Abstract: An apparatus is described for controlling flow of fluid in a subterranean formation based on a selected characteristic of fluid flow, such as viscosity, velocity or density, as that characteristic varies over time. A pathway-dependent resistance assembly, such as a vortex chamber having two inlets and an outlet, provides varying resistance to fluid flow based on the ratio of flow from the inlets, the direction of flow as directed by the inlets, and the characteristic of the fluid. The incoming flow ratio is preferably determined by flowing fluid through a plurality of passageways having differing flow rate responses to fluid having differing characteristics. Fluid of a selected characteristic will encounter lesser resistance to flow across the system, while fluid of an un-favored characteristic will encounter greater resistance to flow. Thus, flow of well fluids can be autonomously restricted as the fluid characteristics change over time.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for controlling the flow of fluid, such as formation fluid, through an oilfield tubular positioned in a wellbore extending through a subterranean formation. Fluid flow is autonomously controlled in response to change in a fluid flow characteristic, such as density or viscosity. In one embodiment, a fluid diverter is movable between an open and closed position in response to fluid density change and operable to restrict fluid flow through a valve assembly inlet. The diverter can be pivotable, rotatable or otherwise movable in response to the fluid density change. In one embodiment, the diverter is operable to control a fluid flow ratio through two valve inlets. The fluid flow ratio is used to operate a valve member to restrict fluid flow through the valve.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for controlling the flow of fluid, such as formation fluid, through an oilfield tubular positioned in a wellbore extending through a subterranean formation. Fluid flow is autonomously controlled in response to change in a fluid flow characteristic, such as density or viscosity. In one embodiment, a fluid diverter is movable between an open and closed position in response to fluid density change and operable to restrict fluid flow through a valve assembly inlet. The diverter can be pivotable, rotatable or otherwise movable in response to the fluid density change. In one embodiment, the diverter is operable to control a fluid flow ratio through two valve inlets. The fluid flow ratio is used to operate a valve member to restrict fluid flow through the valve.

Abstract: A flow control screen (100) includes a base pipe (102) having a blank pipe section (104) and a perforated section (106). A filter medium (112) is positioned around a portion of the blank pipe section (104). A housing (114, 118, 120, 122, 124) is positioned around another portion of the blank pipe section (104) and the perforated section (106). A deformable element (150) is positioned between the housing and a portion of the perforated section including at least one production port (108) but not including at least one closure port (110) to define a production path (154) between the production port (108) and the filter medium (112) such that application of a sufficient pressure to the closure port (110) acts on the deformable element (150) to deform the deformable element (150) to substantially close the production path (154).

Abstract: A flow control system for use in a subterranean well can include a flow chamber through which a fluid composition flows, and a plug which is released in response to an increase in a ratio of undesired fluid to desired fluid in the fluid composition. Another flow control system can include a flow chamber through which a fluid composition flows, a plug, and a structure which supports the plug, but which releases the plug in response to degrading of the structure by the fluid composition. Yet another flow control system can include a flow chamber through which a fluid composition flows, and a plug which is released in response to an increase in a velocity of the fluid composition in the flow chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for controlling flow of fluid in a tubular positioned in a wellbore extending through a subterranean formation. A flow control system is placed in fluid communication with a main tubular. The flow control system has a flow ratio control system and a pathway dependent resistance system. The flow ratio control system has a first and second passageway, the production fluid flowing into the passageways with the ratio of fluid flow through the passageways related to the characteristic of the fluid flow. The pathway dependent resistance system includes a vortex chamber with a first and second inlet and an outlet, the first inlet of the pathway dependent resistance system in fluid communication with the first passageway of the fluid ratio control system and the second inlet in fluid communication with the second passageway of the fluid ratio control system.

Abstract: A flow control screen (100) includes a base pipe (102) having a blank pipe section (104) and a perforated section (106). A filter medium (112) is positioned around a portion of the blank pipe section (104). A housing (114, 118, 120, 122, 124) is positioned around another portion of the blank pipe section (104) and the perforated section (106). A deformable element (150) is positioned between the housing and a portion of the perforated section including at least one production port (108) but not including at least one closure port (110) to define a production path (154) between the production port (108) and the filter medium (112) such that application of a sufficient pressure to the closure port (110) acts on the deformable element (150) to deform the deformable element (150) to substantially close the production path (154).

Abstract: A sand control screen assembly (40) is operably positionable within a wellbore (64). The sand control screen assembly (40) includes a base pipe (42) having at least one opening (46) in a sidewall portion thereof. A filter medium (48) is disposed exteriorly of at least a first circumferential portion of the base pipe (42). The filter medium (48) is in fluid communication with the at least one opening (46). A swellable material layer (56) is disposed exteriorly of a second circumferential portion of the base pipe (42) such that in response to contact with an activating fluid, radial expansion of the swellable material layer (56) causes the filter medium (48) to contact the wellbore (64).

Abstract: In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a system and method for forming an annular isolator between production tubing and a borehole wall is provided. A section of expandable tubing is installed in a borehole, and a sleeve disposed around a surface of the tubing cooperates with the tubing to form a fluid chamber. The sleeve includes a first portion that is predisposed to expand outwardly under fluid pressure from the fluid chamber, and a second portion that is configured such that, when expanded due to fluid pressure, the second portion stores energy that is biased to sustain the fluid pressure within the chamber, in response to a change in fluid volume. The tubing may be expanded using a tool disposed within the tubing.

Abstract: Casing expansion and formation compression for permeability plane orientation. A method of forming at least one increased permeability plane in a subterranean formation includes the steps of: installing a casing section in a wellbore intersecting the formation; expanding the casing section in the wellbore; and then injecting a fluid into the formation, the injecting step being performed after the expanding step is completed. Another method includes the steps of: applying an increased compressive stress to the formation, the compressive stress being radially directed relative to a wellbore intersecting the formation; and then piercing the formation radially outward from the wellbore, thereby initiating the increased permeability plane.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for swellable material activation and monitoring in a subterranean well. A sensor system for use in a subterranean well includes a swellable material, and at least one sensor which is displaced to a wellbore surface in response to swelling of the swellable material. Another sensor system includes a sensor which detects swelling of a swellable material. A swellable well tool system includes a base pipe, a swellable material on an exterior of the base pipe, and eccentric weighting for inducing rotation of the swellable material about a longitudinal axis of the base pipe.

Abstract: A sand control screen assembly (40) is operably positionable within a wellbore (64). The sand control screen assembly (40) includes a base pipe (42) having at least one opening (46) in a sidewall portion thereof. A filter medium (48) is disposed exteriorly of at least a first circumferential portion of the base pipe (42). The filter medium (48) is in fluid communication with the at least one opening (46). A swellable material layer (56) is disposed exteriorly of a second circumferential portion of the base pipe (42) such that in response to contact with an activating fluid, radial expansion of the swellable material layer (56) causes the filter medium (48) to contact the wellbore (64).

Abstract: A well screen inflow control device with check valve flow controls. A well screen assembly includes a filter portion and a flow control device which varies a resistance to flow of fluid in response to a change in velocity of the fluid. Another well screen assembly includes a filter portion and a flow resistance device which decreases a resistance to flow of fluid in response to a predetermined stimulus applied from a remote location. Yet another well screen assembly includes a filter portion and a valve including an actuator having a piston which displaces in response to a pressure differential to thereby selectively permit and prevent flow of fluid through the valve.

Abstract: The present disclosure addressed apparatus and methods for forming an annular isolator in a borehole after installation of production tubing. Annular seal means are carried in or on production tubing as it is run into a borehole. In conjunction with expansion of the tubing, the seal is deployed to form an annular isolator. An inflatable element carried on the tubing may be inflated with a fluid carried in the tubing and forced into the inflatable element during expansion of the tubing. Reactive chemicals may be carried in the tubing and injected into the annulus to react with each other and ambient fluids to increase in volume and harden into an annular seal. An elastomeric sleeve, ring or band carried on the tubing may be expanded into contact with a borehole wall and may have its radial dimension increased in conjunction with tubing expansion to form an annular isolator.

Abstract: The present disclosure addressed apparatus and methods for forming an annular isolator in a borehole after installation of production tubing. Annular seal means are carried in or on production tubing as it is run into a borehole. In conjunction with expansion of the tubing, the seal is deployed to form an annular isolator. An inflatable element carried on the tubing may be inflated with a fluid carried in the tubing and forced into the inflatable element during expansion of the tubing. Reactive chemicals may be carried in the tubing and injected into the annulus to react with each other and ambient fluids to increase in volume and harden into an annular seal. An elastomeric sleeve, ring or band carried on the tubing may be expanded into contact with a borehole wall and may have its radial dimension increased in conjunction with tubing expansion to form an annular isolator.

Abstract: Casing expansion and formation compression for permeability plane orientation. A method of forming at least one increased permeability plane in a subterranean formation includes the steps of: installing a casing section in a wellbore intersecting the formation; expanding the casing section in the wellbore; and then injecting a fluid into the formation, the injecting step being performed after the expanding step is completed. Another method includes the steps of: applying an increased compressive stress to the formation, the compressive stress being radially directed relative to a wellbore intersecting the formation; and then piercing the formation radially outward from the wellbore, thereby initiating the increased permeability plane.

Abstract: The present disclosure addressed apparatus and methods for forming an annular isolator in a borehole after installation of production tubing. Annular seal means are carried in or on production tubing as it is run into a borehole. In conjunction with expansion of the tubing, the seal is deployed to form an annular isolator. An inflatable element carried on the tubing may be inflated with a fluid carried in the tubing and forced into the inflatable element during expansion of the tubing. Reactive chemicals may be carried in the tubing and injected into the annulus to react with each other and ambient fluids to increase in volume and harden into an annular seal. An elastomeric sleeve, ring or band carried on the tubing may be expanded into contact with a borehole wall and may have its radial dimension increased in conjunction with tubing expansion to form an annular isolator.

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.

Abstract: The present disclosure addressed apparatus and methods for forming an annular isolator in a borehole after installation of production tubing. Annular seal means are carried in or on production tubing as it is run into a borehole. In conjunction with expansion of the tubing, the seal is deployed to form an annular isolator. An inflatable element carried on the tubing may be inflated with a fluid carried in the tubing and forced into the inflatable element during expansion of the tubing. Reactive chemicals may be carried in the tubing and injected into the annulus to react with each other and ambient fluids to increase in volume and harden into an annular seal. An elastomeric sleeve, ring or band carried on the tubing may be expanded into contact with a borehole wall and may have its radial dimension increased in conjunction with tubing expansion to form an annular isolator.

Abstract: The inventions provide apparatus and methods for radially expanding a tubular deployed in a subterranean well by moving an expansion tool axially through the well. An expansion tool apparatus may have wear faces attached to at least a portion of the outer periphery of a mandrel for contacting the interior surface of the pipe, tube, or screen during expansion. According to another aspect of the invention, an expansion tool has a controlled egress seal between the outer surface of the tool and the inside surface of the expandable tubular. According to another aspect of the invention, an automatically variable diameter expansion tool is provided having a variable diameter cone, which expands, and contracts based on input from one or more sensors. According to another aspect of the invention, an apparatus and method for expanding a length of screen assembly in a subterranean wellbore is provided.