Abstract: A method and apparatus for drilling and completing a bore hole are disclosed. The method comprises positioning a work string in the well, with a bottom hole assembly attached. The bottom hole assembly can include a drill bit, a drilling motor, orientation instrumentation, and a completion assembly. A fluid is circulated to drive the drill bit to drill the well to a target formation. Then, the completion assembly is used to produce fluids from the formation. Gravel packing can also be performed with the bottom hole assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus for downhole storage of an electrical conductor within a drill string in a borehole. The conductor is stored as a coil in a flexible storage means. The apparatus is desirably used to eliminate the short lengths of cable and the associated connectors which are normally added with each new section of drill pipe added to the drill string. Because the device is flexible, it may be used in deviated drilling.

Abstract: A method of forming a gravel pack in a wellbore is disclosed which involves disposing a pipe adjacent the incompetent formation, depositing gravel around the pipe, consolidating the resulting gravel bed using a suitable resinous material, and removing the pipe to leave a high permeability, high strength, self-supporting annular gravel sheath.

Abstract: The perforations of a tubular pipe are sealed with a selectively removable plugging material. The pipe is then wire wrapped to form a well screen. The annular passage defined by the pipe and wire wrapping is restricted enough so that the flow resistance in the annular passage is sufficient to maintain high fluid flow velocity outside the well screen during gravel packing so as to prevent the formation of gravel dunes. After gravel packing is completed, the plugging material is removed, permitting the passage of fluids through the well screen and pipe mandrel.

Abstract: A method of controlling the migration of fines in a subterranean formation comprising contacting the formation with a dilute resin solution; displacing the resin solution into the formation, preferably with an overflush oil, so as to leave behind a thin film of resin solution; extracting the diluent present in the resin, and then curing the resin to an infusible state. The preferred resin is a one-step phenolic type resin which cures at formation temperatures and which should comprise from about 5 to about 30 weight percent of the resin solution and preferably about 10 to 20 weight percent.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for improved mud pulse telemetry. Mud pulse signals generated by a downhole mud pulser are detected at the surface by monitoring mud flow rate. Mud flow rate can be monitored by use of a flow meter placed downstream from the surge suppressor.