Abstract: An apparatus for use in a downhole tool is provided. The apparatus includes a membrane configured to isolate an internal environment of the downhole tool from one or more further environments, internal and/or external to the downhole tool; and an electrical element configured to conduct an electrical current. The electrical element is positioned with respect to the membrane such that energy generated by the electrical current passing through the electrical element is incident on the membrane. The membrane is configured to be weakened and/or ruptured when the energy is incident thereon to allow fluid communication between the internal environment and the further environment.

Abstract: A pressure compensator including a housing, an electroactive polymer (EAP) disposed in the housing and defining a volume therein, the volume being changeable upon application of an electric signal. A method for managing pressure in a tool including applying an electrical signal to the pressure compensator and changing a shape of the EAP to change the volume of the compensator whereby the pressure in the tool is altered. A borehole system including a borehole in a subsurface formation, a string in the borehole, a pressure compensator disposed within or as a part of the string.

Abstract: An electric submersible pump system comprises an electric submersible pump body (50) having a first mating profile (53), an electric submersible pump motor (54) having a second mating profile (55), and an electrical wet connect point (61) at the top of the electric submersible pump. The electric submersible pump body (50) has a first mating drive shaft, and the electric submersible pump motor (54) has a second mating drive shaft, such that first and second mating drive shafts engage and can transmit torque from one drive shaft to the other.

Abstract: A feedback-controlled fluid valve and methods of using the same are described herein. One feedback-controlled fluid device includes piston within a valve associated with a conduit, a position sensor to determine a position of the piston relative to a metering cone, a coil to generate a magnetic field within the valve, wherein the magnetic field moves the piston, and wherein a rate of fluid flow through the valve is configured to adjust based on the position of the piston relative to the metering cone.

Abstract: Two control systems are provided to run in parallel between a surface location and the final controlled element, in this case a subsurface safety valve. The primary control circuit is controlling until a predetermined signal is given to the secondary control line which has the effect of actuating the valve a single time against the force of a bias or a shear pin that breaks. The movement of a shuttle in the housing due to the predetermined signal being provided in the secondary line puts the secondary control system in the position of running the tool. The primary system is valved off and cannot return into service. There are just two lines into and out of the housing to make the valve operate at the desired location. A test port is provided for surface testing.

Abstract: A well installation includes a metallic structure having downhole metallic tubing for conveying product towards the surface, a sub surface safety valve disposed in the downhole metallic tubing for interrupting flow of product towards the surface when closed and allowing flow of product towards the surface when open. Also, valve control means are disposed downhole and arranged for detecting electrical signals in the downhole metallic tubing and for holding the valve open while receiving an electrical signal, and surface signaling means for applying an electrical signal to metallic structure of the well for transmission via the downhole metallic tubing towards the valve control means so as to hold the valve open. The system can be made more robust by ensuring that the control means will only hold the valve open while receiving a signal of given characteristics to help prevent stray currents erroneously holding the valve open.

Abstract: Embodiments of a bottomhole assembly BHA for completion of a wellbore are deployed on electrically-enabled coiled tubing (CT) and permit components of the BHA to be independently electrically actuated from surface for completion of multiple zones in a single trip using a single BHA having at least two electrically-actuated variable diameter packers. One or both of the packers may be actuated to expand or retract for opening and closing off a variety of flowpaths between the BHA and the wellbore, in new wellbores, old wellbores, cased wellbores, wellbores with sleeves and in openhole wellbores. Additional components in the BHA, which may also be electrically-actuated or powered, permit perforating, locating of the BHA in the wellbore such as using casing collar locators and microseismic monitoring in real time or in memory mode.

Abstract: A completion system is disclosed that includes an outer completion string having at least one sand screen arranged thereabout, one or more control lines extending externally along the outer completion string and having one or more gauges operatively coupled thereto and arranged adjacent the at least one sand screen, the one or more gauges being configured for real-time monitoring and reporting of well environment parameters, a service tool arranged within the outer completion string and having an inner tubing that defines a valve conduit, and a valve arranged within the service tool and being movable between a first position, where fracturing fluid is allowed to circulate through the at least one sand screen and the valve and into the valve conduit, and a second position, where the valve prevents the fracturing fluid from entering the valve conduit.

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: Apparatus, systems, and methods for continuously circulating drilling fluid through a tubular string are described. The methods include connecting a sub having a central bore and a side bore to the tubular string, connecting a top drive to the tubular string, connecting a manifold to the sub and top drive, wherein the manifold comprises a plurality of electrically controlled valves, and controlling the flow of drilling fluid through the sub and top drive by selectively opening and closing the electrically controlled valves.

Abstract: A straddle apparatus deploys in a borehole with tubing to treat different zones of a formation. The apparatus has first and second packer elements and a flow element disposed on the apparatus. The first and second packer elements have fill ports in fluid communication with the tubing and have packer valves. These packer valves are biased to open fluid communication between the packer elements and the fill port so the packer elements can be inflated to seal off a section of the borehole when fluid pressure is applied down the tubing string. The flow unit has a flow port in fluid communication with the tubing and has a flow valve biased to close fluid communication between the flow port and the borehole. Once the elements inflate, one or more control units on the apparatus electronically activate the at packer valves to close fluid communication between the packer elements and the fill ports.

Abstract: A control and supply unit for an actuating device of a choke, a valve, a blow-out preventer or some other device applied in the field of oil and natural gas production. The control and supply unit includes an auxiliary power supply that is rechargeable and a connecting means to exchange data or supply a voltage. The unit is implemented separately from the actuating device and the connecting means is connected via a cable connection to a separate plug connection module arranged on the actuating device.

Abstract: A liner deployment assembly (LDA) for use in a wellbore includes: a crossover tool. The crossover tool includes: a seal for engaging a tubular string cemented into the wellbore; a tubular housing carrying the seal and having bypass ports straddling the seal; a mandrel having a bore therethrough and a port in fluid communication with the mandrel bore, the mandrel movable relative to the housing between a bore position where the mandrel port is isolated from the bypass ports and a bypass position where the mandrel port is aligned with one of the bypass ports; a bypass chamber formed between the housing and the mandrel and extending above and below the seal; and a control module. The control module includes: an electronics package; and an actuator in communication with the electronics package and operable to move the mandrel between the positions.

Abstract: A downhole valve assembly including at least one membrane permeable to a flow of a downhole fluid, the at least one membrane defining a passage through a chamber. A quantity of particles is disposed in the chamber and the at least one membrane is impermeable to the particles. The particles are responsive to a magnetic field. At least one magnetic element is operatively arranged to produce the magnetic field for enabling the at least one magnetic element to selectively move the particles between a first position at which the particles impede the flow of the downhole fluid through the at least one membrane and a second position at which the particles do not impede the flow of the downhole fluid through the at least one membrane. A method of controlling a flow of fluid is also included.

Abstract: A subsurface safety valve system for a wellbore within a subterranean formation is described. The system can include a power source that generates power, and a delivery system disposed within the wellbore and electrically coupled to the power source. The system can also include at least one safety valve disposed within the wellbore and electrically coupled to the delivery system, where the at least one safety valve remains open while the at least one safety valve receives the power from the delivery system, and where the at least one safety valve closes when the at least one safety valve stops receiving power from the delivery system. The system can further include production tubing mechanically coupled to a distal end of the at least one safety valve, where the at least one safety valve shuts in a cavity within production tubing when the at least one safety valve closes.

Abstract: A well tool can include multiple electrical devices and multiple electronic circuits which control operation of the respective electrical devices, each electronic circuit including a respective isolation circuit, wherein each of the isolation circuits isolates a corresponding one of the electronic circuits from a respective one of the electrical devices in response to a predetermined condition. A method of operating a well tool can include providing multiple electronic circuits for operation of respective multiple electrical devices of the well tool, disconnecting one electronic circuit from its respective electrical device in the well, and connecting another electronic circuit to the electrical device in the well.

Abstract: An actuator and method for setting a subterranean tool uses an externally mounted actuator on a tubular string that is operably engaged to the tool to be actuated. At the desired location for actuation a signal is given to a valve assembly. The opening of the valve releases the pressurized compressible fluid against a floating piston. The piston drives viscous fluid ahead of itself through the now open valve that in turn drives an actuating piston whose movement sets the tool. The triggering mechanism to open the valve can be a variety of methods including an acoustic signal, a vibration signal, a change in magnetic field, or elastic deformation of the tubular wall adjacent the valve assembly.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally relate to tools and methods for hanging and/or expanding liner strings. In one embodiment, a method of hanging a liner assembly from a previously installed tubular in a wellbore includes running the liner assembly and a setting tool into the wellbore using a run-in string. The setting tool includes an isolation valve and the liner assembly includes a liner hanger and a liner string. The method further includes sending an instruction signal from the surface to the isolation valve, wherein the isolation valve closes in response to the instruction signal and isolates a setting pressure in the setting tool from the liner string; and increasing fluid pressure in the setting tool, thereby setting the liner hanger.

Abstract: A well tool actuator can include a series of chambers which, when opened in succession, cause the well tool to be alternately actuated. A method of operating a well tool actuator can include manipulating an object in a wellbore; a sensor of the actuator detecting the object manipulation; and the actuator actuating in response to the sensor detecting the object manipulation. A drilling isolation valve can comprise an actuator including a series of chambers which, when opened in succession, cause the isolation valve to be alternately opened and closed. A method of operating a drilling isolation valve can include manipulating an object in a wellbore, a sensor of the drilling isolation valve detecting the object manipulation, and the drilling isolation valve operating between open and closed configurations in response to the sensor detecting the object manipulation.

Abstract: A downhole hydraulic control tool comprising a substantially tubular body adapted for connection in a tubing string, the body including a throughbore arranged coaxially with a bore of the tubing string and one or more pockets arranged on a wall of the body, the pockets including a hydraulic power source and at least two control lines, wherein the device includes a pump to drive hydraulic fluid through the control lines and a switchable flow mechanism for switching the flow of pumped fluid between the at least two control lines, and a switchable flow mechanism and a method of operating one or more downhole devices from a downhole located hydraulic control tool.

Abstract: A valve system structure to facilitate actuation of tools, such as actuating pads in a steering section of a wellbore drilling assembly. A valve system may comprise a bi-stable actuator which controls two double-stage valves. Each of the double-stage valves is able to perform both charging and dumping functions which facilitate use of the valve system in a variety of downhole applications. In drilling applications, a single valve system is able to operate a plurality of actuating pads.

Abstract: A multi-barrier system includes a first valve in fluid communication with a lower completion that is electrically actuatable and inductively coupled to an upper completion. Also included is a second valve in fluid communication with the lower completion, both the first valve and the second valve, positioned proximate an uphole extent of the lower completion, are closable in response to retrieving the upper completion and openable subsequent reengagement of an upper completion.

Abstract: A subsurface safety valve system for a wellbore within a subterranean formation is described. The system can include a power source that generates power, and a delivery system disposed within the wellbore and electrically coupled to the power source. The system can also include at least one safety valve disposed within the wellbore and electrically coupled to the delivery system, where the at least one safety valve remains open while the at least one safety valve receives the power from the delivery system, and where the at least one safety valve closes when the at least one safety valve stops receiving power from the delivery system. The system can further include production tubing mechanically coupled to a distal end of the at least one safety valve, where the at least one safety valve shuts in a cavity within production tubing when the at least one safety valve closes.

Abstract: A method of operating an isolation valve can include transmitting a signal to a detector section of the isolation valve, and a control system of the isolation valve operating an actuator of the isolation valve in response to detection of the signal by the detector section. An isolation valve can include a detector section which detects a presence of an object in the isolation valve, and a control system which operates an actuator of the isolation valve in response to an object presence indication received from the detector section. A well system can include an isolation valve which selectively permits and prevents fluid communication between sections of a wellbore, the isolation valve including a detector section which detects a signal, and the isolation valve further including a control system which operates an actuator of the isolation valve in response to detection of the signal by the detector section.

Abstract: A linear actuation apparatus for controlling fluid flow comprises a tubular manifold for conducting fluid through a portion, and a shaft supported for reciprocal axial movement within the manifold. A valve seat is supported within the manifold in substantial alignment with the shaft, and a valve closure element is carried by the shaft for reciprocal axial movement between a closed and an opened position. A magnetic element is also carried by the shaft for reciprocal axial movement therewith. A pair of springs are carried on opposing sides of the magnetic element wherein one spring is compressed and applies an axial force to the shaft when the shaft is moved from a neutral position. A compound magnet, carried by the manifold, applies an axial force to the magnetic element that together with the axial force of the spring(s) and fluid pressure control movement of the shaft and the valve closure.

Abstract: A control and supply unit for an actuating device of a choke, a valve, a blow-out preventer or some other device applied in the field of oil and natural gas production. The control and supply unit includes an auxiliary power supply that is rechargeable and a connecting means to exchange data or supply a voltage. The unit is implemented separately from the actuating device and the connecting means is connected via a cable connection to a separate plug connection module arranged on the actuating device.

Abstract: A wellbore servicing tool comprising a housing at least partially defining an axial flowbore, the housing comprising one or more ports, a sliding sleeve being slidably positioned within the housing and transitionable from a first position in which the sliding prevents fluid communication via a route of fluid communication via the one or more ports, to a second position in which the sliding sleeve allows fluid communication via the route of fluid communication via the one or more ports, and a fluid delay system configured to retain the sliding sleeve in the first position until actuated and to allow the sliding sleeve to transition from the first position to the second position at a controlled rate when actuated, wherein the fluid delay system is actuatable via a wireless signal.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally relate to tools and methods for hanging and/or expanding liner strings. In one embodiment, a method of hanging a liner assembly from a previously installed tubular in a wellbore includes running the liner assembly and a setting tool into the wellbore using a run-in string. The setting tool includes an isolation valve and the liner assembly includes a liner hanger and a liner string. The method further includes sending an instruction signal from the surface to the isolation valve, wherein the isolation valve closes in response to the instruction signal and isolates a setting pressure in the setting tool from the liner string; and increasing fluid pressure in the setting tool, thereby setting the liner hanger.

Abstract: A method of variably restricting flow in a subterranean well can include resisting the flow through a sidewall of a tubular string, and then selectively opening a device in response to a predetermined pressure signal being transmitted. The opening of the device can substantially reduce a resistance to the flow through the tubular string sidewall. A flow restrictor system for use with a subterranean well can include a flow restrictor which resists flow through system, a pressure sensor, and an initially closed device which opens and thereby permits the flow to bypass the flow restrictor, in response to a predetermined pressure signal being detected by the sensor.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally relate to tools and methods for hanging and/or expanding liner strings. In one embodiment, a method of hanging a liner assembly from a previously installed tubular in a wellbore includes running the liner assembly and a setting tool into the wellbore using a run-in string. The setting tool includes an isolation valve and the liner assembly includes a liner hanger and a liner string. The method further includes sending an instruction signal from the surface to the isolation valve, wherein the isolation valve closes in response to the instruction signal and isolates a setting pressure in the setting tool from the liner string; and increasing fluid pressure in the setting tool, thereby setting the liner hanger.

Abstract: A fluid isolating pressure equalization in a subterranean well. A well system includes a well tool including a chamber therein containing an electrical assembly in a dielectric fluid, and a pressure equalization apparatus including a flowpath having opposite ends. One end is connected to the chamber, and the other end is connected to a source of another fluid. The flowpath extends alternately upward and downward between the opposite ends. A pressure equalization apparatus for use with a well tool in a subterranean well includes multiple spiral wraps of a tube. A flowpath in the tube extends in opposite directions in respective successive wraps of the tube.

Abstract: A tool that is usable with a well includes a tool operator and a linear induction motor, which actuates the tool operator.

Abstract: A control and supply unit for an actuating device of a choke, a valve, a blow-out preventer or some other device applied in the field of oil and natural gas production. The control and supply unit includes an auxiliary power supply that is rechargeable and a connecting means to exchange data or supply a voltage. The unit is implemented separately from the actuating device and the connecting means is connected via a cable connection to a separate plug connection module arranged on the actuating device.

Abstract: A technique that is usable with a subterranean well includes communicating a wireless stimulus in the well. The technique includes actuating a valve in response to the communication. The valve has more than one controllable open position.

Abstract: A method of operating an insert safety valve in a subterranean well can include installing the insert safety valve in a flow passage which extends longitudinally through an outer safety valve, making electrical contact between the insert safety valve and an electrical connector, and operating the insert safety valve, thereby selectively permitting and preventing flow through the flow passage. An insert safety valve can include a closure assembly which selectively permits and prevents flow through a longitudinal flow passage, and at least one electrical connector which electrically connects to another electrical connector external to the insert safety valve.

Abstract: A pressure pulse signal is processed and a valve is operated to allow tubing or annulus pressure to move a piston against an atmospheric or low pressure chamber. Movement of the piston triggers the release of the dogs that previously held two components together for a separation. Redundant release mechanisms that respond to discrete pressure pulse signals are provided for backup purposes.

Abstract: A method of operating a valve can include installing an electrical actuator in a flow passage extending longitudinally through the valve, and operating a closure assembly in response to electrical power being supplied to the electrical actuator. An outer safety valve can include a closure assembly which selectively permits and prevents flow through a longitudinal flow passage, and at least one electrical connector which electrically connects to an insert safety valve positioned in the flow passage. A method of operating an outer safety valve in a subterranean well can include installing an insert safety valve in the safety valve, and operating the insert safety valve with electrical current flowing from the safety valve to the insert safety valve.

Abstract: A system and methodology provide valves, bottom hole assemblies, and methods of selectively actuating a motor. One aspect provides a valve including: a barrel having an interior having a circular cross-section, an inlet port, an outlet port, and a by-pass port; a first disc rotatably received within the barrel; and a second disc rotatably received within the barrel and pressed against the first disc to selectively form a seal. The first disc and the second each have an orifice.

Abstract: A method of selectively actuating from a remote location multiple downhole well tools includes: selecting one of the well tools for actuation by applying a voltage polarity to a set of conductors in the well, thereby operating a downhole pump connected to the well tool and displacing a piston of the well tool in one direction; and selecting the well tool for actuation by applying an opposite voltage polarity to the set of conductors, thereby operating the downhole pump and displacing the piston in an opposite direction. A system includes multiple electrical conductors in the well; and multiple control devices that control which of the well tools is selected for actuation in response to current flow in a set of the conductors, each of the control devices including at least one downhole pump which applies a pressure differential to an actuator of a respective one of the well tools.

Abstract: Procedures and devices are described for electric energy generation from electrochemical use of substances for powering downhole devices. According to some other embodiments procedures and devices are described for electric energy generation from nuclear decay for powering downhole devices. According to some embodiments, the types of devices being powered are untethered or otherwise cannot benefit from direct power transmission from the surface. Examples of devices include small devices in downhole environments. Other examples of devices are sensors and other hardware such as flow control valves installed during completion. According to one example permanent and/or semi-permanent monitoring sensors make use of the energy generation techniques described herein.

Abstract: A valve system has a main valve that is adjustable for output flow and pressure. The system also includes an output flow transducer, an output pressure transducer, and a fluid depth transducer. A microcontroller is operatively coupled to the valve, the output flow transducer, the output pressure transducer, and the fluid depth transducer. The microcontroller operates the valve to selectively control the output flow, the output pressure, and the fluid depth according to inputs received from a user.

Abstract: A downhole valve assembly operable to control production fluid flow around an obstruction in a production tubing string. The obstruction may be caused by another valve or valve assembly located in the production tubing string, where the valve is closed and blocks flow through the production tubing. The downhole valve assembly comprises a tubular body that includes an axial passage extending through the body and one or more ports extending substantially radially through the body. The downhole valve assembly also includes one or more actuating members operable to move relative to the body. Movement of the actuating members selectively opens the ports such that a fluid flow path through the ports is defined between an annulus region outside of the valve assembly and the axial passage such that the blockage can be bypassed.

Abstract: A control and supply unit for an actuating device of a choke, a valve, a blow-out preventer or some other device applied in the field of oil and natural gas production. The control and supply unit includes an auxiliary power supply that is rechargeable and a connecting means to exchange data or supply a voltage. The unit is implemented separately from the actuating device and the connecting means is connected via a cable connection to a separate plug connection module arranged on the actuating device.

Abstract: Example methods and apparatus to determine phase-change pressures are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes capturing a fluid in a chamber, pressurizing the fluid at a plurality of pressures, measuring a plurality of transmittances of a signal through the fluid at respective ones of the plurality of pressures, computing a first magnitude of a first subset of the plurality of transmittances, computing a second magnitude of a second subset of the plurality of transmittances, comparing the first and second magnitudes to determine a phase-change pressure for the fluid.

Abstract: A wellhead assembly having a data sensor circuit for transmitting sensed data from within a wellbore to the well surface. The circuit includes a signal conduit axially inserted within the wall of a stab unit with connectors at the top and bottom portions of the stab unit. Corresponding connection leads are included within the wellhead assembly to connect with the stab unit connectors. The connectors may comprise a gallery ring wet connect.

Abstract: A method of selectively actuating well tools includes the steps of: selecting a well tool for actuation by current flow in one direction through a set of conductors; and selecting another well tool for actuation by opposite current flow through the set of conductors. A system includes multiple control devices that control which well tool is selected for actuation in response to current flow in at least one conductor set. A current direction in the conductors selects a certain well tool for actuation. A method of using n conductors to selectively actuate n*(n?1) well tools includes the steps of: arranging the conductors into n*(n?1)/2 sets; connecting the conductor sets to respective groups of the well tools; and controlling direction of current flow through at least one of the sets of conductors, thereby selecting at least one well tool in the respective group of the well tools for actuation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system and method for wireless communication in a producing well system associated with oil and gas production, comprising at least one well bore. The system comprises at least two communication units, the communication units each comprising a transmitter and/or receiver for sending and/or receiving data, at least one, control unit for controlling the communication between the communication units.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally relate to tools and methods for hanging and/or expanding liner strings. In one embodiment, a method of hanging a liner assembly from a previously installed tubular in a wellbore includes running the liner assembly and a setting tool into the wellbore using a run-in string. The setting tool includes an isolation valve and the liner assembly includes a liner hanger and a liner string. The method further includes sending an instruction signal from the surface to the isolation valve, wherein the isolation valve closes in response to the instruction signal and isolates a setting pressure in the setting tool from the liner string; and increasing fluid pressure in the setting tool, thereby setting the liner hanger.

Abstract: A removable module for actuating elements, such as valves, within a subsea production tree. The module can include a motor, a drive shaft, and a ball screw. Embodiments exist where only the motor is removable, optionally the motor and drive shaft and/or all module elements are removable. A fail safe system is included that moves the production tree element into a pre-designated fail safe position.

Abstract: Well tools including valves operable by low electrical input. One well tool includes a valve which controls fluid communication between pressure regions in a well, the valve including a rotatable member which is biased to rotate, and a brake or clutch which prevents rotation of the member. Another valve includes a barrier which separates reactants, with the valve being operable in response to the barrier being opened and the reactants thereby reacting with each other. Yet another valve includes a barrier which separates the pressure regions, and a control circuit which heats the barrier to a weakened state. Another valve includes a member displaceable between open and closed positions, a restraining device which resists displacement of the member, and a control device which degrades or deactivates the restraining device and thereby permits the member to displace between its open and closed positions, in response to receipt of a predetermined signal.