Abstract: A unique phasing pattern is provided that maximizes the effective perforation geometry of a wellbore. The improvement overcomes the problems associated with multi-phase guns of the past that failed to account for the fact that the gun rested on the low side of the casing. In one embodiment of the present invention, the phasing is arranged so that there is a zero phase tunnel formed. The zero phase tunnel is located at approximately the location where the gun rests against the low side of the well. Further, tunnels are formed by shape charges at plus and minus forty-five degrees and at plus and minus ninety degrees. This can also be referred to as a penta-phase. In another embodiment of the invention, charges can also be placed to allow for a plus and minus one hundred and thirty-five degrees pattern in addition to the penta-phase pattern described above. This expanded pattern can also be referred to as a hepta-phase pattern.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for gravel packing an interval of a wellbore comprises an outer tubular (110), which forms a first annulus with the wellbore, and an inner tubular (114) disposed within the outer tubular (110) forming a second annulus therebetween. Within the second annulus is an axially extending production pathway (190) and an axially extending slurry passageway (194), which is defined between a channel (170) and the inner tubular (114). The outer tubular (110) has outlets (128) that are substantially aligned with outlets (178) of the channel (170). The portions of both the outer and inner tubulars (110, 114) adjacent the production pathway (190) have openings (122, 146). When a fluid slurry containing gravel is injected through the slurry passageway (194), the fluid slurry exits through the outlets (178, 128) leaving gravel in the first annulus, thereby gravel packing the interval.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for treating a wellbore, comprising subjecting a substantially same portion of the wellbore to vibratory waves produced by a plurality of vibratory wave generators. The vibratory waves may have about the same frequency or a plurality of frequencies, and the frequencies may partially overlap, not overlap, or be modulated across a range. Additionally, the frequencies may be modulated in an oval, hoop, and flexural modes. The vibratory waves may be produced by firing the vibratory wave generators simultaneously or in sequence. Combinations of a vibrating pipe, piston pulser, or valve may be used as vibratory wave generators. In a preferred embodiment, the thickness and change of thickness of a mudcake on the interior surface of a wellbore are measured to evaluate the effectiveness of the wellbore treatment.

Abstract: An apparatus (38) and method for progressively gravel packing an interval of a wellbore (32) is disclosed. The apparatus (38) comprises a sand control screen (52) that is positioned within the wellbore (32) and a tubular member (42) that is disposed within the wellbore (32) forming a first annulus (56) with the sand control screen (52) and a second annulus (58) with the wellbore (32). The tubular member (42) initially prevents fluid communication between the first annulus (56) and the second annulus (58). Once the gravel packing operation begins, however, the tubular member (42) selectively allows fluid communication from the first annulus (56) to the second annulus (58) by progressively establishing fluid communication between the first annulus (56) and the second annulus (58) from a first end of the interval (48) to a second end of the interval (48).

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methods for movably securing a radially expandable sand-control screen jacket assembly to a base pipe. The screen jacket assembly is connected to the base pipe with a longitudinally moveable, sand-controlling joint. In use, the joint slides maintain a sand-controlling seal after radial expansion of the sand-control screen jacket assembly.

Abstract: A communication tool (100) for communicating hydraulic fluid through a tubing retrievable safety valve (50) is disclosed. The tool (100) has a first section (102) and a second section (132) that are initially coupled together. A set of axial locating keys (112) is operably attached to the first section (102) and is engagably positionable within a profile (62). A radial cutting device (148) is radially extendable through a window (152) of the second section (132). A circumferential locating key (140) is operably attached to the second section (132) and is engagably positionable within a pocket (66) of the safety valve (50) when the first and second sections (102, 132) are decoupled, thereby circumferentially aligning the radial cutting device (148) with the non annular hydraulic chamber (60).

Abstract: An apparatus (60) and method for gravel packing an interval of a wellbore is disclosed. The apparatus (60) comprises a sand control screen (78) that is positioned within the wellbore and a tube and manifold system (62) positioned between the sand control screen (78) and the wellbore. The tube and manifold system (62) delivers a fluid slurry to a plurality of levels within the interval when the apparatus (60) is in an operable position. The tubes (64, 70, 76) of the tube and manifold system (62) have first and second ends which are open such that the fluid slurry may enter one end, travel through the entire length of the tube (64, 70, 76) and exit the other end. The manifolds (66, 72) of the tube and manifold system (62) each have at least one exit port (68, 74) for the discharge of the fluid slurry from the tube and manifold system (62).

Abstract: A downhole power generator produces electrical power for use by downhole tools. In a described embodiment, a downhole power generator includes a member that is vibrated in response to fluid flow through a housing. Vibration of the member causes a power generating assembly to generate electrical power.

Abstract: A system of downhole communication and control is provided in methods and associated apparatus for data retrieval, monitoring and tool actuation. In a described embodiment, an item of equipment installed in a tubular string has a first communication device associated therewith. A tool conveyed into the tubular string has a second communication device therein. Communication is established between the first and second devices. Such communication may be utilized to control operation of the tool, retrieve status information regarding the item of equipment, supply power to the first device and/or identify the item of equipment to the tool.

Abstract: A well completion system and associated methods of completing wells provides enhanced convenience in well completions involving well treatment operations. In a described embodiment, a single trip perforating and fracturing/gravel packing method permits a well completion assembly including a well screen and a perforating gun to be installed in a well, the well to be perforated and treated, and the perforating gun to be retrieved from the well in a single trip. Retrieval of the perforating gun permits multiple zone completions in the well without the perforating guns remaining in the well thereafter.

Abstract: A shaped charge perforating apparatus (50) for perforating a subterranean well is disclosed. The shaped charge perforating apparatus (50) comprises a support member (62) having a plurality of shaped charge mounting locations each having shaped charge (56) positioned therein. Each of the shaped charges (56) has an initiation end and a discharge end. The initiation end of each shaped charge (56) is coupled to a detonator cord (70) The shaped charges (56) are enclosed in a carrier (52) having a plurality of recesses (54) spaced on an exterior surface thereof and having contoured bottom surfaces (80). Each of the recesses (54) is longitudinally and radially aligned with the discharge end of one of the shaped charges (56).

Abstract: An improved abrasive slurry delivery apparatus and associated method of using same that permits repeated and/or extended use of the apparatus in a subterranean wellbore, and reduces abrasive wear during fracturing operations while increasing pump rate and proppant mass delivery capabilities. In a preferred embodiment, an abrasive slurry delivery apparatus has a tubular crossover member with an internal flow passage and sidewall outlet openings formed with or without removable inserts formed from abrasive resistant materials. The internal flow passage is eccentrically offset to enlarge the effective flow cross-section, provide for tool passage clearance and to increase wall thickness for protection of a return flow passageway. The sidewall opening is positioned such that the opening is isolated from the secondary flow passageway.

Abstract: A multi-zone packing system having unique features that allow for remote operation, thereby eliminating the need to raise and lower a work string and crossover tool to various zones of interest during a frac pack, gravel pack or related completion procedure. The squeeze pack system has a crossover tool or port collocated with each zone of interest and remotely operated closing devices to allow for the setting of each packer and the packing job to be performed with minimal or no movement of the work string.

Abstract: The invention uses a pair of opposed tabs on the charge holder to engage a groove in the case of the shape charge. The case is generally conical in shape. However, the front opening of the case has both a first and second circumferential ridge separated by a groove. The diameter of the groove generally matches the distance between tabs. The second ridge can have a flat milled thereon to allow case to be inserted until the tabs contact the forward or first ridge. This locates the tabs between the first and second ridges and over the groove. The case is then rotated so that the tabs are captured between the two ridges. Once installed, the detonation cord is attached to the case. The cord helps prevent any rotation of the case, thereby securing it into the charge holder. Thus, the use of easily milled tabs on the charge holder in conjunction with an easily milled groove and flats on the case provide an improved apparatus and method for securing the shape charge into the charge holder of a perforation gun.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fracturing a formation or gravel packing a borehole extending through an unconsolidated subterranean zone in a formation includes a screen assembly having a length adapted for disposal adjacent the unconsolidated subterranean zone and includes a plurality of screens mounted on a base member with adjacent base members being connected by a sub having an aperture in the wall thereof. A flow-control service assembly is disposed within the bore of the screen assembly and includes an outer tubular member and an inner tubular member. The outer tubular member includes a plurality of ports that communicate with the apertures in the screen assembly. The apertures in the screen assembly are disposed along the length of screen assembly at predetermined intervals. The inner tubular member and outer tubular member form an inner annulus, the outer tubular member and screen assembly form a medial annulus, and the screen assembly forms an outer annulus with the wall of the borehole.

Abstract: A system of downhole communication and control is provided in methods and associated apparatus for data retrieval, monitoring and tool actuation. In a described embodiment, an item of equipment installed in a tubular string has a first communication device associated therewith. A tool conveyed into the tubular string has a second communication device therein. Communication is established between the first and second devices. Such communication may be utilized to control operation of the tool, retrieve status information regarding the item of equipment, supply power to the first device and/or identify the item of equipment to the tool.

Abstract: A wireline acoustic probe and associated methods provide enhanced calibration and communication capabilities in a downhole acoustic communication system. In a described embodiment, an acoustic probe is conveyed on a wireline to a position proximate a downhole acoustic transmitter. A command is transmitted acoustically from the probe to the transmitter, causing the transmitter to generate acoustic frequency sweeps. The sweeps are received by the probe proximate a downhole acoustic receiver, permitting an optimum acoustic transmission frequency to be selected.

Abstract: A shaped charge with enhanced performance is provided. In a disclosed embodiment, an oilwell perforator includes a liner which is formed of a metal powder. The metal powder has particles thereof which are coated with metal. The metal powder may be tungsten, and the particles may be coated with metals such as copper, lead, molybdenum, tin, nickel or silver. The resulting liner content by weight may be between approximately 95 and 100% tungsten.

Abstract: A system for transmitting hydraulic control signals or hydraulic power to downhole well tools while significantly reducing the number of hydraulic lines required. Hydraulic control signals are furnished at relatively low pressures to actuate a selected well tool, and the hydraulic pressure is selectively increased over a threshold level to provide hydraulic power to the well tool. The hydraulic control actuation signals can be controlled by selectively pressurizing different hydraulic lines in a selected sequence and by selectively powering the fluid pressure within a selected hydraulic line. The combination of selective sequential actuation and selective fluid pressure provides multiple actuation combinations for selectively actuating downhole well tools. Additional combinations can be provided by changing the pressurization sequence, magnitude, absolute time, duration, and pressurization profile within a discrete time period.

Abstract: An expandable well screen provides increased collapse, torsional and tensile strength. In a described embodiment, an expandable well screen includes a generally tubular base pipe and an external filtering media. The well screen is configured to have sufficient torsional and tensile strength for conveyance and positioning in a wellbore, while also having sufficient strength to prevent collapse when the screen is radially expanded.