Abstract: A well screen for a borehole. The well screen may include an arcuate outer shroud, a mesh layer, and a drainage layer. The arcuate outer shroud may include perforations, a first longitudinal end, and a second longitudinal end. The first and second longitudinal ends may be spaced arcuately apart such that a gap is formed between the first and the second longitudinal ends of the outer shroud. The mesh layer may restrict flow of particulate materials of a predetermined size from passing therethrough and is positioned radially inward from the outer shroud. The mesh layer may include a first and a second longitudinal end that are radially aligned with the first and the second longitudinal ends of the outer shroud to continue the gap. The drainage layer may be positioned radially inward from to the mesh layer and may include at least one of perforations or louvers.

Abstract: A well screen for a borehole. The well screen may include an arcuate outer shroud, a mesh layer, and a drainage layer. The arcuate outer shroud may include perforations, a first longitudinal end, and a second longitudinal end. The first and second longitudinal ends may be spaced arcuately apart such that a gap is formed between the first and the second longitudinal ends of the outer shroud. The mesh layer may restrict flow of particulate materials of a predetermined size from passing therethrough and is positioned radially inward from the outer shroud. The mesh layer may include a first and a second longitudinal end that are radially aligned with the first and the second longitudinal ends of the outer shroud to continue the gap. The drainage layer may be positioned radially inward from to the mesh layer and may include at least one of perforations or louvers.

Abstract: A metal fastener is provided having a first threaded screw portion for engaging a complementary threaded portion of a bore of a metal member at a first temperature, and a sealing portion disposed proximal a distal end of the first screw portion, the sealing portion having a greater coefficient of thermal expansion than the metal member, wherein the sealing portion is configured to thermally expand and provide a seal between the sealing portion and an inner circumference of the bore at a second temperature higher than the first temperature, such that the first screw portion of the fastener is immobile relative to the bore at the second temperature.

Abstract: A shunt tube assembly includes a shunt tube having an inner flow path for a fluid and defining an opening in a sidewall of the shunt tube. A shunt nozzle is coupled to the sidewall and has an elongate slot defined therethrough and is aligned with the opening to provide fluid communication between the inner flow path and an exterior of the shunt tube. The elongate slot has a length and a height, and the length is greater than the height.

Abstract: An interventionless downhole screen that is resistant to plugging during run-in-hole operations and a method for remotely actuating the screen. The screen includes a perforated sleeve that is slideably disposed coaxially with a perforated tubular member. When running, the sleeve is in a closed positioned with its openings offset from the apertures in the tubular member, thereby blocking flow through the screened openings, while a check valve through the tubular member allows fluid ingress. To actuate for production, the tubular member is pressurized, which moves a piston into ratcheting engagement with the sleeve. A subsequent depressurization allows the piston to return to its original position, carrying with it the sleeve to an open position where the sleeve and tubing perforations are aligned for allowing fluid flow into the tubular member.

Abstract: A metal fastener is provided having a first threaded screw portion for engaging a complementary threaded portion of a bore of a metal member at a first temperature, and a sealing portion disposed proximal a distal end of the first screw portion, the sealing portion having a greater coefficient of thermal expansion than the metal member, wherein the sealing portion is configured to thermally expand and provide a seal between the sealing portion and an inner circumference of the bore at a second temperature higher than the first temperature, such that the first screw portion of the fastener is immobile relative to the bore at the second temperature.

Abstract: An interventionless downhole screen that is resistant to plugging during run-in-hole operations and a method for remotely actuating the screen. The screen includes a perforated sleeve that is slideably disposed coaxially with a perforated tubular member. When running, the sleeve is in a closed positioned with its openings offset from the apertures in the tubular member, thereby blocking flow through the screened openings, while a check valve through the tubular member allows fluid ingress. To actuate for production, the tubular member is pressurized, which moves a piston into ratcheting engagement with the sleeve. A subsequent depressurization allows the piston to return to its original position, carrying with it the sleeve to an open position where the sleeve and tubing perforations are aligned for allowing fluid flow into the tubular member.

Abstract: Certain aspects and embodiments of the present invention are directed an inflow control device tube that can be disposed in a wellbore through a fluid-producing formation. The inflow control device tube can include a body, such as a tubular body, and an inlet portion at a first end of the body. The inlet portion can be integrally formed with the body. The inlet portion can be adapted to provide a fluid bypass for a fluid flowing from the inlet portion to an outlet portion at a second end of the body. The fluid bypass can be shaped to allow fluid to bypass one or more objects causing a blockage at an opening of the inlet portion.

Abstract: Certain aspects and embodiments of the present invention are directed an inflow control device tube that can be disposed in a wellbore through a fluid-producing formation. The inflow control device tube can include a body, such as a tubular body, and an inlet portion at a first end of the body. The inlet portion can be integrally formed with the body. The inlet portion can be adapted to provide a fluid bypass for a fluid flowing from the inlet portion to an outlet portion at a second end of the body. The fluid bypass can be shaped to allow fluid to bypass one or more objects causing a blockage at an opening of the inlet portion.

Abstract: A ball valve comprises a housing, a first seat surface, a second seat surface, and a ball rotatably movable within the housing. The ball contacts at least one of the first seat surface and the second seat surface to form a seal within the ball valve. The first seat surface and the second seat surface are fixed relative to each other, and pressure acting in a first direction and in a second direction opposite the first direction increases the contact pressure of the first seat surface and the second seat surface with the ball.

Abstract: A ball valve comprises a housing, a first seat surface, a second seat surface, wherein the first seat surface and the second seat surface are fixed relative to each other, and a ball rotatably movable within the housing and contacting at least one of the first seat surface and the second seat surface to form a seal within the ball valve; wherein pressure acting in a first direction and in a second direction opposite the first direction increases the contact pressure of the first seat surface and the second seat surface with the ball.