Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for conducting a fluid and solids production test in a subterranean well. A testing apparatus may be inserted into a wellbore. The apparatus may employ a tubular housing with entry port(s) through the housing. An inner assembly may be positioned within the tubular housing, the inner assembly being configured for connection to the tubular housing. The inner assembly may include a fluid permeable screen and a distal end forming a reservoir that is scaled, or may be adapted to be scaled, for the collection of solids during a well production testing event. Following a testing event, the apparatus may be removed from the wellbore to enable the collected solids to be measured to determine the amount of solids generated by a subterranean formation at actual field flow conditions.

Abstract: A sand control screen assembly having control line capture capability is operable for use in a subterranean wellbore. The sand control screen assembly includes a base pipe having a screen jacket positioned therearound for preventing the flow of particulate material of a predetermined size therethrough and allowing the flow of production fluids therethrough. The sand control screen assembly also includes a control line capture assembly. The control line capture assembly includes an axially extending flange that couples to the screen jacket and is operable to protect the control line during installation and operation of the sand control screen in the wellbore. The control line capture assembly also includes an axially extending spring channel that couples to the flange. The channel is operable to receive and retain the control line during installation and operation of the sand control screen in the wellbore.

Abstract: An in-tubing or casing fracture packing assembly including a running tool, HDR sub assembly, a displaceable flow diversion valve by which a filter media slurry is pumped down the annulus of the assembly until a gravel pack is achieved. The HDR running tool allows the bottom hole assembly to be deployed without fear of premature release due to loads or manipulation during deployment, but allows for easy detachment once pumping is completed. An equalizing vent in the HDR sub assembly maintains equal pressure internally and externally. The flow diversion valve is autonomously tripped when the media has been properly placed, providing a positive indication at the surface. A portion of the assembly is removed and the packing assembly remains within the well bore after pumping is completed. An isolation seal is then placed on the sealing mandrel of the assembly and isolated to the tubing or casing wall.

Abstract: An apparatus for isolating a testing zone in a bore hole screen casing includes a lower plug member sealingly positionable at a desired longitudinal point within the casing and an upper plug that is independent of the lower plug is also sealingly positionable at another desired point along the longitudinal bore of the screen casing. The isolated test zone is defined between the lower and upper plug members and both the longitudinal length of the isolated test zone and the location of the test zone are selectively variable. A fluid carrying conduit is connected to the upper plug member and is in communication through a bore in the upper plug member with the isolated test zone for accessing and sampling fluid therein.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for setting a packer and for placing a seal assembly into the packer bore on a single trip into the borehole. Such apparatus includes a releasable mechanism coupling the seal assembly in fixed relation to the packer until such time as the packer is at least partially set. Methods and apparatus of the present invention also include a mechanism for hydraulically setting a packer without any manipulation of the tubing string. A pair of hydraulic pistons are utilized to move in opposite directions and exert forces on both a packer actuating sleeve and the packer body to set the packer. Methods and apparatus are provided for actuating well tools in response to the hydrostatic pressure in the well. Through use of such apparatus, a chamber at atmospheric pressure is placed in communication with one side of a hydraulically movable member, the other side of which is exposed to hydrostatic pressure.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method and apparatus especially suitable for hydraulically releasing from a screen on a circulation-type gravel pack job. The releasing tool of the present invention comprises a tubular case by which the tool is secured to a gravel packer thereabove, and a gravel screen is secured thereto therebelow, the case having disposed within a collet sleeve assembly shouldering on the top of the case and including a plurality of collets extending downwardly into the case, the collets being radially outwardly biased into engagement with the case by the lower end of a releasing mandrel disposed within the collet sleeve. A ball seat at the top of an axial bore extending through the releasing mandrel permits the seating of a ball and downward movement of the releasing mandrel inside the collet sleeve, removing the outward bias against the collets and permitting withdrawal of the collet sleeve and releasing mandrel from the case and attached screen therebelow.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a retrievable gravel packer for circulation and squeeze type gravel packing. The gravel packer includes a compression-set packer element, a J-slot assembly to releasably maintain the gravel packer in an unset mode, a ratchet assembly to releasably lock the gravel packer in a set mode, an intake passage to receive fluid from a tubing string, a return passage to receive fluid from a gravel screen below the gravel packer, a circulation passage extending from the exterior of the gravel packer to intake passage, a closeable crossover assembly to receive fluid from the return passage; a first check valve to prevent back flow back to the intake passage from the interior of the interior of a gravel screen therebelow, a second check valve adapted to selectively open the intake passage to the circulation passage, and a check valve release for removing said second check valve means from the junction of the intake and circulation passages.