Abstract: A well tool is adapted to couple to at least one of a wireline service tool and a tubing string and has an adapter component engaging portion adapted to couple to an adapter component. At least a first and a second interchangeable adapter components are operable to couple to the adapter component engaging portion. The first adapter component is adapted to perform a first function and the second adapter component is adapted to perform a second function.

Abstract: A well tool is adapted to couple to at least one of a wireline service tool and a tubing string and has an adapter component engaging portion adapted to couple to an adapter component. At least a first and a second interchangeable adapter components are operable to couple to the adapter component engaging portion. The first adapter component is adapted to perform a first function and the second adapter component is adapted to perform a second function.

Abstract: Installation of lines in well tools. A well tool for use in conjunction with a subterranean well includes connectors at opposite ends of the well tool, a line extending between the connectors; at least one threaded connection at a position between the connectors; and an anti-rotation device which permits make-up of the threaded connection without relative rotation between ends of the line. A method of installing a line in a well tool includes the steps of: making-up a threaded connection at a position between end connectors of the well tool; and preventing relative rotation between ends of the line during the threaded connection making-up step, the line extending between the connectors.

Abstract: A well tool is adapted to couple to at least one of a wireline service tool and a tubing string and has an adapter component engaging portion adapted to couple to an adapter component. At least a first and a second interchangeable adapter components are operable to couple to the adapter component engaging portion. The first adapter component is adapted to perform a first function and the second adapter component is adapted to perform a second function.

Abstract: Installation of lines in well tools. A well tool for use in conjunction with a subterranean well includes connectors at opposite ends of the well tool, a line extending between the connectors; at least one threaded connection at a position between the connectors; and an anti-rotation device which permits make-up of the threaded connection without relative rotation between ends of the line. A method of installing a line in a well tool includes the steps of: making-up a threaded connection at a position between end connectors of the well tool; and preventing relative rotation between ends of the line during the threaded connection making-up step, the line extending between the connectors.

Abstract: A well completion system, including a packer and a lower signal line connector carried on tubing below the packer. An upper signal line connector is carried on an upper tubing section. The upper tubing is adapted for lowering through the packer into sealing contact with the lower tubing and for operatively connecting the upper signal line connector to the lower signal line connector. A lug on the upper tubing and a profile in the lower tubing interact to rotate the upper connector into alignment with the lower connector. An upper signal line extends from a surface location down the upper tubing to the upper connector. A lower signal line extends from the lower connector down the lower tubing to downhole sensors and/or actuators.

Abstract: An apparatus (110) and method for treating an interval of a wellbore comprises an outer tubular (112) disposed within the wellbore. A sand control screen (118) is disposed within the outer tubular (112). A treatment fluid passageway (144) is formed between the sand control screen (118) and outer tubular (112). In addition, a production pathway (130) is formed between the sand control screen (118) and outer tubular (112). When the apparatus (110) is in an operable position, the region between the outer tubular (112) and the wellbore serves as a primary path for delivery of a treatment fluid, the production pathway (130) serves as a secondary path for delivery of the treatment fluid if the primary path becomes blocked and the treatment fluid passageway (144) serves as a tertiary path for delivery of the treatment fluid if the primary and secondary paths become blocked.

Abstract: A subterranean well completion has a tubular structure in which a remote controlled robot is permanently disposed. The robot is self-propelled, programmable, receives instructions from and communicates data to the surface, and is adapted to receive power from a downhole source and perform a variety of well tasks such as, for example, positioning valves and other well tools and sensing the values of predetermined downhole parameters and relaying the sensed information to the surface. The robot, which is operable without physical intervention through the tubular structure to the robot, propels itself to a location in the tubular structure at which a desired well task is to be performed, performs the task and then parks itself in the tubular structure until another well task is to be performed by the robot.

Abstract: An apparatus (60) and method for treating an interval of a wellbore comprises an outer tubular (62) disposed within the wellbore. A sand control screen (92) is disposed within the outer tubular (62). A slurry passageway (88) is formed between the sand control screen (92) and outer tubular (62). In addition, a production pathway (90) is formed between the sand control screen (92) and outer tubular (62). When the apparatus (60) is in an operable position, the region between the outer tubular (62) and the wellbore serves as a primary path for delivery of a fluid slurry, the production pathway (90) serves as a secondary path for delivery of the fluid slurry if the primary path becomes blocked and the slurry passageway (88) serves as a tertiary path for delivery of the fluid slurry if the primary and secondary paths become blocked.

Abstract: An apparatus (60) and method for treating an interval of a wellbore comprises an outer tubular (62) disposed within the wellbore. A sand control screen (92) is disposed within the outer tubular (62). A slurry passageway (88) is formed between the sand control screen (92) and outer tubular (62). In addition, a production pathway (90) is formed between the sand control screen (92) and outer tubular (62). When the apparatus (60) is in an operable position, the region between the outer tubular (62) and the wellbore serves as a primary path for delivery of a fluid slurry, the production pathway (90) serves as a secondary path for delivery of the fluid slurry if the primary path becomes blocked and the slurry passageway (88) serves as a tertiary path for delivery of the fluid slurry if the primary and secondary paths become blocked.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved system and method for performing a desired operation at a remote location in a wellbore. The system is composed of a downhole docking station assembly and a detachable downhole tool assembly. The downhole tool assembly includes electrically operated means to move in the wellbore and an end work device to perform the desired work. The downhole tool can also include an imaging device to provide pictures of the downhole environment and various sensors. Data from the downhole tool is communicated to a surface computer, which controls the operation of the tool and displays pictures of the tool environment. The downhole tool detaches itself from the docking station, travels to the desired location in the wellbore and performs a predefined operation according to programmed instruction. The downhole tool returns and connects to the docking station, where it transfers data relating to the operation and can be recharged for further operation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for gravel packing an interval of a wellbore comprises an outer tubular (112), which forms a first annulus with the wellbore, and an sand control screen (118) disposed within the outer tubular (112) forming a second annulus therebetween. Within the second annulus is an axially extending production pathway (146) and an axially extending slurry passageway (144), which is defined between a sheet member (140) positioned on the sand control screen (118) and a channel (132). The outer tubular (112) has outlets (116) that are substantially aligned with outlets (142) of the channel (132). When a fluid slurry containing gravel is injected through the slurry passageway (144), the fluid slurry exits through the outlets (116, 142) leaving gravel in the first annulus, thereby gravel packing the interval.

Abstract: A hydraulic circuit construction for use in downhole tools. In a described embodiment, a fluid circuit construction includes first and second layers. At least one fluid-operative component is received in the first layer. A fluid passage is formed on a surface of the second layer. The passage is in fluid communication with the fluid-operative component. The second layer surface is sealingly attached to a surface of the first layer, so that the first layer surface closes off an outer side of the passage.

Abstract: A transition member (130) coupled between first and second slurry delivery devices (132, 134) for maintaining fluid slurry velocity therethrough is disclosed. Each slurry delivery device (132, 134) has a slurry passageway (144, 164) having a cross sectional area. The transition member (130) includes a transition passageway (200) operable to provide fluid communication between the slurry passageways (144, 164) of the slurry delivery devices (132, 134). The cross sectional area of at least a portion of the transition passageway (200) approximates the cross sectional area of the slurry passageways (144, 164) of the slurry delivery devices (132, 134). This allows the transition member (130) to maintain the fluid slurry velocity above the settling velocity of the slurry.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for gravel packing an interval of a wellbore comprises an outer tubular (110), which forms a first annulus with the wellbore, and an inner tubular (114) disposed within the outer tubular (110) forming a second annulus therebetween. Within the second annulus is an axially extending production pathway (190) and an axially extending slurry passageway (194), which is defined between a channel (170) and the inner tubular (114). The outer tubular (110) has outlets (128) that are substantially aligned with outlets (178) of the channel (170). The portions of both the outer and inner tubulars (110, 114) adjacent the production pathway (190) have openings (122, 146). When a fluid slurry containing gravel is injected through the slurry passageway (194), the fluid slurry exits through the outlets (178, 128) leaving gravel in the first annulus, thereby gravel packing the interval.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved system and method for performing a desired operation at a remote location in a wellbore. The system is composed of a downhole docking station assembly and a detachable downhole tool assembly. The downhole tool assembly includes electrically operated means to move in the wellbore and an end work device to perform the desired work. The downhole tool can also include an imaging device to provide pictures of the downhole environment and various sensors. Data from the downhole tool is communicated to a surface computer, which controls the operation of the tool and displays pictures of the tool environment. The downhole tool detaches itself from the docking station, travels to the desired location in the wellbore and performs a predefined operation according to programmed instruction. The downhole tool returns and connects to the docking station, where it transfers data relating to the operation and can be recharged for further operation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for gravel packing an interval of a wellbore comprises an outer tubular (112), which forms a first annulus with the wellbore, and an sand control screen (118) disposed within the outer tubular (112) forming a second annulus therebetween. Within the second annulus is an axially extending production pathway (146) and an axially extending slurry passageway (144), which is defined between a sheet member (140) positioned on the sand control screen (118) and a channel (132). The outer tubular (112) has outlets (116) that are substantially aligned with outlets (142) of the channel (132). When a fluid slurry containing gravel is injected through the slurry passageway (144), the fluid slurry exits through the outlets (116, 142) leaving gravel in the first annulus, thereby gravel packing the interval.

Abstract: A gravel packing apparatus (210) having expandable channels (244) comprises first and second tubulars (212, 214) forming an annulus therebetween. First and second base plates (230, 232) are positioned within the annulus, each base plate (230, 232) having at least one receiving notch (234, 236). An expandable channel (244) having first and second configurations extends between the respective receiving notches (234, 236) of the first and second base plates (230, 232) within the annulus. Each expandable channel (244) initially has a flexible hose (252) disposed therein such that when the flexible hose (252) is pressurizing, the expandable channels (244) are expanded from the first configuration to a second configuration, thereby forming slurry passageways in the gravel packing apparatus (210).

Abstract: A transition member (130) coupled between first and second slurry delivery devices (132, 134) for maintaining fluid slurry velocity therethrough is disclosed. Each slurry delivery device (132, 134) has a slurry passageway (144, 164) having a cross sectional area. The transition member (130) includes a transition passageway (200) operable to provide fluid communication between the slurry passageways (144, 164) of the slurry delivery devices (132, 134). The cross sectional area of at least a portion of the transition passageway (200) approximates the cross sectional area of the slurry passageways (144, 164) of the slurry delivery devices (132, 134). This allows the transition member (130) to maintain the fluid slurry velocity above the, settling velocity of the slurry.

Abstract: The present invention is a surface controlled subsurface safety valve (SCSSV) for use in a well, preferably a hydrocarbon producing well. The SCSSV comprises a valve body having a longitudinal bore for fluid to flow through, a bore closure assembly, a pressure balanced drive assembly, and a fail safe assembly. The bore closure assembly is positioned and normally biased to close the bore to fluid flow. The drive assembly is coupled to the bore closure assembly for driving the bore closure assembly to an open position. The fail safe assembly is positioned and configured to hold the bore closure assembly in the open position in response to a hold signal and to release the valve to return to the safe, closed position upon interruption of the hold signal.