Abstract: In one aspect, the invention may be a well completion including a production tubing, an upper packer connected to a lower end of the production tubing, an intelligent device disposed below the upper packer, a continuous control cable running from the intelligent device to a connection point, and a sand screen disposed below the packer. The completion may be installed in a well in a single trip, instead of multiple. Sand-control operations may be performed by a service tool that is deployed through the production tubing. The completion may include the ability to washdown the well as the completion is being run into place. Related methods are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for use in completing a subterranean zone penetrated by a wellbore. One aspect of the invention comprises a housing member with a longitudinal bore and a valve member located within the housing member that is movable between open and closed positions. A sliding sleeve having a longitudinal bore is disposed within the housing member and can move between an upper position and a lower position. Attached to the sliding sleeve is a seating element where the valve member can seat. When the sliding sleeve is in the lower position, the valve member is held in the open position and communication is established between the longitudinal bore of the housing above and below the valve member. When the sliding sleeve is in the upper position, the valve member is held in the closed position and communication between the longitudinal bore of the housing above and below the valve member is restricted.

Abstract: An apparatus suitable for use in a wellbore comprises an expandable bistable device. An exemplary device has a plurality of bistable cells formed into a tubular shape. Each bistable cell comprises at least two elongated members that are connected to each other at their ends. The device is stable in a first configuration and a second configuration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing a gravel pack operation includes a bypass mechanism (e.g., a bypass valve) that is actuatable between plural positions. The bypass mechanism is part of a tool assembly, with the bypass mechanism providing different flow paths through the tool assembly corresponding to the plural positions of the bypass mechanism. For example, if the bypass mechanism is in a first position, an elevated pressure is communicated from an annular region outside a tool string to a target wellbore section. On the other hand, if the bypass mechanism is in the second position, the elevated pressure is communicated from inside the tool string to the target wellbore section. In either position, an overbalance condition is maintained in the target wellbore section so that swabbing effects are reduced or eliminated due to movement of the tool assembly during a gravel pack operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a wellbore having a tubing includes a flow control assembly having at least one orifice and a bore capable of communicating with a bore of the tubing. The flow control assembly includes at least one valve adapted to control fluid flow through the at least one orifice to the bore. The at least one valve is adapted to be actuated between an open position, a closed position, and at least an intermediate position. A sand control assembly is coupled to the flow control assembly and includes a sand screen and a flow path defined inside the sand screen in fluid communication with the at least one orifice.

Abstract: A system that is useable in a subterranean well includes a tubular structure that is formed from a spirally wound strip, and the tubular structure is provided downhole in the subterranean well.

Abstract: An improved method for cleanout of subterranean wells, such as hydrocarbon wells, is disclosed, the method being characterized by utilization of specified translocating fibers and/or platelets to aid in reduction of undesired fluids in the wellbore.

Abstract: A downhole tool (12) connected to the lower end of a coiled tubing string (14). A wireline cable (16) extends downwardly through the coiled tubing string (14) and through the center of the tool (12) to define an annulus between the cable (16) and the outer housing (66). Annular valves (98, 100) control annulus fluid flow. A clamping device (26) releasably secures the wireline cable (16). The disconnect for the downhole tool (12) comprises an electrically activated fluid pressure mechanism for releasing disconnect dogs or latches (116, FIG. 1H) carried by an upper tool portion (12A) and releasably securing a lower tool portion (12B). The fluid actuated mechanism is activated by an electrical solenoid valve (124) to permit actuation of a disconnect piston (148) by communicating pressurized hydraulic fluid in a reservoir (168) through fluid passages 170, 158 to a piston fluid chamber (156).