Abstract: A well tool assembly interconnection method is provided. In a described embodiment, a continuous tubing string has connectors positioned corresponding to desired locations for tool assemblies in a well. The tubing string is wrapped on a reel and transported to a well. As the tubing string is deployed from the reel into the well, the tool assemblies are interconnected between the connectors.

Abstract: A well completion system for creating a seal between a production tubing (30) and a well casing (34) positioned within a wellbore (32) comprises a production packer (46) that includes a section of the production tubing (30) and at least one seal element (60). The production tubing (30) is then positioned within the well casing (34) that lines the wellbore (32). An expander member (56) that is positioned within the production tubing (30) then travels longitudinally through the production packer (46) to expand the section of the production tubing (30) downhole that includes the seal element (60). This expansion creates a sealing and gripping relationship between the production tubing (30) and the well casing (34).

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus and methods for washing a wellbore ahead of an expansion swedge and radially expanding a sand-control screen jacket in a subterranean well. The methods and apparatus can be used in either the bottom-up or top-down direction and can accomplish borehole washing and screen expansion in a single trip.

Abstract: A well tool assembly interconnection method is provided. In a described embodiment, a continuous tubing string has connectors positioned corresponding to desired locations for tool assemblies in a well. The tubing string is wrapped on a reel and transported to a well. As the tubing string is deployed from the reel into the well, the tool assemblies are interconnected between the connectors.

Abstract: The inventions provide apparatus and methods for radially expanding a tubular deployed in a subterranean well by moving an expansion tool axially through the well. An expansion tool apparatus may have wear faces attached to at least a portion of the outer periphery of a mandrel for contacting the interior surface of the pipe, tube, or screen during expansion. According to another aspect of the invention, an expansion tool has a controlled egress seal between the outer surface of the tool and the inside surface of the expandable tubular. According to another aspect of the invention, an automatically variable diameter expansion tool is provided having a variable diameter cone, which expands, and contracts based on input from one or more sensors. According to another aspect of the invention, an apparatus and method for expanding a length of screen assembly in a subterranean wellbore is provided.

Abstract: A method of regulating flow through a first tubular structure in a well provides flow control by use of an expandable second tubular structure inserted into the first tubular structure and deformed therein. In a described embodiment, a liner has sealing material externally disposed thereon. Expansion of the liner within a screen assembly may be used to sealingly engage the liner with one or more well screens of the screen assembly, and may be used to regulate a rate of fluid flow through one or more of the well screens.

Abstract: A method of regulating flow through a first tubular structure in a well provides flow control by use of an expandable second tubular structure inserted into the first tubular structure and deformed therein. In a described embodiment, a liner has sealing material externally disposed thereon. Expansion of the liner within a screen assembly may be used to sealingly engage the liner with one or more well screens of the screen assembly, and may be used to regulate a rate of fluid flow through one or more of the well screens.

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.

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.

Abstract: A well tool assembly interconnection method is provided. In a described embodiment, a continuous tubing string has connectors positioned corresponding to desired locations for tool assemblies in a well. The tubing string is wrapped on a reel and transported to a well. As the tubing string is deployed from the reel into the well, the tool assemblies are interconnected between the connectors.

Abstract: A releasable no-go tool and associated methods provide enhanced capabilities in positioning an item of equipment in a wellbore. In a described embodiment, a releasable no-go tool includes a circumferentially continuous key which is radially outwardly displaced by a series of pistons. In use, the tool is interconnected in a tubing string, which is lowered into a casing string in a wellbore. The casing string has a nipple interconnected therein, the nipple having an internal profile. The tool is positioned below the nipple, pressure is applied to the tubing string to extend the key, and the tubing string is raised to thereby engage the key with the profile.

Abstract: A method of regulating flow through a first tubular structure in a well provides flow control by use of an expandable second tubular structure inserted into the first tubular structure and deformed therein. In a described embodiment, a liner has sealing material externally disposed thereon. Expansion of the liner within a screen assembly may be used to sealingly engage the liner with one or more well screens of the screen assembly, and may be used to regulate a rate of fluid flow through one or more of the well screens.

Abstract: A motion compensator for drilling from a floater provides isolation of a cutting device in a well from motion of a tubular string thereabove. In a described embodiment, a motion compensator includes an anchoring device and an axial advancement device. The motion compensator is positioned in the tubular string above the cutting device. The anchoring device anchors the motion compensator in the well, while the advancement device axially advances the cutting device.

Abstract: Apparatus and corresponding methods are disclosed for controlling operation of well tools within a subterranean well. In a described embodiment, a remotely controllable actuator includes a pressurized fluid source and a chamber containing gas at a relatively low pressure. The actuator is operated by alternately connecting each of two chambers of the actuator to one of the low pressure chamber and the pressurized fluid source. In another described embodiment, a fluid containing chamber is connected to a low pressure chamber of an actuator to thereby bias one member to displace relative to another member.

Abstract: Temporary no-go assemblies for use in locating a downhole tool at a predetermined target depth in a well are disclosed. Certain ones of the assemblies include a no-go sleeve for interfacing with a no-go shoulder in a casing and an actuating system for releasing the assembly from the no-go sleeve. Other ones of the assemblies include a key for engaging a landing nipple in a casing and a key retractor for retracting the key from the nipple. Still other ones of the assemblies include a key for engaging a no-go shoulder in a casing and a key retractor for retracting the key from the no-go shoulder. The assemblies are particularly useful in drilling and completing wells from a floating drilling rig.

Abstract: A subterranean well completion system and associated methods of servicing wells provide convenient access to selected ones of multiple tubing strings installed in wells. In a described embodiment, a completion system includes a wye block device which has an access control assembly separately conveyed into a housing assembly installed in a well. The access control assembly is conveyed into the housing assembly when it is desired to access a selected one of multiple tubing strings attached to the housing assembly.

Abstract: Multiple wellbores are interconnected utilizing a deflection device having a guide layer of lower hardness than the body of the deflection device, and a cutting tool having a guide portion and being operative to cut through the deflection device guide layer and a tubular structure lining a wellbore.

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: Apparatus and associated methods of using provide convenient and economical forming of an opening through a tubular structure in a subterranean well. In a preferred embodiment, an apparatus has a whipstock wherein a receiver and a cutting device are operatively disposed. The receiver is capable of receiving a predetermined signal from a transmitter disposed within the tubular structure. The cutting device is activated to form the opening through the tubular structure a predetermined time interval after the signal is received.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for use in conjunction with subterranean well operations. In a described embodiment, an expandable wellbore connector is utilized in interconnecting multiple wellbores in the well. The wellbore connector is expanded into a cavity formed in one wellbore, and then another wellbore is drilled through the wellbore connector. The wellbore connector is sealingly engaged with tubular members in each wellbore.