Apparatus for pumping tools into and out of a well

Claim 2

A well flow system comprising: means extending into a well from the surface providing first and second passages therein; means within said well providing fluid communication between said first and said second flow passages permitting fluid circulation through said well from the surface end thereof; and manifold means communicating with said surface ends of said flow passages of said well, said manifold means including an input flow passage portion connected to a source of fluid pressure and a return flow passage portion having means for imposing a predetermined back pressure on fluid in said return flow passage portion, and means for selectively communicating either one of said flow passages of said well with one of said input and return passage portions and the other of said flow passages with the other of said input and return passage portions.

Claim 3

A well flow system as defined in claim 1 wherein said means for imposing said back pressure includes fluid choke means providing a variable flow restriction in said return flow passage portIon of said manifold means.

Claim 4

A well flow system as defined in claim 2 wherein said choke means is an automatic choke selectively operable responsive to either the pressure at which fluid is supplied to said manifold means or the pressure of fluid flowing in said return flow passage portion of said manifold means.

Claim 5

A well system as defined in claim 3 including a manual choke disposed in parallel fluid flow relationship with said automatic choke and valve means for selectively directing return fluid flow through either of said chokes.

Claim 6

A well system as defined in claim 4 including fluid pressure and flow rate monitoring means for determining input and return fluid flow rates and pressures in said well system.

Claim 7

A well system as defined in claim 5 including pump means for supplying fluid under pressure to said manifold means, fluid reservoir means communicating with said pump means for storing fluid for injection into said well system and for receiving fluid from said system, and separator means communicating with said manifold means and said fluid reservoir means for segregating fluids and gases returning from said well flow passages through said manifold means.

Claim 8

A well system as defined in claim 4 including a pressure tight chamber communicating with said manifold means and one of said well flow passages for insertion and removal of well tools pumped into and out of said well through said flow passage by fluid introduced into and returned from said well through said manifold means.

Claim 9

A well flow system as defined in claim 1 wherein said input flow passage portion and return flow passage portion of said manifold means comprises: an input line connected to said source of fluid pressure; a return line; a first connecting line from said input line to said return line; a second connecting line from said input line to said return line in parallel flow relationship with said first line; at least two spaced valves in said first connecting line; at least two spaced valves in said second connecting line; a first discharge-return line connected at one end into said first connecting line between said spaced valves in said line and at the other end to one of said well passages; a second discharge-return line connected at one end into said second connecting line between said spaced valves in said line and at the other end to said other well passage; and wherein choke means is connected in said return line downstream of the connection of said return line into said first and second connecting lines.

Claim 10

A well system as defined in claim 8 wherein said choke means includes an automatic choke having a control fluid chamber selectively communicable with said input line and said return line for selectively operating said choke responsive to fluid pressure in either said input or said return line for imposing a controlled back pressure on said well flow passages through said manifold means.

Claim 11

A well system as defined in claim 9 including a manual choke connected in parallel flow relationship with said automatic choke in said return line, flowmeter means in said input line, flowmeter means in said return line, fluid pressure measuring means in said input line, and fluid pressure measuring means in said return line.

Claim 12

A well system as defined in claim 9 wherein said automatic choke comprises: a body having a bore and an inlet to said bore communicating with one portion of said return line and an outlet from said bore communicating with another portion of said return line; an annular valve seat member supported in said bore of said body between said inlet and said outlet; a tubular valve stem slidably supported within said bore of said body for longitudinal movement therein; an annular valve member supported on said valve stem and movable therewith between engagement with said valve seat member for closing off flow through said choke body between said inlet and said outlet and spaced from said valve seat member for permitting fluid communication between said inlet and said outlet; and means providing a first seal within said choke body around said valve stem; means providing a second seal within said choke body around said valve stem spaced along said valve stem from said first seal; the line of sealing engagement of said first seal with said valve stem being less than the line of sealing engagement of said second seal with said valve stem whereby fluid pressure applied to said valve stem between said first and second seals within said choke body biases said valve stem away from said seat member for moving said valve member to a spaced position from said valve seat member for allowing fluid communication between said inlet and said outlet responsive to said fluid pressure within said bore between said seals; conduit means connected into said choke body between said first and said second seals for supplying control fluid pressure to said choke; and spring means on said valve stem for biasing said valve stem and said valve member toward said valve seat member for moving said valve member into engagement with said valve seat member for shutting off fluid communication between said inlet and said outlet when said control fluid pressure decreases below a predetermined value.

Claim 13

A well flow system for a well having a plurality of conduits extending into said well from the surface and in fluid communication with each other in said well, said system including: a fluid flow control manifold for supplying fluid to and receiving fluid from said conduits of said well comprising: an input line connected to a source of fluid pressure; a return line to said source of fluid pressure; a first connecting line from said input line to said return line; a second connecting line from said input line to said return line in parallel flow relationship with said first line; at least two valves at spaced locations in said first connecting line; at least two valves at spaced locations in said second connecting line; a first discharge-return line connected at one end to one of said conduits in said well and at its other end into said first connecting line between said spaced valves in said line; a second discharge-return line connected at one end to another of said conduits in said well and at its other end into said second connecting line between said spaced valves in said line; and choke means in said return line downstream of the connection of said return line into said first and second connecting lines for maintaining a back pressure in said return line upstream thereof.

Claim 14

A well flow system for a well having a plurality of conduits extending into said well from the surface and in fluid communication with each other in said well, said system including: a fluid flow control manifold for supplying fluid to and receiving fluid from said conduits of said well comprising: an input line connected to a source of fluid pressure; a return line to said source of fluid pressure; a first connecting line from said input line to said return line; a second connecting line from said input line to said return line in parallel flow relationship with said first line; at least two valves at spaced locations in said first connecting line; at least two valves at spaced locations in said second connecting line; a first discharge-return line connected at one end to one of said conduits in said well and at its other end into said first connecting line between said spaced valves in said line; a second discharge-return line connected at one end to another of said conduits in said well and at its other end into said second connecting line between said spaced valves in said line; and choke means in said return line downstream of the connection of said return line into said first and second connecting lines for maintaining a back pressure in said return line upstream thereof.

Claim 15

A well flow system and fluid flow control manifold as defined in claim 12 wherein said return line includes at least two parallel flow portions, automatic choke means in one of said return line parallel portions, fluid pressure communicating means between said automatic choke means and said input and return lines for selectively communicating said automatic choke means with either of said input and return lines, manual choke means in the other of parallel portion of said return line, and valve means in said return line for selectively directing fluid in said return line through either of said parallel portions of said return line through either said automatic choke or said manual choke.

Claim 16

A well flow system and fluid flow control manifold as defined in claim 13 including flowmeter means in said input line, flowmeter means in said return line, fluid pressure measuring means in said input line, and fluid pressure measuring means in said return line.

Claim 17

A well flow system and fluid flow control manifold as defined in claim 13 including portable platform means, bracket means connected between said platform means and a portion of said manifold lines for supporting said manifold in a readily movable status, and coupling means on each of said input, return, and discharge-return lines for releasably connecting said manifold with said conduits providing input and return well flow passages and with said fluid pressure source.

Claim 18

A well flow system and flow conTrol manifold as defined in claim 15, wherein said portions of said connecting lines and said valves connected therein are supported at an upper level above said platform means and said manual and automatic chokes and portions of lines connected therewith are supported therebelow at a lower level whereby the length and width of said manifold and said platform means are minimized.

Claim 19

A well flow system for a well having a pair of flow conductors extending from the surface into said well and flow connected near their lower ends, including: a fluid flow control manifold for supplying fluid to and receiving fluid from said flow conductors comprising: an input line connected to a source of fluid pressure; a first discharge-return line connected to one of said flow conductors; a conduit line connected at one end of said input line and at the other line to the other end of said first discharge-return line; a valve in said conduit line; a first connector line connected at a first end into said conduit line between said valve therein and said first discharge-return line; a valve in said first connector line; a second connector line connected at a first end into said conduit line between said valve therein and said input line; a valve in said second connector line; a third connector line connected at one end to a second end of said first connector line and connected at the other end to a second end of said second connector line; a valve in said third connector line; a second discharge-return line connected at one end to the other of said flow conductors and at its other end connected into said second and third connector lines between said valves therein; a return-line connected into said first and third connector lines between said valves therein; said return line including first and second parallel branch line portions, each of said branch line portions having a valve connected therein for controlling flow therethrough; a manual fluid flow choke in said first return branch line portion downstream of said valve therein; an automatic fluid flow choke connected in said second return branch line portion downstream of said valve therein; and fluid pressure communication means connected between said automatic choke and said return line for controlling said automatic choke responsive to fluid pressure in said return line.

Claim 20

A well flow system for a well having a pair of flow conductors extending from the surface into said well and flow connected near their lower ends, including: a fluid flow control manifold for supplying fluid to and receiving fluid from said flow conductors comprising: an input line connected to a source of fluid pressure; a first discharge-return line connected to one of said flow conductors; a conduit line connected at one end of said input line and at the other line to the other end of said first discharge-return line; a valve in said conduit line; a first connector line connected at a first end into said conduit line between said valve therein and said first discharge-return line; a valve in said first connector line; a second connector line connected at a first end into said conduit line between said valve therein and said input line; a valve in said second connector line; a third connector line connected at one end to a second end of said first connector line and connected at the other end to a second end of said second connector line; a valve in said third connector line; a second discharge-return line connected at one end to the other of said flow conductors and at its other end connected into said second and third connector lines between said valves therein; a return-line connected into said first and third connector lines between said valves therein; said return line including first and second parallel branch line portions, each of said branch line portions having a valve connected therein for controlling flow therethrough; a manual fluid flow choke in said first return branch line portion downstream of said valve therein; an automatic fluid flow choke connected in said second return branch line portion downstream of said valve therein; and fluid pressure communication means connected between said automatic choke and said return line for controlling said automatic choke responsive to fluid pressure in said return line.

Claim 21

A fluid flow control manifold as defined in claim 17 including fluid pressure communication means connected between said automatic choke and said input line, said automatic choke being selectively operable responsive to fluid pressure in either said input line or said return line.

Claim 22

A well fluid flow control system for supplying fluid to and receiving fluid from a pair of flow conductors extending from the surface into said well and flow connected at their lower ends comprising: an input line connected to a source of fluid pressure; a return line; a first connecting line from said input line to said return line; a second connecting line from said input line to said return line in parallel flow relationship with said first line; valve means associated with said connecting lines for selectively directing fluid from said input line through either one of said connecting lines and for selectively directing fluid from the other one of said connecting lines into said return line; a first discharge-return line connected at one end to one of said well flow conductors at the surface and at its other end into said first connecting line for conducting fluid between said manifold and said well flow conductors; a second discharge-return line connected at one end to the other of said well flow conductors at the surface and at its other end into said second connecting line for conducting fluid between said manifold and said well flow conductors; and choke means in said return line for imposing a predetermined back pressure on fluids flowing in said flow conductors and said manifold upstream of said choke means.

Claim 23

A well fluid flow control system for supplying fluid to and receiving fluid from a pair of flow conductors extending from the surface into said well and flow connected at their lower ends comprising: an input line connected to a source of fluid pressure; a return line; a first connecting line from said input line to said return line; a second connecting line from said input line to said return line in parallel flow relationship with said first line; valve means associated with said connecting lines for selectively directing fluid from said input line through either one of said connecting lines and for selectively directing fluid from the other one of said connecting lines into said return line; a first discharge-return line connected at one end to one of said well flow conductors at the surface and at its other end into said first connecting line for conducting fluid between said manifold and said well flow conductors; a second discharge-return line connected at one end to the other of said well flow conductors at the surface and at its other end into said second connecting line for conducting fluid between said manifold and said well flow conductors; and choke means in said return line for imposing a predetermined back pressure on fluids flowing in said flow conductors and said manifold upstream of said choke means.

Claim 24

A well fluid flow control system for supplying fLuid and receiving fluid from a pair of flow conductors extending from the surface into said well and flow connected at their lower ends comprising: an input line connected to a source of fluid pressure; a return line; a first connecting line from said input line to said return line; a second connecting line from said input line to said return line in parallel flow relationship with said first line; first valve means at the juncture of said input line with said first and second connecting lines for selectively communicating said input line with either of said first connecting line and said second connecting line; second valve means at the juncture of said return line with said first and second connecting lines for selectively communicating said return line with either of said first connecting line and said second connecting line; a first discharge-return line connected at one end into said first connecting line and connected at its other end to a lubricator connected to one of said well flow conductors; a second discharge-return line connected at one end into said second connecting line and connected at its other end to a lubricator connected to the other of said well flow conductors; and choke means in said return line downstream of the connection of said return line with said first and second connecting lines maintaining a back pressure in said return line upstream of said choke means.

Claim 25

A well fluid flow control system for supplying fLuid and receiving fluid from a pair of flow conductors extending from the surface into said well and flow connected at their lower ends comprising: an input line connected to a source of fluid pressure; a return line; a first connecting line from said input line to said return line; a second connecting line from said input line to said return line in parallel flow relationship with said first line; first valve means at the juncture of said input line with said first and second connecting lines for selectively communicating said input line with either of said first connecting line and said second connecting line; second valve means at the juncture of said return line with said first and second connecting lines for selectively communicating said return line with either of said first connecting line and said second connecting line; a first discharge-return line connected at one end into said first connecting line and connected at its other end to a lubricator connected to one of said well flow conductors; a second discharge-return line connected at one end into said second connecting line and connected at its other end to a lubricator connected to the other of said well flow conductors; and choke means in said return line downstream of the connection of said return line with said first and second connecting lines maintaining a back pressure in said return line upstream of said choke means.

Claim 26

Apparatus for servicing a well having a plurality of well conduits extending into said well which comprises in combination: support means; manifold means comprising a plurality of conduit means arranged on said support means; one end of each of said conduit means extending from said support means and adapted to be connected to said well conduits extending into said well; each said conduit means being connected with lubricator means for inserting a well tool into one of said well conduits; a radius bend in at least one of each of said well conduits and conduit means; first and second connecting conduit means connected to said conduit means; and valve means in each of said connecting conduit means for opening and closing said connecting conduit means; one of said conduit means being adapted to be connected to pump means and the other being adapted to be connected to tank means connected to said pump means; whereby a tool inserted into said lubricator means is pumpable through said conduit means and said conduits extending into said well.

Claim 27

Apparatus for servicing a well having a plurality of well conduits extending into said well which comprises in combination: support means; manifold means comprising a plurality of conduit means arranged on said support means; one end of each of said conduit means extending from said support means and adapted to be connected to said well conduits extending into said well; each said conduit means being connected with lubricator means for inserting a well tool into one of said well conduits; a radius bend in at least one of each of said well conduits and conduit means; first and second connecting conduit means connected to said conduit means; and valve means in each of said connecting conduit means for opening and closing said connecting conduit means; one of said conduit means being adapted to be connected to pump means and the other being adapted to be connected to tank means connected to said pump means; whereby a tool inserted into said lubricator means is pumpable through said conduit means and said conduits extending into said well.

Claim 28

Apparatus in accordance with claim 21 in which the support means is portable.

Claim 29

Well apparatus which comprises: a plurality of well conduits extending into a well; portable support means; manifold means comprising a plurality of conduit means arranged on said support means; one end of each of said conduit means extending from said support means and releasably connected to one of said conduits extending into said well; each of said conduit means being connected with openable and closable lubricator means for inserting a well tool into at least one of said well conduits; a radius bend in at least one of each of said well conduits and conduit means; at least first and second connecting conduit means connecting said conduit means; pump means; tank means; one of said conduit means being releasably connected to said pump means and the other of said conduit means being releasably connected to said tank means; and means connecting said pump and tank means; whereby said support means, said conduit means, and said connecting conduit means may be disconnected from said well conduits extending into said well and from said pump and tank means and connected to similar means on another well.

Claim 30

Well apparatus which comprises: a plurality of well conduits extending into a well; portable support means; manifold means comprising a plurality of conduit means arranged on said support means; one end of each of said conduit means extending from said support means and releasably connected to one of said conduits extending into said well; each of said conduit means being connected with openable and closable lubricator means for inserting a well tool into at least one of said well conduits; a radius bend in at least one of each of said well conduits and conduit means; at least first and second connecting conduit means connecting said conduit means; pump means; tank means; one of said conduit means being releasably connected to said pump means and the other of said conduit means being releasably connected to said tank means; and means connecting said pump and tank means; whereby said support means, said conduit means, and said connecting conduit means may be disconnected from said well conduits extending into said well and from said pump and tank means and connected to similar means on another well.

Claim 31

Apparatus for servicing a well having a plurality of well conduits extending into said well which comprises in combination: support means; a plurality of conduit means arranged on said support means; one end of each of said conduit means extending from said support means and adapted to be connected to said well conduits extending into said well; the other end of each said conduit means being provided with openable closure means for inserting a well tool into said conduit means; a radius bend in at least one of each of said well conduits and conduit means; first and second branched conduit means having branches connected to said conduit means and said branched conduit means having a free end; and valve means in each of said branches for opening and closing the branches of said branched conduit means; the free end of said branched conduit means being adapted to be connected to pump means and being adapted to be connected to tank means connected to said pump means; whereby a tool inserted into said conduit means is pumpable through said conduit means and said conduits extending into said well.

Claim 32

Apparatus for servicing a well having a plurality of well conduits extending into said well which comprises in combination: support means; a plurality of conduit means arranged on said support means; one end of each of said conduit means extending from said support means and adapted to be connected to said well conduits extending into said well; the other end of each said conduit means being provided with openable closure means for inserting a well tool into said conduit means; a radius bend in at least one of each of said well conduits and conduit means; first and second branched conduit means having branches connected to said conduit means and said branched conduit means having a free end; and valve means in each of said branches for opening and closing the branches of said branched conduit means; the free end of said branched conduit means being adapted to be connected to pump means and being adapted to be connected to tank means connected to said pump means; whereby a tool inserted into said conduit means is pumpable through said conduit means and said conduits extending into said well.

Claim 33

Apparatus in accordance with claim 24 in which a radius bend is provided in each of said conduit means.

Claim 34

Apparatus in accordance with claim 24 in which a radius bend is provided in each of said well conduits.

Claim 35

Apparatus in accordance with claim 24 in which at least one of said branched conduit means is provided with a valve means adjacent the free end and past the branches thereof.

Claim 38

In combination with a well system having at least first and second interconnected tubing strings arranged therein to provide a circulation path of fluid down one tubing string and up the other tubing string, apparatus which comprises: a back pressure manifold connected to said two tubing strings and to fluid pumping and storage means; said back pressure manifold comprising a first conduit having means for connecting it to said pumping and storage means and to the first tubing string; a first flowmeter and pressure measuring means in said first conduit; a second conduit connected to said second tubing string and connected to said first conduit between said first flowmeter and pressure measuring means and the first tubing string; a third conduit having means for selectively connecting it in flow communication either to the first conduit intermediate the connection between the first and second conduits and the first tubing string or in separate flow communication to the second conduit; second flowmeter and pressure measuring means in said third conduit downstream from the means for selectively connecting it to said first conduit on the said second conduit; variable choke means in said third conduit downstream from said second flowmeter and pressure measuring means for holding pressure on one of said tubing strings to provide a desired rate of flow through said interconnected tubing strings; said third conduit having means for connecting it to said fluid pumping and storage means; and valve means in said first, second and third conduits between the points of connection of said conduits with each other for directing flow in either direction in said first and second tubing strings; said flowmeter and pressure-measuring means comPrising means for determining the fluid flow rates and pressures of fluids flowing through said conduits for varying said choke means for controlling flow through said interconnected tubing strings.

Claim 39

In combination with a well system having at least first and second interconnected tubing strings arranged therein to provide a circulation path of fluid down one tubing string and up the other tubing string, apparatus which comprises: a back pressure manifold connected to said two tubing strings and to fluid pumping and storage means; said back pressure manifold comprising a first conduit having means for connecting it to said pumping and storage means and to the first tubing string; a first flowmeter and pressure measuring means in said first conduit; a second conduit connected to said second tubing string and connected to said first conduit between said first flowmeter and pressure measuring means and the first tubing string; a third conduit having means for selectively connecting it in flow communication either to the first conduit intermediate the connection between the first and second conduits and the first tubing string or in separate flow communication to the second conduit; second flowmeter and pressure measuring means in said third conduit downstream from the means for selectively connecting it to said first conduit on the said second conduit; variable choke means in said third conduit downstream from said second flowmeter and pressure measuring means for holding pressure on one of said tubing strings to provide a desired rate of flow through said interconnected tubing strings; said third conduit having means for connecting it to said fluid pumping and storage means; and valve means in said first, second and third conduits between the points of connection of said conduits with each other for directing flow in either direction in said first and second tubing strings; said flowmeter and pressure-measuring means comPrising means for determining the fluid flow rates and pressures of fluids flowing through said conduits for varying said choke means for controlling flow through said interconnected tubing strings.

Claim 40

Apparatus in accordance with claim 29 in which bypass means is provided in said third conduit for bypassing said choke means.

Claim 41

Apparatus in accordance with claim 29 in which the choke means is automatic.

Claim 42

Apparatus in accordance with claim 29 in which the choke means is manual.

Claim 43

The combination of claim 29 wherein said flowmeter and pressure-measuring means comprises recording means providing a written record of the fluid flow rates and pressures of the fluids flowing through the manifold conduits for use in varying the setting of the variable choke means for controlling flow through the interconnected tubing strings.

Claim 44

A well flow system comprising: means extending into a well from the surface providing first and second flow passages therein; means within said well providing fluid communication between said first and said second flow passages permitting fluid circulation through said well from the surface end thereof; and mainfold means communicating with said surface ends of said flow passages of said well, said manifold means including an input flow passage portion connected to a source of fluid pressure and a return flow passage portion having fluid choke means for imposing a predetermined back pressure on fluid in said return flow passage portion comprising an automatic choke selectively operable responsive to either the pressure at which fluid is supplied to said manifold means or the pressure of fluid flowing in said return flow passage portion, a manual choke disposed in parallel fluid flow relationship with said automatic choke, and valve means for selectively directing fluid flow through either of said chokes, fluid pressure and flow rate monitoring means for determining input and return fluid flow rates and pressures in said system for controlling flow through said system by means of said choke means, and means for selectively communicating either one of said flow passages of said well with one of said input and return passage portions and the other of said flow passages with the other of said input and return passage portions.

Claim 45

A well flow system comprising: means extending into a well from the surface providing first and second flow passages therein; means within said well providing fluid communication between said first and said second flow passages permitting fluid circulation through said well from the surface end thereof; and mainfold means communicating with said surface ends of said flow passages of said well, said manifold means including an input flow passage portion connected to a source of fluid pressure and a return flow passage portion having fluid choke means for imposing a predetermined back pressure on fluid in said return flow passage portion comprising an automatic choke selectively operable responsive to either the pressure at which fluid is supplied to said manifold means or the pressure of fluid flowing in said return flow passage portion, a manual choke disposed in parallel fluid flow relationship with said automatic choke, and valve means for selectively directing fluid flow through either of said chokes, fluid pressure and flow rate monitoring means for determining input and return fluid flow rates and pressures in said system for controlling flow through said system by means of said choke means, and means for selectively communicating either one of said flow passages of said well with one of said input and return passage portions and the other of said flow passages with the other of said input and return passage portions.

Claim 46

A well flow system of the character set forth in claim 34 wherein said automatic choke comprises: a body having a bore and an inlet to said bore and an outlet from said bore with an annular valve seat member supported in said bore of said body between said inlet and said outlet; a tubular valve stem slidably supported within said bore of said body for longitudinal movement therein; an annular valve member supported on said valve stem and movable therewith between engagement with said valve seat member for closing off flow through said choke body between said inlet and said outlet and spaced from said valve seat member for permitting fluid communication between said inlet and said outlet; and means providing a first seal within said choke body around said valve stem; means providing a second seal within said choke body around said valve stem spaced along said valve stem from said first seal; the line of sealing engagement of said first seal with said valve stem being less than the line of sealing engagement of said second seal with said valve stem whereby fluid pressure applied to said valve stem between said first and second seals within said choke body biases said valve stem away from said seat member for moving said valve member to a spaced position from said valve seat member for allowing fluid communication between said inlet and said outlet responsive to said fluid pressure within said bore between said seals; conduit means connected into said choke body between said first and said second seals for supplying control fluid pressure to said choke; and spring means disposed between said valve stem and said choke body for biasing said valve stem and said valve member toward said vAlve seat member for moving said valve member into engagement with said valve seat member for shutting off fluid communication between said inlet and said outlet when said control fluid pressure decreases below a predetermined value.

Claim 47

A well flow system of the character set forth in claim 34 wherein said fluid pressure and flow rate monitoring means comprises: recording means providing a written record of such fluid pressure and flow rates of the fluids flowing in the system for use in varying the setting of said fluid choke means for controlling flow through the well flow passages.

Claim 48

A well flow system comprising: means extending into a well from the surface providing first and second flow passages therein: means within said well providing fluid communication between said first and second flow passages permitting fluid circulation through said flow passages in said well from the surface end thereof; manifold means communicating with such surface ends of said flow passages of said well and including: an input line connected to a source of fluid pressure; a return line; a first connecting line from said input line to said return line; a second connecting line from said input line to said return line in parallel flow relationship with said first line; at least two spaced valves in said first connecting line; at least two spaced valves in said second connecting line; a first discharge-return line connected at one end into said said second connecting line between said spaced valves in said line and at the other end to one of said well flow passages; a second discharge-return line connected at one end into said second connecting line between said spaced valves in said line and at the other end to said other well flow passage; variable choke means connected in said return line downstream of the connection of said return line into said first and second connecting lines and including: an automatic choke having a control fluid chamber selectively communicatable with said input line and said return line for selectively operating said choke responsive to fluid pressure in either said input line or said return line for imposing a controlled back pressure on said well flow passages through said manifold means; a manual choke connected in parallel flow relationship with said automatic choke in said return line; flowmeter means in said input line; flowmeter means in said return line; fluid pressure measuring means in said input line; and fluid pressure measuring means in said return line; said flowmeter means and said fluid pressure measuring means comprising means for determining input and return fluid flow rates and pressures in said system for controlling flow through said flow passages of said well passages by means of said choke means.

Claim 49

A well flow system comprising: means extending into a well from the surface providing first and second flow passages therein: means within said well providing fluid communication between said first and second flow passages permitting fluid circulation through said flow passages in said well from the surface end thereof; manifold means communicating with such surface ends of said flow passages of said well and including: an input line connected to a source of fluid pressure; a return line; a first connecting line from said input line to said return line; a second connecting line from said input line to said return line in parallel flow relationship with said first line; at least two spaced valves in said first connecting line; at least two spaced valves in said second connecting line; a first discharge-return line connected at one end into said said second connecting line between said spaced valves in said line and at the other end to one of said well flow passages; a second discharge-return line connected at one end into said second connecting line between said spaced valves in said line and at the other end to said other well flow passage; variable choke means connected in said return line downstream of the connection of said return line into said first and second connecting lines and including: an automatic choke having a control fluid chamber selectively communicatable with said input line and said return line for selectively operating said choke responsive to fluid pressure in either said input line or said return line for imposing a controlled back pressure on said well flow passages through said manifold means; a manual choke connected in parallel flow relationship with said automatic choke in said return line; flowmeter means in said input line; flowmeter means in said return line; fluid pressure measuring means in said input line; and fluid pressure measuring means in said return line; said flowmeter means and said fluid pressure measuring means comprising means for determining input and return fluid flow rates and pressures in said system for controlling flow through said flow passages of said well passages by means of said choke means.

Claim 50

A well flow system of the character set forth in claim 37 wherein said flowmeter means and said fluid pressure measuring means comprise recording means providing a written record of the fluid pressures and flow rates of the fluids flowing through the input line and return line for use in setting said variable choke means for controlling flow through the flow passages in the well.

Claim 51

A well flow system for a well having a plurality of a extending into said well from the surface and including: a fluid flow control manifold for supplying fluid to and receiving fluid from said conduits of said well and comprising an input line connected to a source of fluid pressure; a return line to said source of fluid pressure; a first connecting line from said input line to said return line; a second connecting line from said input line to said return line in parallel flow relationship with said first line; at least two valves at spaced locations in said first connecting line; at least two valves at spaced locations in said second connecting line; a first discharge-return line connected at one end to one of said conduits in said well and at its other end into said first connecting line between spaced said valves in said line; a second discharge-return line connected at one end to another of said conduits in said well and at its other end into said second connecting line between said spaced valves in said line; choke means in said return line downstream of the connection of said return line into said first and second connecting lines for maintaining a back pressure in said return line upstream thereof and comprising at least two parallel flow conduit sections; automatic choke means in one of said parallel flow conduit sections of said return line; fluid pressure communicating means between said automatic choke means and said input and return lines for selectively communicating said automatic choke means with either of said input line and said return line; manual choke means in another of said parallel flow conduit sections of said return line; and valve means in said return line for selectively directing fluid in said return line through either of said parallel flow conduit sections of said return line through either of said automatic choke or said manual choke; flowmeter means in said input line; flowmeter means in said return line upstream of said choke means; fluid pressure measuring means in said input line; and fluid pressure measuring means in said return line between said flowmeter means in said line and said choke means; said flowmeter means and fluid pressure measuring means comprising means for determining the fluid flow rates and pressures of fluids flowing through said conduits for controlling flow through the flow passages in the well by means of said choke means.

Claim 52

A well flow system for a well having a plurality of a extending into said well from the surface and including: a fluid flow control manifold for supplying fluid to and receiving fluid from said conduits of said well and comprising an input line connected to a source of fluid pressure; a return line to said source of fluid pressure; a first connecting line from said input line to said return line; a second connecting line from said input line to said return line in parallel flow relationship with said first line; at least two valves at spaced locations in said first connecting line; at least two valves at spaced locations in said second connecting line; a first discharge-return line connected at one end to one of said conduits in said well and at its other end into said first connecting line between spaced said valves in said line; a second discharge-return line connected at one end to another of said conduits in said well and at its other end into said second connecting line between said spaced valves in said line; choke means in said return line downstream of the connection of said return line into said first and second connecting lines for maintaining a back pressure in said return line upstream thereof and comprising at least two parallel flow conduit sections; automatic choke means in one of said parallel flow conduit sections of said return line; fluid pressure communicating means between said automatic choke means and said input and return lines for selectively communicating said automatic choke means with either of said input line and said return line; manual choke means in another of said parallel flow conduit sections of said return line; and valve means in said return line for selectively directing fluid in said return line through either of said parallel flow conduit sections of said return line through either of said automatic choke or said manual choke; flowmeter means in said input line; flowmeter means in said return line upstream of said choke means; fluid pressure measuring means in said input line; and fluid pressure measuring means in said return line between said flowmeter means in said line and said choke means; said flowmeter means and fluid pressure measuring means comprising means for determining the fluid flow rates and pressures of fluids flowing through said conduits for controlling flow through the flow passages in the well by means of said choke means.

Claim 53

A well flow system of the character set forth in claim 39 wherein said flowmeter means and said fluid pressure measuring means comprise recording means providing a written record of the fluid pressures and flow rates of the fluids flowing through said connecting lines of the manifold means for use in varying the setting of said manual choke or said automatic choke for controlling flow through the conduits in the well.