Abstract: An apparatus (60) and method for gravel packing an interval of a wellbore is disclosed. The apparatus (60) comprises a sand control screen (78) positioned within the wellbore and a tubular member (62) disposed within the wellbore forming a first annulus with the sand control screen (78) and a second annulus with the wellbore. The tubular member (62) has an axially extending production section (64) with a plurality of openings (66) and an axially extending nonproduction section (68) with a plurality of outlets (70). A channel (72) is disposed within the first annulus such that the channel (72) is substantially circumferentially aligned with the nonproduction section (68) of the tubular member (62) forming a slurry passageway (74) therewith.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for perforating a subterranean well are provided. In general perforating apparatus, including a pre-weakend casing apparatus and a propellant assembly, is deployed within a formation of the well. Activation of the propellant assembly perforates the pre-weakened casing apparatus and the well formation. The invention can accomplish perforation and sand-control operations in a single trip.

Abstract: A downhole drilling apparatus for interconnection in a casing or liner string having a drill bit disposed thereon for enabling the drilling of intersecting wellbores without removal of the drill bit is disclosed. In a disclosed embodiment, the apparatus comprises a housing having a window. A whipstock is disposed within the housing. Between the window and the whipstock is a filler. The whipstock and the filler define a central bore providing a fluid path through the apparatus. A back pressure valve may be disposed within the central bore to prevent back flow of fluids through the apparatus. Once the total depth of an initial wellbore is reached, the casing or liner string, including the apparatus, may be cemented in place. Thereafter, an intersecting wellbore may be drilled by laterally deflecting a second drill bit with the whipstock through the window of the housing.