Abstract: Fiber optic monitoring of dimensional changes within a subterranean formation includes deploying a fiber optic cable assembly in a wellbore and attaching the cable assembly to first and second attachment points on either side of the formation. A surface fiber optic measurement system measures changes in the optical path length between the attachment points of the fiber optic cable assembly. The changes in optical path length are directly indicative of dimensional changes within the formation.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and systems for deploying and retrieving sensors downhole are provided. The apparatus can include an outer tubular member disposed about one or more inner tubular members coupled to a fluid directional controller. The fluid directional controller may include a housing separating an interior cavity from an external environment of the wellbore. One end of the outer tubular member and at least one end of an inner tubular member may communicate with the interior cavity. The housing may also include a passageway configured to provide fluid communication between the interior cavity and the external environment. A flow control device may selectively facilitate fluid flow through the passageway. Accordingly, a sensor located in the interior cavity may be selectively exposed to fluid from the external environment. Sensors may be deployed by flowing fluid through a particular tubular member in one direction and retrieved by flowing fluid in another direction.

Abstract: Apparatus for preventing unwanted exposure of one or more devices to one or more undesirable substances includes at least one barrier disposed between the device and the undesirable substance. At least one shield substance is provided between the barrier and the device. The shield substance is capable of permeating the barrier sufficient to preclude at least substantial permeation of the undesirable substance through the barrier from the exterior of the barrier, preventing unwanted exposure of the device to the undesirable substance.

Abstract: Apparatus for preventing unwanted exposure of one or more devices to one or more undesirable substances includes at least one barrier disposed between the device and the undesirable substance. At least one shield substance is provided between the barrier and the device. The shield substance is capable of permeating the barrier sufficient to preclude at least substantial permeation of the undesirable substance through the barrier from the exterior of the barrier, preventing unwanted exposure of the device to the undesirable substance.

Abstract: An apparatus that is usable with a subterranean well includes a latch and an engagement mechanism. The latch is adapted to form a releasable connection between a first conduit section and a second conduit section in response to engagement of an actuator of the latch and maintain a first distance between an end of the first conduit section and an end of the second conduit section. The engagement mechanism is adapted to continuously engage the actuator to cause the latch to connect the first conduit section and the second conduit section despite the movement of the engagement mechanism between a first position and a second position. The second distance between the first position and the second position is greater than the first distance.

Abstract: An apparatus that is usable with a subterranean well includes a latch and an engagement mechanism. The latch is adapted to form a releasable connection between a first conduit section and a second conduit section in response to engagement of an actuator of the latch and maintain a first distance between an end of the first conduit section and an end of the second conduit section. The engagement mechanism is adapted to continuously engage the actuator to cause the latch to connect the first conduit section and the second conduit section despite the movement of the engagement mechanism between a first position and a second position. The second distance between the first position and the second position is greater than the first distance.