Abstract: A screen or filter assembly is described as well as improved methods of affixing such assemblies to a portion of an oil or gas production assembly. A nonrigid attachment for reversibly securing a tubular screen to a portion of a production string is disclosed which significantly reduces the risk of the connection between the screen and the production nipple from being broken. In a preferred embodiment, an end cap is described having a projecting lip which secures one end of the screen body to a perforated sub. A removable threaded retaining sleeve is used to secure the other end of the screen body to the perforated sub. A compression ring is associated with the threaded connector to assist in securing the screen body end. A pair of deformable rings are placed adjacent each of the screen body ends to absorb service loads. The screen assembly may be subjected to operational tensile and compressive stresses and thermal expansions and contractions without significant risk of connection failure.

Abstract: Apparatus for completing a subterranean well and associated methods provide economical and efficient well completions. In one described embodiment, a well completion apparatus includes a packer which is settable by application of a compressive axial force thereto. The packer sealingly engages a wellbore of the well when set therein, but does not anchor to the wellbore. The apparatus further includes a screen and an attachment device. The attachment device permits the apparatus to be attached to another packer previously set and anchored within the wellbore.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided which reliably and conveniently controls fluid flow through a sidewall of a tubular string. In a described embodiment, an auto-fill sub includes a check valve disposed in a housing. The check valve includes a generally tubular flexible member for sealingly engaging a sidewall of the housing to prevent fluid flow through an opening formed through the sidewall. A flow deflector may be provided to prevent abrasive wear, flow cutting and extrusion of the flexible member. Other features may include a lockout sleeve and a piston for displacing the lockout sleeve relative to the housing.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods provide convenient and reliable deposition of a radially deflectable blocking member relative to a downhole tool. In a described embodiment of the apparatus, a lock-out tool has mechanisms which effect latching of the tool to an internal profile of a safety valve, displacement of an opening prong of the safety valve to open the safety valve, and deposition of an expandable ring to prevent closure of the safety valve. The ring is accurately positioned by the tool and is constructed in a manner which enables it to resist relatively large axial loads, but which also enable it to be significantly radially compressed.

Abstract: Apparatus for completing a subterranean well and associated methods provide economical and efficient well completions. In one described embodiment, a well completion apparatus includes a packer which is settable by application of a compressive axial force thereto. The packer sealingly engages a wellbore of the well when set therein, but does not anchor to the wellbore. The apparatus further includes a screen and an attachment device. The attachment device permits the apparatus to be attached to another packer previously set and anchored within the wellbore.

Abstract: A packer for use in subterranean wellbores provides efficient utilization of its cross-sectional area with mechanisms therein for anchoring, sealing, and torquing through the packer. In a preferred embodiment, a retrievable packer has a tubular mandrel, rubbers disposed on the mandrel, upper and lower compression members axially straddling the rubbers, a barrel-type casing slip, upper and lower wedges axially straddling the casing slip, a release mechanism, and a series of threaded load-distributing components which help to prevent collapse of the mandrel.

Abstract: A method of stimulating a subterranean well permits each desired location within a portion of a well to be isolated from other portions of the well during stimulation operations therein, but does not require lining a portion of the well with casing and cement, and does not require the use of sealing devices, such as inflatable packers, in the well portion. In a preferred embodiment, a stimulation method includes the steps of depositing a barrier fluid in a portion of a well, forming a radially extending opening through the fluid, and flowing stimulation fluids through the opening and into a formation surrounding the portion of the well.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for completing a wellbore junction. In one embodiment described herein, a lateral wellbore junction is sealed utilizing an apparatus assembled within the well. The apparatus may include multiple housings which are engaged with each other to form a sealed assembly with flow passages extending into the lateral wellbore, and upper and lower portions of a parent wellbore. Associated sealing devices and flexible couplings are also provided.

Abstract: A method of interconnecting wellbores is provided which is convenient and economical in its performance. In a described embodiment, milling is not required for forming an opening through a sidewall of casing positioned in a parent wellbore. Instead, an appendage is formed from the casing sidewall and deformed outwardly into a void. A lateral wellbore may then be drilled through the casing sidewall. A liner may be positioned in the lateral wellbore and attached to the appendage.

Abstract: A gravel pack apparatus and associated method of completing subterranean wells provides convenient and economical gravel packing operations, permitting a sand control screen to be run into the well attached to the apparatus which is, in turn, attached to production tubing, and further permitting the tubing to be detached from the screen. In a preferred embodiment, a gravel pack apparatus has interoperable valve and tubing release portions. The valve portion may be closed after the gravel packing operation is completed. Closure of the valve portion activates the release portion, permitting the apparatus to be separated.

Abstract: A bidirectional disappearing plug member and plug assembly is capable of blocking pressurized fluid flow from opposing axial directions in a flowbore. In a preferred embodiment, the plug member, which blocks flow through the flowbore, may be readily and at least partially dissolved through the application of at least one pressurization and depressurization within a tubing string above the plug assembly. Construction of the plug assembly permits the plug member to be conveniently emplaced in a fluid-filled wellbore by permitting fluid flow around the plug member during the emplacement process. The plug member may then be secured within the plug assembly to block fluid flow from either axial direction.

Abstract: A well tool and method are provided for evaluating a subterranean formation through an exposed formation surface, such as the wall of a newly drilled well bore. The tool has a tubular main housing that is connectable into a well work string. A probe and a scraper are extendible from the main housing in response to a first signal of a signal set transmitted from the surface. The probe and the scraper are returnable to the main housing in response to a second signal set transmitted from the surface. The probe provides an isolated fluid conduit from the formation surface to a sensor for measuring a condition in the well. The scraper is for removing debris and for smoothing the formation surface, thereby helping to establish a sealed engagement of the probe to the formation surface. The tool can also be provided with a sampling vessel for taking samples of formation fluids obtained via the isolated fluid conduit in the probe.

Abstract: A sealed wellbore junction is conveniently and efficiently created in a subterranean well. In one described embodiment, a first assembly including a deflection device is positioned in the well adjacent a junction of parent and lateral wellbores. A second assembly is then sealingly engaged with the first assembly, thereby sealing the junction, and providing fluid communication between the lateral wellbore and upper and lower portions of the parent wellbore. Sealing engagement between the first and second assemblies may be provided by a variety of sealing members, or by metal-to-metal contact between the assemblies.

Abstract: Methods are provided which permit pressure tested multiple perforating gun modules to be interconnected into gun assemblies, without disturbing any pressure-bearing seals of the modules. Prior to assembling the gun assembly, the seals of the modules are pressure tested. The pressure tested modules are then connected to each other without disconnecting or otherwise breaking any of the pressure-bearing seals of the modules.

Abstract: A formation testing apparatus and associated methods provide efficient and convenient evaluation of formations. In a described embodiment, a formation testing apparatus has a pair of relatively closely spaced apart inflatable packer elements exteriorly disposed thereon. When positioned opposite a formation, the packer elements are inflated to substantially isolate a volume of the wellbore adjacent the formation. With the packer elements inflated and sealingly engaging the formation, the elements are alternately further inflated and partially deflated to thereby alternately expand and compress the volume therebetween. The volume is in fluid communication with an interior fluid passage of the apparatus, and the alternate expansion and compression of the volume results in fluid being pumped through the fluid passage.

Abstract: A tubing retrievable surface controlled subsurface safety valve 106 is adapted to be positioned in a well tubing string 102 to control the flow through the tubing string. The safety valve includes an annular housing or body 200 defining a fluid passageway through which fluids and/or gasses may flow to the surface. The safety valve is equipped with a valve closure member such as flapper 252, positioned in the fluid passageway which is moveable between an open and closed position. The valve closure member is engaged and actuated by a longitudinally extending operator 242 that engages the valve closure member 252. In one embodiment, the longitudinally extending operator 242 may be a tubular member longitudinally moveable within the valve body. The longitudinally extending member 242 is operatively coupled to a spring guide 226. A biasing spring 222 is positioned in a spring chamber 120 defined by a spring housing 228 and the spring guide 226. A spring 256 biases the closure member 252 in the closed position.

Abstract: A method of completing a subterranean well and associated apparatus therefor provide efficient operation and convenience in completions where production of fluids from a lateral wellbore and a parent wellbore is desired. In one disclosed embodiment, the invention provides a method whereby a tubular member may be extended from a parent wellbore into a lateral wellbore, without the need of deflecting the tubular member off of a whipstock or other inclined surface. The tubular member may be previously deformed and initially constrained within a housing, so that as the tubular member extends outwardly from the housing, the tubular member is permitted to deflect laterally toward the lateral wellbore.

Abstract: A plug is provided which is specially adapted for statically setting a plug portion within an internal profile formed in a wellhead. In an illustrated preferred embodiment, the plug portion is set by application of fluid pressure to a running tool portion. When set in the profile, the plug portion is secured statically relative to the profile, thereby permitting advantageous utilization of a metal-to-metal seal on the plug portion. The plug portion includes features which maintain its set configuration in the profile. The running tool portion includes multiple pistons which enhance operation of the running tool portion. A disclosed verification tool provides an indication that the plug portion has been properly set.

Abstract: A perforating gun connector is provided for downhole use in oil and gas fields. The perforating gun connector includes a stinger and a stinger receptacle. The stinger is adapted to be stabbed into the stinger receptacle. A loaded engaging member movable between a running position before the stinger is stabbed into the stinger receptacle and a latched position when the stinger is stabbed into the stinger receptacle to latch the stinger and the stinger receptacle together. A release member retains the loaded engaging member in the running position. When the stinger is stabbed into the stinger receptacle and a set force is applied to the stinger and stinger receptacle, the release member releases the loaded engaging member to move to the latched position and latch the stinger and the stinger receptacle together. According to a second aspect of the invention, the perforating gun connector is releasable, further including a releasable stop member to stop the engaging member in the latched position.

Abstract: A proppant slurry screen apparatus and associated method of using it prevent sticking of a service tool during proppant slurry delivery to a subterranean wellbore after failure of a crossover portion of the apparatus. In a preferred embodiment, a proppant slurry screen apparatus has a tubular crossover member with an internal flow passage, circulation port, and side wall outlet openings, first and second coaxial tubular structures, the first tubular structure extending above a packer and having a radial port which provides fluid communication between the wellbore above the packer and an annular flow passage between the first and second tubular structures, and a tubular screen positioned between the first and second tubular structures adjacent the port and operative to screen proppant from the proppant slurry.