Abstract: A wellbore screen is provided for controlling inflow of solid particles into a wellbore. The wellbore screen comprises a conduit for transport of fluid, the conduit being provided with a filter for reducing inflow of solid particles into the conduit and swelling means arranged between the filter and the wellbore wall. The swelling means defines a plurality of compartments between the filter and the wellbore wall and is susceptible of swelling against the wellbore wall upon contact with a selected fluid so as to substantially prevent flow of fluid along the outside of the swelling means from one of said compartments into another of said compartments.

Abstract: A method of operating a wellbore formed in an earth formation is disclosed. The wellbore is provided with a tubular element in which a wellbore device is to be arranged such that the wellbore device is sealed to the inner surface of the tubular element, and whereby an elongate member is to be extended through the tubular element for carrying out a wellbore operation. The method comprises extending the elongate member through the tubular element so as to carry out said wellbore operation, removing the elongate member from the tubular element, providing the wellbore device at the outer surface thereof with a swelleable seal susceptible of swelling upon contact with a selected fluid, and installing the wellbore device in the tubular element, and inducing the swelleable seal to swell by virtue of contact of the swelleable seal with the selected fluid.

Abstract: A method is provided of applying an annular seal to a tubular element for use in a wellbore. The method comprises the steps of: a) providing at least one flexible seal layer at the wellbore site, each seal layer having a pair of opposite longitudinal edges movable relative to each other between an open position wherein the seal layer can be radially applied to the tubular element, and a closed position wherein the seal layer extends substantially around the tubular element, the seal layer being made material susceptible of swelling upon contact with a selected fluid; b) partially lowering the tubular element into the wellbore; c) radially applying the seal layer in the open position thereof to a portion of the tubular element extending above the wellbore; d) moving the seal layer to the closed position thereof; and e) further lowering the tubular element with the seal layer applied thereto into the wellbore until the seal layer is located at a selected location in the wellbore.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for sealing an annular space between a tubular element (7) extending into a wellbore (1) and a cylindrical wall (1b) surrounding the tubular element, wherein a control line (18) for controlling a downhole device (12, 13, 14, 15) extends in longitudinal direction along the tubular element. The system comprises an annular seal layer (20) extending around the tubular element (7), the seal layer having an inner surface provided with a recess (40) for radially receiving the control line. The seal layer is provided with a longitudinal slit (31) defining a pair of opposite longitudinal edges (32, 34) which are movable relative to each other between an open position wherein the seal layer can be radially applied to the tubular element, and a closed position wherein the seal layer extends around the tubular element.

Abstract: A method is provided of in-situ casting well equipment wherein a metal is used which expands upon solidification. A body of such metal is placed in a cavity in a well. Before or after placing the metal in the cavity in the well, the body is brought at a temperature above the melting point of the metal. The metal of the body in the cavity is solidified by cooling it down to below the melting point of the metal.

Abstract: A system is provided for sealing a space in a wellbore formed in an earth formation. The system has a swellable body arranged in the wellbore in a manner so as to seal the space upon swelling of the swellable body, the swellable body being susceptible of being in contact with formation water flowing into the wellbore, the swellable body including a matrix material provided with a compound soluble in the formation water. The matrix material substantially prevents or restricts migration of the compound out of the swellable body and allows migration of the formation water into the swellable body by osmosis so as to induce swelling of the swellable body upon migration of the formation water into the swellable body.

Abstract: A method of creating a zonal isolation above a target zone in an underground wellbore comprises: inserting a slurry injection tubing into the wellbore; arranging within an annular space surrounding said tubing an particle accumulation means, such as an expandable screen or an area where the slurry velocity is reduced; and pumping a slurry comprising a carrier fluid and granular material down via the slurry injection tubing and the target zone and then up into the annular space, such that at least some granular material accumulates and forms an elongate zonal isolation in the annular space between the target zone and the particle accumulation means, which zonal isolation is removable and exerts a limited radial force to the surrounding formation, thereby reducing the risk of formation damage.

Abstract: A wellbore device is provided which includes a fluid passage for transferring fluid between an earth formation and a surface facility, and a body transferable from a first mode to a second mode upon contact of the body with a selected fluid. The body is arranged so as to substantially close the fluid passage upon transfer of the body from the first mode to the second mode due to contact of the body with the selected fluid.