Abstract: A portable groundwater sampling system utilizing an air pump in combination with a sampling tank, valves, and a pressure gauge to sample a liquid from a below ground surface monitoring well. The system includes a portable power supply for energizing the air pump and is mounted on wheels for mobility. The system also may include a flat work surface and a storage container.

Abstract: A system and method in accordance with the invention communicator remotely with remotely controllable down hole tools in a well bore at a drilling installation. At the surface, high energy pressure impulses directed into the tubing or the annulus, or both, being at a level to propagate through an interface between very different impedances zones, such as an upper level gas zone and a lower level of mobile fluid media extending down into the desired downhole location. The pressure impulses, provided by directionally gating along the longitudinal confining path a pressure impulse initially having sharp leading and trailing edges, reach the downhole location as physical perturbations forming a discernible pattern that can be detected by one or more energy responsive transducers. With combinations of these signals, one of a number of separate control devices can be remotely actuated.

Abstract: A blowout preventer (BOP) protector is adapted to support a tubing string in a wellbore so that the tubing string is directly accessible during a well treatment to stimulate production. The BOP protector includes a mandrel having a sealing assembly mounted to its bottom end for pack-off in a casing of a well to be stimulated. The mandrel is connected at its top end to a fracturing head, including a central passage and radial passages in fluid communication with the central passage. The mandrel is locked in a fixed position by a lockdown nut that prevents upward movement induced by fluid pressures in the wellbore. The advantages are that the BOP protector permits access to the tubing string during well treatment and enables an operator to move the tubing string up and down or run coil tubing into or out of the wellbore without removing the tool. This reduces operation costs, saves time and enables many new procedures that were previously impossible or impractical.

Abstract: A shock absorber for use between the reciprocating member of an oil well pumping mechanism and a polish rod connected to the rod spring and movable along a vertical pumping axis. The shock absorber comprises an upper and lower end plate having a peripheral surface around the plumping axis and defining a polish rod clearance opening. A coil spring is located between the plates and is concentric with and surrounding the pumping axis. A friction reducing centering head secured to at least one of the plates (preferably the lower plates) centers polish rod in the clearance opening and holds the polish rod away from the peripheral wall of the plate.

Abstract: A platform is used to deliver a tool down a hole by controlling the flow of fluid through and around the platform. The platform has a top surface for receiving the tool. The platform also has a bottom surface to provide guidance through and resistance to the flow of fluid. The lower surface of the platform can be engineered to steer the platform against an inner wall of the casing. This slows the descent by adding mechanical friction to its descent. The lower surface can also be engineered to add a predetermined amount of resistance to the flow of the well fluid across it. A stop on the casing already in place in the well stops the descent of the tool at a desired depth. Once the tool is no longer needed, a fishing tool can be lowered from the same crane to retrieve the tool and platform. Use of a crane substantially decreases the cost of the operation compared to the need for a rig.

Abstract: A vent screen pressure deployment tool and method for use in running tubular members into a pressurized well. The apparatus comprises a top sub and a stinger. The top sub is adapted for connection to the upper end of a tubular member, such as a vent screen. An upper end of the top sub is adapted for connection to a conveying tool, such as a slick line deployment tool, and the top sub defines a collet recess therein. The stinger comprises a locator sub adapted for connection to the lower end of another tubular member and a collet sub shearably attached to the locator sub. The collet sub has a plurality of flexible collets thereon adapted for latching engagement with the collet recess when aligned therewith, thereby providing a latched connection between the tubular members.

Abstract: The invention relates to jet device used for extracting oil from wells. The inventive method consists in the following: a pump, a connecting and disconnecting unit, a valve unit, a packer and a shank are mounted on a tubing string before actuating the inventive device. A perforator is run into the well on a mounting seat in the pass channel of the pump, the packer being released. Differential pressure being produced, the perforator is blasted against the productive stratum which is then drained. The perforator being replaced by the transmitter and receiver-transducer of physical fields, the stratum is studied while the pump operates. Said transmitter and receiver-transducer being pulled from the well, a valve chamber and a blocking insert separating the cavity of the tubing string from environment are thrown into the well. The well starts to work in a natural flow regime.

Abstract: The present invention provides a wellhead hydraulic drive unit to operate various styles of downhole pumps, which is installed as an integral part of a wellhead thereby eliminating the need for a stuffing box. The wellhead hydraulic drive unit comprises a hollow hydraulic cylinder having a piston positioned therein, a hydraulic fluid supply means attached to the hydraulic cylinder for producing reciprocation of the piston within the hydraulic cylinder, a hollow ram means slideably received within the inner wall of the hydraulic cylinder and connected to the piston for reciprocation in response to the piston; and a production tube means inserted through the ram means for enabling well fluid to be discharged from the well.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for remediation of non-aqueous phase liquids (NAPL) in a well. The apparatus includes a continuous loop absorption device for extracting NAPL from the well, a casing covering the well, at least two pairs of brackets located inside the casing, and at least two squeegee rollers supported by the brackets, wherein each squeegee roller includes an axel supported by a pair of brackets, the axel being enclosed within the casing.

Abstract: A casing sensor and methods for sensing using a casing sensor are disclosed. The casing sensor includes a casing shoe and a sensor coupled to the casing shoe. A casing data relay includes a downhole receiver coupled to a well casing and a transmitter coupled to the receiver. The casing sensor may be coupled to the transmitter. A drill string actuator may be controllable through the downhole receiver.

Abstract: A method of removing a gravel packed screen to reach another zone is described. The method involves a bottom hole assembly comprising an isolation device for the screen and a tool to latch on to it. A perforating gun is shot off to put holes in the screen to allow gravel to come through. A flow through a reversing valve is initiated to urge the gravel into the newly perforated screen while a vibrator shakes the screen and stimulates gravel flow through the screen. Alternatively, the screen is not isolated and a reverse circulation from the surface in conjunction with vibration urges the gravel to flow through the screen and out through the tubing supporting the bottom hole assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wellbore fluid comprising a particulate material composed of the reaction product of A) one or more water soluble organic compound having possessing a molecular weight of less than 30,000 and possessing at least two hydroxyl groups and B) any other organic compound(s) capable of forming acetal or hemiacetal cross-links with the hydroxyl groups of compound A. The invention relates also to the specific particulate material itself and to applications of the wellbore fluid of the invention for well processes such as drilling, under-reaming, completing, working over, sealing loss zones, sealing fractures, sealing cavities or other very high permeability conduits in a rock formation, or hydraulic fracturing to stimulate a hydrocarbon-producing zone.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for integrated control of multiple well tools. Predetermined pressure levels are utilized in independently actuating specific well tools from a plurality of well tools. The number of well tools independently controlled may be greater than the number of fluid control lines that cooperate with the well tools to control tool actuation.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for sequentially treating multiple zones in underground formation in a single trip of the well treatment work string. In the one embodiment, the work string includes composite tubing having electrical conductors embedded within the walls, the conductors enabling power transmission and two way communication between the surface and the sensor or detectors downhole so that real time data can be sensed and communicated. Isolation packers are actuated via electrical signals from the surface communicated to the bottom hole assembly via the conductors. A detector located in the bottom hole assembly may be provided to detect perforations or other anomalies in the casing, such as joints, enabling the surface controller to position packers properly in blank segments of casing so that well intervals can be properly isolated and the adjacent formation effectively treated.

Abstract: A multi-line back pressure control system for providing two way hydraulic line movement while maintaining back pressure control. Check valves are integrated in hydraulic fluid control lines extending downhole into a wellbore. Each check valve is pilot operated with pressure from another hydraulic line to selectively open the lines for two way fluid communication. Removal of the pilot pressure closes the check valves to provide passive back pressure control against catastrophic wellbore events. Pilot pressure operation between multiple pressurized lines can be provided with valves such as three-way, three-position piloted valves.

Abstract: This invention relates to a mechanical oil recovery method and system with a sucker-rod pump. The method calculates the lowest power loss or the lowest cost. The method comprises sequentially arranging internal diameter, steel grade of rod, pump diameter, pumping depth and stroke amplitude, searching the combinations of rods to calculate pump efficiency and the number of strokes, on the basis of Pinput=Pactive−Pexpansion+Ploss, and calculating, corresponding to the input power Pinput, active power Pactive, expansion power Ppeng, ground power loss Pd, sliding power loss Ph and viscose power loss Pv and the sum of losses Ploss. The mechanical oil-recovering cost is then calculated for each combination, and each mechanical oil-recovering parameter is chosen.

Abstract: A blowout preventer (BOP) protector is adapted to support a tubing string in a wellbore so that the tubing string is directly accessible during a well treatment to stimulate production. The BOP protector includes a mandrel having a sealing assembly mounted to its bottom end for pack-off in a casing of a well to be stimulated. The mandrel is connected at its top end to a fracturing head, including a central passage and radial passages in fluid communication with the central passage. The mandrel is locked in a fixed position by a lockdown nut that prevents upward movement induced by fluid. pressures in the wellbore. The advantages are that the BOP protector permits access to the tubing string during well treatment and enables an operator to move the tubing string up and down or run coil tubing into or out of the wellbore without removing the tool. This reduces operation costs, saves time and enables many new procedures that were previously impossible or impractical.

Abstract: A hydraulic control system and associated methods provides selective control of operation of multiple well tool assemblies. In a described embodiment, a hydraulic control system includes multiple control modules, each of which has a member that is displaceable to multiple predetermined positions to thereby select a corresponding one of multiple well tool assemblies for operation thereof. When the member of a certain control module is in a selected position, an actuator of a corresponding one of the well tool assemblies is placed in fluid communication with a flowpath connected to the control module. The members of the multiple control modules are displaced simultaneously in response to pressure on a line connected to each of the control modules.

Abstract: A system for transmitting hydraulic control signals and hydraulic power to downhole well tools while reducing the number of hydraulic lines installed in the wellbore. Hydraulic control signals can be furnished at relatively lower pressures, and the hydraulic pressure within the line can be selectively increased over a threshold level to provide hydraulic actuation power. The system can provide multiple control paths through a few number of hydraulic lines to provide flexibility and verification of well tool operation. Closed loop hydraulic operation monitors well tool operation, and a combination of pressurized hydraulic lines can provide an operating code for selective downhole well tool control. Four hydraulic lines can provide independent control and actuation of seven well tools, and additional combinations can be constructed.

Abstract: A well control system and associated method of controlling well tools provides downhole well tool control without requiring the use of electricity or complex pressure pulse decoding mechanisms. In a described embodiment, a digital hydraulic well control system includes multiple well tool assemblies, with each assembly including a well tool, an actuator and an addressable actuation control device. Multiple hydraulic lines are interconnected to each control device. The hydraulic lines transmit addresses or codes to respective selected ones of the control devices, thereby selecting corresponding respective ones of the well tools for actuation thereof. Hydraulic lines are also used to actuate the selected well tools.

Abstract: A concentric casing jack is disclosed having a casing supporter and actuator that uses hydraulic fluid to vertically raise and lower an inner concentric string of casing in a well. This casing jack is connected to a string of casing and can operate down-hole tools attached to the lower end of the casing by actuating the casing. The casing jack is supported at the surface by the wellhead and can be incorporated into a series of drilling spools and blowout preventer valves that are commonly utilized during drilling operations. The casing jack consists of a housing and a hollow piston whose internal diameter is similar in size to the concentric casing. The similar sizing allows drill bits and bottom hole assemblies to pass through the hollow center of the casing jack and the attached string of casing. The piston is equipped with external seals to hold hydraulic pressure between the hollow piston and the body of the jack.

Abstract: A system and method in accordance with the invention communicator remotely with remotely controllable down hole tools in a well bore at a drilling installation. At the surface, high energy pressure impulses directed into the tubing or the annulus, or both, being at a level to propagate through an interface between very different impedances zones, such as an upper level gas zone and a lower level of mobile fluid media extending down into the desired downhole location. The pressure impulses, provided by directionally gating along the longitudinal confining path a pressure impulse initially having sharp leading and trailing edges, reach the downhole location as physical perturbations forming a discernible pattern that can be detected by one or more energy responsive transducers. With combinations of these signals, one of a number of separate control devices can be remotely actuated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for remediation of non-aqueous phase liquids (NAPL), including the use of a prior art hydrophobic adsorption system including a continuous loop of adsorptive material, with a weighted pulley on the free end of the loop to allow for the loop to be placed within a well being deeper than it is wide.

Abstract: A system for transmitting hydraulic control signals or hydraulic power to downhole well tools while significantly reducing the number of hydraulic lines required. Hydraulic control signals are furnished at relatively low pressures to actuate a selected well tool, and the hydraulic pressure is selectively increased over a threshold level to provide hydraulic power to the well tool. The hydraulic control actuation signals can be controlled by selectively pressurizing different hydraulic lines in a selected sequence and by selectively powering the fluid pressure within a selected hydraulic line. The combination of selective sequential actuation and selective fluid pressure provides multiple actuation combinations for selectively actuating downhole well tools. Additional combinations can be provided by changing the pressurization sequence, magnitude, absolute time, duration, and pressurization profile within a discrete time period.

Abstract: Apparatus and system control for the removal of fluids and gas from a well comprising winch means for removing the oil, a temporary storage tank, a bailer tube, first, second and third bailer tube guide pipes axially aligned to each other, means for exhausting and recovering a natural gas, the bailer tube being capable of being lowered into and elevated from the well casing through the temporary storage tank such that captured oil can be discharged into the temporary storage tank, sensors for monitoring operational parameters including the depth of oil and depth of a top level of water in the well casing, and a programmable logic controller means for providing system control so that only oil is removed from the well casing by using a logging sequence and a balanced oil production operational sequence.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hydraulic actuator adapted for use in downhole well applications that enables control of several hydraulic devices from a single control line.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for unblocking particulate plugs that develop in a well that produces fluid laden with suspended particles when a pump in the well is idled are described. In order to remove the plugs, a valve is inserted in the production tubing above the pump, the valve permitting the well fluid to flow up past the valve but inhibiting the well fluid from flowing down past the valve so that a majority of particles that settle from the well fluid when the pump is idle are trapped above the valve and do not plug the pump. A volume of well fluid trapped between the bottom of the valve and the top of the pump permits pressure waves induced by starting and stopping the pump to be generated. The pressure waves force fluids past the valve until the particles in the plug are resuspended to permit production to resume. The advantage is a simple, low cost solution to a long standing problem which required pulling of the production tubing from the well in order to remove the particulate plug.

Abstract: Modern subsea wells utilise an electrohydraulic control system which switches hydraulic power to various control components in dependence on received control signals. The mounting and interconnection of the control components tends to be complicated. The invention provides a manifold comprising a first manifold body 6 having a number of openings and flow passageways therethrough. The manifold body is selectively configurable by selecting predetermined openings in order to achieve a desired configuration of flow passageways between control devices 1, 2, 13, 4. The manifold simplifies the interconnection of the hydraulic components and provides greater flexibility in the location of the components. Preferably, the manifold body also provides a platform for mounting the control devices.

Abstract: A blowout preventer (BOP) protector is adapted to support a tubing string in a well bore so that the tubing string is directly accessible during a well treatment to stimulate production. The BOP protector includes a mandrel having an annular sealing body bonded to its bottom end for sealing engagement with a bit guide that protects a top of a casing of a well to be stimulated. The mandrel is connected at its top end to a fracturing head, including a central passage and radial passages in fluid communication with the central passage. The mandrel is locked in a fixed position by a lockdown mechanism that prevents upward movement induced by fluid pressures in the wellbore and downward movement induced by the weight of a tubing string supported at a top of the fracturing head by a tubing adapter.

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: A hydraulically operated fluid metering apparatus provides discharge of a known volume of fluid to an actuator of a well tool. In one described embodiment, the fluid metering apparatus is connected to a hydraulic input of a well tool actuator. Discharge of the known volume of fluid to the actuator input causes a piston of the actuator to displace a known distance, thereby producing a known increment of actuation of the well tool. The discharge of the known volume of fluid may be repeated to produce a desired total degree of actuation of the well tool.

Abstract: A system for transmitting hydraulic control signals and hydraulic power to downhole well tools while reducing the number of hydraulic lines installed in the wellbore. Hydraulic control signals can be furnished at relatively lower pressures, and the hydraulic pressure within the line can be selectively increased over a threshold level to provide hydraulic actuation power. The system can provide multiple control paths through a few number of hydraulic lines to provide flexibility and verification of well tool operation. Closed loop hydraulic operation monitors well tool operation, and a combination of pressurized hydraulic lines can provide an operating code for selective downhole well tool control. Four hydraulic lines can provide independent control and actuation of seven well tools, and additional combinations can be constructed.

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 self-regulating lift fluid injection tool (100) adapted for placement within production tubing (30) is disclosed. The tool (100) has a control valve (126) that controls the rate of injection of a lift fluid (102) into the formation fluids(104) being produced through the production tubing (30). A sensor (140) monitors the flow rate of the formation fluids (104) through the production tubing (30). The sensor (140) generates a signal indicative the flow rate of the formation fluids (104) which is sent to an electronics package (142). The electronics package (142) generates a control signal in response to the signal received from the sensor (140) that is received by an actuator (176). The actuator (176) adjusts the position of the control valve (126) to regulate the flow rate of the lift fluid (102) therethrough in response to the control signal, thereby optimizing the flow rate of the formation fluids (104).

Abstract: A system usable with a subterranean well includes a tubing and a lubricator. The tubing is adapted to receive a drill string in a passageway of the tubing, and the lubricator is located downhole and is connected to the tubing. The lubricator is adapted to be remotely operable from a surface of the well to control fluid communication between the passageway located above the lubricator and a formation located beneath the lubricator. The lubricator may include a sleeve and controller. The controller selectively moves the sleeve into a passageway of a valve of the lubricator to protect the valve from a downhole fluid.

Abstract: A system usable with a subterranean well includes a tubing and a lubricator. The tubing is adapted to receive a drill string in a passageway of the tubing, and the lubricator is located downhole and is connected to the tubing. The lubricator is adapted to be remotely operable from a surface of the well to control fluid communication between the passageway located above the lubricator and a formation located beneath the lubricator. The lubricator may include a sleeve and controller. The controller selectively moves the sleeve into a passageway of a valve of the lubricator to protect the valve from a downhole fluid.

Abstract: A subsurface electro-hydraulic power unit provided by the present invention permits existing hydraulically actuated well tools to be utilized in situations where control lines extending from the tools to the surface are undesirable or economically prohibitive. In a described embodiment, an electro-hydraulic power unit is in communication with a surface control system. The power unit may be supplied with electrical power from the surface control system, or it may include a power supply, such as batteries. The power unit may respond to a signal transmitted from the surface control system to select from among multiple redundant well tools for actuation thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for axially displacing a downhole tool or a tubular in a well bore equipped with a wellhead is described. The apparatus includes a lifting mechanism such as an hydraulic cylinder or a mechanical jack that is connected to a lift rod string. The lift rod string includes a latch for engaging the tubular or the downhole tool. The apparatus further preferably includes a motor for rotating the lift rod string to permit rotationally releasable downhole equipment to be released by rotational movement of the lift rod string. The apparatus is also useful for removing obstructions in a casing of the well bore, and for removing soluble solids from a tubular in the well bore. The advantage is a simple, light weight, lifting apparatus that is versatile, yet inexpensively manufactured and readily transported from one wellhead to another.

Abstract: A method for optimizing production from a gas lift well includes the steps of: obtaining a statistical model of production behavior of a gas lift well, the production behavior including known patterns of at least one production characteristic and corresponding operating parameters; operating the gas lift well at initial operating parameters; obtaining a real time value of the production characteristic from the gas lift well at the initial operating parameters; comparing the real time value of the production characteristic to the model to determine whether a known pattern is detected; and if a known pattern is detected, adjusting the operating parameters to the corresponding operating parameters. An apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A system for transmitting hydraulic control signals and hydraulic power to downhole well tools while reducing the number of hydraulic lines installed in the wellbore. Hydraulic control signals can be furnished at relatively lower pressures, and the hydraulic pressure within the line can be selectively increased over a threshold level to provide hydraulic actuation power. The system can provide multiple control paths through a few number of hydraulic lines to provide flexibility and verification of well tool operation. Closed loop hydraulic operation monitors well tool operation, and a combination of pressurized hydraulic lines can provide an operating code for selective downhole well tool control. Four hydraulic lines can provide independent control and actuation of seven well tools, and additional combinations can be constructed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating multiple branch wells from a parent well is disclosed. A multiple branching sub is provided for placement at a branching node of a well. Such sub includes a branching chamber and a plurality of branching outlet members. The outlet members during construction of the branching sub, have previously been distorted into oblong shapes so that all of the branching outlet members fit within an imaginary cylinder which is coaxial with and substantially the same radius as the branching chamber. After deployment of the branching sub via a parent casing in the well, a forming tool is lowered to the interior of the sub. The outlet members are extended outwardly by the forming tool and simultaneously formed into substantially round tubes. Next, each outlet member is plugged with cement, after which each branch well is drilled through a respective outlet member. If desired, each branch may be lined with casing and sealed to a branching outlet by means of a casing hanger.

Abstract: This invention is directed toward apparatus and methods for gathering liquid samples from a reservoir of liquid using a submersible pump and subsequently retrieving the samples for analysis. The invention is more specifically directed toward the gathering and preparing of water samples for analysis for tritium content, where the samples are collected from underground formations penetrated by a borehole or collected at varying depths in surface canals and the like. The samples are subsequently transferred to the surface of the earth for analysis. The submersible pump is operated by means of a surface valving system and solenoid systems mounted on the submersible pump. The pump inlet valve is set to open or "crack" at a predetermine pressure, however the pump is not filled until a vacuum is applied to the pump. After filling, the pump is purged thereby transporting the sampled liquid to the surface by applying pressure.

Abstract: One or more downhole tools can be set using an apparatus and method where a control line runs outside a tubular string. The string and downhole tools do not have lateral penetrations and the downhole tool(s) are actuated externally from the control line which is in the annular space.

Abstract: A new method for introducing wellbore cement into a wellbore shoe joint has been invented, the shoe joint having a hollow tubular body, the shoe joint containing an amount of wellbore fluid, the shoe joint disposed in a wellbore cementing system between a float shoe, guide shoe, or other flow apparatus beneath the shoe joint, and a hollow tubular member above the shoe joint, the hollow tubular member being a lower part of a wellbore tubular string of a plurality of tubular members (e.g., casing) extending from an earth surface down into a wellbore, the method including moving a wellbore wiper plug into the hollow tubular body of the shoe joint, moving the plug within the shoe joint to push wellbore fluid from the shoe joint and, in one aspect, debris in the fluid, the fluid flowing to the float shoe, guide shoe or other flow apparatus, flowing wellbore cement into the hollow tubular body of the shoe joint.

Abstract: A method is provided for supporting and sealing structure defining a generally cylindrical hole while introducing and removing devices from the hole. A first flexible liner is installed in the hole and pressurized to a pressure effective to support and seal the structure. A second flexible liner is everted between the first flexible liner and the structure, where the second flexible liner carries the devices to introduce and remove the devices from the hole while the first liner remain pressurized to continuously support and seal the structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for axially displacing a downhole tool or a tubing string in a well bore equipped with a wellhead, the downhole tool being supported by a tubing string in the well which includes a telescoping joint to permit the axial displacement of the tool is described. The apparatus includes a lifting mechanism such as a hydraulic cylinder or a mechanical jack which is connected to a lift rod string. The lift rod string engages a latch point in the telescoping joint to support the weight of the tubing string and the downhole tool. The apparatus permits the downhole tool to be displaced within a range constrained by the length of the telescoping joint. The apparatus further preferably includes a motor for rotating the lift rod string to permit downhole packers or anchors to be released by rotational movement of the tubing string. The apparatus also preferably includes support legs to bear a portion of the weight of a suspended tubing string in order to reduce tension on the wellhead components.

Abstract: A hydraulic pump jack drive system for reciprocating an oil well pump rod. The drive system comprises at least one hydraulic well head cylinder, a reversible flow hydraulic pump, and a master cylinder. The master cylinder has a free floating master piston and at least one fixed bulkhead. The master cylinder also has a working fluid chamber hydraulically connected to the hydraulic well head cylinder and at least two master piston drive chambers hydraulically connected to the hydraulic pump. The hydraulic well head cylinder and the working fluid chamber are filled with a working fluid and define a working fluid system while the master piston drive chambers and the hydraulic pump are filled with hydraulic fluid and define a hydraulic drive system. Reversing the flow of the hydraulic pump causes the master piston drive chambers to be pressurized and de-pressurized on an alternating basis to reciprocally move the master piston within the master cylinder.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus for producing well fluids from an oil bearing formation penetrated by a well. The apparatus includes a tubing string forming a production flow path for production fluids between the earth's surface and a location in the well suitable for receiving well production fluids, a power tubing generally parallel to the production tubing and connected to the flow path of the production tubing, and a cross over flow mechanism to divert the flow of production fluids from the power tubing to the production flow path. A lubricant flow path extends from the earth's surface to a location near a pumping apparatus disposed in the power tubing to allow a lubricant to be introduced into the pumping apparatus.

Abstract: A permanently installed, remotely monitored and controlled transient pressure test system is provided. This system utilizes shut-in/choke valves, pressure sensors and flow meters which are permanently associated with the completion string to perform transient pressure tests in single and multiple zone production and injection wells. The present invention permits full bore testing which thereby eliminates undesirable wellbore storage effects. The present invention further allows for pressure testing limited only to a selected zone (or zones) in a well without expensive well intervention and without halting production from, or injection into, other zones in the well. The permanently located pressure test system of this invention also allows for real-time, downhole nodal sensitivity and control. This pressure test system may be permanently deployed either in production wells or injection wells.

Abstract: A combustor method and apparatus is provided. The method utilizes flameless combustion with one or more of three improvements to enhance ignition of the flameless combustor. A catalytic surface can be provided within a combustion chamber to provide flameless combustion at least in the vicinity of the catalytic surface at a temperature that is much lower than the autoignition temperature of fuel in air without the presence of the catalytic surface. Nitrous oxide or supplemental oxygen may also be used as an oxidant either instead of air or with air to reduce ignition temperatures. Further, electrical energy can be passed through the fuel conduit, raising the temperature of the conduit to a temperature above which the fuel will ignite when combined with the oxidant.