Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for expanding an expandable sand screen in the wellbore and then fracturing the wellbore. In one aspect of the invention, an expandable sand screen includes a perforated inner pipe and outer shroud. The outer shroud includes a plurality of longitudinal channels that retain their general shape after the expandable sand screen is expanded. In the expanded state, the channels provide a fluid conduit along an area between the screen and the wall of the wellbore. In a subsequent fracturing operation, slurry travels along the conduits permitting communication of the fracturing slurry with hydrocarbon bearing formations.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for completing a wellbore using expandable tubulars. In one aspect, the invention includes a tubular member with an expandable portion at a lower end constructed and arranged to be expanded into contact with a previously expanded liner. At an upper end of the tubular is a polish bore receptacle permitting the tubular to be tied back to the surface of the well with production tubing. In another aspect, the invention provides a method of completing a well comprising expanding a liner top into a cased wellbore to hang the liner and, thereafter running a tubular member into the wellbore.

Abstract: Several downhole flow control devices are disclosed which are meterable and are also capable of shutting of a particular zone in a well. The several embodiments include a multiple valve body, a toroidal inflatable valve, and a series of related choke systems. The downhole flow control choke mechanisms each include a downhole electronics package to provide programming or decision making capacity as well as motor actuation systems. Each choke mechanism also includes a system whereby the device can be converted to manual operation and actuated by a conventional shifting tool.

Abstract: Several downhole flow control devices are disclosed which are meterable and are also capable of shutting of a particular zone in a well. The several embodiments include a multiple valve body, a toroidal inflatable valve, and a series of related choke systems. The downhole flow control choke mechanisms each include a downhole electronics package to provide programming or decision making capacity as well as motor actuation systems. Each choke mechanism also includes a system whereby the device can be converted to manual operation and actuated by a conventional shifting tool.

Abstract: A downhole string includes a system having an actuator module that is responsive to electrical power and signals communicated down a cable, such as a permanent downhole cable (PDC). In addition, a backup mechanism, such as an inductive coupler mechanism or another type of wireless apparatus, can be used as a backup to restore power and communications with the downhole system. For example, if the cable fails for some reason, power and signals can still be communicated with the inductive coupler mechanism or other wireless mechanism to control operation of the system or to receive signals from the system.

Abstract: A system for enhancing oil production and reducing contamination thereof by such things as water breakthrough in unconsolidated horizontal wells comprises gravel packing, zonal isolation and selective flow control in combination. The significant control provided by the system enables the well operator to create a uniform pressure drop form heel to toe of the horizontal well and avoid commonly experienced water coning and early breakthrough of the horizontal borehole. An intelligent completion string including one or more flow control devices and one or more sensors is installable to enhance zonal isolation and control.

Abstract: Several downhole flow control devices are disclosed which are meterable and are also capable of shutting of a particular zone in a well. The several embodiments include a multiple valve body, a toroidal inflatable valve, and a series of related choke systems. The downhole flow control choke mechanisms each include a downhole electronics package to provide programming or decision making capacity as well as motor actuation systems. Each choke mechanism also includes a system whereby the device can be converted to manual operation and actuated by a conventional shifting tool.

Abstract: Several downhole flow control devices are disclosed which are meterable and are also capable of shutting of a particular zone in a well. The several embodiments include a multiple valve body, a toroidal inflatable valve, and a series of related choke systems. The downhole flow control choke mechanisms each include a downhole electronics package to provide programming or decision making capacity as well as motor actuation systems. Each choke mechanism also includes a system whereby the device can be converted to manual operation and actuated by a conventional shifting tool.

Abstract: Several downhole flow control devices are disclosed which are meterable and are also capable of shutting of a particular zone in a well. The several embodiments include a multiple valve body, a toroidal inflatable valve, and a series of related choke systems. The downhole flow control choke mechanisms each include a downhole electronics package to provide programming or decision making capacity as well as motor actuation systems. Each choke mechanism also includes a system whereby the device can be converted to manual operation and actuated by a conventional shifting tool.

Abstract: Several downhole flow control devices are disclosed which are meterable and are also capable of shutting of a particular zone in a well. The several embodiments include a multiple valve body, a toroidal inflatable valve, and a series of related choke systems.

Abstract: In a broad aspect, the invention is a downhole well tool for use within a well casing having a locking slot, an orienting profile, an alignment slot, and a lateral well bore window. The tool may broadly include a body member having a first and a second longitudinal bore extending therethrough, a diverter member extending therefrom and having a diverter surface. The second longitudinal bore extends through the diverter member. The tool may also include an outwardly-biased orienting key movably secured to the body member and engageable with the orienting profile and the alignment slot, and an outwardly-biased locking key movably secured to the body member and engageable with the locking slot. The diverter surface is aligned with the lateral well bore window when the orienting key is engaged with the alignment slot and the locking key is engaged with the locking slot.

Abstract: Several downhole flow control devices are disclosed which are meterable and are also capable of shutting of a particular zone in a well. The several embodiments include a multiple valve body, a toroidal inflatable valve, and a series of related choke systems. The downhole flow control choke mechanisms each include a downhole electronics package to provide programming or decision making capacity as well as motor actuation systems. Each choke mechanism also includes a system whereby the device can be converted to manual operation and actuated by a conventional shifting tool.

Abstract: Several motor driven embodiments are discussed which provide linear motion to a downhole flow control device. The embodiments employ ball screw assemblies or lead screw assemblies. A device for rotational actuation of a downhole flow control device is also disclosed.

Abstract: Several downhole flow control devices are disclosed which are meterable and are also capable of shutting of a particular zone in a well. The several embodiments include a multiple valve body, a toroidal inflatable valve, and a series of related choke systems. The downhole flow control choke mechanisms each include a downhole electronics package to provide programming or decision making capacity as well as motor actuation systems. Each choke mechanism also includes a system whereby the device can be converted to manual operation and actuated by a conventional shifting tool.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fluid flow control device for controlling the formation fluid flow rates through a production string. The device includes a generally tubular body for placement into the wellbore. The tubular body has a screen at an outer surface for preventing sand from entering into tabular body. The fluid flowing through the screen passes through a labyrinth. A slidable sleeve on the labyrinth controls the fluid velocity there through. The slidable sleeve screen is moved by an electrically-operated device, such as a motor paced in the production string. The fluid leaving the labyrinth passes to a tubing in the tubular body for carrying the fluid to the surface. The flow control device further may include a control circuit in the production string for controlling the operation of the electrically-operated device.

Abstract: A downhole controller for a flow control device. The controller is responsive to commands from the surface or from downhole and controls the flow device using a four way solenoid actuated spool valve and a hydraulically actuated piston system connected to the flow control device.

Abstract: A casing is provided with a sealable shifting sleeve. A whipstock is insertable into the casing and may be supported off of the casing in a predetermined location so that it is oriented toward an open window in the casing when the shifting sleeve is selectively moved upwardly. By presenting an open window for the whipstock oriented toward the window, a drillbit may be lowered through the casing to interact with the whipstock to immediately begin the drilling of the deviated wellbore. The drillbit cuts through any cement, if present, and into the formation. A bore is presented in the whipstock to allow production from pay zones below the whipstock while it is in place. Should it become necessary, the sliding sleeve may be subsequently closed to isolate the deviated wellbore which has been drilled with the whipstock through the open window.

Abstract: A downhole well tool is provided which includes a shifting sleeve for opening a flow communication port. The well tool includes first and second primary seal elements positioned upstream and downstream, respectively, of the port as well as upstream and downstream of the threaded connections between the well tool and sections of tubing forming the well flow conduit. A fluid diffuser element may be included to abate flow damage across the primary seal elements during the shifting of the sleeve. A method of selectively transmitting fluid incorporating said well tool also is disclosed.

Abstract: A sealing apparatus is provided for sealing between concentric relatively moveable tubular members. The sealing apparatus is comprised of a plurality of retainer seal rings, made of a high temperature thermoplastic, and between each retainer seal ring is a thermoplastic seal ring constructed of a normal temperature service thermoplastic. The thermoplastic seal rings are alternately spaced with the high temperature thermoplastic retainer seal rings. The retainer seal rings and the thermoplastic seal rings are cylindrical rings having a radial cross-section of a general chevron shape. Energization to press both sets of seals into sealing engagement with the two relatively moveable tubular members is accomplished by the interaction of an axial interference fit between alternating seal rings, a diametrical interference fit between the relatively moveable wellbore surfaces and the seal rings, and wellbore fluid pressure.