Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for controlling a flow of a fluid between a wellbore tubular and a formation may utilize a particulate control device positioned external to the wellbore tubular and a flow control device having a retrievable flow restriction element that controls a flow parameter of a fluid flowing between the particulate control device and a bore of the wellbore tubular. The flow control device may be re-configured in the wellbore and/or be used to inject a fluid into the formation.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for controlling a flow of a fluid between a wellbore tubular and a formation may utilize a particulate control device positioned external to the wellbore tubular and a retrievable flow control element that controls a flow parameter of a fluid flowing between the particulate control device and a bore of the wellbore tubular. The flow control element may be re-configured in the wellbore and/or be used to inject a fluid into the formation.

Abstract: A technique for providing auxiliary conduits in multi-trip completions is disclosed. The technique has particular applicability to liner mounted screens which are to be gravel packed. In the preferred embodiment, a protective shroud is run with the gravel pack screens with the auxiliary conduits disposed in between. The auxiliary conduits terminate in a quick connection at a liner top packer. The gravel packing equipment can optionally be secured in a flow relationship to the auxiliary conduits so as to control the gravel packing operation. Subsequent to the removal of the specialized equipment, the production tubing can be run with an auxiliary conduit or conduits for connection down hole to the auxiliary conduits coming from the liner top packer for a sealing connection. Thereafter, during production various data on the well can be obtained in real time despite the multiple trips necessary to accomplish completion.

Abstract: A completion technique to replace cementing casing, perforating, fracturing, and gravel packing with an open hole completion is disclosed. Each zone to be isolated by the completion assembly features a pair of isolators, which are preferably tubular with a sleeve of a sealing material such as an elastomer on the outer surface. The screen is preferably made of a weave in one or more layers with a protective outer, and optionally an inner, jacket with openings. The completion assembly can be lowered on rigid or coiled tubing which, internally to the completion assembly, includes the expansion assembly. The expansion assembly is preferably an inflatable design with features that provide limits to the delivered expansion force and/or diameter. A plurality of zones can be isolated in a single trip.

Abstract: A downhole completion method and an expandable filtration apparatus are disclosed. The filter assembly comprises a plurality of layers beginning with a coated perforated base pipe. The coating reduces the force required for expansion. A drainage layer overlays the base pipe with the filtration layer above it. The drainage layer improves flow through the filtration layer and protects it from burrs in the base pipe. A filtration enhancement layer fits over the filtration layer and an outer shroud protects the assembly during run in. The assembly can be used as made or expanded downhole in one or a series of expansions.

Abstract: Three embodiments of an expandable screen are described. In the preferred embodiment, the base layer, filtering layer, and outer layer are joined together in a sintering furnace in the form of a flat sheet which is in turn rolled up. The layered sheet is then formed into a tube by rolling it to make a longitudinal or spiral joint which is welded with connections placed on ends. In an alternative embodiment, the base layer and filtering layer are sintered together and formed into a tube which is in turn inserted into an outer protective tube. In a third embodiment, a base pipe is perforated and its exterior surface threaded. A wire runs through the threads with a protective jacket over the underlying assembly. Upon expansion, the opening sizes remain relatively constant.

Abstract: A completion technique to replace cementing casing, perforating, fracturing, and gravel packing with an open hole completion is disclosed. Each zone to be isolated by the completion assembly features a pair of isolators, which are preferably tubular with a sleeve of a sealing material such as an elastomer on the outer surface. The screen is preferably made of a weave in one or more layers with a protective outer, and optionally an inner, jacket with openings. The completion assembly can be lowered on rigid or coiled tubing which, internally to the completion assembly, includes the expansion assembly. The expansion assembly is preferably an inflatable design with features that provide limits to the delivered expansion force and/or diameter. A plurality of zones can be isolated in a single trip.

Abstract: A downhole completion method and an expandable filtration apparatus are disclosed. The filter assembly comprises a plurality of layers beginning with a coated perforated base pipe. The coating reduces the force required for expansion. A drainage layer overlays the base pipe with the filtration layer above it. The drainage layer improves flow through the filtration layer and protects it from burrs in the base pipe. A filtration enhancement layer fits over the filtration layer and an outer shroud protects the assembly during run in. The assembly can be used as made or expanded downhole in one or a series of expansions.

Abstract: Three embodiments of an expandable screen are described. In the preferred embodiment, the base layer, filtering layer, and outer layer are joined together in a sintering furnace in the form of a flat sheet which is in turn rolled up. The layered sheet is then formed into a tube by rolling it to make a longitudinal or spiral joint which is welded with connections placed on ends. In an alternative embodiment, the base layer and filtering layer are sintered together and formed into a tube which is in turn inserted into an outer protective tube. In a third embodiment, a base pipe is perforated and its exterior surface threaded. A wire runs through the threads with a protective jacket over the underlying assembly. Upon expansion, the opening sizes remain relatively constant.

Abstract: A technique for providing auxiliary conduits in multi-trip completions is disclosed. The technique has particular applicability to liner mounted screens which are to be gravel packed. In the preferred embodiment, a protective shroud is run with the gravel pack screens with the auxiliary conduits disposed in between. The auxiliary conduits terminate in a quick connection at a liner top packer. The gravel packing equipment can optionally be secured in a flow relationship to the auxiliary conduits so as to control the gravel packing operation. Subsequent to the removal of the specialized equipment, the production tubing can be run with an auxiliary conduit or conduits for connection down hole to the auxiliary conduits coming from the liner top packer for a sealing connection. Thereafter, during production various data on the well can be obtained in real time despite the multiple trips necessary to accomplish completion.

Abstract: A system for enhancing hydrocarbon production in long and deviated subterranean wells. Gravel is placed in the annulus between the screen liner and the borehole, together with annular isolation elements. Selective flow control is achieved. Sequential control or commingled production is achievable from multiple producing intervals of the borehole. A differential valve is incorporated in the screen liner service string to allow for gravel placement across multiple screen-liner sections, separated by annular isolation elements in a continuous one stage placement operation, thereby reducing time and complexity of such operations.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing any given length of a completion filter assembly is described. An outer perforated jacket is assembled over the filter media, which is itself placed over a coarse support screen or drainage layer. In the preferred embodiment, the drainage layer and outer jacket have end rings such that when advanced through a die are pushed together with the filter media in between to effect a seal of the subassembly. The subassembly can then be placed on a support pipe which is perforated, and if metallic, the end rings are welded to the support pipe to complete the assembly. Optionally, many of the components can be made of materials which lend buoyancy to the assembly so that when it is advanced into a long lateral, it will float to assist in its proper positioning.

Abstract: The present invention allows a well to be produced through a screen without the need for a gravel pack. This is accomplished by the placement of an expandable screen that can move radially outwardly when placed at the desired location against the wellbore and be porous enough with sufficient open area to allow production from the formation. The screen is placed in the desired location by using coiled tubing which can be preperforated for a support for the screen. The screen is protected during delivery to the desired location in the wellbore by providing a disposable or removable outer cover which can be disposed of after proper location on the screen in the wellbore.

Abstract: A filter is provided which combines a woven wire mesh over a supporting body. The supporting body is typically a metal perforated tube which provides fluid communication between the well bore and the production equipment string. The woven wire mesh acts as a filter to prevent the influx of sand particles, provides openings oriented at various angles relative to its surface, so that some area is available for fluid entry even when particulate matter is lodged on the surface above an opening, provides interior channels that allow fluid to travel from one location on the mesh surface to another location over an opening into the supporting body, and does not provide "straight-through" openings, thus forcing the fluid to make multiple turns to pass through the mesh, thereby dissipating the fluid's energy and increases the mesh's erosion resistance. When particulate matter accumulates on the mesh's surface, the resulting particle cake remains porous, heightening the filter's resistance to plugging.

Abstract: The invention involves an assembly, specifically beneficial in deviated well-bores, which allows running into the wellbore with the complete completion assembly. The completion assembly includes one or more screens which may be pre-packed. Initially, a material which sets to form a permeable mass is deposited in the annular space outside the screens. After such material is deposited, cement or other sealing material is pumped into the annular space above the screens to complete the completion process. As a result, in one trip the deviated wellbore is completed with the permeable material deposited outside the screen or screens and cement being disposed in the annular space above the permeable material. Production can then begin.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided that allows an operator to drill a well into a formation requiring treatment or gravel packing in a single pass, then to lower and position the liner and production strings simultaneously. The invention allows cementing of the liner prior to any treatment or gravel packing, and provides an integral circulation system to allow formation treatment or gravel packing of the production string. Once treatment or gravel packing is completed, the invention provides mechanical fluid loss control as the circulation system is pulled out of the hole.

Abstract: A High-Rate Multizone Gravel Pack System is provided that allows significantly higher gravel packing flow rates than were previously available. This system includes a fluid bypass which greatly enhances flow rate and decreases damage to the bypass due to erosion. The system is employed in a multi-stage arrangement which allows the gravel-packing of multiple production zones with a single trip into the well bore. A memory gauge sensing wash pipe pressure and temperature is incorporated to allow for data acquisition during the gravel packing process.