Showing papers on "Annulus (oil well) published in 1977"

Reclosable circulating valve for use in oil well testing

Abstract: Disclosed is a circulation valve for use in the testing of an oil well wherein the circulation valve may be reclosed by application of well annulus pressure to allow a subsequent treating or testing program. A spring means is subjected to well annulus pressure on two ends of a volume of fluid. The volume of fluid is divided by a dividing means which includes pressure relief means such that fluid on one side of the dividing means is either higher or lower than the well annulus pressure. This different pressure is applied to one set of a piston means, and the other side of the piston means is subject to well annulus pressure such that movement of the piston means may be controlled by changing the well annulus pressure. An indexing means is additionally disclosed which controls opening of the circulation valve after a selected number of piston means movements, and which closes the circulation valve upon a selected movement of said piston means when the circulation valve is in the open condition.

Steam injection system for use in a well

Abstract: A steam injection system including a steam deflector connectable into a tubing string which steam deflector provides for selectively passing steam through the tubing string to the bottom thereof or diverting steam from inside the tubing string out into the wall liner-tubing annulus and in a direction concentric with and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubing string and above the bottom end thereof utilizing a sliding-sleeve arrangement and packer cup means packing off the well liner-tubing annulus both above and below the steam deflector.

Self adjusting liquid spring operating apparatus and method for use in an oil well valve

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and its method of operation for an oil well valve having a self adjusting liquid spring responsive to changes in pressure in the well annulus. The valve has a liquid spring contained in a spring chamber divided by a piston means which moves responsive to annulus pressure changes to operate the valve. The piston means includes a metering means to meter liquid from one side of the piston to the other as the volume of the liquid changes due to pressure and temperature changes. The piston means moves responsive to pressure changes in the well annulus which pressure changes are applied to the well annulus at a rate faster than the metering means may relieve the changes. A mechanical spring means in conjunction with the metering means returns the piston means to its original position after a predetermined time. Bypass means is additionally disclosed which bypasses the metering means and may be arranged such that piston means movement occurs on either pressure increases or pressure decreases in the well annulus.

Drilling method and apparatus for large diameter pipe

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for installing a large diameter pipe--in the range of 30 inches diameter--for spanning an obstacle, such as a river, along an invert arcuate underground path. An inclined drill rig, having a mud supply system and power pod, includes an angularly inclined ramp and driven car for crowding, without rotation, a pipe either pre-bent to a preselected and constant radius of curvature or a straight pipe into the ground. The pipe at its head includes an articulated drill head, which by appropriate articulation, assures placement of the pipe along a radius of curvature equal to the pre-bent radius of curvature of the pipe. The articulated drilling head includes a hydraulic system for articulating and driving the cutting head and pumping mud and tailing from the pipe path. Two discrete mud systems are used. The first mud system is utilized to entrain and carry away cuttings. The second mud system is combined with a flared skirt about the point of drill head articulation to provide a clean and high lubricity annulus of mud about the advancing drill string. The density of the first mud system can be used to vary the drill string mass, while the density of this second mud system can be used to vary the density of the fluid in which the drill string is buoyantly supported.

Air lift system for large diameter borehole drilling

Abstract: An air lift system for large diameter borehole drilling is disclosed. The system is applicable in drilling operations where a vertical pilot hole is drilled below the point to which the borehole will later be enlarged and a slant hole is drilled obliquely to intersect the pilot hole near its nether position. During the drilling operation, the circulation system pumps drilling fluid down the annulus of the borehole to cool the cutterhead and to mix with the cuttings. The drilling fluid carrying the cuttings then moves down the pilot hole and up through the slant hole. A plenum is located in the slant hole to assist in the lifting of the drilling fluid. The plenum includes a tapered transition pipe, a tapered discharge horn, and an air diffusion ring located at the throat of the discharge horn. The diffusion ring is utilized to inject outside air into the drilling fluid passing therethrough. The discharge horn is shaped to enable the discharge velocity of the drilling fluid passing through the discharge horn to be constant over the entire length thereof.

Test valve having automatic bypass for formation pressure

Abstract: Well test apparatus having, in a well, an annulus therearound. An elongated housing has a fluid passage extending longitudinally therethrough and a fluid passage opening and closing means for such passage. A further fluid passage permits fluid flow through the housing from the longitudinally extending passage to the annulus. A differential pressure responsive valve means for the further passage is responsive to pressure in the longitudinally extending passage for urging the valve means open to fluid flow in the further passage from the longitudinally extending passage to the annulus, and is responsive to annulus pressure for urging the valve means to a closed condition for fluid flow through the further passage.

Tubing hanger with fail-safe control passageway

Abstract: A tubing hanger supported in a wellhead and in turn supporting tubing therefrom, and having an upper end adapted to be engaged by a Christmas tree. The hanger includes an annulus control passageway extending between the annulus between the tubing and casing and the Christmas tree and includes one or more safety valve control passageways for controlling subsurface safety valves. Valves are connected to each of the passageways for opening and closing the passageways with springs urging the valves to a closed position whereby the passageways will be closed when the tubing hanger is installed so that the well is completely closed when the tubing hanger is landed. The valves are exposed to the exterior of the hanger whereby the valves may be actuated to an open position by mechanical and/or hydraulic controls connected to the Christmas tree.

Reducing high speed vibration of washing machine drum - by attaching to it porous cored annulus part filled with liquid

Abstract: To reduce the vibration caused by the uneven distribution of the wt. of the clothes in spin-drying, an annulus is fixed to turn with the machine drum on the same horizontal axis. The annulus is part-filled with liquid, and is fitted with a porous material to slow down the liquid movements. At high speeds, the liquid gathers on the opposite of the drum to the clothes, and brings it into balance. The annulus may be attached directly to the drum, or it may be on a separate disc, outside the tub but fitted on the drum axle and turning with the drum.

Method for forming pier foundation columns

Abstract: This invention comprises a technique for constructing concrete foundation columns in underwater locations, wherein the steel casing members used to form the columns may be recovered for subsequent re-use. In the technique, an inner and outer casing are partially imbedded in the ground submerged in the water and in concentric relationship with one another. The annulus formed between said inner and outer casing is filled with unconsolidated sand, while the inner casing is filled with reinforcing material and concrete to form the column. The inner casing is then vibrated at a suitable frequency to reduce the friction between it and the sand and concrete, whereby the inner casing may then be drawn upwardly and from between said concrete and the sand. The sand will then support the concrete until after said concrete has hardened, whereupon the outer casing may then be removed, either by vibration or by conventional techniques.

Well flow system and method

Abstract: A well system and method of installation and operation for two-way communication between a service facility and a remotely located well head such as associated with an offshore well for such well functions as production of well fluids by gas lift. The system includes a well having a string of production tubing in a casing defining an annulus around the tubing, a gas lift valve in the tubing to admit lift gas from the annulus to the bore of the tubing to assist in raising production fluids to the surface, a well head including fittings for fluid communication into the production tubing and into the annulus, a service facility spaced from the well head including facilities for receiving well production and for pumping injection gas for gas lift in the well, and conductors communicating the service facility with the well head. The coiled tubing string is installed in the flow line between the service facility and the well head by several techniques including using pumpdown pistons which are displaced through the flow line by fluid pressure from the service facility to the well head. The pumpdown pistons may be either connected directly to the coiled tubing to pull the tubing from the service facility to the well head or may be connected to a cable which is transported to the well head where the cable is connected with a winch which in turn pulls the coiled tubing through the flow line to the well head.

Rock bit with extended pickup tube

Abstract: A three cone rock bit includes an improved circulation system for drilling fluid which increases the horizontal flow vector of the fluid adjacent the bottom surface of the hole being drilled. A pair of nozzles, located near the hole perimeter and between adjacent pairs of drilling cones, inject drilling fluid at one side of the hole. An extended pickup tube terminating between the remaining pair of drilling cones and close to the bottom of the hole being drilled channels fluid from the bottom of the hole to the annulus between the hole and the drill string.

Well tubing head

Abstract: A well system and method for completing petroleum oil and gas wells having special application to extreme environmental settings such as platform, sub sea, and floating vessel operations, and frozen regions such as the Arctic. The system effectively defines a downhole wellhead including weight supporting apparatus in which the tubing hanger is supported and a pack-off with the casing for minimizing the effects of structural damage at the surface end of the well system. The system includes a tubing hanger releasably lockable in a casing at a downhole location and having sealing means for sealing the annulus within the casing around the hanger, a ball valve package lock releasably lockable in the tubing hanger, tubing strings connected with the ball valve package lock and extending upwardly therefrom, including tubing valves, a safety joint connected with the tubing strings above the valves, tubing strings connected with the safety joint extending upwardly to a tubing head at the wellhead, control fluid conduits connected from the tubing head through the safety joint to the ball valve package lock and tubing hanger for manipulation of the system during various phases of operation, and a composite handling string for running and pulling the well system including either of a slip joint or a hydraulic stop and orienting tool.

Steam deflector for use in a well

Abstract: A steam deflector connectable into a tubing string is provided for selectively passing steam through the tubing string to the bottom thereof or diverting steam from inside the tubing string out into the well liner-tubing annulus without causing a vortex effect and in a direction concentric with and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubing string and above the bottom end thereof utilizing a sliding-sleeve arrangement.

Hydraulic stop and orienting tool for well system installation

Abstract: A well system and method for completing petroleum oil and gas wells having special application to extreme environmental settings such as platform. sub sea, and floating vessel operations, and frozen regions such as the Arctic. The system effectively defines a downhole wellhead including weight supporting apparatus in which the tubing hanger is supported and a pack-off with the casing for minimizing the effects of structural damage at the surface end of the well system. The system includes a tubing hanger releasably lockable in a casing at a downhole location and having sealing means for sealing the annulus within the casing around the hanger, a ball valve package lock releasably lockable in the tubing hanger, tubing strings connected with the ball valve package lock and extending upwardly therefrom, including tubing valves, a safety joint connected with the tubing strings above the valves, tubing strings connected with the safety joint extending upwardly supportable to a tubing head supportable at the wellhead, control fluid conduits connected from the tubing head through the safety joint to the ball valve package lock and tubing hanger for manipulation of the system during various phases of operation, and a composite handling string for running and pulling the well system including either of a slip joint or a hydraulic stop and orienting tool.

Steam distribution system for use in a well

Abstract: A steam injection system including steam deflectors connectable into a tubing string positioned in a well which steam deflectors provide for distribution of steam through the tubing string to a plurality of intervals in the well without the use of packers and from which steam enters into the well liner-tubing annulus in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the tubing string.

Core disruptive accident margin seal

Abstract: Apparatus for sealing the annulus defined within a substantially cylindrical rotatable riser assembly and plug combination of a nuclear reactor closure head. The apparatus comprises an inflatable sealing mechanism disposed in one portion of the riser assembly near the annulus such that upon inflation the sealing mechanism is radially actuated against the other portion of the riser assembly thereby sealing the annulus. The apparatus further comprises a connecting mechanism which places one end of the sealing mechanism in fluid communication with the reactor cover gas so that overpressurization of the reactor cover gas will increase the radial actuation of the sealing mechanism thus enhancing sealing of the annulus.

Apparatus for completing a well

Abstract: Apparatus for completing a wellbore which has a hydrocarbon containing formation located downhole therein and wherein the well is perforated and filled with mud. A special plug, made in accordance with the invention, is placed in the end of a tubing string, and the string run dry into the borehole with the lower end of the string terminating in proximity of the perforations. The annulus is packed off and a weight dropped down through the string. The weight impacts against a special valve contained within the plug, thereby upsetting a valve element. This action communicates the interior of the string with the borehole, whereupon the lower borehole or bottomhole pressure is equalized across the plug, and the plug and weight fall from the end of the string and to the bottom of the borehole. The string is opened to ambient which allows flow to occur in order to clean out the well, and thereafter the string is connected to a gathering system.

Gasket for double walled pipe joint - allows heating or cooling medium in outer pipe to flow across joint

Abstract: The inner pipe (5) and outer pipe (6) are welded to a common flange (1) and form an annulus (13) for the circulation of a heating or cooling medium to control the temperature of the fluid in the pipe (5). A pair of flanges (1) are held together by clamping rings (7) and the joint is sealed by a gasket (8). The fluid in the annulus (13) flows across the joint through the holes (2) which are aligned with holes in the gasket (8). The gasket (8) has annular grooves (10) which are connected by radial slots to its outer edge. Any fluid leaking from the central pipe (5) or from the annulus (13) flows into the annular grooves (10) and into the radial slots so that neither fluid contaminates the other.

Centrifugal fluid powder clutch

Abstract: A centrifugal clutch for mechanical transmission which includes a two-part casing and an internal rotor with a pseudo-fluid, material between the casing and rotor, wherein a face of the rotor opposite a face of the casing has a succession of grooves or waves which are substantially sinu-soidally shaped in a peripheral direction, and wherein each internal face of the casing has a succession of concave pockets, which are substantially egg-shaped, as formed by an internal section of an egg-shell cut lengthwise through the egg, with the wider end of the egg cut off to a radius which will conform to the inside diameter of the casing, and with the narrower end of the egg cut off to a radius which will conform to the outside diameter of an internal boss within the casing. The two parts of the casing are joined together to form an annulus and the areas separating the pockets are chamfered adjacent the edges of the pockets and are flat or convex between the chamfered portions. The shape of the pockets enables the pseudo-fluid material to flow more readily from pocket-to-pocket and thereby to transfer heat from the material to the casing. To prevent racheting, there are an odd number of pockets in the casing and an even number of waves in the rotor or vice versa.

A New Technique Used for Inclinometer Casing Installation

Abstract: A new technique reduces unwanted voids in annular sand packs surrounding inclinometer casings installed in boreholes. The technique involves generating a quick condition in the annulus sand due to induced upward water seepage. Simple end fittings direct water down the inside of the casing, out at the bottom in an upward direction, and through the annulus to the surface. Present data indicate that shovel-placed annular sand packs decrease in volume by about 10 percent after becoming quick, causing the inclinometer casing to become firmly seated in the borehole.