Abstract: A slurry outlet system including a top sub, a closure sleeve movable relative to the top sub between a closed position and an open position, a seal mounted on one or the other of the top sub or the closure sleeve, a protector sleeve disposed to cover the seal until displaced by one or the other of the top sub or the closure sleeve that does not include the seal during movement to the closed position. A method for pressure sealingly closing a slurry outlet system including bringing a closure sleeve into proximity with a top sub of the slurry outlet system, displacing a protector sleeve, with the closure sleeve, off a seal disposed about the closure sleeve and simultaneously making sealing contact between the top sub and the seal.

Abstract: A slurry outlet system including a top sub having a seal, a closure sleeve positionable in an open position spaced from the top sub during a slurry pumping operation and a closed position wherein the closure sleeve sealingly interacts with the seal, a protector sleeve disposed to protect the seal and movable upon the closure sleeve becoming sufficiently close to the protector sleeve. A method for pressure sealingly closing a slurry outlet system including bringing a closure sleeve into proximity with a top sub of the slurry outlet system, displacing a protector sleeve, with the closure sleeve, off a seal of the top sub and simultaneously making sealing contact between the closure sleeve and the seal.

Abstract: A frac and gravel packing system including a tubular having a longitudinal axis, a wall defining an interior flowbore, a radial frac port and a radial production port extending through the wall in a first zone of an annular region surrounding the tubular; a screen surrounding the production port, the frac port not covered by the screen; a sleeve system including a sleeve longitudinally shiftable with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tubular, the sleeve configured to cover the frac port in a first position of the sleeve and uncover the frac port in a second position of the sleeve; and, a return path arranged to permit return fluid from a fracturing operation to exit the first zone of the annular region, wherein the return fluid passes through the screen prior to accessing the return path.

Abstract: A fluid loss control valve and packer assembly including a fluid loss control valve, a packer disposed adjacent the fluid loss control valve, a hydraulic opening module operably connected to the valve, and a port associated with the hydraulic opening module and positioned to be exposed to annulus pressure during use. A method for operating a fluid loss control valve in an assembly.

Abstract: A frac and gravel packing system including a tubular having a longitudinal axis, a wall defining an interior flowbore, a radial frac port and a radial production port extending through the wall in a first zone of an annular region surrounding the tubular; a screen surrounding the production port, the frac port not covered by the screen; a sleeve system including a sleeve longitudinally shiftable with respect to the longitudinal axis of the tubular, the sleeve configured to cover the frac port in a first position of the sleeve and uncover the frac port in a second position of the sleeve; and, a return path arranged to permit return fluid from a fracturing operation to exit the first zone of the annular region, wherein the return fluid passes through the screen prior to accessing the return path.