Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and a method of anchoring an expandable conduit. A formation is provided on an outer surface of the conduit, the formation comprising a number of bands of a friction and/or sealing material. When the expandable conduit is radially expanded, the friction and/or sealing material engages a second conduit in which the expandable conduit is located. The engagement of the friction and/or sealing material provides an anchor for the expandable conduit.

Abstract: A gravel pack is formed using a mixture of a solid deformable material and conventional gravel pack gravel. In the event of reservoir compaction, such a gravel pack will reduce the transmission of forces from the subterranean formation to the wellbore completion hardware, thereby significantly extending the life of a well. Deformable materials selected for mixing with conventional gravel may be elastically flexible, plastically deformable, or crushable solid materials or particles.

Abstract: A well treatment tool is installed along the sucker rod string of a well, within the surrounding production tube string. The tool provides for the distribution of a treatment fluid (solvent, etc.) within the fluid being pumped or flowing from the well. The tool receives treatment fluid through the hollow sucker rod string, and distributes the fluid through a valve which is set at a predetermined pressure. When the treatment fluid pumped down the sucker rod string from the surface exceeds the predetermined opening pressure of the valve, the treatment fluid is distributed into the production tube string through one or more passages in the tool. The present tool may be used simultaneously with well production, with fluid (oil, etc.) rising up the production tube string, carrying the treatment fluid therewith. The treatment fluid is thus distributed throughout the local fluid processing system, including pipelines from the well, any initial treatment operations, and any storage tanks.

Abstract: This invention includes an apparatus and method for completing a subterranean zone penetrated by a wellbore. One embodiment of the invention is an apparatus for connecting a first sand screen assembly and a second sand screen assembly. The apparatus comprises a tubular housing having an eccentric longitudinal bore therethrough, providing a first fluid communication path through the apparatus, the longitudinal bore defining a housing wall. A longitudinal passageway is disposed within the housing wall, providing a second fluid communication path through the apparatus. The first fluid communication path is capable of communicating fluid flow from a sand screen in the first sand screen assembly to a sand screen in the second sand screen assembly. The second fluid communication path is capable of communicating fluid flow from an alternate path element in the first sand screen assembly an alternate path element in the second sand screen assembly.

Abstract: The down hole motor is a self-contained radial drive unit that is driven by a linear input, which can be supplied from various sources. As linear motion is applied to the input of the tool, drive pins on a drive shaft follow a helical path, converting the linear motion into radial motion at the attached mandrel end. This may then be utilized in various activities such as drilling, boring and obstruction removal. This tool may also be used in conjunction with jarring mechanisms in order to create an impact drilling device, or a percussion motor.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and apparatus for setting a liner in a wellbore and then expanding a screen in the wellbore in a single trip. In one aspect of the invention, a liner and expandable screen is provided with a slip assembly to fix the liner in the wellbore. An expansion tool and work sting is run into the wellbore in the liner. After the liner is set, the expansion tool is used to expand the screen. In another embodiment, an annular area between the expansion tool and work string is utilized in order to set the slips. Thereafter, cup packers used in forming the annulus are lifted from the liner prior to expanding the screen.

Abstract: Improved methods of generating gas in and foaming well treating fluids introduced into a subterranean zone are provided. A method of the invention includes the steps of combining one or more gas generating chemicals with the well treating fluid and combining one or more delayed encapsulated activators having selected release times with the well treating fluid containing the gas generating chemicals so that the gas generating chemicals react with the delayed encapsulated oxidizing agent activators and gas and foam are formed in the treating fluid while the treating fluid is being pumped and after being placed in the subterranean zone.

Abstract: An actuator uses a gas absorptive material to produce displacement of a member of the actuator. In a described embodiment, an actuator includes a metal hydride powder. When the powder absorbs hydrogen gas, it expands and displaces a piston. When the powder discharges hydrogen gas, the powder contracts, displacing the piston in an opposite direction. Various methods of controlling gas absorption and discharge are provided.

Abstract: A method and system for downhole treatment and pumping of well fluids enhances the pumping of viscous fluids to the surface. The first step is to separate the oil and water from the well fluid and then channel the oil to a chamber that encloses the motor. The heat from the motor will increase the heat of the crude oil flowing past the motor, thereby lowering the viscosity of the crude oil. The water flows separately past the motor in another passageway, and remixes with the oil. After the oil and water recombine, the treated well fluid has a lower viscosity, and the fluid is then pumped to the surface more efficiently than without treating the oil.

Abstract: A component, such as an electric motor, for use in a subterranean environment. The component comprises an attached recording system to record the cumulative use time of the component. The recording system typically includes a timing circuit or other circuit to output data related to use of the component. This data is recorded by a recording device to maintain a cumulative total.