Abstract: Methods may include selecting a slot size of apertures to control sand production including formation fines in fluid from a subterranean zone. The slot size may be selected based on a distribution of sizes of particles in fluid from the subterranean zone. A laser may be used to form apertures with the selected slot size in a casing installed in a wellbore in the subterranean zone. Systems and apparatuses may be configured to perform the above operations.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses involve selecting an aperture geometry to filter solids from fluid from a subterranean zone, the aperture geometry selected based on a distribution of sizes of particles in the fluid from the subterranean zone. A laser can be used to form slots with the selected aperture geometry in a casing installed in a well in the subterranean zone, the aperture geometry having a size selected based on the distribution of sizes of the particles.

Abstract: A portable torque measurement and notification system, including a sensing device having a first end adaptable to connect with a first torque applying device and a second end adaptable to connect with a second torque applying device, the sensing device including one or more sensors in communication with the sensing device to produce load responsive measurements of at least one of the first and second torque applying device; an electronic circuit to receive the one or more load responsive measurements and to transmit wirelessly at least one of the group consisting of the one or more load responsive measurements and one or more torque measurements; at least one power unit; and a wireless device operable to communicate with the sensing device and to produce a notifier based on at least one of the group consisting of the one or more load responsive measurements and one or more torque measurements.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices related to downhole wellbore operations such as drilling and completing wells in an earth formation include a laser device. For example, a method may include characterizing a subterranean formation, selecting an orientation of an aperture based on characteristics of the subterranean formation, and using a laser to form an aperture of the selected orientation in the wall of the wellbore.

Abstract: A vortex-controlled variable flow resistance device ideal for use in a backpressure tool for advancing drill string in extended reach downhole operations. The characteristics of the pressure waves generated by the device are controlled by the growth and decay of vortices in the vortex chamber(s) of a flow path. The flow path includes a switch, such as a bi-stable fluidic switch, for reversing the direction of the flow in the vortex chamber. The flow path may include multiple vortex chambers, and the device may include multiple flow paths. A hardened insert in the outlet of the vortex chamber resists erosion. This device generates backpressures of short duration and slower frequencies approaching the resonant frequency of the drill string, which maximizes axial motion in the drill sting and weight on the bit. Additionally, fluid pulses produced by the tool enhance debris removal ahead of the bit.

Abstract: A vortex-controlled variable flow resistance device ideal for use in a backpressure tool for advancing drill string in extended reach downhole operations. The characteristics of the pressure waves generated by the device are controlled by the growth and decay of vortices in the vortex chamber(s) of a flow path. The flow path includes a switch, such as a bi-stable fluidic switch, for reversing the direction of the flow in the vortex chamber. The flow path may include multiple vortex chambers, and the device may include multiple flow paths. A hardened insert in the outlet of the vortex chamber resists erosion. This device generates backpressures of short duration and slower frequencies approaching the resonant frequency of the drill string, which maximizes axial motion in the drill sting and weight on the bit. Additionally, fluid pulses produced by the tool enhance debris removal ahead of the bit.

Abstract: A vortex-controlled variable flow resistance device ideal for use in a backpressure tool for advancing drill string in extended reach downhole operations. The characteristics of the pressure waves generated by the device are controlled by the growth and decay of vortices in the vortex chamber(s) of a flow path. The flow path includes a switch, such as a bi-stable fluidic switch, for reversing the direction of the flow in the vortex chamber. The flow path may include multiple vortex chambers, and the device may include multiple flow paths. A hardened insert in the outlet of the vortex chamber resists erosion. This device generates backpressures of short duration and slower frequencies approaching the resonant frequency of the drill string, which maximizes axial motion in the drill sting and weight on the bit. Additionally, fluid pulses produced by the tool enhance debris removal ahead of the bit.

Abstract: A vortex-controlled variable flow resistance device ideal for use in a backpressure tool for advancing drill string in extended reach downhole operations. The characteristics of the pressure waves generated by the device are controlled by the growth and decay of vortices in the vortex chamber(s) of a flow path. The flow path includes a switch, such as a bi-stable fluidic switch, for reversing the direction of the flow in the vortex chamber. The flow path may include multiple vortex chambers, and the device may include multiple flow paths. A hardened insert in the outlet of the vortex chamber resists erosion. This device generates backpressures of short duration and slower frequencies approaching the resonant frequency of the drill string, which maximizes axial motion in the drill sting and weight on the bit. Additionally, fluid pulses produced by the tool enhance debris removal ahead of the bit.

Abstract: A method of producing from a subterranean formation can include injecting steam into the formation, and then automatically opening at least one valve in response to the steam condensing. A well system can include a tubular string disposed in a wellbore, the tubular string including at least one valve, steam which flows from the wellbore into a formation surrounding the wellbore, and alternately flows from the formation into the wellbore as liquid water, and the valve opening automatically in response to presence of the liquid water in the wellbore.

Abstract: A device has a first elongate tubular body and a second elongate tubular body coupled to the first tubular body, both adapted to reside in the wellbore. The device is changeable between the first tubular body axially fixed against movement in a first direction relative to the second tubular body and axially moveable in the first direction relative to the second elongate tubular body in response to temperature.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices related to downhole wellbore operations, such as drilling and completing wells in an earth formation, include a laser device. A first portion of a subterranean formation can be characterized, the first portion being at a first location. A first orientation of an aperture can be selected based on the characteristics of the first portion of the subterranean formation. A laser beam can be used to create the aperture having the first orientation. A second portion of the subterranean formation can be characterized, the second portion being at a second location different from the first location. A second orientation, different from the first orientation, can be selected based on the characteristics of the second portion of the subterranean formation. The laser beam can be moved to the second location and can be used to form the aperture having the second orientation.

Abstract: A downhole bidirectional apparatus, including a first engagement section; a second engagement section having a rotary device; a third engagement section; and a rotary source having a first rotary member and a second rotary member, the first rotary member disposed about the second rotary member, the first rotary member connected to a first gripping member and the second rotary member connected with a second gripping member, wherein the rotary device is rotatable in a first rotational direction when the second gripping member is engaged with the third engagement section and the first gripping member is rotatably engaged with the second engagement section, and wherein the rotary device is rotatable in a second rotational direction when the second gripping member is engaged with the second engagement section and the first gripping member is engaged with the first engagement section.

Abstract: A vortex-controlled variable flow resistance device ideal for use in a backpressure tool for advancing drill string in extended reach downhole operations. The characteristics of the pressure waves generated by the device are controlled by the growth and decay of vortices in the vortex chamber(s) of a flow path. The flow path includes a switch, such as a bi-stable fluidic switch, for reversing the direction of the flow in the vortex chamber. The flow path may include multiple vortex chambers, and the device may include multiple flow paths. A hardened insert in the outlet of the vortex chamber resists erosion. This device generates backpressures of short duration and slower frequencies approaching the resonant frequency of the drill string, which maximizes axial motion in the drill sting and weight on the bit. Additionally, fluid pulses produced by the tool enhance debris removal ahead of the bit.

Abstract: A vortex-controlled variable flow resistance device ideal for use in a backpressure tool for advancing drill string in extended reach downhole operations. The characteristics of the pressure waves generated by the device are controlled by the growth and decay of vortices in the vortex chamber(s) of a flow path. The flow path includes a switch, such as a bi-stable fluidic switch, for reversing the direction of the flow in the vortex chamber. The flow path may include multiple vortex chambers, and the device may include multiple flow paths. A hardened insert in the outlet of the vortex chamber resists erosion. This device generates backpressures of short duration and slower frequencies approaching the resonant frequency of the drill string, which maximizes axial motion in the drill sting and weight on the bit. Additionally, fluid pulses produced by the tool enhance debris removal ahead of the bit.

Abstract: A casing string is augmented with one or more variable flow resistance devices or “vibrating tools” to facilitate advancement of the casing and distribution of the cement in the annulus once the casing is properly positioned. The method includes vibrating the casing string while advancing the casing down the wellbore or while the cement is pumped into the annulus, or both. After the cementing operation is completed, the devices may be drilled out to open the casing string for further operations. The casing string assembly may include a vibrating tool at the end in place of a conventional float shoe or float collar. Multiple vibrating tools can be employed in the casing string, and they may be combined with conventional float shoes and collars. Additionally, vibrating tools in the form of plugs can be pumped down and landed inside the casing string.

Abstract: A well tool can comprise a fluid input, a fluid output and a fluidic oscillator which produces oscillations in a fluid which flows from the input to the output. The fluidic oscillator can include a vortex chamber with inlets, whereby fluid enters the vortex chamber alternately via the inlets, the inlets being configured so that the fluid enters the vortex chamber in different directions via the respective inlets, and a fluid switch which directs the fluid alternately toward different flow paths in response to pressure differentials between feedback fluid paths. The feedback fluid paths may be connected to the vortex chamber. The flow paths may cross each other between the fluid switch and the outlet.

Abstract: A portable torque measurement and notification system, including a torque applying device to apply torque to an object, the torque applying device having a handle and a gripping end, the torque applying device including one or more strain gages disposed on the handle to produce one or more strain measurements of the handle during the application of the torque; an electronic circuit disposed about the handle to receive the one or more strain measurements, to convert the strain measurements to one or more torque measurements, and to transmit the one or more torque measurements by a wireless communications standard; a power unit to power the strain gages and electronic circuit; and a wireless device operable to communicate with the torque applying device, the wireless device having a database to store a target torque value and to receive the transmitted one or more torque measurements, and to produce a notifier.

Abstract: A well tool can include an oscillator which varies a flow rate of fluid through the oscillator, and another oscillator which varies a frequency of discharge of the fluid received from the first oscillator. A method can include flowing a fluid through an oscillator, thereby repeatedly varying a flow rate of fluid discharged from the oscillator, and receiving the fluid from the first oscillator into a second oscillator. A well tool can include an oscillator including a vortex chamber, and another oscillator which receives fluid flowed through the vortex chamber.

Abstract: A vortex-controlled variable flow resistance device ideal for use in a backpressure tool for advancing drill string in extended reach downhole operations. The characteristics of the pressure waves generated by the device are controlled by the growth and decay of vortices in the vortex chamber(s) of a flow path. The flow path includes a switch, such as a bi-stable fluidic switch, for reversing the direction of the flow in the vortex chamber. The flow path may include multiple vortex chambers, and the device may include multiple flow paths. A hardened insert in the outlet of the vortex chamber resists erosion. This device generates backpressures of short duration and slower frequencies approaching the resonant frequency of the drill string, which maximizes axial motion in the drill string and weight on the bit. Additionally, fluid pulses produced by the tool enhance debris removal ahead of the bit.

Abstract: A fluidic oscillator can include a fluid switch, at least two fluid paths from the fluid switch, and a sensor which measures a frequency of fluctuations in flow through the fluidic oscillator. A method of measuring a flow rate of a fluid can include flowing the fluid through a fluidic oscillator, a majority of the fluid flowing alternately via at least two fluid paths from a fluid switch of the fluidic oscillator, and a sensor detecting a frequency of the flow alternating between the fluid paths. Another fluidic oscillator can include a fluid input, at least two fluid paths from the fluid input to respective fluid outputs, whereby a majority of fluid which flows through the fluidic oscillator flows alternately via the fluid paths, and a sensor which detects pressure fluctuations due to the flow alternating between the fluid paths.