Abstract: A gravel packing system includes at least two packers with at least one of the two packers being sealable to an open hole, a barrier sealably engaged with the at least two packers defining an annular space between the open hole and the barrier, a cross-over tool operably connectable to at least one of the at least two packers and the barrier, and at least one regulator in operable communication with the barrier configured to maintain a substantially constant pressure in the annular space while gravel is packed at a location downstream of at least one of the at least two packers, downstream being defined by a direction of travel of gravel being packed.

Abstract: A modular pressure operated actuator can be coupled with a downhole tool to selectively operate it at least once. In the preferred embodiment the module can be mounted adjacent an isolation valve and after a fixed number of on and off pressure cycles allow a spring to push an actuator to operate the valve to an open position. The actuator, in another embodiment, can be reset with a tool run into the module to move the actuator back against a power spring and hold that spring force until the pressure cycling begins again. The preferred application is for a formation isolation ball valve but other valves, such as sliding sleeves, or other types of downhole tools can be actuated with the module that permits a retrofit of a hydraulic operation to a heretofore purely mechanically actuated tool.

Abstract: A modular pressure operated actuator can be coupled with a downhole tool to selectively operate it at least once. In the preferred embodiment the module can be mounted adjacent an isolation valve and after a fixed number of on and off pressure cycles allow a spring to push an actuator to operate the valve to an open position. The actuator, in another embodiment, can be reset with a tool run into the module to move the actuator back against a power spring and hold that spring force until the pressure cycling begins again. The preferred application is for a formation isolation ball valve but other valves, such as sliding sleeves, or other types of downhole tools can be actuated with the module that permits a retrofit of a hydraulic operation to a heretofore purely mechanically actuated tool.

Abstract: A fluid loss valve is disposed in a wash pipe in a gravel packing assembly. It is preferably held open initially and when in the process it is time for the valve to be able to go closed a pulling force is applied that creates relative movement to either close the valve or allow it to close without release of the assembly when under tension. This allows a surface signal that the valve is to be released for closure. The tension is relieved before string movement with the valve can occur. This can happen by slacking off before picking up again or through other time delay features that allow the tension to be removed and a lock to collapse before a lift force is applied for subsequent gravel packing operations. The valve in its closed position acts to eliminate fluid loss when excess gravel is reversed out.

Abstract: A fluid loss valve is disposed in a wash pipe in a gravel packing assembly. It is preferably held open initially and when in the process it is time for the valve to be able to go closed a pulling force is applied that creates relative movement to either close the valve or allow it to close without release of the assembly when under tension. This allows a surface signal that the valve is to be released for closure. The tension is relieved before string movement with the valve can occur. This can happen by slacking off before picking up again or through other time delay features that allow the tension to be removed and a lock to collapse before a lift force is applied for subsequent gravel packing operations. The valve in its closed position acts to eliminate fluid loss when excess gravel is reversed out.

Abstract: The lock allows two members in a downhole tool to be temporarily held together. In an application where mandrel movement is dictated by pressure cycling in combination with a J-slot mechanism, such as in a downhole valve, the mandrel is releaseably retained to an adjacent connector against mechanical impacts. The mandrel features an extended collet that moves relatively to a floating sleeve during pressure cycles. At some point the collet heads rise to an elevated groove that causes them to contact a no-go shoulder for locking. The lock is defeated be removing the collet heads from the elevated groove for normal tool operation.

Abstract: A tool and method for treating an open hole just before expanding a screen into position is described. The swage is hydraulically driven and permits flow through it and out lateral ports to impact the borehole wall. A cup seal assembly below and a packer up above insure that the fluid impacts the borehole wall with sufficient force to dislodge the mud cake. Another feature of the invention is that the surface treatment and screen expansion can be done in one trip. The pressurized fluid that drives the swage also provides the fluid energy to prepare the borehole wall just before the screen is expanded against it.

Abstract: A tool and method for treating an open hole just before expanding a screen into position is described. The swage is hydraulically driven and permits flow through it and out lateral ports to impact the borehole wall. A cup seal assembly below and a packer up above insure that the fluid impacts the borehole wall with sufficient force to dislodge the mud cake. Another feature of the invention is that the surface treatment and screen expansion can be done in one trip. The pressurized fluid that drives the swage also provides the fluid energy to prepare the borehole wall just before the screen is expanded against it.

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: 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.