Abstract: A universal washdown system for circulating fluid through a wellbore to clean debris therefrom and to gravel-pack a production zone is provided. The system includes a production assembly with a multi-position service tool assembly disposed therein. The multi-position service tool is connected to and sealingly engages a packer that is included in the production assembly. The multi-position service tool assembly moves from a first to a second position in the production assembly by pulling longitudinally thereon. The apparatus is lowered into the well with the service tool connected to the production assembly in the first position. When the service tool assembly is in the second position, fluid passing down through a longitudinal central flow passage defined therethrough is communicated with an annulus defined between a liner assembly and the wellbore through crossover ports defined in the service tool to allow a gravel pack fluid to pass into a desired formation.

Abstract: In a well having a substantially annular completion structure therein, the completion structure having portions of lesser and greater inner diameter and an axially-shiftable element associated with the portion of greater inner diameter, the axially-shiftable element having an inner diameter greater than a diameter of the portion of lesser inner diameter, a shifting tool for, and method of, axially shifting the axially-shiftable element.

Abstract: A travel joint and latching assembly is connected below a gravel pack service tool to set an isolation assembly while performing backwashing and gravel pack operations, in a single trip. The travel joint is protected against inadvertent expansion by a positive mechanical lock assembly which isolates and decouples mechanical loading forces which may arise during the setting of the packer and during gravel pack operations. Inadvertent set of the hydraulic packer during backwashing operations is prevented by a hydraulic setting tool which includes a shear sleeve and an expandable C-ring drop ball seat.

Abstract: A well tool assembly and a method of operating same including a clutch which provides a rotary-driving connection between a running tool and well tool mandrel when the running tool is rotated in a first direction (e.g. clockwise) and has cammed surfaces which ride up on complementary cammed surfaces on the mandrel to disengage the clutch when the running tool is rotated in a second (e.g. counterclockwise) or opposite direction. Once the clutch is disengaged, the running tool can be disconnected from the mandrel by rotating the running tool in said first direction. The clutch can be disengaged either hydraulically at the same time a well tool (e.g. a packer) is being hydraulically set or by rotation of the running tool in the second direction in the event the well tool assembly becomes stuck before the assembly reaches its destination.

Abstract: A recirculating tool assembly is lowered on a length of coil tubing into the production tubing of a well completion to a location above side wall perforations in the production tubing which have become obstructed. The tool assembly includes an upper tool portion telescoped into and releasably latched within a lower sealing and tubing extension portion. Recirculating fluid is pumped down the coil tubing, flowed through a first tool assembly passage, and downwardly discharged into the production tubing. A portion of the discharged fluid is forced outwardly through the production tubing perforations to remove the obstructions therefrom, and the remainder of the discharged fluid is forced upwardly through a second tool assembly passage into the annulus between the coil tubing and the production tubing for return to the surface.

Abstract: A zonal isolation washpipe system for isolating a production zone which intersects a wellbore from communication with the surface comprises a seal assembly adapted for sealing engagement within the bore of a well packer disposed about the external circumference of one end of a tubular washpipe, a releasable connector system on the other end of the washpipe which provides means for retrieval of the washpipe from the well bore is placed in sealing engagement by a releasable telescoping expansion joint which is resistant to undesired or premature extension.When it is desired to place the isolated zone on production, a tubing perforator, such as a jet perforator which is commonly known in the art is lowered into the bore of the wash pipe to a location adjacent previously formed perforations in the casing and the wash pipe is perforated.A method for gravel packing a well using the described tools is also presented.

Abstract: A well packer adapted to be set and reset in a well bore without removal of the packer from the well bore including a packer mandrel adapted to be connected with a tubing string, an interlocking segment assembly on the packer mandrel for releasable connection with the mandrel, a drag spring assembly connected with the interlocking segment assembly for frictional engagement with a well bore wall, a locking slip assembly coupled with the drag spring assembly for locking the packer with the well bore wall, a seal element package assembly connected with slip assembly for sealing around the packer mandrel with the well bore wall, and a detent ring between the slip assembly and the seal element package permitting initial setting of the upper ends of the slips and preloading of the seal element package preliminary to final setting of the slips and expansion of the seal element package.

Abstract: A packer utilizing a C-slip in which, during release of the packer, the upper expander pulls the C-slip off of the lower expander. If a packer is stuck in the well, the upper expander is keyed to the slip to prevent rotation of the upper expander during milling.

Abstract: A packer utilizing a C-slip in which, during release of the packer, the upper expander pulls the C-slip off of the lower expander. If a packer is stuck in the well, the upper expander is keyed to the slip to prevent rotation of the upper expander during milling. A latch for releasing the packer may be operated mechanically or hydraulically and the latch is protected against sand.

Abstract: A method for protecting a well formation during gravel packing in which a back pressure valve is held off of its seat while gravel is being placed in the well, is automatically closed as the wash pipe is removed from the screen and in which the valve is returned to open position by a force exerted from above, either hydraulic or mechanical.A valve is held open by a prop-out which is removable to permit the valve to swing to closed position and thereafter the valve is again opened in response to mechanical or hydraulic force from above.

Abstract: A method for protecting a well formation during gravel packing in which a back pressure valve is held off of its seat while gravel is being placed in the well, is automatically closed as the wash pipe is removed from the screen and in which the valve is returned to open position by a force exerted from above, either hydraulic or mechanical.A valve is held open by a prop-out which is removable to permit the valve to swing to closed position and thereafter the valve is again opened in response to mechanical or hydraulic force from above.

Abstract: A method for protecting a well formation during gravel packing in which a back pressure valve is held off of its seat while gravel is being placed in the well, is automatically closed as the wash pipe is removed from the screen and in which the valve is returned to open position by a force exerted from above, either hydraulic or mechanical.A valve is held open by a prop-out which is removable to permit the valve to swing to closed position and thereafter the valve is again opened in response to mechanical or hydraulic force from above.