges the pivoting linkage outwardly where contact can be made with the internal groove on a shifting sleeve. The shifting tool can be run in with the linkage in the expanded position since the parts are configured to allow the linkage to retract to clear any internal obstructions before reaching the shifting grooves in the shifting sleeve. The pivoting action of the grip on the groove in the shifting sleeve increases the gripping force when jarring occurs. The parts are configured so that there is a minimum of movement of shifting parts which have seals to further reduce potential wear on pressure seals. A compact design is provided which can be useful on sleeves with a range of internal bores.

Abstract: A well barrier for separating two liquids in a gas or oil well. The well barrier includes opposing sets of laths which project slantingly away from a centrally positioned fixing device. A set of upper and lower canvas materials may be affixed to each of the sets of laths to provide enhanced sealing effect. Preferably, the laths are also positioned in an overlapping relationship to thereby minimize the overall length of the well barrier while also maintaining the required functionality.

Abstract: The rotatable blowout preventer 10 includes a stationary outer housing 12 and a rotatable inner housing 38 having a curved surface 42 thereon defining a portion of a sphere. An annular packer assembly 46 includes spherical packer elements for sliding engagement with the curved surface of the inner housing such that a packer assembly may seal against various sized tubulars. A lower rotary seal 98 between a piston 56 and the outer housing 12 is exposed to the differential between pressurized hydraulic fluid and the well pressure within a lower end of the bore 32 within the outer housing. A flow restriction member 114 between the rotatable inner housing and the outer housing reduces fluid pressure downstream from the flow restriction to less than 40% of the upstream pressure. The upper rotary seal 120 is open to atmospheric pressure and is subjected to this reduced pressure.

Abstract: A device and method for displacing a logging tool to the bottom of a well. The lower end of the logging g tool is connected with an upper member which is releasably connected with a plug being displaced along the well. A lower member is releasably connected with the plug, protruding downwardly from the plug and being adapted to abut the bottom end of the well, thereby rupturing the connection thereof with the plug. Thereafter the lower member strikes the upper member such that the upper member is released from the plug, enabling the upper member together with the logging tool to be hauled back thereby registering required well parameters.

Abstract: The rotatable blowout preventer 10 comprises a stationary outer housing 12 and a rotatable inner housing 38 having a curved surface 42 thereon defining a portion of a sphere. An annular packer assembly 46 includes spherical packer elements for sliding engagement with the curved surface of the inner housing such that a packer assembly may seal against various sized tubulars. A lower rotary seal 98 between a piston 56 and the outer housing 12 is exposed to the differential between pressurized hydraulic fluid and the well pressure within a lower end of the bore 32 within the outer housing. A flow restriction member 114 between the rotatable inner housing and the outer housing reduces fluid pressure downstream from the flow restriction to less than 40% of the upstream pressure. The upper rotary seal 120 is open to atmospheric pressure and is subjected to this reduced pressure.

Abstract: A method of inserting tubing into a live well bore, includes attaching a resilient piston to a lower end of the tubing, lowering the piston into a passage at a well head to locate the piston in a position above a closure which prevents the escape of fluid from the well bore through the passage, sealing the passage around the tubing above the piston and opening a path of communication between the well bore below the closure and a portion of the passage above the piston to equalize the hydraulic pressure above the piston with that below the closure. The closure is then opened and fluid is pumped from a fluid reservoir into the passage above the piston to force the piston and the tubing downwardly in the well bore. Subsequently, the piston and the tubing are allowed to descend under gravity while fluid flows upwardly in the well bore past the piston by deformation of the piston by the pressure of the fluid.

Abstract: A downhole coiled tubing latch for positive latching to a drill pipe while pumping fluids. The apparatus comprises a housing positioned in the drill pipe with a slidable mandrel positioned in the housing. The apparatus further comprises a latch stinger which can be lowered on a coiled tubing and sealingly engaged with the mandrel and the housing. When weight is set down, the stinger and mandrel are moved downwardly which actuates latch fingers on the mandrel which latchingly engage a groove on the stinger to positively hold the stinger in place while fluids are pumped therethrough. One or more pressure balance pistons are used to help hold the apparatus in a latched position when pressure is applied. When weight is picked up, a spring returns the mandrel to the unlatched position so that the stinger may be removed.

Abstract: A measuring device in a hydrocarbon producing well includes a rod made from a composite material stiff against compression and flectionally elastic. An information transfer line is contained in the rod. The rod includes a plurality of measuring stations thereon and it is suited for being wound on a reel. The device is utilized to practice a measuring method.

Abstract: The present invention provides a single trip system for placing perforating apparatus and sand control equipment in a wellbore. This system includes a casing string equipped with extendible pistons and a pumpable activator plug for extending the pistons. Additionally, this system utilizes a single gravel-pack and completion tool string. Further, this system includes a means for opening the extendible pistons to fluid flow.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for installation of oil field tubulars, such as liners, is disclosed. The invention allows positioning of a liner with assurances that rotational forces or pressure applied within or outside the work string will not actuate the packer or the release assembly above the packer. Specific deliberate steps must be taken in order that rotational forces or applied pressure actuate the packer setting assembly and the disconnect assembly. The preliminary deliberate steps which must be taken also incorporate a feature of converting a gravel pack crossover assembly from the flow through mode to the crossover mode to facilitate the gravel placement. Circulation or reverse circulation to promote removal of debris upon insertion of the assembly without fear of actuation of the packer and disconnect assembly are also provided.

Abstract: The invention is a method for installing a wireline inside a coiled tubing. A first piston is attached to one end of the wireline. A pump-through head with a removable packing and a fluid inlet is attached to one end of the coiled tubing. The wireline and first piston are inserted through the pump-through head. The removable packing is reinstalled. Fluid pressure is applied by a pump to the fluid inlet. A section of wireline has been pumped into the coiled tubing. The pump is stopped. The packing is removed. A second piston for suspending the wireline from contact with the tubing is installed on the wireline. The steps are repeated at spaced apart intervals along the wireline until the wireline is inserted in the coiled tubing.

Abstract: A liner hanger assembly structurally interconnects a casing within a bore hole and a tubular liner suspended from the casing. The hanger body includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced piston bores. A plurality of slips are provided circumferentially about, the hanger body for gripping engagement with an internal surface of the casing. A plurality of pistons are each housed within a respective piston bore and are movably responsive to internal pressure within the hanger body. A sleeve is axially movable with respect to the hanger body in response to axial movement of the plurality of pistons. The sleeve is interconnected with each of the plurality of slips to cause radially outward movement of the slips in response to movement of the pistons. The liner hanger assembly has a high fluid pressure rating for ensuring reliable gripping engagement with the casing, yet creates a comparatively low fluid restriction in the annulus between the casing and the liner.

Abstract: A well tool assembly and a method of operating same including a clutch which provides a rotary-driving connection between a running tool and well tool mandrel when the running tool is rotated in a first direction (e.g. clockwise) and has cammed surfaces which ride up on complementary cammed surfaces on the mandrel to disengage the clutch when the running tool is rotated in a second (e.g. counterclockwise) or opposite direction. Once the clutch is disengaged, the running tool can be disconnected from the mandrel by rotating the running tool in said first direction. The clutch can be disengaged either hydraulically at the same time a well tool (e.g. a packer) is being hydraulically set or by rotation of the running tool in the second direction in the event the well tool assembly becomes stuck before the assembly reaches its destination.

Abstract: Hydraulic tool for carrying out relative axial movements in an oil or gas well by means of hydraulic pressure through a hollow tubing string, comprising a cylindrical tool housing and axially movable cylinder-piston members in the housing. There are provided concentric, hollow cylinders (20,30) each being separately movable axially in said housing (10), and an inner piston (40) being axially movable within an adjacent cylinder (30). Breakable retaining elements (31,32) keep said inner piston (40) and said adjacent cylinder (30) in an initial position until said retaining elements are overcome by the hydraulic pressure. Thrust dogs (21,22) cooperate with recesses (88) in a surrounding tubing component (80) where axial movement of said outer cylinder (20) causes radial expansion of said thrust dogs (21,22), by means of conical surfaces (23) on said outer cylinder (20).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for installation of oil field tubulars, such as liners, is disclosed. The invention allows positioning of a liner with assurances that rotational forces or pressure applied within or outside the work string will actuate the packer or the release assembly above the packer. Specific deliberate steps must be taken in order that rotational forces or applied pressure actuate the packer setting assembly and the disconnect assembly. The preliminary deliberate steps which must be taken also incorporate a feature of converting a gravel pack crossover assembly from the flow through mode to the crossover mode to facilitate the gravel placement. Circulation or reverse circulation to promote removal debris upon insertion of the assembly without fear of actuation of the packer and disconnect assembly are also provided.

Abstract: A system for centralizing casing pipe in a wellbore includes lateral pistons in the side wall of the casing string which are movable by forces applied to their inner end, from a retracted position within the maximum exterior profile of the casing pipe string to a predetermined extended position which will move the casing pipe string toward a central position in the borehole. Various well operations can be performed using the pistons in addition to the centralizing function.

Abstract: A method for cementing a wellbore wherein a slurry comprising at least five percent by weight of particles having a particle size greater than about 0.04 inches is placed in the wellbore. The slurry has a density which exceeds the hydraulic fracture gradient of the formation but the slurry is not lost to fractures because the larger particles enable the solids in the slurry to bridge and prevent excessive slurry loss. The cement slurry of the present invention is preferably placed in the wellbore by a direct placement method such as a coil tubing placement to minimize the pressure placed on the formation by any particular cement slurry.

Abstract: A pressure actuated, telescoping subassembly is supported by a pipe string to axially move an attached member within a wellbore. Increasing fluid pressure to the subassembly actuates a telescoping action, axially moving the attached member but not the supporting pipe string. Motion can be used during rotary drilling or running of tubulars into a drilled borehole portion. Pressure actuation provides a way to remotely apply axial force to a member, such as a tool or drill string portion. Moving only the member instead of the entire drill string and member lowers the total force required to move members and provides a new way to chase drill bits and apply constant drilling forces. This minimizes the risk of pipe string overloading and buckling, exceeding rig weight limitations, and tool bit damage.

Abstract: A casing hanger seal has facilities to enable periodic testing from the exterior of the wellhead housing. The casing hanger seal has inner and outer walls separated by a cavity. An energizing member moves downward to force the inner and outer walls into engagement with the casing hanger and bore of the wellhead housing. Test passages extend through the inner and outer walls, energizing member, and wellhead housing. The test passages divide the seal member into primary and secondary seal areas. Applications of test fluid, from the exterior, to the test passages determines whether a leak is present.

Abstract: A system is provided for deploying, operating and recovering well tools through flow lines. A system is also provided for deploying, operating and recovering a through flow line production logging system, the preferred system being characterized by the use of a time delay assembly in combination with a locking locator assembly and cooperating reach members with connecting collars disposed between a pump down transport assembly and the production logging tool.

Abstract: A setting tool for setting in a bore hole a downhole device such as plugs and packers is actuated by supplying a voltage signal to direct current motor that drives a hydraulic pump. The hydraulic pump delivers high pressure fluid to a setting chamber to displace a piston received therein. Relative movement of the piston to the chamber imparts a setting force to the downhole device with a shearing action between an outer setting sleeve and an internal mandrel. A hydraulic fluid reservoir is located on the backside of the setting piston, such that displacement of the setting piston during setting forces fluid toward the pump. An accumulator located between the reservoir and the pump accommodates thermal expansion of the fluid. A relief valve at the outlet of the pump provides back pressure to ensure that a minimum positive pressure is maintained at the intake of the pump. A second setting stage provides additional setting force.

Abstract: This invention relates to a downhole activated centralizer for centralizing pipes in a wellbore for the exploration and production of hydrocarbons. The downhole activated centralizers are carried within either the pipe casing or the collars or both and remain generally within the maximum outward profile of the pipe string so as not to interfere with the movement and placement of the pipe string in the wellbore. The pipe string may be rotated, reciprocated and circulated which enhances the ability of the installer to place the pipe string in a deviated or long reach wellbore. Once the pipe string is in place, the centralizers may be deployed by one of several methods such that pistons mounted in openings in the peripheral wall of the pipe string move outwardly with sufficient force to move the pipe string way from the walls of the wellbore sufficient to form a complete annulus for cementing.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for perforating the formation in a wellbore wherein the wellbore is established for the production of hydrocarbons. The formation is perforated by explosive material carried in pistons which are carried within either the pipe casing or the collars or both and remain generally within the maximum outward profile of the pipe string so as not to interfere with the movement and placement of the pipe string in the wellbore. The pipe string may be rotated, reciprocated and circulated which enhances the ability of the installer to place the pipe string in a deviated or long reach wellbore. Once the pipe string is in place, the pistons may be deployed by one of several methods such that pistons mounted in openings in the peripheral wall of the pipe string move outwardly with sufficient force to move the pipe string way from the walls of the wellbore sufficient to form a complete annulus for cementing.

Abstract: A propulsion apparatus is provided for attachment to a selected tool for propelling and positioning the tool in a tubular member in response to fluid pressure in the tubular member and includes a tubular mandrel terminating in a lower free end, a tubular sleeve disposed over the mandrel and adapted for coaxial sliding movement with respect thereto, a cup assembly mounted on the sleeve and cooperating therewith and with the fluid pressure exerted within the tubular member for translating fluid differential pressure developed across the cup assembly into preselected propelling forces, and sleeve retaining means for cooperating with the sleeve and mandrel for positioning and retaining the sleeve in a first position with respect to the mandrel and transmitting the propelling forces to the mandrel and attached tool for propelling and positioning the tool to selected locations within the tubular member.

Abstract: A hydrostatic setting tool, adapted for setting an anchored device in a wellbore, includes a housing having a pair of ports exposed to well fluid at hydrostatic pressure. The ports lead to a shoulder of a setting mandrel. A barrier is disposed diametrically across the setting tool and an oil chamber is disposed between the setting mandrel and the barrier. The barrier includes an oil metering orifice disposed through a center thereof. A selectively operable apparatus, initially disposed in a closed position and blocking the oil metering orifice, is adapted to change from the closed position to an open position in response to a current delivered thereto from the well surface. An air chamber is disposed on the other side of the barrier. The well fluid places hydrostatic pressure on the shoulder of the setting mandrel thereby placing the same pressure on the oil in the oil chamber.

Abstract: An invention relating to method and apparatus for the running of various tools and devices used to service oil and gas wells in combination with coiled tubing units that permits the application of a sudden downward force of predetermined magnitude.

Abstract: A wireline delivery tool for an underground well having a pipe, a surface seal for the pipe, and a wireline extending from the surface into the pipe. The wireline delivery tool includes a body having a diameter less than the interior diameter of the pipe and a cup extending from the body to create a seal with the interior of the pipe. A longitudinal bore within at least a portion of the body has a port through the body on each side of the cup, so that the ports are in communication with the interior of the pipe. A pressure valve within the bore is normally in the closed position. Pressure supplied into the pipe between the surface seal and the cup will move the delivery tool within the pipe.

Abstract: A hydraulic setting and release tool has a shear out setting assembly attached to a string coupling member. Upon reaching a predetermined hydraulic pressure, a piston of the tool shears restraining shear pins and moves in a body of the tool to release dogs that engage the coupling member. When used in running in a liner, the coupling member is a running head that rotates the liner during running in and cementing. When used as a drill string release tool, the coupling member is a release sub, the tool being placed serially with other string components. If the drill string gets stuck, it is separated by merely increasing the hydraulic pressure sufficiently to shear the pins and allow the piston to move and the dogs to retract to separate the release sub from the shear out assembly.

Abstract: Pumpdown toolstring for performing operations requiring application of power downhole in horizontal or high-deviation oil or gas wells, comprising an elongate toolstring element (30), locomotive devices (31, 32A) on said toolstring element, with at least one locomotive device (32) provided at a trailing or top end of the toolstring element (30). The toolstring element (30) is tubular and has a closed leading or bottom end, whereas it is open at the opposite, top end. The leading locomotive device, (31) adapted to pull the toolstring element during pumping down, has a seal for co-operation with a seat at a no-go or nipple assembly at the bottom end of a tubing from which an extension tubing extend into the horizontal or high-deviation well. The leading locomotive device (31) sealingly surrounds the toolstring element (30) and allows sliding of the toolstring element there-through when engaging the seat.

Abstract: A seal assembly is provided for use in a fluid flow conduit, and includes a valve seat and a valve plug. The valve seat includes a seating lip formed at least in-part of yieldable material. The valve plug is passed through the fluid flow conduit and caused to sealingly engage the valve seat. Together the valve seat and valve plug form an obstruction to the passage of fluid within the fluid flow conduit, and pressure is developed upstream. At a predetermined pressure level the valve deforms the valve seat, and is passed therethrough. A larger valve plug can be passed until it seats against the enlarged valve seat. The pass-through process can be repeated.

Abstract: In accordance with illustrative embodiments of the present invention, a ball injecting apparatus for use in launching cementing plugs into a well casing includes a tubular body having an inlet port and one or more cylinders on the sides thereof adapted to be loaded with the balls, gates on the cylinders to prevent and permit injections of the balls, drive members extending into the upper and lower ends of the body and being rotatable relative thereto, and a sleeve slidably splined to the upper drive member and movable downward in the body in response to fluid pressure to transmit rotation of the upper drive member to the lower drive member. A set of uniquely arranged upper and lower plug assemblies are releasable attached to one another and are arranged to be sequentially released in response to seating of a ball, bomb or a dart therein.

Abstract: A hydraulic setting and release tool has a shear out setting assembly attached to a string coupling member. Upon reaching a predetermined hydraulic pressure, a piston of the tool shears restraining shear pins and moves in a body of the tool to release dogs that engage the coupling member. When the dogs release, springs retract the dogs from engagement in sockets of the coupling member and the shear out setting assembly separates from the coupling member. When used in running in a liner, the coupling member is a running head that rotates the liner during running in and cementing. When used as a drill string release tool, the coupling member is a release sub, the tool being placed serially with other string components. If the drill string gets stuck, it is separated by merely increasing the hydraulic pressure sufficiently to shear the pins and allow the piston to move and the dogs to retract to separate the release sub from the shear out assembly.

Abstract: A running tool will set a packoff between a casing hanger and a wellhead housing utilizing weight and hydraulic pressure. The running tool has a mandrel which connects to the drill string. A lower and an upper body are carried by the mandrel. The lower body releasably connects to the casing hanger for supporting the casing hanger as it is lowered into the well. The packoff mounts to the upper body. An elastomeric seal locates on the upper body of the packoff. The upper body will move downward relative to the lower body once the casing has been cemented. In this lower position, weight of the drill string transmits from a collar to the elastomeric seal to form a seal against the wellhead housing. Hydraulic pressure may then be applied. The hydraulic pressure creates a force on the upper body to set the packoff. The running tool along with the elastomeric seal will be retrieved to the surface.

Abstract: A single wiper is releasably and sealably positioned adjacent the lower end an operating string and locked therewith to prevent premature release from the operating string upon manipulation of the operating string. The sealing relationship between the wiper and the operating string prevents communication of operating string pressure from the operating string to the resilient ribs of the wiper adjacent the position of the wiper on the operating string. When a pump down plug is sealably seated within the bore of the wiper, fluid pressure is confined to act on a piston between the operating string and the wiper to unlock the wiper from the operating string so that it may be released therefrom.