Abstract: A method and system for temporarily preventing fluid flow through a screen assembly installed in a wellbore can include a screen assembly interconnected in a tubing string. Components of the screen assembly can include a base pipe, one or more filter layers, an optional drainage layer(s), with flow paths through each of the components. A degradable metal barrier can be applied to at least one of the components, which thereby temporarily prevents fluid flow through the flow paths, and temporarily provides pressure isolation radially between an interior and an exterior of the screen assembly. Degradation of the metal barrier can allow fluid and pressure communication radially between the interior and the exterior of the screen assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an impervious body, a sealing element; an energy source, and a trigger. The impervious body is configured to prevent passage of fluid therethrough. The sealing element is disposed about the impervious body. The energy source is operationally connected to the sealing element. The trigger is configured to transfer energy from the energy source to the sealing element. The trigger is activated, at least in part, by receiving a signal from a pump tool passing through an interior of the impervious body.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an impervious body, a sealing element, an energy source, and a trigger. The impervious body is configured to prevent passage of fluid therethrough. The sealing element is disposed about the impervious body. The energy source is operationally connected to the sealing element. The trigger is configured to transfer energy from the energy source to the sealing element. The trigger is activated, at least in part, by receiving a signal transmitted through the impervious body.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an impervious body, a sealing element, an energy source, and a trigger. The impervious body is configured to prevent passage of fluid therethrough. The sealing element is disposed about the impervious body. The energy source is operationally connected to the sealing element. The trigger is configured to transfer energy from the energy source to the sealing element. The trigger is activated, at least in part, by receiving a signal transmitted through the impervious body.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an impervious body, a sealing element; an energy source, and a trigger. The impervious body is configured to prevent passage of fluid therethrough. The sealing element is disposed about the impervious body. The energy source is operationally connected to the sealing element. The trigger is configured to transfer energy from the energy source to the sealing element. The trigger is activated, at least in part, by receiving a signal from a pump tool passing through an interior of the impervious body.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided which enhance drilling and completion of wellbore intersections. In a described embodiment, a cutting tool diverter is used to drill a branch wellbore extending outwardly from a main wellbore. The diverter is provided with an outer easily millable portion which reduces the amount of time needed to retrieve the diverter. In another embodiment, a substance is injected into a formation surrounding the intersection of the main and branch wellbores, to thereby facilitate sealing of the intersection.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided which enhance drilling and completion of wellbore intersections. In a described embodiment, a cutting tool diverter is used to drill a branch wellbore extending outwardly from a main wellbore. The diverter is provided with an outer easily millable portion which reduces the amount of time needed to retrieve the diverter. In another embodiment, a substance is injected into a formation surrounding the intersection of the main and branch wellbores, to thereby facilitate sealing of the intersection.

Abstract: A field development system and associated methods provide a main wellbore intersecting a formation and having fractures extending outwardly from the main wellbore into the formation. Multiple additional wellbores, spaced apart from the main wellbore and without associated additional production facilities, intersect the fractures and provide auxiliary drainage of the formation into the main wellbore via the fractures extending outwardly therefrom.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided which enhance drilling and completion of wellbore intersections. In a described embodiment, a cutting tool diverter is used to drill a branch wellbore extending outwardly from a main wellbore. The diverter is provided with an outer easily millable portion which reduces the amount of time needed to retrieve the diverter. In another embodiment, a substance is injected into a formation surrounding the intersection of the main and branch wellbores, to thereby facilitate sealing of the intersection.

Abstract: A field development system and associated methods provide for cost effective development of a field by minimizing the number of required production facilities and preventing damage to wellbores due to drilling lateral wellbores therefrom. In a described embodiment, a field development system includes a main wellbore intersecting a formation and having fractures extending outwardly into the formation. Multiple additional wellbores intersect the fractures to thereby improve drainage of the formation without the need of drilling lateral wellbores from the main wellbore and without the need of providing additional production facilities for the additional wellbores.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for mechanically interconnecting a lateral wellbore liner to a main, or parent, wellbore casing. The present invention further provides a method of wellbore construction for the construction of multiple wellbores which are interconnected downhole to form a manifold of pipelines in a reservoirs of interest. Provision is made for flow controls, sensors, data transmission, power generation, and other operations positioned in the lateral wellbores during the drilling, completion and production phases of such wellbores.

Abstract: A method of completing a subterranean well and associated apparatus therefor provide efficient operation and convenience in completions where production of fluids from a lateral wellbore and a parent wellbore is desired. In one disclosed embodiment, the invention provides a method of completing a subterranean well wherein a tubular member having an aperture formed through a sidewall portion thereof is inserted through a junction of multiple wellbore portions. The aperture is positioned so that it faces one of the wellbore portions. Apparatus provided by the present invention include various forms of flow diverters which may be utilized in the method.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods of using provide convenient and economical forming of an opening through a tubular structure in a subterranean well. In a preferred embodiment, a milling guide has a guide profile formed thereon which is operative to guide a cutting tool to contact the tubular structure. An anchor portion of the milling guide grippingly engages the tubular structure to thereby axially and rotationally align the milling guide with the tubular structure. A hydraulic advance mechanism axially displaces the cutting tool relative to the milling guide.

Abstract: A method of completing a subterranean well and associated apparatus therefor provide efficient operation and convenience in completions where production of fluids from a lateral wellbore and a parent wellbore is desired. In one disclosed embodiment, the invention provides a method of completing a subterranean well wherein a device having multiple portals is positioned at a junction of multiple wellbore portions and engaged with other structures positioned in the well. Several alternate constructions of a device for use with the method are provided as well.

Abstract: A disclosed method and associated apparatus provide convenient and accurate control of rates of fluid flow within a subterranean well. In one described embodiment, an apparatus has multiple tubing strings installed within multiple wellbores intersecting formations or intervals into, or from which, fluid is to be flowed. A remotely controllable flow regulating device is provided for each of the formations or intervals to regulate the rate of fluid flow through its associated tubing string. In another described embodiment, a single tubing string is utilized with multiple remotely controllable flow regulating devices interconnected therein.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods of using provide convenient and economical forming of an opening through a tubular structure in a subterranean well. In a preferred embodiment, a milling guide has a guide profile formed thereon which is operative to guide a cutting tool to contact the tubular structure. An anchor portion of the milling guide grippingly engages the tubular structure to thereby axially and rotationally align the milling guide with the tubular structure.

Abstract: A lateral wellbore junction is formed by methods and apparatus described herein. In one described embodiment, an apparatus includes a section of casing and a sleeve axially reciprocably disposed relative to an opening formed through a sidewall of the casing. In one described method, the casing section is positioned within a parent wellbore, the sleeve is shifted to provide access through the opening, and a lateral wellbore is drilled by passing cutting tools through the opening.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for completing a wellbore junction. In one embodiment described herein, a lateral wellbore junction is sealed utilizing an apparatus assembled within the well. The apparatus may include multiple housings which are engaged with each other to form a sealed assembly with flow passages extending into the lateral wellbore, and upper and lower portions of a parent wellbore. Associated sealing devices and flexible couplings are also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods of using same provide ease of forming an opening through a laterally extending liner to thereby provide access to a portion of a parent wellbore across which the liner extends. In a preferred embodiment, a milling guide has a guide profile formed thereon for directing a cutting tool to contact the liner. The milling guide is cooperatively engageable with an anchor to axially and radially align the guide profile with a portion of the liner which extends across the parent wellbore.

Abstract: Multiple wellbores are interconnected utilizing a deflection device having a guide layer of lower hardness than the body of the deflection device, and a cutting tool having a guide portion and being operative to cut through the deflection device guide layer and a tubular structure lining a wellbore.