Abstract: A subsea test valve system for wells completed at the floor of the sea includes a safety valve and disconnect mechanism mounted in a blowout preventer at the bottom of the sea and having hydraulic fluid pressure operated means for opening the safety valve and controlling a latch in the disconnect mechanism. A tubing test string shut off valve is releasably latched in the disconnect mechanism and has a hydraulic fluid operated shut off valve and a valve for venting the test string to the riser pipe which extends from the blowout preventer to the vessel or platform at the surface of the sea. The subsea hydraulic pressure operated devices are supplied with pressure fluid from a subsea accumulator under the control of subsea pilot valves which are operated by small pressure differences, to accomplish rapid operation at great depth from a control console on the vessel or platform.

Abstract: Subsurface apparatus and method for using same in a hydrocarbon producing well to enable retrieval of a full opening subsurface safety valve mounted in the well tubing without disturbing the major portion of the well tubing located below the safety valve. The apparatus includes a subsurface tubing hanger below the safety valve from which the major portion of the well tubing is suspended and through which tubing the hydrocarbons flow to the surface. Disposed above the safety valve is a tubing holddown apparatus and a controllable safety joint. The holddown apparatus provides a lower anchor for the portion of the tubing disposed above the tubing hanger and the stinger which is received in and seals with the tubing hanger.

Abstract: An improved method for transmitting fluid pressure signals through a conduit is disclosed wherein time delay is minimized. In the practice of this invention, a pressure pulse is applied to a conduit for a predetermined time interval and thereafter reduced to a maintenance level. The invention is particularly useful in sequentially controlling subsea oil well valves from a remote surface station.

Abstract: A column of elastic material such as steel is lowered into an oil well by means of a derrick to a position such that the end portion thereof is within a liner to be removed. The end portion of the column has clamping means thereon which are employed to tightly clamp the column to the liner. High level and variable resonant sonic energy is then applied to the column from the surface and transmitted along the column to the liner. The sonic energy operates to loosen the liner from the surrounding earthen material which usually has an adhesive tarry substance which tightly holds the liner. Vertical bias force, which may be varied from time to time to apply variable bias both upwardly and downwardly, as well as torsional bias in some instances are employed to aid in loosening the liner, the sonic energy operating to hysteresis heat the tarry adhesive until it softens and the liner can be removed by drawing the column upwardly with the derrick.

Abstract: A deflection wedge is positioned in a long horizontal drill hole by securing it with a shear pin to an extension on a drill string. The extension is turned independently of the drill string to enable a droparm mechanism to actuate a trigger which stops rotation at a predetermined orientation. Rotation is effected by means of a piston-operated rifle bar mechanism. The piston is actuated by passing drilling fluid down the drill string. The trigger causes a valve to be closed to lock the piston hydraulically in position and thus prevent further rotation. The wedge is now secured by axial pressure on the drill string.

Abstract: A method of natural gas production from wells drilled into geopressured aquifers containing methane saturated water, comprising using wells which permit initial flow of water with a complete absence of back pressure at the well head, and containing the flow of water until loss of pressure in the aquifer exsolves sufficient gas to reverse the gas/water permeability ratio, thus converting the flow entirely to natural gas and water vapor and creating a gas cap. A further embodiment is the subsequent use of rings of secondary wells of similar design, each ring located at approximately equal radial distances from the initial well, to produce similar gas caps which interact with-, and produce from-, the gas cap created by production from the initial well and the gas caps of the other secondary wells.

Abstract: A well safety system comprising a tubing retrievable safety valve adaptable for being connected in a well tubing string with means therein, responsive to pressure, for opening and closing the valve. The tubing retrievable safety valve is to be connected, in the tubing string, below a landing nipple for receiving a secondary safety valve. The safety valve and landing nipple are connected by a common conduit for conducting a suitable pressure fluid for control and balance of the safety valve and a secondary valve landed in the landing nipple. Means are provided on the landing nipple for selectively flushing pressure fluid into the tubing bore. This abstract of the disclosure is neither intended to define the scope of the invention which, of course, is measured by the claims nor is it intended to limit the invention in any way.

Abstract: A hydraulic valve operating circuit for providing positive opening and closing of a downhole safety valve includes shut-off valves which prevent leakage of fuel to the outside environment if a leak should occur in the hydraulic lines which are connected to the hydraulic actuator of the downhole safety valve. A hydraulic control line is connected to the actuator of the safety valve through a normally-closed shut-off valve and the hydraulic control line is also connected to the actuator of the shut-off valve to hold both the shut-off valve and the downhole safety valve open when the hydraulic line is pressurized. Another valve moves to a position to direct the flow of fluid from the safety valve to an accumulator when the pressure in the control line falls below a predetermined value to insure that the downhole safety valve will close properly.

Abstract: A surface-controlled subsurface safety valve apparatus and method of utilizing the safety valve in through-the-flowline serviced wells. Both the valve frame and valve operator are provided with ball and socket universal joints to enable passage of the safety valve past restrictions in the flowline resulting from bends and curves in the flowline by flexing the safety valve in moving to and from the subsurface operating location.

Abstract: In accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a new and improved valve system for retaining production fluids in the subsea production pipe upon disconnection of the riser from the subsea wellhead during a production test of an offshore well includes a normally closed valve releasably connected to a normally open valve. The normally open valve can be hydraulically closed from a remote control station upon disconnection of the riser in order to retain fluids in the production pipe thereabove, and when closed will hold pressure in either longitudinal direction.

Abstract: In a well safety valve for controlling the fluid flow through a well conduit in which the valve has a housing and a tubular member controlling a valve element the improvement in means for opening and closing the valve. At least one piston is telescopically movable within and has its longitudinal axis within the wall of the housing and outside of the tubular member and engages the tubular member. The first side of the piston is in communication with a hydraulic passageway adapted to extend to the well surface for opening the valve. The second side of the piston extends into a closed gas chamber tending to move the valve to the closed position. The piston has a small cross-sectional area for reducing the pressure effect in the gas chamber of the gas caused by movement of the second side of the piston whereby the differential between the opening and closing forces are reduced thereby allowing the valve to be used at greater depths in the well.

Abstract: A subsurface well safety apparatus for controlling control fluid used to operate subsurface safety valves mounted in well production tubing. The apparatus is operated by a shifting tool between a first position enabling a pair of tandem subsurface safety valves to operate together and a second position to isolate one of the subsurface safety valves from the control fluid. The apparatus is shifted between positions by a tool movable through the production tubing to the subsurface location.

Abstract: A divertor tool is disclosed for diverting a pump-down tool (PDT) along various branches of a pipeline. The diverter includes a flapper to redirect the PDT along an alternate conduit of a wye-section of the pipeline. The flapper is hydraulically operated by an actuation chamber at the lower end of the diverter. The entire diverter tool is capable of being installed in a side-pocket mandrel of the pipeline adjacent the wye-section using such standard oil field equipment as a kickover tool. The entire diverter is also easily removable for servicing using a standard kickover tool.

Abstract: A composite sucker rod string for connecting a subsurface well pump to a surface pumping unit utilizes a plurality of relatively elastic sucker rods, such as, polyfilament reinforced, resin bonded sucker rods in conjunction with a plurality of relatively inelastic sucker rods, such as, steel sucker rods, with the lengths and other parameters of the relatively elastic and relatively inelastic portions of the sucker rod string being selected to provide optimum pumping performance within the constraints imposed by the characteristics of the well and pumping equipment.

Abstract: A hydraulic valve operating circuit for providing positive opening and closing of a downhole safety valve includes shut-off valves which prevent leakage of fuel to the outside environment if a leak should occur in the hydraulic lines which are connected to the hydraulic actuator of the downhole safety valve. A hydraulic control line is connected to the actuator of the safety valve through a normally-closed shut-off valve and the hydraulic control line is also connected to the actuator of the shut-off valve to hold both the shut-off valve and the downhole safety valve open when the hydraulic line is pressurized. Another valve moves to a position to direct the flow of fluid from the safety valve to an accumulator when the pressure in the control line falls below a predetermined value to insure that the downhole safety valve will close properly.

Abstract: A shock absorber for use to interconnect the polish rod of an oil well with the pumping unit in which the pumping unit includes a hanger bar having an opening therein receiving the polish rod, the shock absorber employing a tubular body axially receiving the polish rod, the body being supported on the hanger bar, and the body including a plurality of discs of elastomeric material, each having openings therein, and including a top plate secured to the polish rod with a polish rod clamp so that on up stroke of the pumping unit the elastomeric members are pressed and the openings therein form an air cushion to assist in alleviating shock transition from the polish rod to the pumping unit.

Abstract: A well logging instrument has a fluid chamber at its lower end and a plurality of controlled flow orifices leading from the chamber to the exterior of the instrument. A piston within the chamber, having a spring at its upper end, forces a friction-reduction agent from the chamber through the flow-controlled orifices into the earth borehole to facilitate the movement of the well logging instrument through the borehole. The upper portion of the fluid chamber, above the piston, is also ported to the fluid within the borehole to equalize the pressure across the piston. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the acceleration of the borehole instrument creates a velocity signal which is compared with the velocity of the logging cable at the earth's surface and upon a sufficient difference in velocity, the friction-reduction agent is caused to be ported into the earth borehole.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for treating or completing wells to provide surface controlled subsurface safety systems in the wells, whether at the time of original completion or when the well is reworked or reequipped. A method and apparatus is provided for installing receptacles at the upper ends of one or more lower well flow conductors left in place in the well below the surface for receiving the lower ends of corresponding upper flow conductor sections having surface controlled subsurface safety valves connected therein for controlling undesired flow from the well through said lower flow conductors in the event of an emergency, disaster or accident damaging the surface flow controlling system or threatening the integrity thereof. A hanger or packer may be installed in the well casing below the surface for supporting the upper ends of the lower flow conductor or conductors therebelow and providing means for connecting receptacles at the upper ends of said lower flow conductors above such hanger or packer.

Abstract: A disaster valve for downhole use in a gas or oil well is built into a unitary housing having a wireline running tool connector at one end and a control package at the other end. In the center of the housing, a ball valve (in one embodiment) or a piston and cylinder valve (in another embodiment) is arranged to be operated by a new and improved mandrel driven by a motor for rotating a feed screw. The housing includes passages and parts configured so that the lower end of the housing lies along the axis of the tubing to enable a peripheral fluid flow, coaxially around the housing. Near the valve, the fluid is diverted from the peripheral flow into an axial flow. The valve controls the fluid flow at the point where the peripheral flow converts into the axial flow. During catastrophic conditions, a quick release feature enables the valve to be driven to a closed position under spring tension.

Abstract: An offshore well apparatus so constructed and arranged to minimize chances of pollution of sea water by production fluids which may be released as a result of damage to the well apparatus resulting from natural causes, such as, action of masses of ice at the seabed, earth slides in the seabed formation, and breakage of the production system above the seabed. The offshore well apparatus includes a platform means at the sea surface and a well template means on the seabed formation beneath the platform means, a well casing means supported from the template means and extending into a well hole, riser pipe means extending into the well casing means and having a riser connecting means at its lower end connected to a production fluid control means located at a selected depth within the well casing means, and fluid pressure actuating means for the production fluid control means including means for automatically shutting off production flow at a selected depth below the seabed.

Abstract: A surface controlled subsurface safety valve having an operator and a pilot valve. The pilot valve controllably communicates pressurized control fluid to affect the operator and pressure balances the operator. This abstract is neither intended to define the scope of the invention, which, of course, is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting in any way.

Abstract: Two embodiments of a surface controller system apparatus and their method for use with a surface controlled subsurface safety valve are disclosed. Both surface controller systems are responsive to an emergency shutdown signal for enabling closing of the subsurface safety valve when the well surface safety systems are shut-in. Once the subsurface Safety Valve has been shut-in up the system, the safety control system must be manually reset before the subsurface valve can be reopened.Both safety control system provides an enclosed reservoir or accumulator for receiving the hydraulic control fluid when the subsurface valve closes and for containing well blow-outs through either one or both control fluid conduits operably connecting the controller system with the subsurface valve. The enclosed systems are also arranged that any internal leakage of the surface control system will operate to shut-in the well with the subsurface valve.

Abstract: A recovery process and system wherein hydrogen and oxygen are introduced into a vented pressure vessel, known as a gas generator, located at the bottom of a borehole, and ignited and burned to produce steam. The hydrogen and oxygen may be introduced either as a stoichiometric mixture or the combustible mixture may be hydrogen-rich. Remotely controlled valves are located downhole near the gas generator for positive control of the hydrogen and oxygen. Provision is made for maintaining the desired hydrogen-oxygen ratio either by a hydrogen flow control slaved to a downhole thermocouple or by a special hydrogen-oxygen flow control employed in the event that ignition is carried out by a DC power supply located downhole. Although the preferred embodiment employs a fuel-oxidizer combination of hydrogen and oxygen, provision is made for employing other fuel-oxidizer combinations.

Abstract: An acoustically controlled system includes means for transmitting any of several different forms of sonic energy signals through the walls of a tubing extending down into a gas or oil well. There, any of several functions may be performed, such as a control of a disaster valve located at the lower end of the tubing. Depending upon the function selected, the valve may hold itself open irrespective of the continuity of the sonic signal, or may slam shut if the sonic energy ends. Preferably, the selection control depends upon the pulse repetition rate of the sonic energy pulses.

Abstract: In a rotating drum or winch type long stroke pumping unit in which the motor which powers the pumping unit operates only during the central portion of the pumping stroke, the motor is energized at the point of maximum load upon the pumping string during the upstroke and the point of minimum load on the downstroke. By precisely coordinating the energization of the motor with the load upon the pumping string detrimental oscillations in the pumping string are damped out.

Abstract: A process and system for insitu hydrogenation employing a gas generator in a borehole for burning a hydrogen-rich mixture of hydrogen and oxygen. The gas generator comprises a housing forming a chamber with a combustion zone at one end and a restricted outlet at the other end. Hydrogen and oxygen are supplied downhole to the generator to form a hydrogen-rich combustible mixture in the combustion zone which is burned whereby hydrogen and steam are injected from the restricted outlet. The flow of hydrogen and oxygen to the generator is controlled to maintain the temperature of the exhaust gases at a level sufficient to crack the hydrocarbons in the formation into lighter segments for reaction with the excess hot hydrogen to form lighter and less viscous end products which are recovered from a production well.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are presented which are particularly useful in testing the production capabilities of offshore oil wells. The apparatus includes a normally closed, weight operated valve which opens a preset delay after the weight operated valve is subjected to sufficient weight such as when a test string is set down upon, and supported by, a packer isolating an underground formation; and a normally open, weight and pressure operated valve which closes immediately when the test string is set down upon the packer. The weight and pressure operated valve expands a sealed chamber when subjected to sufficient weight to close its associated valve. The weight and pressure operated valve also includes a pressure responsive piston which opens and closes the valve, and which is responsive to the pressure in the sealed chamber, and to fluid pressure in the well annulus.

Abstract: A sonic energy signal is transmitted continuously through the walls of tubing extending down into an oil or gas well, in order to control a disaster valve at the lower end of the tubing. If the signal disappears, the valve shuts automatically. In one embodiment, the tubing functions as the core of a transformer. In another embodiment, the tubing conducts an acoustic signal. The sonic energy may be transmitted by either a hydraulic ram or a tuned hammer, which transmits energy vertically into the tubing walls.

Abstract: Well tools comprising a go-devil actuated well safety valve, a locking assembly for releasably locking the safety valve at a desired depth in a well, running and pulling tools for installing and removing the safety valve, a go-devil ball for closing the safety valve, and apparatus for dropping the go-devil ball in a well under pressure and for retrieving the ball. The go-devil safety valve is mounted above the locking assembly and includes a trigger type latch which is released from above by the impact of the go-devil ball. The valve may be reset for reopening the valve without removal of the valve from the well bore by means of a special reset and pulling tool disclosed herein. The go-devil valve is installed in a well, preferably above a storm choke, to shut the well in under emergency conditions which releases the go-devil ball at the surface in response to hazardous conditions such as fire. The go-devil ball drops to the go-devil valve which closes in response to the impact of the ball.

Abstract: A well installation, such as casing, tubing, a line movable in the well, and surface equipment, consists of high strength, light weight, non-metallic material.

Abstract: Accidental blow out of a producing oil or gas well is prevented by means of a storm choke having a valve disc and seat located in a production tubing which extends from the surface to a producing petroleum reservoir. The valve disc is equipped with an operating means which continuously urges the disc toward a position which is opposite from normal with regard to engagement with the seat, i.e. the disc is continuously urged toward the seat if the valve is normally open and away from the seat if it is normally closed. Mechanical means which can be operated from the surface are employed for selectively securing the valve disc in a normally opened or closed position and for releasing the disc for the automatic movement thereof into or out of the valve seat.

Abstract: A hydraulic safety stop-valve fitted with hermetic sealing means.The equalization passage between pressures above and below the stop-valve comprises two means of sealing, one provided by contact between two truncated conical bearing surfaces on the outer casing and inner tube, and the other consisting of valves, held by springs against the equalization passage inlet apertures, bored in the lower tubular element of the outer casing, and the opening of which is controlled by a truncated conical surface on the inner tube.This device ensures a high level of safety in stop-valves used in large production tubings for wells at sea.

Abstract: A safety valve to be lowered into a well and adapted to close off the flow of production fluid upwardly from the well, and which is operated by an actuating cable extending upwardly toward the surface of the earth, with the cable or other element being preferably maintained under tension and acting to hold the valve in open condition so long as the tensioned condition exists, but to release the valve for automatic closing movement in the event of breakage of the cable or release of its tensioned condition for any other reason. The safety valve includes a ball type valve element which moves downwardly in response to upward movement of the main actuating element, and is turned between open and closed conditions by such downward movement of the ball valve.

Abstract: A process and system for insitu hydrogenation employing a gas generator in a borehole for burning a hydrogen-rich mixture of hydrogen and oxygen. The gas generator comprises a housing forming a chamber with a combustion zone at one end and a restricted outlet at the other end. A cooling annulus surrounds the chamber with passages leading from the annulus to the chamber. Hydrogen and oxygen are supplied downhole to the generator to form a hydrogen-rich combustible mixture in the combustion zone which is burned whereby hydrogen and steam are injected from the restricted outlet. Hydrogen also is supplied to the cooling annulus. The flow of hydrogen and oxygen to the generator is controlled to maintain the temperature of the exhaust gases at a level sufficient to crack the hydrocarbons in the formations into lighter segments for reaction with the excess hot hydrogen to form lighter and less viscous end products which are recovered from a production well.

Abstract: The specification discloses a recovery process and system wherein hydrogen and oxygen are introduced into a vented pressure vessel, known as a gas generator, located at the bottom of a borehole, and ignited and burned to produce steam. The hydrogen and oxygen may be introduced either as a stoichiometric mixture or the combustible mixture may be hydrogen-rich. The gas generator comprises a cooling annulus surrounding a combustion and mixing zone for cooling the gas generator and the combustion products. Hydrogen or water may be supplied to the cooling annulus for cooling purposes. Remotely controlled valves are located downhole near the gas generator for positive control to the gas generator of the hydrogen and oxygen and of the water, if it is employed for cooling purposes. The well casing is sealed just above the gas generator by an inflatable packer.

Abstract: A shutoff valve and control means particularly adapted for subsurface use in oil or gas wells, the shutoff valve being in the form of a sleeve having both circumferential and pre-stressed-longitudinal reinforcing, so arranged as to permit radial contraction of the sleeve under external closing pressure until passage therethrough is completely closed, while preventing rupture of the sleeve from pressure differential, between either its ends or its exterior and interior; the shutoff valve, being controlled by a set of four control valves and a pressure-fluid reservoir, both adjacent to the shutoff valve, is connected to the surface by a control line and a vent line; the set of control valves comprising an emergency-delivery valve, a overriding-delivery valve, a low-pressure vent-valve, and a high-pressure vent-valve.

Abstract: A signal is transmitted through the walls of tubing extending down into an oil well in order to control a disaster valve at the lower end of the tubing. If the signal disappears, the valve shuts. In one embodiment, the tubing functions as the core of a transformer. In another embodiment, the tubing conducts an acoustic signal.

Abstract: Well tools comprising a go-devil actuated well safety valve, a locking assembly for releasably locking the safety valve at a desired depth in a well, running and pulling tools for installing and removing the safety valve, a go-devil ball for closing the safety valve, and apparatus for dropping the go-devil ball into a well under pressure and for retrieving the ball. The go-devil safety valve is mounted above the locking assembly and includes a trigger type latch which is released from above by the impact of the go-devil ball. The valve may be reset for reopening the valve without removal of the valve from the well bore by means of a special reset and pulling tool disclosed herein. The go-devil valve is installed in a well, preferably above a storm choke, to shut the well in under emergency conditions which releases the go-devil ball at the surface in response to hazardous conditions such as fire. The go-devil ball drops to the go-devil valve which closes in response to the impact of the ball.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for treating wells to provide surface controlled subsurface safety systems in the wells, whether previously completed wells or newly completed wells. A method and apparatus is provided for installing receptacles in the well flow conductors below the surface for receiving surface controlled subsurface safety valves therein for controlling undesired flow from the well in the event of emergency, disaster or accident damaging the well surface flow controlling system or threatening the integrity thereof. Also, a method and apparatus is provided for installing a hanger for well flow conductors in the well casing below the surface for supporting the flow conductor or conductors in the well casing below the surface and then installing the receptacles in the well flow conductors below the surface for receiving surface controlled subsurface safety valves therein.