Abstract: A wellbore debris screening system used with controlled annulus pressure wellbore intervention and drilling operations includes a wellbore annulus seal configured to pressure isolate an annular space between a conduit inserted into the wellbore and the wellbore wall. A first screening device is coupled to an output of the annulus seal. second screening device is coupled to the output of the annulus seal. Valves are provided that are operable to selectively divert flow out of the annulus to the first and to the second screening sections.

Abstract: The completion assembly includes a conveyance device to bypass regions within a wellbore that may disrupt the desired distribution of gravel in a gravel pack. A packer is attached to an upper tubular, and generally run into wellbore until properly positioned and set near the lower end of upper section. Packer has an extension/crossover to which other lower completion equipment such as a conveyance device and a screen can attach. Conveyance device 22 may include an inner tubular within an outer tubular forming an annular flow path between the inner and outer tubulars. Conveyance device may include one or more discreet flow tubes placed around a lower tubular.

Abstract: A fluid flow control apparatus includes a flow path that conveys the fluid into a wellbore tubular, a first passage formed along the flow path, an annular space receiving the fluid from the first passage, and a second passage receiving fluid from the annular space. The passages may flow the fluid in an axial direction along the flow path. The apparatus may include an enclosure that receives a sleeve in which the passages are formed. The annular space may be formed between the sleeve and the enclosure. The passages may include an inlet that reduces a pressure of the fluid flowing through the inlet. The passages may include a bore and may include parallel conduits. The first and the second passages may convey the fluid in a first axial direction, and the annular space may be configured to convey the fluid in a direction opposite to the first axial direction.

Abstract: A method of completing a wellbore having a branch wellbore extending outwardly from a window in a parent wellbore is provided. The method comprises positioning a tubular string in the window, wherein the positioning comprises deflecting the tubular string from the parent wellbore into the branch wellbore. The method also comprises providing a particulate barrier outside and against the tubular string proximate the window, the particulate barrier substantially excluding transport of particulate matter from the branch wellbore into the parent wellbore outside of the tubular string through the window. The method also comprises the tubular string passing fluid into the tubular string proximate the window from a formation proximate to the window while substantially excluding transport of particulate matter from the formation proximate to the window into the tubular string.

Abstract: A subterranean screen system features openings in a base pipe and sleeve sections of a porous material that preferably swells in the borehole to span an annular space around the base pipe. Retainers are mounted to the base pipe in a desired location and mechanically fixated using an internal grip system actuated through the wall of the retainer. A wedging action of slip segments is initiated by an angularly advancing assembly through the wall of the retainer. The retainer can have end rings extending past one or both ends over which the screen sleeve extends. Flat or ridges on the exterior of the retainer or end rings make assembly easier with hand tools to allow for rapid field assembly, if needed. Filtration occurs through the sleeves that abut the borehole wall and into the base pipe openings and to the surface.

Abstract: A debris collector or strainer assembly for a well string tubular coupling wherein one embodiment discloses a conical coil with one end fixed to a hub, a beveled collar surrounding and supporting the hub and secured thereto with shear pins, the conical coil is deformable as necessary to capture irregular shaped objects between its coils, its loops may be closed, spaced apart, fixed or allowed to expand under pressure, and may be retrieved using an overshot fishing tool to engage a rod extending axially through the coil which may be attached at one or both ends of the coil.

Abstract: A space filler material is used to prevent accumulation of debris that could later foul the operation of adjacent moving parts. In one application a void space that is subsequently closed by actuated parts is initially filled with a material that is highly compressible and has voids that allow it to compress without undue resistance to part movement when the void volume is reduced. Ideally, the pores or voids in the material itself are small enough to keep most if not all the debris from entering and making the space filling material too rigid to collapse under part movement. In an alternative application, the material can be in an annular space such as a seal bore and it can keep debris from getting past the seal bore while allowing hydrostatic pressure across itself thereby helping it to maintain its position until moved such as by shifting of an inner string to which it is attached.

Abstract: A screen section is made with variable resistance to flow in the screen material to balance the flow along the screen length. In one variation different discrete zones have screens configured for different percentages of open area while all have the same particle filtration capability. In another variation discrete portions have differing amounts of overlapping screen portions so as to balance flow without affecting the particle size screened. The cross-sectional shape of a wire wrap underlayment for the screen is made closer to trapezoidal to decrease the angle of opening for the incoming flow paths toward the base pipe. In this manner flow resistance is reduced and flow is increased due to reduced turbulence.

Abstract: An assembly for producing oil and/or gas through a well traversing stacked oil and/or gas bearing earth layers comprises a series of expandable packers and integrated perforating gun and sandscreen assemblies mounted on a production tubing such that each integrated perforating gun and sandscreen assembly is located adjacent an oil and/or gas bearing earth layer and at least one expandable packer is located between a pair of adjacent oil and/or gas bearing earth layers, and at least one inflow opening arranged in the wall of the production tubing adjacent to each sandscreen assembly. The integrated perforating gun and sandscreen assemblies are installed in a single run into the well such that uncontrolled fluid and/or sand influx into the well before installation of the sandscreens and expandable packers is avoided.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling fluid flow into a tubular includes an in-flow control device having a plurality of flow paths; and a reactive media disposed in each of the flow paths. The reactive media may change permeability by interacting with a selected fluid such as water. Two or more of the flow paths may be hydraulically parallel. The reactive media may include a Relative Permeability Modifier. An associated method may include conveying the fluid via a plurality of flow paths; and controlling a resistance to flow in plurality of flow paths using a reactive media disposed in each of the flow paths. An associated system may include a wellbore tubular; an in-flow control device; a hydraulic circuit formed in the in-flow control device; and a reactive media disposed in the hydraulic circuit, the reactive media may change permeability by interacting with a selected fluid.

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: Multiple producing zones separated by a non-producing zone are gravel packed together. The non-producing zone has locations to take returns so as to get a consistent pack in the non-producing zone. The production string features external seals and/or an internal plug so that no matter which producing zone is aligned to produce, the screens in the non-producing zone are selectively isolated so that the producing zone that is not intended to be produced has only the path through the gravel pack to get to the actual zone being produced. Since the annulus can be long and full of gravel this path will make flow from the zone that is not of interest minimal into the flow from the zone of interest without using a packer between pairs of spaced apart producing zones.

Abstract: A downhole filter with a filter housing having a top filter and a bottom filter disposed therein. The filter housing can be in fluid communication with each filter. Each filter can be in fluid communication with a burst disk housing having a burst disk module and a burst disk. Each burst disk housing can be in fluid communication with the filter housing. Fluid can flow through the filter housing and through the filter. When a filter is clogged, the fluid can burst a burst disk, thereby bypassing the filter. The downhole filter can include a middle sub in fluid communication with the top filter and a second portion of the filter housing. The middle sub can threadably engage a bottom burst disk housing.

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: The desander (10) for positioning downhole includes a generally tubular desander body (16) and a generally sleeve-shaped vortex body (39, 94). The desander with a seal or packer may be positioned in a well below the casing perforations. The desander with an ESP may be used with gas separator (60), which may include a seal (24) for positioning above the producing formation. The separator (60) may be used independent of the desander for some applications.

Abstract: A string of interconnected strain sensors applied to a cylindrical object for monitoring deformation of the object. The string of interconnected strain sensors is applied in a selected zig-zag pattern. A possibility is to drape a pliable support structure around the object, to which the the string of strain sensors has been mechanically coupled in the selected zig-zag pattern.

Abstract: Earth formations are characterized by using an array of electrodes which can measure streaming potentials in the formation, and by interpreting the data obtained by the electrodes. The electrodes are placed on a wireline tool, a LWD tool, or in a fixed manner about a completed wellbore. The measured streaming potentials are generated by drilling with an overbearing pressure, slitting the mudcake in a borehole, acid injection, or any of various other manners which causes fluid movement. The data obtained is interpreted to locate fractures, measure formation permeability, estimate formation pressure, monitor drilling fluid loss, detect abnormal pressure, etc. Particularly, a streaming potential voltage transient having a double peak profile signifies the presence of a formation fracture.

Abstract: Screen assemblies capable of being disposed in a bore for hydrocarbon fluid production are described. The screen assemblies can support filter mediums and reduce or eliminate plugging by swellable material. One screen assembly includes filter mediums supported by a rigid member located exterior to a portion of a base pipe. The rigid member can include openings through which the filter mediums can be in fluid communication with an inner diameter of the base pipe. Swellable material can be disposed exterior to a second portion of the base pipe adjacent to the rigid member. The filter mediums can be displaced to contact a wellbore and the rigid members can help reduce or prevent plugging of screen assembly openings.

Abstract: Disclosed is a downhole apparatus including a tubular and at least one support extending radially outwardly of an outer surface of a radially outward most member of the tubular. At least one cover is secured to the at least one support defining a protected space between the at least one cover and the outer surface. Further disclosed is a downhole tubular system including at least two tubular apparatus, each tubular apparatus including at least one tubular and at least one support extending radially outwardly of an outer surface of a radially outward most member of the tubular. At least one cover is secured to the at least one support defining a protected space between the at least one cover and the outer surface. The system further includes at least one coupling clamp located at a coupling of the at least two tubular apparatus.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for securing a jumper tube to a shunt tube in a well screen assembly for use in gravel packing is disclosed. The jumper tube features a telescoping connector that extends to engage the shunt tube and a locking mechanism that extends the connector the proper distance and then locks the connector into place by engaging lugs that are connected to the jumper tube. Also disclosed is an apparatus and method for securing a connector tube to a well screen assembly using a receiver that is attached to the well screen assembly and is configured to receive a connector tube and secure the connector tube into place with screws. The receiver can be mounted to the well screen assembly via the shunt tube, a top/middle-bottom ring assembly, directly to the base pipe.

Abstract: A debris-catching attachment device and method therefor is disclosed. When positioned in wellbore tubing, the device collects solid impurities found in well environments, thereby preventing the solids from settling onto the pump and its components when pumping operations are halted. The device comprises a ring having one of a plurality of brushes and a plurality of wiper segments coupled to a surface of the ring. As fluid is being forced naturally upward or is pumped, it flows past the components of the ring and is caused to rotate or spin in a cyclonic motion. During the first phase of well production, this directs the fluid and solids toward the tubing wall, allowing gas to escape upward. During the second phase of production, solids are caused to move toward the wall of the tubing, allowing any water and oil to move upward to the surface, with the surface tension dragging the solids along the wall of the tubing. The solids may accumulate on the brushes or wiper segments when pumping operations are halted.

Abstract: A sand control screen assembly (70) is operably positionable within a wellbore (84). The sand control screen assembly (70) includes a base pipe (72) having at least one opening and an internal flow path (74). A swellable material layer (76) is disposed exteriorly of the base pipe (72). A fluid collection subassembly (78) is disposed exteriorly of the swellable material layer (76). A drainage layer (82) is disposed exteriorly of the fluid collection subassembly (78) and the swellable material layer (76). In response to contact with an activating fluid, radial expansion of the swellable material layer (76) causes at least a portion of the fluid collection subassembly (78) and the drainage layer (82) to be displaced toward a surface of the wellbore (84).

Abstract: Systems and methods for securing lines to well sand control screens. A method of securing at least one line to a tubular string includes connecting together longitudinal ends of longitudinal sections of the tubular string; then wrapping a shroud circumferentially about the connected tubular string sections; and securing the line to the shroud. A well screen assembly includes a generally tubular filter portion, a shroud wrapped circumferentially about the filter portion, and a retainer which connects opposite circumferential ends of the shroud to each other without being welded to at least one of the shroud ends, with the retainer being positioned on an interior of the shroud. Another well screen assembly includes multiple longitudinal sections of a tubular string, at least one of the longitudinal sections comprising a well screen, and a shroud wrapped circumferentially about the tubular string sections and rotationally secured to the tubular string.

Abstract: A sand control screen assembly (40) is operably positionable within a wellbore (50). The sand control screen assembly (40) includes a base pipe (42) having a plurality of openings (46) in a sidewall portion thereof and an internal flow path (44). A plurality of radially extendable filter members (52) are each operably associated with at least one of the openings (46) of the base pipe (42). The radially extendable filter members (52) have a circumferential dimension that is less than a longitudinal dimension thereof. The radially extendable filter members (52) have a radially retracted running configuration and a radially extended operating configuration, in which, the radially extendable filter members (52) preferably contact the wellbore (50).

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a wellbore includes a flow conduit and a structure defining a tortuous fluid path proximate the flow conduit, where the tortuous fluid path receives a flow of fluid. The tortuous fluid path is defined by at least first and second members of the structure, and the first and second members are movable with respect to each other to adjust a cross-sectional flow area of the tortuous fluid path.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for gravel packing an open-hole wellbore are disclosed. The apparatus includes a sandscreen disposed in the wellbore thereby creating an annulus between the wellbore and the sandscreen for receiving a gravel slurry. The apparatus further comprises a tubular member or wash pipe which is concentrically disposed in the sandscreen for receiving carrier fluid which passes through the sandscreen and for returning the carrier fluid to the earth's surface. At least one diverter valve is installed in the tubular member for permitting flow of the carrier fluid into the tubular member.

Abstract: A sand control screen assembly (40) is operably positionable within a wellbore (48). The sand control screen assembly (40) includes a base pipe (42) having at least one opening (60) and an internal flow path (44). A swellable material layer (46) is disposed exteriorly of the base pipe (42). A fluid collection subassembly (50) is disposed exteriorly of the swellable material layer (46). The fluid collection subassembly (50) is in fluid communication with the internal flow path (44). A filter medium (62) is operably associated with the sand control screen assembly (40) and is disposed in a fluid path between the exterior of the sand control screen assembly (40) and the internal flow path (44). In response to contact with an activating fluid, radial expansion of the swellable material layer (46) causes at least a portion of the fluid collection subassembly (50) to contact the wellbore (48).

Abstract: A well screen assembly includes an elongate base pipe, a shroud layer about the base pipe, and a mesh layer between the shroud layer and the base pipe. A portion of the mesh layer overlaps another position of the mesh layer to form an area of overlap. A spine is positioned proximate substantially an entire length of lie area of overlap, and transmits a force from the shroud layer to the mesh layer that compresses and seals the area of overlap against passage of particulate.

Abstract: A well screen assembly includes an elongate base pipe and a wire wrap layer. The wire wrap layer includes a wire wrapped around support ribs. The wire wrap layer has an axial end section wrapped at a first gage and an intermediate section wrapped at a second, larger gage. A mesh layer is provided around the wire wrap layer. An outer shroud is provided around the mesh layer, the outer shroud sealed to the wire wrap layer.

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: Non conductive supports flank the mounting location of ribs for a wire wrap screen so as to limit penetration into the wire being fed over the ribs and resistance welded notwithstanding variations of applied force from the weld roller. Optionally the wire can be pre-rolled to approximately its end diameter in the finished screen ahead of the time it contacts a rib so as to minimize bending the wire over the rib which thins the wire. The supports are preferably ceramic and provide equal penetration of the rib into the wrap wire despite variations in loading by the weld roller.

Abstract: A technique protectively arranges at least one cable on the outside of and along at least one pipe section of a pipe string. The cable is secured to at least one cable protector coupled to the outside of at least one pipe section of the pipe string. The cable protector comprises a cable-retaining strip. The cable-retaining strip is provided with at least one continuous cable track arranged along the cable-retaining strip, the cable track opening outwards relative to the pipe section. The at least one cable is also secured to the at least one cable track, whereby the cable is protected from the external environment.

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: 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: A completion system for use in the well includes a liner for lining the well, where the liner has a first inductive coupler portion. An electric cable extends outside an inner passage of the liner. The completion system further includes a second inductive coupler portion and an electrical device inside the liner and electrically connected to the second inductive coupler portion. The first and second inductive coupler portions enable power to be provided from the electric cable outside the inner passage of the liner to the electrical device inside the liner.

Abstract: A system that is usable with a well includes a tubular member and an inflow control device. The screen receives a well fluid flow, and the tubular member has a well fluid communication passageway. The inflow control device changes a momentum of the well fluid flow and/or introduces a flow resistance to regulate a pressure of the well fluid. The number of momentum changes and/or the flow resistance may be changed while the inflow control device is deployed downhole in the well.

Abstract: Apparatus for downhole filtration in a wellbore The apparatus has a diverter and a filter slidably mounted on a mandrel. The diverter has a circumferential wiper element between the mandrel and the casing within which the apparatus is run. When fluids are reverse circulated, or the tool is being pulled out, the diverter shifts to a downward position, wherein it seals against an upper end of the filter, filtering out solids in the fluids and retaining them in a chamber between the sleeve and mandrel. When running the tool into a wellbore, the diverter shifts to an upper position to permit fluids to bypass the filter sleeve. The filter sleeve bears against a spring loaded seat, which permits creating a gap between the diverter and an upper end of the filter sleeve to allow fluids to bypass the filter sleeve should the filter sleeve slots become plugged.

Abstract: A flow control apparatus (800) includes a tubular member (818) having a plurality of openings (820, 822, 824, 826) that allow fluid flow between an exterior and an interior flow path (828) of the tubular member (818) and a multi-stage flow restricting section (804) operably positioned in a fluid flow path between a fluid source disposed exteriorly of the tubular member (818) and the interior flow path (828). The flow restricting section (804) including a plurality of flow restricting devices (838, 844, 850) each operable to create a pressure drop. Actuatable devices (830, 832, 834, 836) operably associated with the openings (820, 822, 824, 826) are sequentially actuatable to allow fluid flow through the associated openings (820, 822, 824, 826), thereby sequentially reducing the pressure drop experienced by fluids flowing from the fluid source to the interior flow path (828).

Abstract: A device for use downhole comprises a body housing: a power source arranged to supply power to a driver; and a hydraulic system including a piston sealed in a chamber and an outlet provided at each opposing end of the chamber wherein each outlet is in communication with a respective reservoir, the driver being actuable to drive the piston in a first direction, such that fluid is driven out of the chamber through one outlet and simultaneously fluid is drawn into the chamber through the other outlet at the opposing end.

Abstract: Downhole tools for gravel pack completion processes in wellbores comprise a screen, an isolation device comprising a sealing element disposed above the screen, and an artificial lifting device disposed above the isolation device. Upon actuation, the sealing element divides the wellbore into an upper zone and a lower zone so that the screen is disposed in the lower zone and the artificial lifting device is disposed in the upper zone. The two zones are in fluid communication with each other through a longitudinal bore within the downhole tool. In operation, the artificial lifting device of the downhole tool creates a negative pressure so wellbore fluid is transported from the lower zone into the upper zone. Due to this flow of fluid through the downhole tool, gravel disposed within the wellbore becomes sufficiently fluidized to facilitate the screen being inserted into the gravel form the gravel pack completion.

Abstract: An assembly method for a downhole screen is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment, the filtration layer is slipped over a perforated base pipe and an expansion technique is used to increase the base pipe diameter to the point where, preferably, an interference fit exists. The expansion can be fully underneath the filtration layer or can be done in discrete zones. The finished assembly can still be expanded further downhole, such as, for example, in open hole completions. An outer protective shroud can be employed over the filtration layer when the expansion of the base pipe occurs.

Abstract: The desander (10) for positioning downhole includes a generally tubular desander body (16) and a generally sleeve-shaped vortex body (39, 94). The desander with a seal or packer may be positioned in a well below the casing perforations. The desander with an ESP may be used with gas separator (60), which may include a seal (24) for positioning above the producing formation. The separator (60) may be used independent of the desander for some applications.

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: A technique enables simultaneous deployment of both treatment equipment and screen assemblies for use during production. The technique utilizes a multi-stage well treatment system deployed in a wellbore to enable treatment of a plurality of sections along the wellbore. Additionally, a plurality of screen assemblies are positioned at the plurality of sections, and each screen assembly comprises a valve to control the flow of fluids through the screen assembly.

Abstract: A coupler for gravel packing completions comprising an annular member having an upper end, a lower end, at least one flange disposed along an inner wall surface of the annular member intermediate the upper and lower ends, and at least one deformable portion is disclosed. The coupler may be used to connect one or more screens to a base pipe in a gravel packing completion by deforming the deformable portion such as by passing a swage over the outer wall surface of the annular member. In a similar manner, the coupler may also be used to connect a gravel packing completion component, such as an inflow control device to the base pipe of the gravel packing completion, to contemporaneously connect a screen section and a gravel packing completion component to the base pipe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a screen and welding apparatus thereof, putting a metal filter net around the outside of a support sheath and fixing the metal filter net to the outside of the support sheath by way of welding, such that the metal filter net completely covers all filter holes of the support sheath to form a filter sheath with; fixing the filter sheath to the outside of the base pipe and the filter sheath completely covering all penetrated holes on the base pipe; putting a jacket around the outside of the filter sheath and fixing it to the outside of the base pipe such that the jacket completely covers the outside surface of the filter area of the filter sheath.

Abstract: A gravel packing screen with an inflow control device and a bypass. A well screen includes a flow restricting device for restricting inward flow through the screen, and a bypass device for increasing a proportion of the inward flow which passes through the flow restricting device, the bypass device including a material which swells in response to contact between the material and fluid in a well. A method of gravel packing a well includes installing a screen in the well, the screen including a flow restricting device which restricts flow through the screen, and a bypass device for selectively permitting relatively unrestricted flow through the screen; and actuating the bypass device in response to contact between a material of the bypass device and fluid in the well, thereby increasingly restricting flow through the screen. Flow through the flow restricting device and flow through the bypass device may be in parallel.

Abstract: A technique utilizes a well filter with a submersible motor-driven pump. The system comprises an elongated filter housing in which a cylindrical filtering element is installed. A fixture is provided for fastening the elongated filter housing to the pump. The filter housing also comprises at least one fluid intake port positioned to allow entry of fluid into the elongated filter housing. A deformable sealing element is installed along an outer surface of the elongated housing and serves to direct fluid flow.

Abstract: Expandable tubulars for use in geologic structures, including methods for expanding the expandable tubulars, and methods of manufacturing them, include the use of an expansive energy storage component, which provides a self-expanding feature for the expandable tubulars.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a shrouded tubular device that includes but is not limited to a tubular member, such as a screen joint; a shroud surrounding at least a portion of the tubular, the shroud is at least a two-piece shroud; and a shim in the annulus between the tubular member and the shroud. By way of example only, the shroud may be located directly radially inward from the joint of two of the shroud pieces. Also disclosed herein is a method for making a shrouded tubular device.