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: 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: 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: A system for permitting deployment of a polished bore receptacle, seal stack and production tubing in a single downhole trip into a wellbore. The system includes a polished bore receptacle, production tubing, a seal stack disposed about the production tubing, and a one trip seal latch that couples the production tubing to the polished bore receptacle. The seal latch includes an outer latch housing and an inner latch housing. The outer housing and inner housing are connected by a releasable coupling device. Thus, the polished bore receptacle can be moved downhole for latching to a packer without insertion of the seal stack into the interior of the polished bore receptacle. Upon latching of the polished bore receptacle to the packer, the coupler may be selectively released to permit insertion of the seal stack into the polished bore receptacle.

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: The present invention generally provides a seal assembly, or seal array, having a seal body and one or more non-extrusion end rings to prevent or minimize extrusion of the seal body between either the packer assembly and the casing or between the packer assembly and the gauge ring used to energize the seal assembly. More particularly, the end ring of the present invention has discrete deformable portions, which may be integrally encapsulated within a resilient cover or which may be provided as separate end ring members. The discrete deformable portions may further be provided with a deformable hinge portion formed therebetween.

Abstract: A full bore set down tool assembly provides a housing attached to a packer in a wellbore and aligned with the production zone. A service tool of the tool assembly is attached to a tubing string extending to the surface and is adapted for selective, removable attachment to and positioning within the housing. The tool assembly defines a downstream flow path and a return flow path when the service tool is attached to the housing. A ball valve that is selectively shiftable from the surface opens and closes the return flow path to define a circulate position and a squeeze position. The housing, service tool, and ball valve also define a reverse position. The tool assembly facilitates gravel packing of the annulus between the wellbore casing and the service string including the tool assembly.

Abstract: A full bore set down tool assembly provides a housing attached to a packer in a wellbore and aligned with the production zone. A service tool of the tool assembly is attached to a tubing string extending to the surface and is adapted for selective, removable attachment to and positioning within the housing. The tool assembly defines a downstream flow path and a return flow path when the service tool is attached to the housing. A ball valve that is selectively shiftable from the surface opens and closes the return flow path to define a circulate position and a squeeze position. The housing, service tool, and ball valve also define a reverse position. The tool assembly facilitates gravel packing of the annulus between the wellbore casing and the service string including the tool assembly.

Abstract: A new pump or injection apparatus is adapted to be connected between a pipe and a valve and is adapted to either pump well fluids from a wellbore or inject fluids into a formation traversed by the wellbore. The valve includes a full bore passage and a surrounding inlet flow channel.

Abstract: A valve in a tool may be opened and closed by sequential application of a first predetermined annulus pressure and a second predetermined annulus pressure. A first rupture disc ruptures when the first predetermined annulus pressure is applied to the well annulus thereby allowing such pressure to be applied against a surface of an operator and moving the mandrel. This moves a yoke connected to the valve, opening the valve. A second rupture disc ruptures when the second predetermined annulus pressure is applied to the well annulus thereby allowing such pressure to be applied against a surface of a collet mandrel, moving the collet mandrel in a direction opposite to the direction in which the operator mandrel originally moved. Since the collet mandrel is connected to the operator mandrel and to the yoke, movement of the collet mandrel in the opposite direction moves the operator mandrel and the yoke in the opposite direction, thereby closing the valve.