Abstract: An expandable well screen can include a filter section which is displaced outward when the well screen is positioned downhole, the filter section including an outer surface that is recessed relative to a raised boundary of the filter section adjacent the recessed outer surface. Another filter section can include an outer surface having one more structures thereon which space the outer surface away from a well surface when the filter section is displaced outward. Another filter section can include one or more structures on an interior thereof which space apart inner and outer sides of a wall of the filter section, a telescoping tubular connector which provides fluid communication between the filter section and a base pipe of the well screen, and a filter media being positioned in the tubular connector.

Abstract: Certain aspects and features of the present invention are directed to an isolation assembly that can be disposed in a wellbore through a fluid-producing formation. The isolation assembly can include one joint of a tubing section, at least two inflow control devices, and an isolation element. The joint of the tubing section can include at least two ports. Each inflow control device can be coupled to the tubing section at a respective port. The isolation element can be positioned between the inflow control devices. The isolation element can be configured to fluidly isolate the ports from each other.

Abstract: A flow control assembly can be mechanically adjusted, rotationally or translationally, inside a tubing downhole between multiple positions by an intervening tool from the surface to change resistivity to flow through the flow control assembly. The positions among which the flow control assembly can be adjusted can include a closed position, a fully open position, and positions at which fluid experiences various resistances prior to flowing to an inner area of the tubing.

Abstract: Screen assemblies capable of being disposed in a wellbore for hydrocarbon fluid production are described. The screen assemblies can support tubes for receiving hydrocarbon fluid and reduce or eliminate plugging of the tubes by swellable material. A screen assembly may include a support material between a tube and swellable material located exterior to a base pipe. The tube may include perforations and can receive and direct hydrocarbon fluids from the formation. The swellable material can expand after contact with an activating fluid and can displace the tube toward a surface of the bore. The swellable material can expand more than the support material and the support material can reduce or prevent plugging of the perforations by the swellable material expanding.

Abstract: Certain aspects and embodiments of the present invention are directed an inflow control device tube that can be disposed in a wellbore through a fluid-producing formation. The inflow control device tube can include a body, such as a tubular body, and an inlet portion at a first end of the body. The inlet portion can be integrally formed with the body. The inlet portion can be adapted to provide a fluid bypass for a fluid flowing from the inlet portion to an outlet portion at a second end of the body. The fluid bypass can be shaped to allow fluid to bypass one or more objects causing a blockage at an opening of the inlet portion.

Abstract: Remote operation of downhole tools in a subterranean wellbore is performed by inserting untethered, mobile devices sequentially into the wellbore. The mobile devices can include motive means, power supply, communication and data storage means, etc. In one embodiment, the method comprises maneuvering a first mobile device into proximity with a downhole tool, the device powering the tool. The first device is then removed, such as by flowing up or dissolving. The now-powered tool is used to perform a test or other operation. A second mobile device is maneuvered into proximity with the downhole tool and data is transferred. The second device is retrieved with the data or, using on-board logic devices, provides “if-then” commands to the downhole tool. Alternately, a third mobile device can be used to power and transfer commands to the tool. The method can be used for various tasks, such as opening bypass ports on ICD valves.

Abstract: An expandable well screen can include a filter section which is displaced outward when the well screen is positioned downhole, the filter section including an outer surface that is recessed relative to a raised boundary of the filter section adjacent the recessed outer surface. Another filter section can include an outer surface having one more structures thereon which space the outer surface away from a well surface when the filter section is displaced outward. Another filter section can include one or more structures on an interior thereof which space apart inner and outer sides of a wall of the filter section, a telescoping tubular connector which provides fluid communication between the filter section and a base pipe of the well screen, and a filter media being positioned in the tubular connector.

Abstract: Certain aspects and embodiments of the present invention are directed an inflow control device tube that can be disposed in a wellbore through a fluid-producing formation. The inflow control device tube can include a body, such as a tubular body, and an inlet portion at a first end of the body. The inlet portion can be integrally formed with the body. The inlet portion can be adapted to provide a fluid bypass for a fluid flowing from the inlet portion to an outlet portion at a second end of the body. The fluid bypass can be shaped to allow fluid to bypass one or more objects causing a blockage at an opening of the inlet portion.

Abstract: A flow control assembly can be mechanically adjusted, rotationally or translationally, inside a tubing downhole between multiple positions by an intervening tool from the surface to change resistivity to flow through the flow control assembly. The positions among which the flow control assembly can be adjusted can include a closed position, a fully open position, and positions at which fluid experiences various resistances prior to flowing to an inner area of the tubing.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for running a completion string with sand screen assemblies through multiple zones are presented allowing sequential stimulation of zones, and production without multiple trips. An exemplary method includes running a completion string and isolating target zones. If desired, the formation can be produced prior to stimulation. To stimulate the zones, a first tubing valve is closed, for example by ball-drop, forcing fluid through the first screen assembly. After stimulating the zone is complete, a first screen valve is closed by increased tubing pressure. The first work string valve is re-opened by further increasing tubing pressure. A subsequent tubing valve is then closed, for example, by flowing the ball to the next ball seat. The process is repeated until all zones are stimulated. Valves are then opened at each screen assembly to allow production flow through the screen assemblies.

Abstract: A well system can include an inflow control device which resists flow into a tubular string. A selection from among multiple different flow resistances through the inflow control device can be performed in response to pressure manipulation. An inflow control device can include a piston which is displaceable to at least two positions. Flow through the inflow control device is permitted at a certain flow resistance when the piston is at one position, and flow through the inflow control device is permitted at a greater flow resistance when the piston is at another position. Fluid which flows through the inflow control device can be constrained to flow through an increased number of flow restrictors in response to displacement of the piston from the first to the second position.

Abstract: Certain aspects and embodiments of the present invention are directed a sand control device cleaning system that can be disposed in a wellbore through a fluid-producing formation. The sand control device cleaning system can include a housing and a fluid communication structure. The housing can be coupled to a section of a tubing string of a well system. A portion of the housing or a container disposed within the housing can store a dissolving material. A dissolving fluid that can dissolve or otherwise remove particulate material can be formed from the dissolving material. The fluid communication structure can communicate the dissolving fluid from the housing to a sand control device coupled to the section of the tubing string.

Abstract: Certain aspects and features of the present invention are directed to an isolation assembly that can be disposed in a wellbore through a fluid-producing formation. The isolation assembly can include one joint of a tubing section, at least two inflow control devices, and an isolation element. The joint of the tubing section can include at least two ports. Each inflow control device can be coupled to the tubing section at a respective port. The isolation element can be positioned between the inflow control devices. The isolation element can be configured to fluidly isolate the ports from each other.

Abstract: A flow regulating system can include multiple flow restrictors, at least one of which selectively restricts flow between an interior of a tubular string and an external annulus, a plug which prevents flow through a respective one of the flow restrictors, the plug being aligned substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the flow restrictor. A method of variably restricting fluid flow in a well can include installing one or more plugs in selected one(s) of multiple openings in a housing, each installed plug preventing fluid flow through a respective flow restrictor, and externally accessing the openings, without removing any cover. An externally adjustable inflow control device can include a housing having multiple openings, multiple flow restrictors, a plug in selected one(s) of the openings, each plug preventing fluid flow through a respective flow restrictor, and each plug being externally accessible, without removal of any cover.

Abstract: A method of coating a first porous substrate with a thermoplastic material comprises the steps of: rotating the substrate about an axis of the substrate; and applying the material in a liquefied state onto the substrate, wherein the step of applying is performed from the outside of the substrate. According to another embodiment, a method of coating a porous substrate with a thermoplastic material comprises the steps of: connecting a first porous substrate to a rotator; rotating the substrate about an axis of the substrate; pumping the material in a liquefied state from a receptacle to an application head; and applying the material in a liquefied state onto the substrate, wherein the step of applying is performed from the outside of the substrate. In certain embodiments, the material coated on the substrate is used to help remove at least a portion of a filtercake.

Abstract: Screen assemblies capable of being disposed in a bore for hydrocarbon fluid production are described. The screen assemblies can support filter mediums and reduce or eliminate plugging by swellable material. One screen assembly includes filter mediums supported by a rigid member located exterior to a portion of a base pipe. The rigid member can include openings through which the filter mediums can be in fluid communication with an inner diameter of the base pipe. Swellable material can be disposed exterior to a second portion of the base pipe adjacent to the rigid member. The filter mediums can be displaced to contact a wellbore and the rigid members can help reduce or prevent plugging of screen assembly openings.

Abstract: Certain aspects and embodiments of the present invention are directed a sand control device cleaning system that can be disposed in a wellbore through a fluid-producing formation. The sand control device cleaning system can include a housing and a fluid communication structure. The housing can be coupled to a section of a tubing string of a well system. A portion of the housing or a container disposed within the housing can store a dissolving material. A dissolving fluid that can dissolve or otherwise remove particulate material can be formed from the dissolving material. The fluid communication structure can communicate the dissolving fluid from the housing to a sand control device coupled to the section of the tubing string.

Abstract: Remote operation of downhole tools in a subterranean wellbore is performed by inserting untethered, mobile devices sequentially into the wellbore. The mobile devices can include motive means, power supply, communication and data storage means, etc. In one embodiment, the method comprises maneuvering a first mobile device into proximity with a downhole tool, the device powering the tool. The first device is then removed, such as by flowing up or dissolving. The now-powered tool is used to perform a test or other operation. A second mobile device is maneuvered into proximity with the downhole tool and data is transferred. The second device is retrieved with the data or, using on-board logic devices, provides “if-then” commands to the downhole tool. Alternately, a third mobile device can be used to power and transfer commands to the tool. The method can be used for various tasks, such as opening bypass ports on ICD valves.

Abstract: A well tool can include a flow path, and a flow blocking device which selectively prevents flow through the flow path. The device can include an anhydrous boron compound. A method of constructing a downhole well tool can include forming a structure of a solid mass comprising an anhydrous boron compound, and incorporating the structure into the well tool.

Abstract: A well tool can include a flow path, and a flow blocking device which selectively prevents flow through the flow path. The device can include an anhydrous boron compound. A method of constructing a downhole well tool can include forming a structure of a solid mass comprising an anhydrous boron compound, and incorporating the structure into the well tool.