Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods for initiating annular obstructions in wells used in, or in support of, enhanced oil recovery operations—particularly enhanced oil recovery (EOR) efforts involving steam injection (e.g., steam flooding). In at least some instances, system and method embodiments of the present invention utilize one or more passively-activated annular obstruction devices (and/or hybrid active/passive devices) for inducing annular obstruction, wherein the associated passive or hybrid activation is at least partially controlled by thermal means such that it can be deemed to be thermally-directed or thermally-controlled. Such thermally-directed passive activation can afford considerably more control over the annular obstruction process and, correspondingly, over the overall steam injection into the formation and associated reservoir—thereby providing more efficient recovery of hydrocarbons.

Abstract: The present invention is, in some embodiments directed to methods for optimizing wellbore displacement operations via in situ fluid property assessment/monitoring. By monitoring fluid properties in situ (i.e., downhole), fluid property assessment is direct instead of being inferred. Additionally, wherein such assessment/monitoring is carried out in real time, changes to the displacement fluid can be made “on-the-fly,” thereby contributing to an enhancement of the overall efficiency of the method.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to completion fluid compositions and methods of making same. Such completion fluids are unique in that they utilize nanoparticles as weighting (densification) agents that increase the specific gravity (or density) of the fluid into which they are dispersed. Depending on their properties, such nanoparticulate weighting agents can vastly broaden the types of base fluid used in the completion fluid, permitting the use of non-aqueous and even hydrocarbon base fluids. Additionally, such nanoparticle-densified completion fluids can provide reduced environmental risks, and the nanoparticle weighting agents used therein can be more easily recovered from the based fluids into which they are dispersed.

Abstract: A crossover tool assembly is run in with a packer and after the packer is set it is released from the packer for independent movement. The assembly is picked up to allow spring loaded dogs to come out so that upon setting down weight the crossover assembly has an outer assembly that is supported on the packer mandrel. The crossover mandrel can then be set down and picked up to operate a j-slot mechanism in the crossover. Relative movement induced by the j-slot with the outer assembly of the crossover supported by the dogs allows a return path within the crossover to be opened or closed independent of any contact with the packer mandrel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods for initiating annular obstructions in wells used in, or in support of, enhanced oil recovery operations—particularly enhanced oil recovery (EOR) efforts involving steam injection (e.g., steam flooding). In at least some instances, system and method embodiments of the present invention utilize one or more passively-activated annular obstruction devices (and/or hybrid active/passive devices) for inducing annular obstruction, wherein the associated passive or hybrid activation is at least partially controlled by thermal means such that it can be deemed to be thermally-directed or thermally-controlled. Such thermally-directed passive activation can afford considerably more control over the annular obstruction process and, correspondingly, over the overall steam injection into the formation and associated reservoir—thereby providing more efficient recovery of hydrocarbons.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods for initiating annular obstructions in wells used in, or in support of, enhanced oil recovery operations—particularly enhanced oil recovery (EOR) efforts involving steam injection (e.g., steam flooding). In at least some instances, system and method embodiments of the present invention utilize one or more passively-activated annular obstruction devices (and/or hybrid active/passive devices) for inducing annular obstruction, wherein the associated passive or hybrid activation is at least partially controlled by thermal means such that it can be deemed to be thermally-directed or thermally-controlled. Such thermally-directed passive activation can afford considerably more control over the annular obstruction process and, correspondingly, over the overall steam injection into the formation and associated reservoir—thereby providing more efficient recovery of hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A fluid loss valve is disposed in a wash pipe in a gravel packing assembly. It is preferably held open initially and when in the process it is time for the valve to be able to go closed a pulling force is applied that creates relative movement to either close the valve or allow it to close without release of the assembly when under tension. This allows a surface signal that the valve is to be released for closure. The tension is relieved before string movement with the valve can occur. This can happen by slacking off before picking up again or through other time delay features that allow the tension to be removed and a lock to collapse before a lift force is applied for subsequent gravel packing operations. The valve in its closed position acts to eliminate fluid loss when excess gravel is reversed out.

Abstract: A transition piece is provided near an end of a screen assembly to allow transition from a lighter weight and collapse resistant pipe under the screen sections to a heavier wall and higher collapse strength pipe between the top of the screen and the isolation packer. When a screen out occurs, the heavier wall pipe can handle the new pressures that are applied to the formation and to the tubular to try to collapse it. The screen portion can still be built with thinner wall pipe as the screen out condition protects that pipe from collapse pressure because the fully gravel packed annular space keeps the surface applied pump pressure from exerting a collapse force on the base pipe under the screen.

Abstract: A fluid loss valve is disposed in a wash pipe in a gravel packing assembly. It is preferably held open initially and when in the process it is time for the valve to be able to go closed a pulling force is applied that creates relative movement to either close the valve or allow it to close without release of the assembly when under tension. This allows a surface signal that the valve is to be released for closure. The tension is relieved before string movement with the valve can occur. This can happen by slacking off before picking up again or through other time delay features that allow the tension to be removed and a lock to collapse before a lift force is applied for subsequent gravel packing operations. The valve in its closed position acts to eliminate fluid loss when excess gravel is reversed out.

Abstract: A crossover tool assembly is run in with a packer and after the packer is set it is released from the packer for independent movement. The assembly is picked up to allow spring loaded dogs to come out so that upon setting down weight the crossover assembly has an outer assembly that is supported on the packer mandrel. The crossover mandrel can then be set down and picked up to operate a j-slot mechanism in the crossover. Relative movement induced by the j-slot with the outer assembly of the crossover supported by the dogs allows a return path within the crossover to be opened or closed independent of any contact with the packer mandrel.

Abstract: A well packing system and method for operating a well packing system wherein an isolation string assembly has a lower circulation valve with lateral flow ports that are operated to an open position without the use of shifters on a wash pipe. The isolation string assembly is incorporated into a well packing assembly within a wellbore and includes an upper sleeve tool that provides selective production of fluids through the frac pack assembly. In addition, the isolation string includes a lower circulation valve having a sliding sleeve that is shiftable from an open position to a closed position upon receipt of a suitable pressure differential. This configuration is particularly valuable for permitting monitoring of pressure or other conditions in the annulus of the wellbore portion being packed during packing operations. Further, the lower circulation valve tool can be used to selectively allow fluid returns during the packing operation.

Abstract: A transition piece is provided near an end of a screen assembly to allow transition from a lighter weight and collapse resistant pipe under the screen sections to a heavier wall and higher collapse strength pipe between the top of the screen and the isolation packer. When a screen out occurs, the heavier wall pipe can handle the new pressures that are applied to the formation and to the tubular to try to collapse it. The screen portion can still be built with thinner wall pipe as the screen out condition protects that pipe from collapse pressure because the fully gravel packed annular space keeps the surface applied pump pressure from exerting a collapse force on the base pipe under the screen. The internal diameter under the screen does not have to be reduced because the heavy wall pipe is not provided there.

Abstract: A frac pack system and method for operating a frac pack system wherein an isolation string assembly has a lower circulation valve with lateral flow ports that are operated to an open position without the use of shifters on a wash pipe. The isolation string assembly is incorporated into a frac pack assembly within a wellbore and includes an upper sleeve tool that provides selective production of fluids through the frac pack assembly. In addition, the isolation string includes a lower circulation valve having a sliding sleeve that is shiftable from an open position to a closed position upon receipt of a suitable pressure differential. This configuration is particularly valuable for permitting monitoring of pressure or other conditions in the annulus of the wellbore portion being packed during frac pack operations. Further, the lower circulation valve tool can be used to selectively allow fluid returns during the frac pack operation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for guiding a seal assembly associated with a string of production tubing, or a tubular member generally, into a receptacle within a wellbore. The muleshoe of a seal assembly is provided with an auto entry guide device in the form of a guide member or kickover lug that is radially moveable with respect to the muleshoe. The kickover lug is collapsible radially inwardly and biased radially outwardly. The auto entry guide device may also include a centralizer bowspring that is mounted upon the muleshoe. Additionally, the muleshoe is mounted for rotational movement with respect to the seal assembly.

Abstract: A gravel packing method and apparatus allows setting the packer by dropping a ball to a seat that it isolated from the effects of formation pressures when trying to set the packer. This is accomplished by isolation of the gravel pack outlet port when setting the packer and locating the ball seat in a position where the effects of formation pressure are irrelevant. Additionally, by positioning the evacuation ports above a seal bore in the screen extension during circulation or squeeze to deposit gravel and further putting check valves in the evacuation ports, the evacuation step after circulation or squeeze can be accomplished without having to reposition the crossover. The crossover is supported from the packer and movement of the crossover away and back to the support from the packer operates a valve to allow squeezing when the valve is closed and circulating and reversing out when the valve is open.

Abstract: A gravel packing method and apparatus so that when setting the packer, a ball is dropped to a seat that is isolated from the effects of formation pressures when trying to set the packer. This is accomplished by isolation of the gravel pack outlet port when setting the packer and locating the ball seat in a position where the effects of formation pressure are irrelevant. Additionally, by positioning the evacuation ports above a seal bore in the screen extension during circulation to deposit gravel and further putting check valves in the evacuation ports, the evacuation step after circulation can be accomplished without having to reposition the crossover.

Abstract: A gravel packing method and apparatus are described where to set the packer, a ball is dropped to a seat that it isolated from the effects of formation pressures when trying to set the packer. This is accomplished by isolation of the gravel pack outlet port when setting the packer and locating the ball seat in a position where the effects of formation pressure are irrelevant. Additionally, by positioning the evacuation ports above a seal bore in the screen extension during circulation to deposit gravel and further putting check valves in the evacuation ports, the evacuation step after circulation can be accomplished without having to reposition the crossover.

Abstract: A sand control assembly having individual single zone flow control for a multizone hydrocarbon well having remote control capability. Flow control in individual zones and superior packing are achieved.