Accelerated downhole pressure testing

Claim 3

A method according to claim 1 further comprising the step of placing a pressure measuring sensor means in communication with said tubing string below the valve prior to said firing.

Claim 4

A method according to claim 2 further comprising the steps of: removing a tool string from the borehole; and stabbing a production string in place of the tool string.

Claim 5

Apparatus for completing and/or testing a well having a cased borehole, comprising: a string of production tubing disposed within the cased borehole; a perforating gun attached to the downhole end of said tubing string; the perforating gun having an impact responsive firing head; a weighted object adapted to pass through the tubing to impact and actuate the firing head; means on said tubing string near said perforating gun for closing the interior of said tubing string to the flow of fluids in a first state of operation and in a second state of operation providing an opening therethrough of sufficient size to permit the weighted object to pass therethrough; and means on said tubing string downhole of said closing means for measuring pressure within said tubing string.

Claim 6

Apparatus for completing and/or testing a well having a cased borehole, comprising: a string of production tubing disposed within the cased borehole; a perforating gun attached to the downhole end of said tubing string; the perforating gun having an impact responsive firing head; a weighted object adapted to pass through the tubing to impact and actuate the firing head; means on said tubing string near said perforating gun for closing the interior of said tubing string to the flow of fluids in a first state of operation and in a second state of operation providing an opening therethrough of sufficient size to permit the weighted object to pass therethrough; and means on said tubing string downhole of said closing means for measuring pressure within said tubing string.

Claim 7

Apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said closing means comprises a valve which can be actuated by turning the upper end of said tubing string.

Claim 8

Apparatus according to claim 4 wherein said measuring means comprises: a pressure measuring apparatus; a housing affixed to said tubing string for supporting at least a portion of said measuring apparatus; and means for communicating fluid pressure within said tubing string to said housing.

Claim 9

Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said measuring apparatus comprises a sensor means disposed within said housing and an indicating means disposed at the surface of the borehole.

Claim 10

Apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said measuring apparatus comprises a sensor means and an indicating means both disposed within said housing.

Claim 11

Apparatus according to claim 8 further comprising: a packer apparatus disposed between the borehole casing and said tubing string; means for removing an upper portion of said tubing string including said measuring means, leaving a lower portion of said tubing string supported by said packer; means for connecting a second string of production tubing to the lower portion of said tubing string; and means for releasing said perforating gun from the downhole end of said tubing string.

Claim 12

Apparatus according to claim 8 further comprising means for retrieving and replacing said measuring apparatus while said tubing string remains disposed within the borehole.

Claim 13

Apparatus according to claim 10, wherein said retrieving and replacing means comprises: means for accessing said housing from the interior of said tubing string; a wireline; and means on said wireline for gripping said measuring apparatus.

Claim 14

Apparatus for completing and/or testing a well having a cased borehole, comprising: a string of production tubing disposed within the cased borehole; a perforating gun having an impact responsive firing head affixed to the lower end of said tubing string; a weighted object adapted to pass through the tubing to impact and actuate the firing head; a housing protruding from the exterior of said tubing string, said housing being in fluid communication with the interior of said tubing string; a valve within said tubing string above said housing for closing said tubing string in a first state of operation and, in a second state of operation, providing an opening therethrough of sufficient size to permit the weighted object to pass therethrough; and means for measuring pressure within said tubing string, at least a portion of said measuring means being disposed within said housing.

Claim 15

Apparatus for completing and/or testing a well having a cased borehole, comprising: a string of production tubing disposed within the cased borehole; a perforating gun having an impact responsive firing head affixed to the lower end of said tubing string; a weighted object adapted to pass through the tubing to impact and actuate the firing head; a housing protruding from the exterior of said tubing string, said housing being in fluid communication with the interior of said tubing string; a valve within said tubing string above said housing for closing said tubing string in a first state of operation and, in a second state of operation, providing an opening therethrough of sufficient size to permit the weighted object to pass therethrough; and means for measuring pressure within said tubing string, at least a portion of said measuring means being disposed within said housing.

Claim 16

Apparatus according to claim 12 wherein said measuring means comprises a sensor means disposed within said housing and an indicating means disposed at the surface of the borehole.

Claim 17

Apparatus according to claim 13 wherein said measuring means comprises: a source of fluid, said source providing a generally positive flow of fluid at a substantially constant pressure; means for transporting a continuous flow of fluid from said source into a borehole; means for measuring the flow rate of fluid through said transporting means and providing an output indicative thereof; means for measuring pressure in said transporting means near said source and providing an output indicative thereof; and means connected to said pressure measuring means for determining pressure in the borehole.

Claim 18

Apparatus according to claim 12 wherein said measuring means comprises a sensor means and an indicating means both disposed within said housing.

Claim 19

Apparatus according to claim 15 further comprising means for replacing and retrieving said measuring means from the interior of said tubing string without pulling said tubing string.