Abstract: A debris cleanup tool uses a movable eductor to reconfigure the flow scheme through the tool. During the debris pickup mode, pressurized fluid is delivered to through the tubing to the eductor inlet. The outlet of the eductor is into the surrounding annulus where the flow splits with most going to the surface and the rest down and into a mill making cuttings. The flow into the mill takes the cuttings to a collection volume and then screens the internal flow stream before directing it into the eductor inlet. The eductor body can be repositioned to close the eductor outlet to the annulus and open the outlet into the housing to allow reverse flow. In one embodiment a ball is dropped and pressure is built to break a shear pin to shift the eductor body and to open a bypass around the ball.

Abstract: A down hole apparatus for filtering debris from a fluid in a well bore including a screen sub, a diverter assembly connected to the screen sub, a screen section extending from the diverter assembly and connected to the screen sub. The screen section includes a plurality of openings for filtering debris from the fluid. The debris collects in an annulus between the screen section and the screen sub. The diverter assembly includes a detachable plug having a fishing portion capable of engaging a fishing tool. Removal of the detachable plug with a fishing tool opens a central passage through the diverter assembly and the screen section. The diverter assembly may include an outer and an inner body and one or more passages between the outer and inner bodies. The detachable plug may include one or more dog members capable of engaging the inner body.

Abstract: A flow control screen for use in oilfield exploitation comprises: a base pipe (1) provided with a base pipe inlet (11) thereon; a filter pipe (2) sleeved over the base pipe (1); a flow guide layer (3) formed between the base pipe and the filter pipe; and a flow control device (4) including an inlet (41) of the flow control device, a flow control channel (42) and an outlet (43) of the flow control device, wherein the inlet of the flow control device is in fluid communication with the flow guide layer, and the outlet of the flow control device is in fluid communication with the base pipe inlet. The pipe is simply structured and cost-effective, and effectively meets the requirements in oil production.

Abstract: A well tool can include a flow path, and a flow blocking device which selectively prevents flow through the flow path. The device can include an anhydrous boron compound. A method of constructing a downhole well tool can include forming a structure of a solid mass comprising an anhydrous boron compound, and incorporating the structure into the well tool.

Abstract: A downhole fluid flow control system (100). The flow control system (100) includes a flow control component (122) having direction dependent flow resistance created by a vortex chamber (144). Production fluids (140) that travel through the flow control component (122) in a first direction enter the vortex chamber (144) traveling primarily in a tangential direction (148) to experience a first pressure drop. Injection fluids (150) that travel through the flow control component (122) in a second direction enter the vortex chamber (144) traveling primarily in a radial direction (152) to experience a second pressure drop. The pressure drop created by the tangential flow (148) of the production fluids (140) is greater than the pressure drop created by the radial flow (152) of the injection fluids (150).

Abstract: Construction of well screens utilizing pre-formed annular-shaped elements. A well screen includes a filter layer configured to filter fluid flowing through the well screen and a drainage layer which radially supports the filter layer, the drainage layer including multiple individual annular-shaped elements Another well screen includes a drainage layer configured to support the filter layer, with the drainage layer including at least one cavity molded therein. Another well screen includes a base pipe and a layer made up of multiple individual annular-shaped elements stacked coaxially on the base pipe. A cavity is formed in at least one of the elements.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for insertion of a component into an oil or gas well. Typically, the well includes a cased hole section and may also include an uncased hole section. In some applications, the well deviates substantially from the vertical direction. The apparatus may include a tool member and an engagement mechanism mounted upon the tool member. The engagement mechanism is configured for selective frictional engagement to the cased hole section of the well. A piston is connected to the tool member and is configured for extension relative to the tool member. The component for insertion into the well may be a sand control screen, a perforating gun, or other device.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (1) for activating or cleaning filter tube wells with a filter tube (16) and comprises a first and a second volume body (12, 14), which with the outside diameters thereof are substantially adapted to the inside diameter of the filter tube (16) and on the outer circumferential surfaces thereof are designed radially flexibly with respect to the well longitudinal axis (9) such that a sealing effect is achieved between the outer circumferential surfaces of the respective volume bodies (12, 14) and the inside wall of the filter tube (16). A removal chamber (30), which can be hydraulically connected to a pump device (38), is formed between the first and second volume bodies (12, 14) and the inside wall of the filter tube (16).

Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatus for allowing fluid flow inside at least one screen and outside a span of pipe disposed in a well bore includes at least one flow path for fluid entering at least one screen. The flow path extends from the screen(s) along the outside of the pipe to at least one desired entry inlet into the pipe without at least substantial entry at any point therebetween.

Abstract: A screen assembly includes a tubular having one or more openings therein. A screen disposed about the tubular. The one or more devices disposed within the one or more openings. The devices each include a beaded matrix and a housing. Also included is a method for completing a wellbore with a sand screen.

Abstract: A flow control apparatus for use in a wellbore comprises a screen, a first inflow control device and a second inflow control device, wherein a fluid inflow path is provided through the screen and from an outer portion to an inner portion of each inflow control device. A method of cleaning a flow control apparatus such as that described above comprises providing in a wellbore a flow control apparatus comprising at least one screen and at least one inflow control device wherein a fluid inflow path is provided through the at least one screen and from an outer portion to an inner portion of the at least one inflow control device, targeting the at least one inflow control device with a treatment fluid and delivering the treatment fluid such that the fluid flows in a reverse direction along the fluid inflow path.

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: A completion tubular is placed in position adjacent the zone or zones to be fractured and produced. It features preferably sliding sleeve valves one series of which can be put in the wide open position after run in for gravel packing and fracturing zones one at a time or in any desired order. These valves are then closed and another series of valves can be opened wide but with a screen material juxtaposed in the flow passage to selectively produce from one or more fractured zones. An annular path behind the gravel is provided by an offset screen to promote flow to the screened production port. The path can be a closed annulus that comes short of the production port or goes over it. For short runs an exterior screen or shroud is eliminated for a sliding sleeve with multiple screened ports that can be opened in tandem.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the flow of downhole fluids, the apparatus comprising: a body having a throughbore and at least one port extending through a sidewall of the body to enable fluid communication between the throughbore and an exterior of the body; a flow control device for controlling the flow of fluids through the port and arranged to change configuration between a closed configuration in which fluid flow through the port is restricted and an open configuration in which fluid flow through the port is permitted; an actuator mechanism associated with the flow control device for selective actuation of the flow control device to change the configuration of the flow control device between the closed and open configurations; a locking device to lock the configuration of the flow control device; and an unlocking mechanism to unlock the locking device and to permit the actuator mechanism to change the configuration of the flow control device.

Abstract: Construction of well screens utilizing pre-formed annular-shaped elements. A well screen includes a filter layer configured to filter fluid flowing through the well screen and a drainage layer which radially supports the filter layer, the drainage layer including multiple individual annular-shaped elements. Another well screen includes a drainage layer configured to support the filter layer, with the drainage layer including at least one cavity molded therein. Another well screen includes a base pipe and a layer made up of multiple individual annular-shaped elements stacked coaxially on the base pipe. A cavity is formed in at least one of the elements.

Abstract: A completion system for use in a well includes a first completion section and a second section. The first completion section has a sand control assembly to prevent passage of particulates, a first inductive coupler portion, and a sensor positioned proximate to the sand control assembly that is electrically coupled to the first inductive coupler portion. The second section is deployable after installation of the first completion section. It includes a second inductive coupler portion to communicate with the first inductive coupler portion, to enable communication between the first completion section's sensor and another component coupled to the second section.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for controlling flow of fluid in a tubular positioned in a wellbore extending through a subterranean formation. A flow control system is placed in fluid communication with a main tubular. The flow control system has a flow ratio control system and a pathway dependent resistance system. The flow ratio control system has a first and second passageway, the production fluid flowing into the passageways with the ratio of fluid flow through the passageways related to the characteristic of the fluid flow. The pathway dependent resistance system includes a vortex chamber with a first and second inlet and an outlet, the first inlet of the pathway dependent resistance system in fluid communication with the first passageway of the fluid ratio control system and the second inlet in fluid communication with the second passageway of the fluid ratio control system.

Abstract: A technique includes running a completion assembly downhole into a well. The assembly includes a valve and a material that is adapted to initially configure the valve to prevent fluid flow through the valve in at least one direction. The technique includes performing a downhole completion operation in the well and disintegrating the material to allow the prevented fluid flow through a nozzle of the valve. The nozzle is used to regulate production or injection in the well.

Abstract: A well system may be provided comprising a first primary inductive coupler configured to be communicably coupled to a surface device and a first secondary inductive coupler. The first secondary inductive coupler may be further configured to be communicably coupled to one or more completion components provided in a first portion of the well. In addition, the well system may comprise a second primary inductive coupler configured to be communicably coupled to the surface device and a second secondary induction coupler. The second secondary inductive coupler may be further configured to be communicably coupled to one or more completion components provided in a second portion of the well. The flow through at least one of the first and second portions of the well may be adjusted via at least one of the one or more completion components. A method for completing a well comprising inductive couplers may also be provided.

Abstract: A filter for a drill string comprises a perforated receptacle having an upper end and a lower end. The upper end of the filter comprises a drilling mud intake, and the lower end of the filter comprises an opening. A displaceable plug is seated on the opening at the lower end.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a base pipe and a fluid control material. The base pipe includes openings, and the fluid control material is mounted to the pipe to control fluid communication through the openings of the pipe. The fluid control material has a permeability that may be changed to selectively control the communication of well fluid through the openings.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for controlling flow of fluid in a tubular positioned in a wellbore extending through a subterranean formation. A flow control system is placed in fluid communication with a main tubular. The flow control system has a flow ratio control system and a pathway dependent resistance system. The flow ratio control system has a first and second passageway, the production fluid flowing into the passageways with the ratio of fluid flow through the passageways related to the characteristic of the fluid flow. The pathway dependent resistance system includes a vortex chamber with a first and second inlet and an outlet, the first inlet of the pathway dependent resistance system in fluid communication with the first passageway of the fluid ratio control system and the second inlet in fluid communication with the second passageway of the fluid ratio control system.

Abstract: An integrated apparatus for use in hydrocarbon-producing wells is provided. A device for controlling inflow from a subterranean formation (ICD), a filtration medium for fine particle exclusion and a sealing element (packer) are disposed along a single cylindrical mandrel, preferably an oilfield tubular. The apparatus may be used in a completion method to enhance production rates and increase the total recovery from a subterranean hydrocarbon-producing formation.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing hydrocarbons including a wellbore that accesses a subsurface reservoir; a production tubing string disposed within the wellbore; and sand control devices coupled to the production tubing string. At least one of the sand control devices includes a first tubular member having a permeable section and a non permeable section; a second tubular member disposed within the first tubular member. The second tubular member has a plurality of openings and an inflow control device that provides a flow path to the interior. The sand control devices include a sealing mechanism disposed between the first tubular member and the second tubular member to provide pressure loss during gravel packing operations that is less than the pressure loss during production operations.

Abstract: A well system includes a valve interconnected in a casing string and selectively configurable between first and second configurations via a line external to the casing string, the valve in the first configuration being operable to selectively permit and prevent fluid flow between the casing string exterior and interior, and in the second configuration to selectively filter and prevent fluid flow between the casing string exterior and interior. A method of selectively stimulating a formation includes: positioning a casing string in a wellbore intersecting the formation, the casing string including a valve operable via an external line to selectively permit and prevent fluid flow between the casing string interior and exterior; and stimulating an interval set of the formation by opening the valve, flowing a stimulation fluid from the casing string into the interval set, and then configuring the valve to filter formation fluid which flows into the casing string.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for perforating a liner, fracturing a formation, and injection or producing fluid, all in one trip with a single tool. The tool has a plurality of outwardly telescoping elements (12, 14) for perforation and fracturing. The tool also has a mechanical control device for selectively controlling the fracturing of the formation and the injection or production of fluids through the telescoping elements.

Abstract: A technique utilizes a tool to selectively shift flow control devices in a variety of well applications. In one application, the tool is delivered downhole via coiled tubing to selectively deliver treatment fluid and shift valves in a combined well treatment and sand control well system. The tool also can be used to carry a jetting device that can be employed to deliver a non-solids fluid to a desired region of a wellbore.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a wellbore comprises a downhole component (22) and a body (16) mounted on the downhole component (22) to protect the downhole component. The body (16) comprises a treating agent and at least a portion of the body (16) is configured to break up to expose the downhole component (22) and permit release of the treating agent at a downhole location within a wellbore.

Abstract: A flow control screen (100) includes a base pipe (102) having a blank pipe section (104) and a perforated section (106). A filter medium (112) is positioned around a portion of the blank pipe section (104). A housing (114, 118, 120, 122, 124) is positioned around another portion of the blank pipe section (104) and the perforated section (106). A deformable element (150) is positioned between the housing and a portion of the perforated section including at least one production port (108) but not including at least one closure port (110) to define a production path (154) between the production port (108) and the filter medium (112) such that application of a sufficient pressure to the closure port (110) acts on the deformable element (150) to deform the deformable element (150) to substantially close the production path (154).

Abstract: An in-flow control device controls fluid flow into a wellbore tubular using a permeable medium positioned in a flow space. The permeable medium induces a predetermined pressure differential in the flow space. The permeable medium may include separate elements having interstitial spaces and/or solid porous members. In arrangements, a filtration element may be positioned upstream of the flow space. In arrangements, the flow space may be formed in a plug member associated with the housing. In certain embodiments, a flow restriction element, such as a check valve, in the housing may provide parallel fluid communication with the bore of the wellbore tubular. Additionally, an occlusion body may be positioned in the flow space and configured to disintegrate upon exposure to a preset condition. The occlusion body temporarily seals the flow space so that a bore of the tubular may be pressurized.

Abstract: A technique is provided for forming a gravel pack at a well zone. A completion assembly is positioned in a wellbore and cooperates with a service tool engaging the completion assembly. The completion assembly comprises a completion assembly central bore. A return is located radially outward of the central bore at a specific well zone or zones and comprises a flow path for returning a carrier fluid. The location of the return allows flow of the returning carrier fluid to remain outside of the completion assembly central bore at a specific well zone or zones.

Abstract: A screen assembly including a tubular having a plurality of openings therein, a screen disposed about the tubular, and a plurality of devices disposed within the plurality of openings, the devices each including a beaded matrix and a housing. A method for completing a wellbore with a sand screen.

Abstract: Assemblies that can be disposed in a subterranean bore are described. An assembly can include a fluid restricting member in a groove. At least a portion of the fluid restricting member can be removable from the groove after being exposed to an environment of the bore to form a bypass to a tubing valve. The fluid restricting member may be positioned in a groove located between an inner wall of a base pipe and an outer wall of an assembly housing that is exterior to the base pipe. The fluid restricting member can cooperate with at least part of the tubing valve to block fluid flow and pressure equalization before at least a portion of the fluid restricting member is removed from the grove.

Abstract: A system for controlling the flow of fluid in a branched well from a reservoir (29), the system comprising a completed main well (27) having at least one uncompleted branch well (25), an annulus (24) defined between the reservoir (29) and a production pipe (1) of the completed main well (27) and at least two successive swell packers or constrictors (26) defining at least one longitudinal section of the main well (27) and within which at least one branch well (25) is arranged, and comprising at least one autonomous valve (2) arranged in said longitudinal section of the main well (27) defined between said two successive swell packers or constrictors (26). The uncompleted branch wells (25) are provided to increase the drainage area, i.e. maximum reservoir contact (MRC). Disclosed is also a method for controlling the flow of fluid in a branched well from a reservoir (29).

Abstract: A downhole screen assembly for dispensing a tracer material and methods for using the same are provided. The downhole screen assembly can include a body having a screen disposed thereabout. The downhole screen assembly can also include chamber proximate the screen. The downhole screen assembly can further include a first member disposed about the body. The first member can have a port in fluid communication with the chamber. The downhole screen assembly can further include a second member at least partially disposed on the first member. The second member can be removable and can seal the port.

Abstract: A modular screen system allows connection of screens using couplings that connect the annular space in each module between the screen material and the base pipe. A series of connected screens and couplings feed into a single valve to control the flow through many screens. The valve is preferably located in a coupling and the passages through the coupling or the screen can also accommodate instrumentation to detect, store or transmit well data or flows through the various screen modules.

Abstract: A well system may be provided comprising a first primary inductive coupler configured to be communicably coupled to a surface device and a first secondary inductive coupler. The first secondary inductive coupler may be further configured to be communicably coupled to one or more completion components provided in a first portion of the well. In addition, the well system may comprise a second primary inductive coupler configured to be communicably coupled to the surface device and a second secondary induction coupler. The second secondary inductive coupler may be further configured to be communicably coupled to one or more completion components provided in a second portion of the well. The flow through at least one of the first and second portions of the well may be adjusted via at least one of the one or more completion components. A method for completing a well comprising inductive couplers may also be provided.

Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatus for assisting in reducing flowback of debris from an earthen formation into an underground fluid injection system includes a screen member disposed around and longitudinally moveable relative to a base pipe and shielded from direct contact with fluid as it is ejected from the base pipe.

Abstract: An open hole completion apparatus (80) includes an outer tubing string (56) disposed in an open hole portion of a wellbore (32). The outer tubing string (56) includes a sand control screen (102) and a shrouded closing sleeve (91). An inner tubing string (84) is at least partially disposed within the outer tubing string (56). The inner tubing string (84) includes a crossover assembly (114). The shrouded closing sleeve (91) has a shroud (92) that creates a channel (98) with a portion of the outer tubing string (56) by extending over a fluid port (94) of the shrouded closing sleeve (91) toward the sand control screen (102), such that when a treatment fluid is pumped through the inner tubing string (84), the crossover assembly (114) and the fluid port (94), the treatment fluid is injected into the wellbore (32) remote from the fluid port (94).

Abstract: Construction of well screens utilizing pre-formed annular-shaped elements. A well screen includes a filter layer configured to filter fluid flowing through the well screen and a drainage layer which radially supports the filter layer, the drainage layer including multiple individual annular-shaped elements Another well screen includes a drainage layer configured to support the filter layer, with the drainage layer including at least one cavity molded therein. Another well screen includes a base pipe and a layer made up of multiple individual annular-shaped elements stacked coaxially on the base pipe. A cavity is formed in at least one of the elements.

Abstract: Inflow control devices for sand control screens. A well screen includes a filter portion and at least two flow restrictors configured in series, so that fluid which flows through the filter portion must flow through each of the flow restrictors. At least two tubular flow restrictors may be configured in series, with the flow restrictors being positioned so that fluid which flows through the filter portion must reverse direction twice to flow between the flow restrictors. A method of installing a well screen includes the step of accessing a flow restrictor by removing a portion of an inflow control device of the screen.

Abstract: A fracing and production configuration including a tubular having a plurality of openings. The openings having a beaded matrix therein, a valve sub in operable communication with the tubular and an underminable plugging material plugging each of the beaded matrixes. A method for fracing and producing from a wellbore in a formation.

Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatus for assisting in reducing flowback of debris from an earthen formation into an underground fluid injection system includes a screen member disposed around and longitudinally moveable relative to a base pipe and shielded from direct contact with fluid as it is ejected from the base pipe.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a downhole plug protection system. The system includes, a tubular having perforations in a perforated portion, a screen in fluidic communication with the tubular, and a ring in sealable communication with the tubular and attached to the screen the ring having an extended portion positioned radially outwardly of the perforated portion.

Abstract: A fluid media tell-tale configuration including a tubular having an inside surface with which a fluid media will make contact during application of the fluid media to a target destination. The fluid media tell-tale configuration further including one or more openings in the tubular having a beaded matrix therein. The beaded matrix being permeable to a fluid transport component of the fluid media while being impermeable to a residue component of the fluid media. A method for applying a fluid media to a target location with a tell-tale confirmation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a downhole plug protection system. The system includes, a tubular having perforations in a perforated portion, a screen in fluidic communication with the tubular, a ring in sealable communication with the tubular and attached to the screen the ring having an extended portion positioned radially outwardly of the perforated portion, and a float shoe in fluidic communication with the perforations positionable downhole of the perforated portion.

Abstract: A tubing component for use in a downhole environment including a tubular having a plurality of openings therein and a plurality of beaded matrixes disposed in the plurality of openings the beaded matrixes being configured to be pluggable in situ in the downhole environment. A method for controlling flow in a wellbore.

Abstract: An assembly of inflow control devices on a string along with isolation devices can be delivered into an existing or newly delivered screen assembly that requires inflow control for balanced flow from the formation. In newly delivered screen assemblies, any gravel packing that needs to be done can be accomplished without the presence of the inflow devices for faster circulation and improved gravel deposition. External annular barriers can also be delivered with an original screen assembly in a new well installation. The inflow devices and barriers can be of a variety of designs and the internal string can be removable if the barriers are retrievable to facilitate further drilling or completion below the screen assembly.

Abstract: An injection fluid distribution configuration including a tubular having a plurality of openings therein and a plurality of beaded matrixes disposed within the openings. At least one of the beaded matrixes having an injection fluid permeability different than an injection fluid permeability of at least one other of the plurality of beaded matrixes. A method for distributing an injection fluid in a wellbore. A method for making an injection fluid distribution apparatus for distributing an injection fluid in a wellbore.

Abstract: A flow conduit may have at least one orifice is in the vicinity of a flow source. The source is at least partially covered (and flow blocked by) an optional temporary coating or barrier. The flow pathway between the orifice and the source is temporarily blocked with a degradable material or barrier. The material disintegrates (e.g. under the influence of time or temperature) to optionally produce a product that removes the temporary coating in the area adjacent the barrier. The method is useful in one non-limiting context of recovering hydrocarbons where the flow conduit is the casing or liner of the well and the flow source is a subterranean reservoir where the temporary coating is a filter cake.