Abstract: An internal support apparatus and method for providing support to a tubular structure that is positioned in a wellbore. The apparatus is insertable into the tubular structure to reside in close proximity with an interior surface of the tubular structure, make light contact with an interior surface of the tubular structure, or expand the tubular structure. Thereafter, the support apparatus can remain in the tubular structure indefinitely to provide support against collapse or further collapse and allow the tubular structure to remain in operation.

Abstract: A sand control screen assembly (10) having a sacrificial anode (26) is disclosed. The sand control screen assembly (10) comprises a plurality of ribs (16) spaced around a base pipe (12) and a screen wire (18) wrapped around the plurality of ribs (16) forming adjacent turns (20, 22) having gaps therebetween that allow the flow of fluids therethrough while preventing the flow of particulate therethrough. The plurality of ribs (16) includes at least one rib (26) that comprises a first metal. The screen wire (18) comprises a second metal that is cathodic to the first metal such that the at least one rib (26) that comprises the first metal acts as a sacrificial anode to reduce the environmental cracking of the screen wire (18).

Abstract: A screen or filter assembly is described as well as improved methods of affixing such assemblies to a portion of an oil or gas production assembly. A nonrigid attachment for reversibly securing a tubular screen to a portion of a production string is disclosed which significantly reduces the risk of the connection between the screen and the production nipple from being broken. In a preferred embodiment, an end cap is described having a projecting lip which secures one end of the screen body to a perforated sub. A removable threaded retaining sleeve is used to secure the other end of the screen body to the perforated sub. A compression ring is associated with the threaded connector to assist in securing the screen body end. A pair of deformable rings are placed adjacent each of the screen body ends to absorb service loads. The screen assembly may be subjected to operational tensile and compressive stresses and thermal expansions and contractions without significant risk of connection failure.

Abstract: To determine the tensile breaking force of a selected rod/wrap member weld joint in a metal screen of a tubular sand screen assembly used in downhole oil and gas recovery operations a test specimen, including a single rod segment and arcuate segments of the wrap member welded thereto, is removed from the screen. The removed test specimen is supported between base and cover portions of a specially designed test fixture, and a compressive force is exerted on the fixture to forcibly move the base and cover portions thereof toward one another. Representatively, the fixture is operatively positioned in a conventional spring test machine that exerts such compressive force on the fixture. The base and cover portions of the test fixture are configured such that the compressive force is converted to a tensile force exerted on a selected single rod/wrap weld joints in the specimen, with the spring test machine recording the tensile force exerted on the weld joint at its breakage.

Abstract: Disclosed is a low alloy, cryogenic steel for hydrogen sulfide service and having improved hardenability. This abstract is neither intended to define the scope of the invention, which, of course, is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to limit the invention in any way.