Abstract: An intelligent well system and method has a sand face completion and a monitoring system to monitor application of a well operation. Various equipment and services may be used. In another aspect, the invention provides a monitoring system for determining placement of a well treatment. Yet another aspect of the invention is an instrumented sand screen. Another aspect is a connector for routing control lines.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gun brake system adapted to slow the descent of a tool string in a well. In one embodiment, the brake system comprises a brake installed within the well and having a snug fitting restriction and one or more fluid channels extending along a portion thereof. The brake system further provides means for maintaining the fluid volume substantially constant within the production tubing to which the gun brake is installed.

Abstract: A system for use in a well having completion zones includes a surface node and a plurality of downhole nodes positioned in the completion zones. A communications link extends into the well and is coupled to the surface node and downhole nodes. The communications link includes channels coupling successive nodes, and the surface node and downhole nodes are coupled in a loop by the channels.

Abstract: An intelligent well system and method has a sand face completion and a monitoring system to monitor application of a well operation. Various equipment and services may be used. In another aspect, the invention provides a monitoring system for determining placement of a well treatment. Yet another aspect of the invention is an instrumented sand screen. Another aspect is a connector for routing control lines. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: A technique for controlling fluid production in a deviated wellbore is disclosed. The technique utilizes a flow pipe the interior of which is in hydraulic communication with the earth's surface. A plurality of flow control valves are disposed at spaced apart positions along the length of the flow pipe. The flow control valves are used to regulate flow along intervals of the flow pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus suitable for use in a wellbore comprises an expandable bistable device. An exemplary device has a plurality of bistable cells formed into a tubular shape. Each bistable cell comprises at least two elongated members that are connected to each other at their ends. The device is stable in a first configuration and a second configuration.

Abstract: A downhole string includes a system having an actuator module that is responsive to electrical power and signals communicated down a cable, such as a permanent downhole cable (PDC). In addition, a backup mechanism, such as an inductive coupler mechanism or another type of wireless apparatus, can be used as a backup to restore power and communications with the downhole system. For example, if the cable fails for some reason, power and signals can still be communicated with the inductive coupler mechanism or other wireless mechanism to control operation of the system or to receive signals from the system.

Abstract: An apparatus that is usable with a subterranean well includes a magnetometer and a circuit. The magnetometer indicates a strength of a magnetic field that at least partially extends through a portion of a downhole pipe. The circuit is coupled to the magnetometer to indicate a feature present in the pipe based on the indication from the magnetometer.

Abstract: An apparatus that is usable with a subterranean well includes a liner and a wiper. The liner is to be cemented inside the well bore, and the wiper, in a first mode, is connected to the liner when the liner is run downhole. In a second mode, the wiper is released to respond to a cement flow.

Abstract: This invention includes an apparatus and method for completing a subterranean zone penetrated by a wellbore. One embodiment of the invention is an apparatus for connecting a first sand screen assembly and a second sand screen assembly. The apparatus comprises a tubular housing having an eccentric longitudinal bore therethrough, providing a first fluid communication path through the apparatus, the longitudinal bore defining a housing wall. A longitudinal passageway is disposed within the housing wall, providing a second fluid communication path through the apparatus. The first fluid communication path is capable of communicating fluid flow from a sand screen in the first sand screen assembly to a sand screen in the second sand screen assembly. The second fluid communication path is capable of communicating fluid flow from an alternate path element in the first sand screen assembly an alternate path element in the second sand screen assembly.

Abstract: This invention is a sand screen comprising a base pipe with openings cut directly thereon. The size, shape, and configuration of the openings may be varied depending on the filtration, inflow, and strength characteristics desired by the operator. The openings may be cut directly on the base pipe by use of water jet, laser, or saw cutting techniques.

Abstract: The present invention discloses apparatus and methods for perforating, completing, testing, and abandoning a wellbore in a single trip. One embodiment of the invention is a method that comprises perforating an interval within the wellbore, positioning a sand screen assembly adjacent the perforated interval, gravel packing the perforated interval, performing testing on the perforated interval, and then abandoning the well, all in a single trip in the wellbore.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a transient underbalance condition is provided. Transient underbalance can be enhanced by using a porous material, such as a porous solid, around the explosive device. The porous material contains a volume to receive wellbore fluids in response to activation of the explosive device. This causes a local drop in pressure, which enhances the transient underbalance effect. In another application, it is desired to reduce the transient underbalance effect. This is accomplished by reducing the pressure drop generated as a result of explosive detonation. In one arrangement, the shot density is reduced by using solid masses.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for completing a junction of plural wellbores includes providing a casing junction assembly having plural outlets for communicating with corresponding wellbores. A tool has plural extendable conduits for engaging in the outlets. The casing junction assembly has an integral diverter with guiding surfaces to guide the conduits into the outlets.

Abstract: A system that is usable in a subsea well includes a tubular string that extends from a surface platform toward the sea floor. The string has an upper end and a lower remote end that is located closer to the sea floor than to the platform. At least one sensor of the system is located near the remote end of the string to monitor deployment of subsea equipment.

Abstract: A well completion method performed in a single trip into a well includes inserting a service tool into the well to a desired location; gravel packing the well; and circulating fluids within the wellbore through the service tool to dislodge and remove filter cake residue. A method of completing a subterranean well performed in a single trip into a wellbore includes running a service tool into the well, the service tool defining multiple, selectable flow paths; gravel packing the well; selecting a different flow path of the service tool; removing a filter cake from the wellbore by circulating a fluid through the service tool; spotting specially fluids within the wellbore at desired locations; and removing the service string from the well.

Abstract: A technique for stimulating production of fluids from a subterranean formation. The technique utilizes a tubular member disposed within a wellbore. The tubular member comprises transverse openings that facilitate a formation fracturing process. Subsequent to fracturing, a completion element may be deployed within the tubular element. In some applications, the completion element is an expandable element.

Abstract: A tool that is usable in a subterranean well to sample well fluid from a zone does not include a pump to remove well fluid from the zone for purposes of sampling. Instead, the tool includes a flow path that is in communication with the zone and a region of the well above the zone to use a pressure differential created or naturally occurring between the zone and the region of the well above the zone to flow well fluid from the zone. The tool may also include a flow path that is in communication with the region of the well above the zone and the region of the well below the zone to equalize pressure along the tool and thereby prevent unintended axial movement of the tool. A fluid sampler of the tool samples a composition of the well fluid from the zone.

Abstract: A well completion has an expanded tubing portion and an unexpanded tubing portion. A seal is provided on the unexpanded portion. In another embodiment, an expandable tubing is provided and a gravel pack operation is performed.

Abstract: A tool string for deployment in a wellbore includes an upper string and a lower string. The upper string includes a valve actuator, and the lower string includes a valve. The lower string is adapted to receive the upper string, and the valve actuator controls the operation of the valve once the upper string is received by the lower string.