Abstract: A modular screen system allows connection of screens using couplings that connect the annular space in each module between the screen material and the base pipe. A series of connected screens and couplings feed into a single valve to control the flow through many screens. The valve is preferably located in a coupling and the passages through the coupling or the screen can also accommodate instrumentation to detect, store or transmit well data or flows through the various screen modules.

Abstract: A tubing plug is preinstalled in a premium connection that allows support for the plug outside the drift dimension of the tubulars above and below. The plug is supported in a rotationally locked manner to avoid turning when being milled out. The plug shape internally comprises gentle sloping walls rather than surfaces in alignment with the longitudinal axis of the tubular to allow smaller cuttings to be produced that can be caught on a magnetic sub or circulated to the surface. Because the plug is supported in a zone outside the drift dimension of the adjacent tubulars, milling out the plug does not reduce the drift of the tubular assembly in which the plug was initially mounted. Seals can be provided for bubble tight sealing around the plug.

Abstract: A method of centralizing tubulars prior to cementing and subsequent expansion involves using a plurality of telescoping cylinders whose leading or trailing end is closed and which are extended by applied internal pressure in the tubular or some mechanical means. The tubular is expanded from its interior with the cylindrical telescoping members still extended. The cement is pushed all around the tubular due to the centralizers. After the cement is delivered the expansion of the tubular pushes the telescoping members into the borehole wall.

Abstract: An aperture design minimizes erosion on the surrounding casing and to the aperture itself and is particularly effective in fluid injection wells where large volumes of fluids over a long period of time with entrained solids are expected to be pumped through. The preferred design is an elongated shape with a flaring wider in the downhole direction. The downhole end of the opening features an exit that flares in the downhole direction with multiple slopes with an arc transition. Other options for the opening configuration are envisioned.

Abstract: A drilling assembly supports a liner for making a wellbore. The BHA comprises a pilot bit and a reamer above it that is larger in diameter than the suspended liner. If the BHA needs to be pulled out, the reamer is brought into contact with the liner and a latch mechanism between the two engages as another latch that had held the reamer bit to the BHA is released. The reamer bit stays with the liner as the BHA is pulled and later reinserted. On the way in the BHA latches to the reamer bit which then unlatches from the liner bottom. Preferably, splines and a shoulder on the BHA are used to drive the reamer bit as opposed to any power being transmitted through the latch between the BHA and the reamer bit. However, the latch mechanism between the BHA and the reamer bit could also provide torque and weight on bit for drilling operations. The process may be repeated.

Abstract: In one variation, a tool is disclosed that can run cladding into casing where the cladding interior is closed off by opposed cup seals and access to the volume between the cup seals exists through the tool body. “Cladding” comprises sleeves, scrolls, casing, tubing and liner strings. Pressure is applied to the interior of the cladding to expand it into gripping and sealed contact with the casing. An exterior gripping surface can be provided on the cladding to enhance grip upon expansion. The tool can be repositioned to expand lengths of cladding including tubing or casing.

Abstract: A method of separating fluids that actuate a downhole tool from well fluids is disclosed. The assembly permits equalization or circulation through the running string for delivery of the downhole tool to the desired location. The circulation passage is closed and the clean fluid is displaced into the downhole tool by pressure applied to a movable barrier, At the end of the clean fluid displacement, a lateral port is opened to allow retrieval without pulling a wet string.

Abstract: A pressure-boosting apparatus particularly amenable for use in downhole applications is disclosed. The pressure-boosting apparatus employs an unbalanced piston which is initially fixated in a run-in position. The piston has a flowpath therethrough in which is mounted a check valve. Initially, pressure is applied to above and below the piston which results in an unbalanced force on the piston due to its configuration. Flow to the tool initiates its actuation at this time. When the unbalanced force reaches a predetermined level, the piston is no longer fixated to the housing and begins to accelerate. Acceleration of the piston closes the check valve due to the sudden decrease in pressure behind the check valve and an increase in pressure in front of the check valve as the fluid volume in front of the piston is compressed.