Abstract: Method of conveying a downhole tool by a coiled tubing unit into a wellbore having a wellhead, and in which the downhole tool is to be communicatively linked to surface equipment by way of an electrical and/or optical cable. The method includes providing a coiled tubing unit, providing a downhole tool that is attachable to the coiled tubing directly, or indirectly attachable to the tubing by way of a provided cablehead, attaching one end of the cable to a cable connector that is in electrical and/or optical communication with the downhole tool, providing and installing a Y-connector to the wellhead of the wellhead of the well bore, the Y-connector having a branch that sealingly accommodates the coiled tubing therethrough, and a branch that sealingly accommodates the cable therethrough. The method further includes tensioning the cable as the cable and the tubing is simultaneously conveyed into and out of the well bore by way of respective branches of the Y-connector.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for inserting electric wireline tools into a wellbore using an apparatus comprising pipe assembled from sections and coiled tubing having a coaxially inserted wireline. The method includes the steps of attaching a first part of a submersible electrical connector to one end of the coiled tubing and to the wireline inside the coiled tubing. A second part of the submersible connector is attached to one end of the wireline tools. A first part of a selectively operable latching mechanism is attached to the same end of the wireline tools. A second part of the latching mechanism forms part of a latching sub which is attached to one end of the pipe. The tools are attached to the pipe by engaging the first and second parts of the latching mechanism, and the tools are inserted into the wellbore to a predetermined depth by assembling the sections of the pipe. The coiled tubing is then inserted into the interior of the pipe until the submersible connector is engaged.

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: Methods of perforating a well using coiled tubing conveyed perforating guns are disclosed. A perforating tool string includes a coiled tubing string, a perforating gun, a releasable gun hanger, and a pressure responsive release connecting the coiled tubing string to the perforating gun. The perforating tool string is lowered into place within the well and then the gun hanger is actuated by reciprocating motion of the coiled tubing string without rotating the coiled tubing string, thereby setting the gun hanger in the casing. Fluid pressure is then increased in the coiled tubing string to actuate the pressure responsive release to release the coiled tubing string from the perforating gun. The coiled tubing string and pressure responsive connector may then be retrieved from the well prior to firing the perforating gun. The perforating gun is subsequently fired by a pressure responsive firing head to perforate the well casing, and the perforating gun then automatically drops to the bottom of the well casing.

Abstract: The invention is a wireline cable head adapted to be used on a wireline tool string which is conveyed into a wellbore by a coiled tubing. The cable head comprises a biased, piston-type check valve which enables fluid circulation from the tubing into the wellbore, but prevents fluid flow from the wellbore into the coiled tubing. The biasing means maintains a minimum differential pressure which must be pumped into the coiled tubing to enable fluid circulation from the coiled tubing into the wellbore. The cable head also comprises a bulkhead for maintaining hydraulic integrity of the cable head after the cable is extracted from the cable head.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning the wireline used in a wireline wellhead operation so as to prevent any contaminants thereon from dripping onto the adjacent ground and/or equipment. The apparatus comprises a housing supported above a wireline wellhead, the housing has the wireline pass into and out of it and has a sheave therein for the wireline to pass over. The wireline passes through one or more drip collectors movable within the housing that have channels for directing contaminants that may fall from the sheave or wireline to a drain to remove the contaminants from the apparatus.

Abstract: A riser pipe assembly is provided for interconnecting a subsea wellhead on an ocean floor with an above-surface platform. The assembly includes at least one cable extending generally between the wellhead and the platform to provide vertical support for the assembly. A plurality of support plates are fixed to the cable at predetermined spaced locations therealong. At least one riser pipe string extends between the wellhead and the platform and includes a plurality of riser pipes engaged end-to-end. In one embodiment of the invention, each riser pipe includes a lower bell-shaped end and an upper spigot-shaped end inserted into the bell-shaped end of the immediately adjacent riser pipe thereabove. The lower bell-shaped end of each riser pipe rests by gravity on and is supported by one of the support plates. In another embodiment of the invention, each riser pipe includes an upper bell-shaped end and a lower spigot-shaped end inserted into the bell-shaped end of the immediately adjacent riser pipe therebelow.

Abstract: A rope socket assembly for making a combined electrical and mechanical connection in a wireline having an inner electrical conductor, a coaxial insulation layer about the conductor, and an outer protection wire covering about the insulation layer for survey, steering or logging use in a borehole, the wireline having opposite end portions and associated inner conductor end portions comprising a rope socket housing having a bore to receive the opposite end portions of the wireline; two tubular threading plugs positioned in the bore for receiving the respective end portions of the wireline; two sleeves positioned in the bore to extend about the respective plugs; and an insulator block received in the bore between the sleeves, and structure within the block for establishing electrical connection between the inner conductor end portions associated with the wireline end portions.

Abstract: A system for carrying out measurements and/or services in a wellbore or a well in the process of being drilled includes an electrical link connecting a surface control unit to a sonde comprising measuring and/or servicing devices fastened to a lower end of a cable section; an assembly including a sub for anchoring the sonde; a cable section having at an upper end thereof a first intermediate electrical connector integral with a support; the electrical link being provided by a cable linked to the surface control unit and having at a lower end thereof a second intermediate electrical connector adapted to be connected to the first intermediate electrical connector. The support is adapted to be made integral with an inner wall or a drill string.

Abstract: A wireline assembly suspended from a cable is lowered down an oil well for temporary latching to a downhole assembly. Latching is provided by keys mounted in the wireline assembly to engage in a complementary recess formed in the downhole assembly and cooperating therewith via surfaces that are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device. Unlocking is obtained by pulling on the cable after an electrically controlled valve has been excited. The valve then communicates two chambers delimited by a control piston inside a cylinder formed in a tubular housing supporting the keys. The tension exerted on the cable is transmitted to the control piston by a rod which actuates an unlocking collar that causes the keys to be retracted.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for carrying out measuring and/or servicing operations in a well (4), comprising a tubing (2) adapted for being coiled round a drum (1) and a measuring instrument (3) fastened to the end of the tubing.The tubing comprises inwardly a rod (17) elastic in flexure and resisting to compressive stress, well suited for allowing the introduction thereof into tubing (2), notably by thrust.An energy or information transfer line (12) is incorporated during manufacturing of rod (17).Rod (17) is made of a polymeric material comprising reinforcing fibers and it is centered inside the tubing.The invention further relates to a process for assembling the rod in the tubing and to the use of the device in a well producing an oil effluent.

Abstract: A process to temporarily seal an upper zone of higher permeability. Coiled tubing is used to cover a zone of lower permeability with a gel block containing rock salt. A lower density, more stable, slower yielding gel block having a gel breaker is squeezed into the upper zone. The well is shut-in and the low density gel plug becomes rigid. Water is then circulated down the coiled tubing to dissolve the high density gel block out of the wellbore and re-open lower perforations which allows the low permeability interval to be treated.

Abstract: A method and a device for carrying out measurings and/or servicings in a wellbore or a well in the process of being drilled by means of electric connection linking the surface to an assembly fastened to the end of a drill string involve the use of an assembly comprising measuring and/or servicing means linked to a first connector integral with the assembly; a cable section comprising at the lower end thereof, a second connector and at the upper end thereof, a first intermediate connector integral with a support; and a cable linked to the surface comprising at the lower end thereof a second intermediate connector.

Abstract: A top entry sub (ES) includes a tubular member (TM) with a main body section (8) and an enlarged external diameter upper end portion (11). A single passage (15) extends through the main body section (8) and terminates in a pair of spaced passages (14) and (14a) that extend through the enlarged external diameter end portion (11), which passages terminate in a common upper surface on the top entry sub (ES) for receiving a well string and providing an entry into the top entry sub for members such as coiled tubing, snubbing members and cable.

Abstract: An electrical submersible well pump assembly supported on a continuous length of coil tubing. An electrical cable extends through the coil tubing from the pump assembly to the surface for supplying electrical power to the pump assembly. The cable is of lesser diameter than the inner diameter of the tubing, resulting in an annulus. Standoff members locate in the annulus to centralize the cable. Standoff members frictionally engage the inner diameter of the tubing and the outer diameter of the cable to transfer weight of the cable to the coil tubing. Flow passages extend through the annulus surrounding the cable to enable lubricant and coolant fluid to be pumped from the surface to the pump assembly.

Abstract: A release mechanism is described for releasing a lock member (10) which secures a first body member (5) to a second body member (1). The release mechanism comprises a reciprocal member (6) which is mounted on the first body member (5) for movement relative to the first body member (5). A catch mechanism (8, 11, 12) is also provided which is movable between the first position where the lock member (10) is fixed and the second position where the lock member (10) is released. The reciprocal member (6) moves in a first direction when a force is applied to the reciprocal member (6) and moves in a second direction when the force is removed. Repeated reciprocal movement of the reciprocal member (6) in the first and second directions effects movement of the catch mechanism (8, 11, 12) from the first position to the second position to release the lock member (10) to permit relative movement between the first and second body members (5, 1).

Abstract: Well tools are run into a well, usually a deviated well, using a composite wireline cable made up of a bundle of parallel slidable composite rods and electrical or optical conductors covered with a flexible protective sheath. The cable is stored on a spool and from there it is run into and retrieved from the well.

Abstract: A well tool such as a measuring sonde is arranged in a protective housing and introduced into a well at the end of a tubing. A retractable latching device fastens the tool to the housing and to an electrical transmission cable. The tubing is connected with a pumping assembly capable of circulating up to the housing a cooling fluid at a temperature lower than the temperature prevailing in the well and the tool is operated by moving the tool out of the housing and by bringing the tool regularly back into the housing, which is permanently cooled by the fluid.

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: The present invention provides a non-complex, simple to use and economical coupling device or connecting two elements, which provides for disconnection of the two elements when the tension applied to the coupling device exceeds a predetermined load. The coupling device includes an outer and an inner sleeve each having an axial bore. The lower end of the inner sleeve is slidably disposed within the upper end of the outer sleeve and the sleeves are relatively moveable. A frangible elongated member with a predetermined tensile strength connects the outer and inner sleeves through the axial bores. The frangible member breaks under a predetermined amount of stress thereby allowing the outer and inner sleeves of the coupling device to separate and disconnecting the attached elements. One or more internal longitudinal passages through the outer and inner sleeves adjacent to the axial bores allow passage of wire cables, gases, fluids or mechanical linkages through the coupler.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for perforating, testing, and repairing casing in an earth borehole. A device is moveable through the casing. The device can be mounted on a wireline, on tubing, or on both. A perforator is mounted in the device for producing a perforation in the casing. The device will also generally include components for hydraulic testing/sampling from the formations behind the casing. A plugger is mounted in the device for plugging the perforation with a solid plug or a non-solid sealant.

Abstract: A device for carrying out at least one of measurements and interventions in a drilled well, with the device including a rod and an instrument for at least one of measuring and intervention disposed at a lower end of the rod. The rod is flexurally elastic and compressively rigid and includes at least one line for carrying energy or information with such line being, for example, an electric, fluid or optical line. The rod is constructed so as to be wound onto at least one winch and is fashioned of one of a composite or polymer non-composite material.

Abstract: A method and system for deploying electric submersible pumps in oil wells using reeled tubing, comprising providing reeled tubing (10), providing an electric submersible pump (20) and connecting it to one end of the reeled tubing (10), providing electric cable (22) and connecting one end of it to the electric submersible pump (20), aligning the electric cable (22) with the reeled tubing (10), using clamps (28) to attach the electrical cable (22) to the reeled tubing (10), inserting the electric submersible pump (20) into a wellbore (18), and injecting sufficient reeled tubing (10) and electrical cable (22) into the wellbore (18) to lower the electric submersible pump (20) to a desired level.

Abstract: A system for placing instrumentation within a hole enables a wide variety of instruments to be placed in the hole with enhanced measurement resolution and minimum risk of becoming lodged in the hole by partial collapse of the hole wall. A flexible tubular member is pressurized and averted from a canister into the hole, turning inside out as it extends into the hole. The application of pressure urges the tubular member against the hole wall in the manner of a hole liner or packer. A wide variety of instruments can be attached to the membrane and urged against the hole wall for measurement purposes. Typical measurements include temperature, pore fluid extraction and injection, in situ sensing with fiber optics, pore fluid pressure, and the like.

Abstract: An electrical cable in which composite rods and electrical conductors disposed between a flexible, elongated, membrane which can be pressurized and a flexible outer protective sheath surrounding but separate from the membrane, provide a pressure stiffened cable assembly that can be run into deviated boreholes.

Abstract: Locking closed a subsurface safety system in a well production tubing from the well surface by releasably holding the subsurface safety valve in the open position. Thereafter closing the subsurface safety system from the well surface through a control line extending exteriorly of the production tubing. Thereafter preventing the safety system from being opened through the control line.

Abstract: A guiding system for driving a non rigid exploration device in wells where progression by gravity is difficult includes a tubular column for guiding the displacement of the device which includes a plurality or set of sondes joined together by non-rigid connecting means into a deflected well zone. A first sonde of the set is at least fitted with anchoring arms and its cross-section and possibly that of all the remaining sondes of the set can be larger than the cross-section of the tubular column. In this case, a more or less long protective housing is provided at the end of the column. A delayed electric connection device for the set of sondes linked to a surface laboratory is utilized. The first sonde is pushed out of the column by a fluid pressure and anchoring arms of the first sonde are opened. The tubular column is pulled backward and upward in order to make the plurality of sondes to come out of the column and to be positioned in the well and, thereafter, measuring cycles are carried out.

Abstract: A controllable dual weak point device for insertion in a wireline between the cable and tool. The device consists of upper and lower sections that are slidably joined together in releasable interlocking manner with the upper section secured to the cable and the lower section secured to the tool. The upper and lower sections are joined together by a concentric arrangement of central tube, mandrel and limiting sleeve which are interconnected by first and second springs and first and second shear pin arrangements, i.e., the respective first and second weak points.

Abstract: A method for positioning an added length of wire in a drill string is set forth, and it is especially intended for use in drilling a slant hole, as typically occurs to drill under a river, or under other surface obstacles. A cartridge is disclosed; it has an upper flange at one end, a hook or eyelet across the flange to engage a hook and line for pulling the cartridge along the drill string, and further includes latching means for latching the cartridge at a specified location in a drill string. It further includes a spool for storage of wire, and the wire extends from an annular space for storage and the annular space is defined by a pair on concentric cylindrical sleeves. A method of use is also set forth wherein the cartridge is moved from drill pipe joint to joint and supports an elongate wire which is spooled therearound and which is pulled from the spool position. The wire, on emerging, encounters frictional drag to assure that only the wire length necessary is spooled out of the device.

Abstract: A logging plug for suspension on a wireline comprises a hollow body provided with packers for sealing it to a nipple included in a tubing string, and a flow tube through which the line may slide with minimal leakage. A sliding equalizing tube in the lower position shown blocks communication across the packers. When moved upwards by striking it with a hammer or logging tool, communication is allowed via ports in the equalizing tube and in the hollow body, the annular passage around the wireline and an axial bore in the lower part of the hollow body. Any pressure differential across the packers is thus equalized, allowing the logging plug to be easily withdrawn.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for running wireline and reeled tubing into a wellbore in which an adapter tube extends through the reeled tubing injector to enable the wireline rig to be mounted on the reeled tubing rig. A stuffing box is also provided which can easily be converted to accommodate wireline or to accommodate reeled tubing.

Abstract: Well tools are run into a well, usually a deviated well, using a composite wireline cable made up of a bundle of parallel slideable composite rods covered with a flexible protective sheath.

Abstract: An equalizing blank valve apparatus for use in a sidepocket mandrel in an underground well. The apparatus comprises a first body member and a second body member. The first body has a chamber therein, and the second body member has a proximal end, a distal end, a first orifice located proximate said proximal end, a second orifice located proximate said distal end, and a passageway therethrough communicating with the said first and second orifices. The second body member is configured such that said proximal end of the second body member and said first orifice are telescopically insertable into the chamber in the first body member. Means cooperating with the first and second body members is provided for substantially sealing said first orifice when said first orifice is inserted into the chamber in the first body member. Means is also provided for preventing said proximal end of the second body member from being removed from the chamber in the first body member.

Abstract: A new method of standalone perforating comprises the steps of lowering a perforator part-way into a borehole on a tubing string; when perforating is desired, connecting a wireline to the perforator; disconnecting the perforator from the tubing string; lowering the perforator into the borehole to the desired depth; attaching the perforator to the borehole casing or formation by setting an anchor on the perforator; disconnecting all wireline and associated apparatus from the perforator; withdrawing the wireline apparatus to the well surface; with the perforator standing alone in the well, firing the perforator into the surrounding formation; and dropping the perforator to the bottom of the well. A new apparatus for releasing the perforator from the tubing string includes a neutral release latch mechanism, and a new anchoring apparatus includes two interleaved coil springs having beveled shaped surfaces.

Abstract: A control system for an in-well pump for recovery of hydrocarbons which are lighter than water. Two electrical probes and a float switch are used to control the automatic raising and lowering of the pump within the well to always maintain its input within the hydrocarbon layer. The pump is also controlled so that it only operates when its input is within the hydrocarbons to assure that it does not pump water and that it is not operated in air.

Abstract: A method and device for perforating a wall of a well by use of a tool such as an explosive gun includes the use of an intervention set. This set has a perforating tool associated with a measuring box such as a logging sonde and temperature and pressure sensors which is taken down into the well. The set is suspended by a linking cable on a support frame which can be locked inside and at the base of a tubing. The tubing is taken down to the intervention area and blocked by a packer. The support frame and the set are displaced by a control cable lowered down from the surface and the best places for carrying out shootings or perfortions in the well are determined through measurements made by the measuring box. Sensors contained in the box allow an operator to check the results. After the intervention, the perforating tool, for example, an explosive gun, is left in the well and the support frame and the box are taken up in order to clear the inside of the tubing.

Abstract: A pack-off tubing hanger is shown for use in a tubing string extending from a well surface location to a downhole location within a well casing. The hanger body includes an external packing element and gripping slips which support the hanger body within the surrounding casing. A longitudinal passageway communicates hydraulic pressure from the lower end of the hanger to a setting chamber to hydraulically set the packing elements and actuate the gripping slips. A companion concentric tubing anchor is carried within the internal bore of the hanger and connects the hanger to the tubing string leading to the well surface.

Abstract: To manufacture a pile which is intended to take compressive as well as tensile loads or to serve as a reinforcement member in soils, a strip is wound off a roll of strip material and is carried through a rotating-roller shaping unit in which the strip is shaped by rollers. If desired, the unit is operated in such a manner that it forms a bend in the direction of pile advancement. A pile thus shaped is driven from the roller shaping unit by means of pressure in arbitrary directions into the mass of an earth layer. Upon attainment of the desired depth of penetration and/or pile length the pile is severed at or close to the upper surface of the earth layer.

Abstract: A running tool and method for the use thereof in locating apparatus in a well bore includes an elongated hollow tool body and outer sleeve encircling the body; a mandrel disposed within the body and sleeve and carrying a collet on the lower end thereof which, in the running position of the tool, is enclosed within the sleeve; and a sealed chamber having a substantially incompressible fluid therein which is metered through a flange located on a tool mandrel to control the time required to move the mandrel between the running and release positions, thus controlling the force and time required for actuation of the tool to avoid inadvertent release of the well apparatus being lowered into the well bore.

Abstract: A wire line cable in which composite rods are spaced apart and axially disposed between a flexible, elongated, membrane which can be pressurized and a flexible outer protective sheath surrounding but separate from the membrane.

Abstract: A snubbing unit, used to raise or lower a collar-connected series of tubing joints through a riser spool communicating with a well bore, is provided with an electromagnetic sensing system operative to detect and indicate the entry into, position within and travel direction within a sensing spool between the upper and lower blowout preventers of each tubing collar. The sensing system includes upper and lower electomagnetic coils coaxially circumscribing the sensing spool, and a frequency generator for energizing the coils. First and second phase comparators are used to detect current phase alterations in the coils, caused by variations in the vertical proximity between each collar and the coils, and responsively transmit output signals indicative such phase alterations. The output signals are sent to a position sensing circuit which utilizes them to illuminate collar position and travel direction lights on an operator control panel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for selectively disconnecting a wireline from a downhole tool when the tool becomes lodged in an oil or gas well. The apparatus is directed to a wireline releasing device which includes a precharge chamber which can be pressurized to a predetermined amount for applying a force against a piston assembly located within the releasing device to hold together telescopically connected upper and lower tubular portions which are locked in place by retractable dogs which extend through aligned openings in the upper and lower tubular portions. The device is intended to be connected at one end to a length of wireline and, to another end, to the top of the downhole tool. During wireline operations, upon the downhole tool becoming lodged within the well, the wireline operator applies hydraulic or pneumatic pressure from the surface which exceeds the precharged pressure, which acts to disconnect the upper portion of the device from the lower portion and the downhole tool.

Abstract: Apparatus for electrically generating hydraulic shock waves in a fluid bearing formation (14) of a bore hole (10) including a tool (16) having an upper electrode (42) and a lower electrode (46) forming a spark gap therebetween. The tool (16) has an upper end portion (40) comprised of a plurality of sections (40A-40E) threaded to each other in end to end relation and an armored electrical cable (18) having an outer metal sheath (34) is anchored to the uppermost section (40A). The tool (16) is particularly adapted for fitting within a casing having a four inch diameter and the electrodes (42,46) have diverging planar end surface portions (84) coated with tungsten carbide to provide wear resistant surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus for production logging of a well utilizing artificial lift in a wellbore comprises coiled tubing extending into the wellbore, the coiled tubing having gas injector means provided on its remote end and including means for electrical communication from the surface to the injector means; production logging tool means located within the wellbore at a distance so as to separate the logging tool from the injector means and connector means interconnecting the logging tool and the injector means for maintaining a fixed separation between the logging tool and the injector means and for effecting electrical communication from the production logging tool to the electrical communication means located within the injector means.

Abstract: A method of perforating includes lowering a perforator and attached pressure measurement gauge assembly into a wellbore on wireline until the gauge assembly touches a bottom of the wellbore. Continued lowering of the wireline into the wellbore produces a slack on the wireline, the slack allowing the perforator to disconnect from the gauge assembly. The perforator is pulled uphole until the perforator is within a predetermined distance from the gauge assembly. Further pulling of perforator uphole ceases. The perforator is ready to be detonated. When well fluid is produced from the formation, the gauge assembly, resting on the wellbore bottom, records the pressure of the well fluid flowing from the formation. The perforator is retrieved from the wellbore. When it is desired to retrieve the gauge assembly from the bottom of the wellbore, a retrieving assembly is lowered into the wellbore by either wireline or sandline, the retrieving assembly connecting to the gauge assembly.

Abstract: A wire line operated shut-in tool for a tubing string of an oil or gas well has a locking mandrel for cooperation with a ported landing nipple disposed below a packer in the tubing string to lock the tool in position, and a mandrel core which passes through the locking mandrel and is axially movable relative thereto, the core having a lower portion which is surrounded by the locking mandrel and is caused to rotate by the engagement of pins projecting inwardly from the locking mandrel with a jay slot assembly machined on the outer surface of the core when the core is moved axially. The arrangement of the jay slot assembly is such that by operating the wire line to move the core axially relative to the locking mandrel, the tool can be cycled between respective positions in which the well can be flowed, the reservoir shut-in, or the tool run out of the well.

Abstract: Method and device for carrying out measurements and/or interventions in a well section which is substantially inclined with respect to the vertical or horizontal with a set of instruments provided at the bottom of a rigid string. In the method, a set or assembly of instruments is positioned or maintained positioned in an extension of the string at the lower end of the string, the assembly being in a first position relative to the end. The assembly and the bottom part of the string are introduced into the well and the assembly is advanced into the well by progressively pushing the end of the string until the assembly reaches a desired position, then the assembly is released and disengaged from a first position and brought into a second position wherein the assembly rests on a wall of the well and wherein it is mechanically decoupled from the string. The connection between the assembly and the string being provided by a flexible line and, thereafter, measurement and/or intervention is carried out.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for replacing a defective downhole well safety valve of the full bore type by a wireline valve sealably insertable in the bore of the housing for the defective valve by wireline and operating the wireline inserted safety valve by fluid pressure supplied through an existing control fluid passage provided in the original safety valve housing. An internally projecting integral protuberance is provided in the bore of the original safety valve housing and a connecting fluid conduit is provided between the interior of the protuberance and the existing control fluid passage. A cutting tool is mounted on an axially shiftable sleeve disposed immediately above the protuberance. The axially shiftable sleeve is manipulated by an auxiliary tool temporarily inserted in the bore of the original valve housing and causing the cutting tool to remove the protuberance and thus establish fluid communication for the control fluid with the internal bore of the original safety valve housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tool having a valve (3c, 4c) for closing the tubing (100) of a well into which the tool has been placed. The valve member (4c) is controlled by means of a traction cable (17) via a hydraulic mechanism having two piston-and-cylinder assemblies (4b, 5e, 45; 1g, 4a, 41) which reduce the force applied on the valve member (4c) by the pressure of the fluid in the well and which amplify the force (f) applied thereto by the cable (17) in order to open said valve member.

Abstract: What is disclosed is an improvement in a multi-level geophone sonde installation for VSP which includes a well penetrating subterranean formations; surface source for generating and inputting vibrational wave energy; a plurality of geophone sondes with a plurality of detachable geophone sondes disposed in the well with an uppermost sonde and at least a plurality of other lower sondes at predetermined spacings for receiving vibrational wave energy arrival and generating the data indicative thereof; and conductors for getting to the earth's surface a record of the vibrational wave energy arrival data. The cable has a greater width than thickness and is rigid because it is formed in a plurality of vertebrae type formations so that it is self supporting or load bearing. Moreover, the rectangular cable reduces the twist of the cable.