Abstract: A device for connection of a wireline (2) provided with a conductor (10), the wireline (2) being intended particularly for a wireline tool (4), wherein the wireline is provided with a wireline connector (6) in which each wireline strand layer (12, 14) is biased and clamped between an inner sleeve (16, 26) and an outer sleeve (18, 28), and wherein the tensile load of the wireline (2) is transmitted to a fastening element (38) via the outer sleeves (18, 28), the wireline connector (6) being connected to the wireline tool (4) by means of a releasable disconnection device (8).

Abstract: A single fluid line sliding sleeve downhole tool assembly having a top sub engaging a top connector which connects to a body that engages a middle connector which is secured to a port housing, wherein the port housing engages a lower connector and the lower connector engages a bottom sub.

Abstract: A piloting actuator valve controls flow in a well. The piloting actuator valve is combined with a downhole completion and utilizes a pilot valve to control actuation of a main valve. A controllable actuator is coupled to the pilot valve and enables selective control over the pilot valve which, in turn, controls the state of the main valve.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a downhole tool actuation arrangement. The arrangement includes a housing having a chamber, at least one piston in operable communication with the chamber and at least one electrode exposed to the chamber. The electrodes are receptive to a power source. Further disclosed is a method for actuating a downhole tool. The method includes discharging a voltage source through at least one electrode to cause a pressure wave in a fluid surrounding the at least one electrode and moving at least one piston in response to the pressure wave.

Abstract: A diagnostic sleeve shifting tool. The tool may include a diagnostic implement for measuring downhole conditions in a well such as flow-rate, pressure and temperature. Where the well includes a slidable or shiftable sleeve, the tool may be employed to slide such a sleeve for controlling communication between the well and an underground production region adjacent the location of the well. In this manner real time diagnostic assessment may occur at the well location in conjunction with means to affect the sleeve position. Thus, the need to run additional subsequent procedures with additional tools for affecting the sleeve position may be eliminated. As a result, substantial time and expense may be saved in conducting such well procedures.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for conveying an electrically energized progressing cavity pump into a wellbore surrounded by steel casing and thereafter using that progressing cavity pump to pump oil, water and gas to the surface of the earth. The progressing cavity pump self-powers itself into the wellbore by pumping fluid from one side to another side of a lateral hydraulic seal and is thereafter used to provide artificial lift which is particularly useful in extreme-reach lateral wellbores. The apparatus may be suspended on coiled tubing, on any umbilical means, or on a wireline, and may also be used as a conveyance system to convey completion devices into a well. The progressing cavity pump is not subject to gas lock in highly deviated, partially gas-filled wells, and may be used to prevent any reverse fluid flow into formation during deployment in the well.

Abstract: A technique is provided for actuating devices deployed in a wellbore. The technique utilizes an actuator that cooperates with a downhole device, such as a well tool. The actuator has a phase change material that can be caused to undergo a phase change upon an appropriate input. The phase change of the material is used to provide the force necessary for actuation of the downhole device.

Abstract: An adjustable well screen assembly having a pipe which is connectable to a production pipe, wherein the pipe comprises a hole extending from the ID of the pipe to the OD of the pipe; a screen connected to the pipe adjacent the hole of the pipe; a valve connected to the pipe, wherein the valve controls fluid flow through the hole of the pipe; a valve motor mechanically connected to the valve, wherein the valve motor opens and closes the valve; and a valve controller communicatively connected to the valve motor, wherein the valve controller instructs the valve motor as to a configuration of the valve.

Abstract: An actuator module that is usable with a subterranean well includes a housing, a stimulus detector and an actuator. The stimulus detector and the actuator are mounted to the housing, and the housing is adapted to form a releasable connection with a tubular string. The string has a downhole tool, and the housing is separate from the tool when the housing is connected to the string. The stimulus detector detects communication of a command-encoded stimulus downhole, and the actuator actuates the tool in response to the stimulus.

Abstract: The steel drill string attached to a drilling bit during typical rotary drilling operations used to drill oil and gas wells is used for a second purpose as the casing that is cemented in place during typical oil and gas well completions. Methods of operation are described that provide for the efficient installation a cemented steel cased well wherein the drill string and the drill bit are cemented into place during one single drilling pass down into the earth. The normal mud passages or watercourses present in the rotary drill bit are used for the second independent purpose of passing cement into the annulus between the casing and the well while cementing the drill string into place during one single pass into the earth. A one-way cement valve is installed near the drill bit of the drill string that allows the cement to set up efficiently under ambiently hydrostatic conditions while the drill string and drill bit are cemented into place during one single drilling pass into the earth.

Abstract: A system and method for actuating a shut-off valve in a wellbore wherein the shut-off valve element can be positively closed before the pump is removed from the well. A hydraulic actuator component is operably associated with the shut-off valve to provide for selective isolation of the well by positive closing of the valve prior to removal of the pump and opening of the valve after replacement of a pump within the wellbore. The hydraulic actuator component has a balanced hydraulic design wherein the valve closure element may be moved toward an open or closed position by flow of hydraulic fluid through first and second hydraulic lines. When a repaired pump or replacement pump is placed into the well, the actuator is stabbed into a packer element to seat it. The hydraulic actuator assembly is then operated to open the shut-off valve, thereby reestablishing well operation.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for actuation of downhole tools. In one example, a deep set safety valve uses a magnetic coupling which permits a portion of the safety valve at control line pressure to be isolated from tubing string internal pressure, without requiring the use of a dynamic seal therebetween. A piston of the safety valve may be displaced in response to a differential between control line pressure and pressure in an annulus surrounding the tubing string, pressure in another control line, or pressure in the tubing string. Other types of well tools may benefit from actuation using principles of the invention.

Abstract: A hydraulic control and actuation system for downhole tools. In a described embodiment, a hydraulic control and actuation system includes an internal chamber serving as a low pressure region and a well annulus serving as an energy source. A valve assembly provides selective fluid communication between alternating opposite sides of a piston and each of the energy source and low pressure region. Displacement of the piston operates a well tool. Operation of the valve assembly is controlled via telemetry between a remote location and an electronic circuit of the system.

Abstract: An electrically operated actuation tool for a subsea completion system component having at least one hydraulically actuatable mechanism comprises an electric motor, a hydraulic pump which is driven by the motor and at least one hydraulic line which communicates between the hydraulic pump and a corresponding hydraulic conduit that is fluidly connected to the mechanism. In this manner, the motor drives the hydraulic pump to generate hydraulic pressure which is used to actuate the mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus (60) for actuating a well tool (148) in a wellbore includes a downhole robot (62) that provides for locomotion within the wellbore (144). A pressure control member (64) having a deployed position is operably associated with the downhole robot (62). An engagement mechanism (66) is operably associated with the downhole robot (62) and releasably engages with the well tool (148) such that when the engagement mechanism (66) engages the well tool, the pressure control member (64) is in the deployed position and a differential pressure is created across the pressure control member (64), the downhole robot (62) transmits a longitudinal force to actuate the well tool (148).

Abstract: The steel drill string attached to a drilling bit during typical rotary drilling operations used to drill oil and gas wells is used for a second purpose as the casing that is cemented in place during typical oil and gas well completions. Methods of operation are described that provide for the efficient installation a cemented steel cased well wherein the drill string and the drill bit are cemented into place during one single drilling pass down into the earth. The normal mud passages or watercourses present in the rotary drill bit are used for the second independent purpose of passing cement into the annulus between the casing and the well while cementing the drill string into place during one single pass into the earth. A one-way cement valve is installed near the drill bit of the drill string that allows the cement to set up efficiently under ambiently hydrostatic conditions while the drill string and drill bit are cemented into place during one single drilling pass into the earth.

Abstract: The method of operating a subsurface safety valve and preventing or remediating the formations of hydrate, wax, or paraffin solids in the well bore of an oil or gas well comprising coating the external area of the intermediate portion of a string of tubing to electrically insulate said intermediate portion of said string of tubing, inserting said surface control valve into a well bore pipe on a string of tubing, electrically grounding said surface control valve to said well bore pipe, communicating an electrical signal from the surface along said string of tubing, to said surface control valve, and along said well bore pipe back to said surface, closing said surface control valve upon the interruption of said electrical signal, and using the electrical resistance of said string of tubing to heat the wall of said string of tubing.

Abstract: Methods and systems for optical endpoint detection of a sliding sleeve valve are disclosed. The system comprises fiber optic cable based sensors (e.g., fiber Bragg gratings or fiber optic coils) positioned in a recess within the valve's housing and affixed proximate to the ends of the cavity in which the sleeve travels. When the sleeve reaches the ends of the cavity, it imparts a stress onto an area of the housing, which preferably constitutes a protrusion within the cavity, which in turn stresses the sensor and changes its reflection profile. This change in reflection profile indicates that the sleeve has traveled to an end point inside the valve, and accordingly that the valve is fully open or fully closed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for actuation of downhole tools. In one example, a deep set safety valve uses a magnetic coupling which permits a portion of the safety valve at control line pressure to be isolated from tubing string internal pressure, without requiring the use of a dynamic seal therebetween. A piston of the safety valve may be displaced in response to a differential between control line pressure and pressure in an annulus surrounding the tubing string, pressure in another control line, or pressure in the tubing string. Other types of well tools may benefit from actuation using principles of the invention.

Abstract: An electrical actuator is particularly suited for driving a wellhead valve for regulating the flow of natural gas from a production well. The electrical actuator can be driven using the existing local power supply in wellhead valve systems, typically a solar panel and a battery. The electrical actuator may include a gear reduction train, a brake and a manual input override with clutch protection. The electrical actuator can be configured in three different operational modes that provides a predetermined position upon power loss including fail-bias fixed, fail open and fail bias closed.

Abstract: An actuator system for shifting a control device that is pressure-loaded in the direction opposite the shift direction. The actuator system comprises an actuator element capable of being axially moved in the shift direction within a system enclosure by a rotating spindle of an advance mechanism. The rotating spindle is connected to a rotating sleeve that is pivot-mounted in the system enclosure and surrounds the rotating spindle. The rotating sleeve is locked in position in the direction opposite the direction of advance rotation of the rotating spindle by a volute spring. The volute spring is associated with an emergency release unit for resetting the actuator element against the shift direction. The emergency release unit comprises a tensioning sleeve for the volute spring. The tensioning sleeve rotates between a tensioned and a relaxed position and is pressure-loaded in the direction of its relaxed position. The volute spring is releasably retained in the tensioning sleeve's tensioned position.

Abstract: A down hole tool and apparatus is described for logging and/or remedial operations in a wellbore in a hydrocarbon reservoir. The tool comprises an autonomous unit for measuring down hole conditions, preferably flow conditions. The autonomous unit comprises locomotion means for providing a motion along the wellbore; means for detecting the down hole conditions; and logic means for controlling the unit, the logic means being capable of making decisions based on at least two input parameters. It can be separably attached to a wireline unit connected to the surface or launched from the surface. The connection system between both units can be repeatedly operated under down hole conditions and preferably includes an active component for closing and/or breaking the connection.

Abstract: An electrically actuated fail-safe valve for controlling fluid flow in deepwater drilling operations comprises a body having a bore therethrough, a closure element mounted in the bore and actuable between a closed position and an open position, a flow tube slidably mounted in the bore, the tube being actuable between a first position in which it does not interfere with the normal bias of the closure and a second position in which it opposes the normal bias of the closure, and a drive mechanism causing the tube to advance from its first to its second position. The drive mechanism comprises a gear drive, a rotating sleeve including a helical groove, and a follower pin on the flow tube and received in the helical groove. Power supplied to the drive causes the sleeve to rotate, bearing on the follower pin and advancing the flow tube to its second position.

Abstract: A multi-zone packing system having unique features that allow for remote operation, thereby eliminating the need to raise and lower a work string and crossover tool to various zones of interest during a frac pack, gravel pack or related completion procedure. The squeeze pack system has a crossover tool or port collocated with each zone of interest and remotely operated closing devices to allow for the setting of each packer and the packing job to be performed with minimal or no movement of the work string.

Abstract: A method of removing formation damage through the controlled injection of fluids into the formation, followed by a controlled sudden release of pressure in the formation, an under-balanced surge, which causes fluid and damaging materials to flow back into the well bore. This method is most effective when repeated more than once.

Abstract: A gas-lift well having a controllable gas-lift valve is provided. The well uses the tubing and casing to communicate with and power the controllable valve from the surface. Induction chokes at the surface and downhole electrically isolate the tubing from the casing. A high band-width, adaptable communication system is used to communicate between the controllable valve and the surface. Additional sensors, such as pressure, temperature, and acoustic sensors, may be provided downhole to more accurately assess downhole conditions. The controllable valve is varied opened or closed, depending on downhole conditions, oil production, gas usage and availability, to optimize production and assist in unloading. While conventional, bellows-type, gas-lift valves frequently fail and leak—often undetected—the controllable valve hereof permits known precise operation and concomitant control of the gas-lift well.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention discloses a system for use with a downhole tool while perforating deviated portions of subterranean wellbores. The system involves a swivel connection attaching subsequent segments of the downhole tool which increases the overall flexibility of the downhole tool. The swivel connection allows sections of the downhole tool to pivot with respect to the next adjacent section.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in a cased well having a production tubing assembly installed in the well and terminating with a connection mechanism at a subterranean location. The apparatus and method utilizes a spoolable tubular assembly for installation extending into the well to the connection mechanism wherein the tubular assembly has a plurality of conductors formed connected to electrically operable valve, sensors and tubing latch in the tubular assembly. In the method the assembly is spooled into the well with the tubing latch being operated from outside the well through the tubing conductors to selectively connect and disconnect the assembly from the connector mechanism. Operating the salve and sensors from outside the well when the assembly is installed. The assembly tubing is preferably made of a non-conductive, and preferably composite material that enclosed at least one, and preferably a plurality of electrical conductors.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for actively controlling the flow of hydrocarbon fluids from a producing formation at the downhole sand screen. A preferred embodiment of the invention provides a fluid flow annulus within the production tube inside of the screen. In a first flow control configuration, fluid passing through the screen is required to flow along the annulus to find a flow aperture into an interior flow bore. A static flow control device within the annulus between the sand screen and a first flow aperture dissipates flow energy by forcing the flow through a restricted area that helically winds about the flow annulus. Dissipation of the flow energy increases the pressure reduction from the screen into the production bore and reduces the flow velocity. In a second flow control configuration, flow control structure within the flow annulus obstructs all flow along the annulus. A third flow control configuration removes all flow restrictions within the flow annulus.

Abstract: The present invention is a surface controlled subsurface safety valve (SCSSV) for use in a well, preferably a hydrocarbon producing well. The SCSSV comprises a valve body having a longitudinal bore for fluid to flow through, a bore closure assembly, a pressure balanced drive assembly, and a fail safe assembly. The bore closure assembly is positioned and normally biased to close the bore to fluid flow. The drive assembly is coupled to the bore closure assembly for driving the bore closure assembly to an open position. The fail safe assembly is positioned and configured to hold the bore closure assembly in the open position in response to a hold signal and to release the valve to return to the safe, closed position upon interruption of the hold signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for optimizing the rheological properties of a viscous fluid is particularly designed to reduce the viscosity of the fluid so that it may be more readily transported from a subsurface reservoir to the surface. The apparatus includes housing having a first through bore defining a cross-sectional flow area and longitudinal flow path for fluid through the bore. The housing has an inlet end and an outlet end and is designed for connection in a flow path from a subsurface reservoir. A flow restriction device is adjustably mounted in the through bore to define a reduced area orifice of adjustable size for restricted flow, so as to accelerate the fluid and produce shear. A magnetic unit may also be selectively connected to the housing to produce a magnetic field across the fluid, further reducing viscosity.

Abstract: The invention relates to an actuating device (1) for displacing a control device (3), which is subjected to the action of force counter to the direction of displacement (2). Said actuating device comprises an actuating element, which, inside a device housing (4), can be axially displaced in a direction of displacement by a turning spindle (5) of an advancing device (6). The turning spindle is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to a turning sleeve (8), which is rotatably mounted in the device housing (4) and which surrounds the turning spindle. Said turning sleeve is fixed, in relation to an annular flange (9) that is connected to the device housing in a rotationally fixed manner, counter to an advance turning direction (11) of the turning spindle by means of a spiral spring (10). An emergency disengagement device for resetting the actuating element counter to the direction of displacement is assigned to the spiral spring.

Abstract: A well control valve assembly having a downhole portion with a primary valve, and electromechanical actuator connected to the valve and a first wireless communicator connected to the actuator. The assembly further includes an uphole portion having a pump, a second wireless communicator complementary to the first wireless communicator and being supported in the uphole portion of the valve assembly. The downhole portion and uphole portion are physically non-connected and informationally connected.

Abstract: A multi-zone packing system having unique features that allow for remote operation, thereby eliminating the need to raise and lower a work string and crossover tool to various zones of interest during a frac pack, gravel pack or related completion procedure. The squeeze pack system has a crossover tool or port collocated with each zone of interest and remotely operated closing devices to allow for the setting of each packer and the packing job to be performed with minimal or no movement of the work string.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of operating devices (such as devices in a wellbore or other types of devices) utilizes actuators having expandable or contractable elements. Such expandable or contractable elements may include piezoelectric elements, magnetostrictive elements, and heat-expandable elements. Piezoelectric elements are expandable by application of an electrical voltage; magnetostrictive elements are expandable by application of a magnetic field (which may be generated by a solenoid in response to an electrical current); and heat-expandable elements are expandable by heat energy (e.g., infrared energy or microwave energy). Expandable elements are abutted to an operator member such that when the expandable element expands, the operator member is moved in a first direction, and when the expandable element contracts, the operator member moves in an opposite direction.

Abstract: The present inventions contemplate improved annular flow safety valve apparatus and methods in which the valve comprises a bi-directional self-contained electromechanically operated valve assembly including a moveable seal, power source, electric motor, and control system, capable of operating with or without power or control inputs from the surface.

Abstract: The present invention is a surface controlled subsurface safety valve (SCSSV) for use in a well, preferably a hydrocarbon producing well. The SCSSV comprises a valve body having a longitudinal bore for fluid to flow through, a bore closure assembly, a pressure balanced drive assembly, and a fail safe assembly. The bore closure assembly is positioned and normally biased to close the bore to fluid flow. The drive assembly is coupled to the bore closure assembly for driving the bore closure assembly to an open position. The fail safe assembly is positioned and configured to hold the bore closure assembly in the open position in response to a hold signal and to release the valve to return to the safe, closed position upon interruption of the hold signal.

Abstract: A downhole tool and apparatus is described for logging and/or remedial operations in a wellbore in a hydrocarbon reservoir. The tool comprises an autonomous unit (1) for measuring downhole conditions, preferably flow conditions. The autonomous unit comprises locomotion means (12) for providing a motion along said wellbore; means (14) for detecting said downhole conditions; and logic means (113) for controlling said unit, said logic means being capable of making decisions based on at least two input parameters. It can be separately attached to a wireline unit (22) connected to the surface or launched from the surface. The connection system (31, 32) between both units can be repeatedly operated under down hole conditions and preferably includes an active component for closing and/or breaking the connection.

Abstract: One embodiment of my invention comprises a tool string for testing a wellbore formation that includes a production inlet, an injection outlet, and a sampler apparatus. Fluid is taken from a production zone, into the tool string through the production inlet, out of the tool string through the injection outlet, and into the injection zone. Within the interior of the tool string, the sampler apparatus takes samples of the fluid flowing therethrough. In another embodiment, a large volume of sample fluid is trapped within the interior of the tool string, such as between two valves, and is removed from the wellbore along with the tool string subsequent to the test. In another embodiment, the tool string includes at least one perforating gun to perforate one of the production and injection zones. The tool string may also include two perforating guns to perforate both the production and injection zones.

Abstract: In a broad aspect, the present invention is a downhole hydraulic multiplexer, which is comprised of one or more piloted shuttle valves, and method of using. The invention takes one or more input signals from a surface control panel or computer, said signals may be electric or hydraulic, and converts said signals into a plurality of pressurized hydraulic output channels. The invention is shown in a variety of preferred embodiments, including a tubing deployed version, a wireline retrievable version, and a version residing in the wall of a downhole completion tool. Also disclosed is the use of multiple shuttle valves used in parallel or in series to embody a downhole hydraulic fluid multiplexer, controllable by and reporting positions of said shuttle valves to said surface control panel or computer.

Abstract: A closed-loop system is used to complete oil and gas wells. The term “to complete a well” means “to finish work on a well and bring it into productive status”. A closed-loop system to complete an oil and gas well is an automated system under computer control that executes a sequence of programmed steps, but those steps depend in part upon information obtained from at least one downhole sensor that is communicated to the surface to optimize and/or change the steps executed by the computer to complete the well. The closed-loop system executes the steps during at least one significant portion of the well completion process. The completed well is comprised of at least a borehole in a geological formation surrounding a pipe located within the borehole.

Abstract: A test system and method for testing a well having a first and second zone includes a chamber and an isolation device moveable in the chamber. The isolation device separates a first and a second portion of the chamber. The chamber is adapted to receive fluid in the second chamber portion from the first zone. The isolation device is adapted to be moved in the chamber in a first direction by the first zone fluid. The first chamber portion can be charged with fluid pressure to move the isolation device in a second direction to pump the first zone fluid inside the second chamber portion into the second zone.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes a seat having at least an opening and a first surface. A cover has a contact surface that is slideably and sealingly engaged to the first surface of the seat to form a seal when the contact surface completely covers the at least one opening.

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 blowout preventer (10; 110) adapted to be included in a drill string (11; 111) to isolate a downhole portion of an annulus (14; 114) between the drill string and a borehole wall (12; 112). The blowout preventer has a tubular body (16; 116) and an expandable packer means (22; 122) having an inactive or unset position permitting fluidflow through the annulus (14; 114), and a released, active or set position closing the annulus (14; 114). The tubular body (16; 116) has a through-bore (18; 118) aligned with a bore of the drill string and passageways (30; 130) parallel to the through-bore (18; 118) with fluid inlet ports (32; 132) arranged in a manner to be sealingly covered by the packer means (22; 122) in its unset position, and uncovered upon release of the packer means (22; 122) to permit it to expand into its sealing position closing the annulus (14; 114).

Abstract: There is provided a multilateral well and electric transmission system comprising a branch well tubular in a branch wellbore which is connected in an electrically conductive manner to a primary well tubular in a primary wellbore such that the primary and branch well tubulars form a link for transmission of electrical power and/or signals between the primary and branch wellbores. Low voltage electrical power can be transmitted from the surface to a battery in the branch wellbore to trickle-charge the battery and signals from battery-actuated measuring and control equipment in the branch wellbore can be transmitted back to surface via the walls of the electrically interconnected primary and branch well tubulars.

Abstract: Several downhole flow control devices are disclosed which are meterable and are also capable of shutting of a particular zone in a well. The several embodiments include a multiple valve body, a toroidal inflatable valve, and a series of related choke systems. The downhole flow control choke mechanisms each include a downhole electronics package to provide programming or decision making capacity as well as motor actuation systems. Each choke mechanism also includes a system whereby the device can be converted to manual operation and actuated by a conventional shifting tool.

Abstract: An electric safety valve actuator for a surface controlled subsurface safety valve. The actuator includes a motor drive and driver selectively coupled with a drive yoke connected to an otherwise conventional flow tube of a downhole safety valve.

Abstract: An apparatus for remotely controlling fluids in a well is provided. The flow control apparatus may include a body member having a flow port in an outer wall of the body member, and a flow aperture spaced inwardly from the outer wall. A remotely shiftable valve member may be disposed for reciprocal movement within the body member to regulate fluid flow through the flow aperture and flow port. An indexing sleeve may be rotatably disposed within the body member and engaged with the shiftable valve member to shift the valve member within the body member. An operating piston may be engaged with the indexing sleeve and movably disposed within the body member in response to pressurized fluid. A locking mechanism may also be included for locking the shiftable valve member in a closed, or sealing, position. Electrically-operated mechanisms for shifting the valve member is also provided.

Abstract: A multi-valve well testing system adapted to be disposed downhole in a borehole, includes a plurality of valves and a plurality of well tool control systems connected, respectively, to the plurality of valves and further includes an automatic control mode feature. The well testing system includes a controller board which comprises a microprocessor and a read only memory (ROM). The ROM has encoded therein a set of microcode which, when executed by the microprocessor, causes the various plurality of valves in the well testing system to be opened and closed automatically, without intervention from the operator at the well surface. A kickoff stimulus is required in order to begin execution of the microcode by the microprocessor. This kickoff stimulus could include a sensing, by a pressure transducer, of a predetermined bottom hole pressure, or a sensing, by a strain gauge, of a predetermined set down weight of the well testing system.