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.

Abstract: A sand control screen assembly (40) is operably positionable within a wellbore (64). The sand control screen assembly (40) includes a base pipe (42) having at least one opening (46) in a sidewall portion thereof. A filter medium (48) is disposed exteriorly of at least a first circumferential portion of the base pipe (42). The filter medium (48) is in fluid communication with the at least one opening (46). A swellable material layer (56) is disposed exteriorly of a second circumferential portion of the base pipe (42) such that in response to contact with an activating fluid, radial expansion of the swellable material layer (56) causes the filter medium (48) to contact the wellbore (64).

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 isolation system for producing oil and gas from one or more formation zones and methods of use are provided comprising one or more pressure activated and tool shiftable valve assemblies. The tool shiftable valve may be actuated before or after actuation of the pressure activated valve.

Abstract: A technique is provided for controlling sand in a well. The technique may utilize a vent screen assembly having a main screen, a vent screen, and a tubular member extending from the main screen to the vent screen. An expandable element is positioned around the tubular member between the main screen and the vent screen. After the vent screen assembly is deployed into a wellbore, a gravel pack can be formed around at least the main screen. The expandable element is selectively expanded in a radial direction to secure the gravel pack and to enable higher production rates.

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 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 screen that conforms to the borehole shape after expansion is disclosed. The screen comprises a compliant outer layer that takes the borehole shape on expansion. The outer layer is formed having holes to permit production flow. The material that is selected preferably swells with prolonged contact to well fluids to further close off annular gaps after expansion. In an alternative embodiment, the screen is not expanded and the swelling of the material alone closes off annular gaps. The outer sleeve is placed over the screen and the screen is placed on a base pipe and initially expanded from within the base pipe to secure the components of the screen assembly for running downhole, while minimizing or eliminating any welding among the layers. A variety of expansion tools can be used to expand the screen or screens downhole.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention a valve that operates in association with a downhole screen is threaded into the wall of a base pipe after being inserted through a saddle. When the valve body is threaded in, the engagement into the wall threads in the base pipe acts as a sealing force on a ring seal between the saddle and the base pipe and between the valve body and the saddle. The valve itself can be outfitted with a cover with openings that can be integral or removable and disposed at the end of the valve that is innermost to the base pipe. Preferably a series of elongated slots are used that can catch slurry if the well is to be killed while allowing subsequent production to drive the accumulated solids from well killing back into the base pipe. Another feature places the valve in a base pipe opening under a cylindrical screen section to reduce assembly time and cost of constructing an adjacent housing to one side of the cylindrical screen section to accommodate the valve.

Abstract: An expanded non-bonded mesh well screen. A method of manufacturing a well screen includes the steps of: expanding at least a portion of a screen jacket; and then securing the screen jacket onto a base pipe. A well screen system includes a base pipe and an at least partially expanded screen jacket surrounding the base pipe. The screen jacket is expanded prior to being positioned on the base pipe.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus provides an improved shunt nozzle which is part of an alternative pathway for a slurry to by-pass an obstruction such as a sand bridge during gravel packing. The nozzle includes a hardened insert that lines a surface of an aperture in a shunt. A jacket secured to the shunt receives the insert, which is trapped from movement relative to the jacket.

Abstract: There is provided a cutting tool (100) which is capable of performing cutting operations on a variety of materials such as, for example, plasterboard, glass, wood, laminated wood, cardboard, Perspex (Trade Mark), tiles, plastics or the like. The cutting tool (100) comprises an upper and lower part (102,104), said upper and lower parts (102,104) being separated by spacing means which are preferably retractable, the upper and lower parts (102,104) comprising at least one cutting device (116), and wherein the upper and lower parts (102,104) are held together with magnetic attraction.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an assembly for use in a wellbore which includes a base pipe; a filter medium surrounding at least a portion of the external surface of the base pipe; and an internally profiled sleeve surrounding at least a portion of the filter media. Also included is a method for attaching a hardware accessory to a sand screen assembly which includes providing a base pipe having an inner surface and an outer surface; surrounding the outer surface of the base pipe with a filter medium; engaging the sleeve with the filter medium; and connecting the hardware accessory to the sleeve. Also included is a downhole apparatus which includes a basepipe, where at least a portion of the external surface of the basepipe is profiled; and a sleeve mounted external to the basepipe, where the internal profile of the sleeve corresponds to the external profile of the basepipe.

Abstract: An inflow control assembly. The inflow control assembly can include an inner tubular member comprising a hole formed therethrough. A cover assembly can encircle the hole. The cover assembly can include a first outer member disposed about at least a portion of the inner tubular member. The first outer member can be secured to the inner tubular member. A second outer member can be disposed about at least a portion of the inner tubular member, and the second outer member can be secured to the inner tubular member. A screen portion can be disposed between the outer members and between the inner tubular member and the outer members. An annulus can be formed between the outer members and the inner tubular member, and the annulus can provide a flow path between the hole and the screen portion.

Abstract: A wellbore screen includes a base pipe including a wall, an inner bore surface and an outer surface, an opening formed through the base pipe wall and a filter cartridge mounted in the opening. In one aspect, the wellbore screen includes an impermeable layer relative to the opening and the impermeable layer may be selected to be substantially impermeable when in a closed position in the opening to passage of fluids through the opening and, the impermeable layer is at least one of (i) selectively openable to permit fluid flow through the opening and (ii) selectively closeable when triggered to close the opening. In another aspect, the opening may include a tapering diameter from one end to the other and the filter cartridge may include an outer diameter formed to reversibly and substantially correspondingly taper relative to the opening to permit a taper lock fit in the opening.

Abstract: Method and system for determining a characteristic of a subsurface formation traversed by a wellbore. A fluid flow rate in the wellbore is established, the flow being associated with fluid movement in one or more layers in the formation. Fluid data is generated from the fluid flow. The fluid flow rate in the wellbore is selectively altered, and fluid data is re-generated pertaining to the altered flow rates. The fluid data is processed to determine desired reservoir parameters and/or characteristics of an identified stratum in the formation. A method identifies inflexion points on a single phase oil only curve plot using the fluid data to determine layer characteristics and flow stability.

Abstract: A flow balancing system for long screen sections particularly useful in high viscosity hydrocarbon production features an annular flow path whose height and length can be varied to provide a predetermined resistance to a given flow rate of a material of a given viscosity. In assembling a long length of screen sections, greater resistance configurations are placed closer to the wellhead end of the screen section with the more remote sections having progressively less restriction until the furthest section of the screen string where low or no resistance to flow internally to the screen section is offered.

Abstract: A flow arrangement (10, 12) for use in a well through one or more underground reservoirs, and where the arrangement (10, 12) is designed to throttle radially inflowing reservoir fluids produced through an inflow portion of the production tubing in the well, the production tubing in and along this inflow portion being provided with one or more arrangements (10, 12). Such an arrangement (10, 12) is designed to effect a relatively stable and predictable fluid pressure drop at any stable fluid flow rate in the course of the production period of the well, and where said fluid pressure drop will exhibit the smallest possible degree of susceptibility to influence by differences in the viscosity and/or any changes in the viscosity of the inflowing reservoir fluids during the production period.

Abstract: A method for controlling sand production in a well drilled in a subterranean formation comprising installing an expandable sand screen assembly in the well. The expandable sand screen assembly comprises an expandable sand screen in an unexpanded configuration. A slurry is pumped down the well and circulated through the annular space defined by the expandable sand screen and the formation. The expandable sand screen is expanded thereby dehydrating the slurry in the annular space.

Abstract: An integrated sandface completion tool that can be positioned within a wellbore in a single trip and a method of providing a sandface completion in a wellbore. An embodiment of the integrated sandface completion tool includes a casing section having a casing wall, at least one explosive charge connected to the casing wall, and a screen assembly connected within the casing section forming a screen-casing annulus, the screen assembly having openings formed along a portion thereof and a port in selective communication with the screen-casing annulus. The method includes the steps of positioning the integrated completion tool in the wellbore, detonating the explosive charge and packing the screen-casing annulus with a material.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for filtering in a wellbore during various well related operations while limiting the potential for plugging. A well screen is used for filtering particulates from a fluid at a wellbore location. To remove accumulated material and avoid plugging, the well screen may be flexed via pressure differentials created across the well screen. The flexing of the well screen breaks free the accumulated materials, thereby avoiding premature job failure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus associated with the production of hydrocarbons is disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a tubular member having a central opening within an internal portion of the tubular member, wherein the central opening allows hydrocarbons to flow through the tubular member. Also, the tubular member includes openings between the central opening and a region external to the tubular member. In addition to the tubular member, at least two adjacent wire segments are disposed around the tubular member. The at least two adjacent wire segments create at least two flow paths to the central opening. Also, the at least two adjacent wire segments form at least two openings configured to prevent particles greater than a specific size from entering the openings in the tubular member.

Abstract: Casing is scored but not penetrated in one embodiment of a method that allows access to the formation without perforating or section milling the casing. In the run in condition the casing is impervious, to allow cement to be pumped through it to seal the annular space between the casing and the wellbore. After the cement is delivered and displaced through a shoe, the casing is expanded in the regions where it was scored to create openings that go against the wellbore wall. In between the expanded sections the cemented casing offers isolation between adjacent formations.

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 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.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a wellscreen and a wellscreen that have the mechanical properties of a direct-wrap wellscreen and the precise slot tolerance of a slip-on wellscreen are provided. In one embodiment, a method for manufacturing a wellscreen for use in a wellbore is provided. The method includes disposing a filter subassembly on a base pipe sized so that there is annulus between the base pipe and the filter subassembly. The filter subassembly includes a length of wire wrapped and welded along a plurality of rods so that a slot is defined between adjacent coils of wire. The method further includes expanding the base pipe so that the slot is not substantially altered, thereby substantially reducing or eliminating the annulus.

Abstract: A particle control screen includes a support layer. A first filter layer is disposed around the support layer. A second filter layer is disposed around the first filter layer. A third filter layer is disposed around the second filter layer. Each of the filter layers has a pore size. The pore size of the third filter layer is greater than the pore size of the second filter layer. The pore size of the second filter layer is greater than the pore size of the first filter layer.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for securing a jumper tube to a shunt tube in a well screen assembly for use in gravel packing features a jumper tube having 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. An apparatus and method for securing a connector tube to a well screen assembly features 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: Milling in casing that is over 4½ inches is done with coiled tubing that is anchored against torque reaction. An improved debris catcher is part of the bottom hole assembly to capture cuttings from the milling. A thruster can be used to maintain weight on the mill during the milling. The coiled tubing supports a mud motor to drive the mill. Return fluid is separated from the cuttings and returned to the surface.

Abstract: A wellbore apparatus and method for use in a wellbore for completion and production are disclosed. The apparatus comprises an outer permeable material (15) in the wellbore comprising a first basepipe section (11) with at least a portion of the basepipe is perforated (21), the first basepipe is inside the outer permeable material (15) and at least part of the perforated basepipe is designed to be adjacent to a production interval (14), a second basepipe section (10) with at least a portion of the second basepipe is slotted (16), the second basepipe is inside the outer permeable material (15) and above the perforated basepipe section (11) designed to be adjacent to the production interval wherein at least a portion of the slotted basepipe is designed to be adjacent to a non production section of the wellbore. The production completion apparatus may be installed into the wellbore to provide redundancy against well-screen failure.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus associated with the production of hydrocarbons are described. The system includes a wellbore that accesses a subsurface reservoir; a production tubing string disposed within the wellbore; and one or more sand control devices coupled to the production tubing string and disposed within the wellbore. 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 each provide a flow path to the interior of the second tubular member. Also, the at least one of the sand control devices includes a sealing mechanism disposed between the first tubular member and the second tubular member. The sealing mechanism is configured to provide a pressure loss during gravel packing operations that is less than the pressure loss during at least some of the production operations.

Abstract: Inflow control devices for sand control screens. A well screen includes a filter portion and at least one flow restrictor configured so that fluid which flows through the filter portion also flows through the flow restrictor. The flow restrictor includes at least one tube which forces the fluid to change momentum within the tube. An inflow control device for restricting flow into a passage of a tubular string in a wellbore includes at least one flow restrictor configured so that fluid flows between the passage and the flow restrictor. The flow restrictor includes at least one tube which forces the fluid to change momentum within the tube.

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: A wellbore apparatus and method suitable for either wellbore completions and production. The completion and production apparatus comprises at least one primary flow joint, the primary flow joint comprising at least one three-dimensional surface defining a body capable of fluid flow with at least one permeable surface, and at least one secondary flow joint, the secondary flow joint comprising at least one three-dimensional surface defining a body capable of fluid flow with at least one permeable surface. The method comprises providing a completion and production apparatus comprising at least one primary flow joint and one secondary flow joint wherein multiple fluid flow paths can be provided. The production completion apparatus may be installed into the wellbore to provide at least two flowpaths in the wellbore during well completion, injection and production.

Abstract: A method of forming a seal circumferentially about a liner having pre-formed openings that is positioned in a wellbore includes the steps of running a perforating device and a seal applicator into the slotted liner, the seal applicator carrying a sealing fluid and a pumping mechanism, creating an aperture through the slotted liner at the region by activating the perforating device and pumping the sealing fluid from the seal applicator through the aperture and circumferentially about the liner to form a sealing plug in the annulus between the slotted liner and the wellbore.

Abstract: A sand control screen assembly for use in a wellbore includes a tubular base pipe having a first perforated section. The first perforated section has at least a first opening that allows fluid flow therethrough. The assembly also includes an internal seal element disposed within an internal diameter of the tubular base pipe and positioned at least partially overlapping the first perforated section. The internal seal element is able to control fluid flow through the first opening. The internal seal element includes a first material that is dissolvable by a first solvent, and may be dissolved by exposing the internal seal element to the first solvent until the internal seal element no longer controls fluid flow through the first opening.

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 screen for separating solids and liquids is formed from parallel strips of wedge wire or similar material into a substantially cylindrical two-sided enclosure in a generally C-shaped profile. Unfiltered liquid containing solids contacts the screen surface on both the convex and concave sides of the C-shaped enclosure. The unit may be placed in a vessel adapted to accommodate two such C-shaped devices in concentric relationship. The vessel may function similar to a candle filter, or a more conventional flow may be used.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fiber optic cable downhole tool mounting system. The system includes, a downhole tool, a support member attached to the downhole tool and a fiber optic cable parameter transmissively mounted to the downhole tool by the support member. The support member has an elongated body with a pair of legs extending therefrom, the pair of legs intersect at an oblique angle and define a volume therebetween receptive of the fiber optic cable. The fiber optic cable is attached to the support member and the support member is attached to the downhole tool such that a parameter encountered by the downhole tool is sensible by the fiber optic cable.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention a valve that operates in association with a downhole screen is threaded into the wall of a base pipe after being inserted through a saddle. When the valve body is threaded in, the engagement into the wall threads in the base pipe acts as a sealing force on a ring seal between the saddle and the base pipe and between the valve body and the saddle. The valve itself can be outfitted with a cover with openings that can be integral or removable and disposed at the end of the valve that is innermost to the base pipe. Preferably a series of elongated slots are used that can catch slurry if the well is to be killed while allowing subsequent production to drive the accumulated solids from well killing back into the base pipe. Another feature places the valve in a base pipe opening under a cylindrical screen section to reduce assembly time and cost of constructing an adjacent housing to one side of the cylindrical screen section to accommodate the valve.

Abstract: A fiber support arrangement for a downhole tool includes a tubular; at least one end ring positioning the tubular spaced radially from a downhole tool and lacking contact therewith; and a fiber supported at the tubular and method.

Abstract: A sand control screen (40) includes a perforated base pipe (42) and a filter layer (50) that has micro-perforations (52) therein. The filter layer (50) is attached to the base pipe (42) along the entire length of the filter layer (50). Channels (46) are formed between the base pipe (42) and the filter layer (50) to allow fluid to flow therebetween. The sand control screen (40) is formed by micro-perforating a length of material, such as sheet metal, to form the filter layer (50), creating channels (46) that will allow fluids to flow between the base pipe (42) and filter layer (50), wrapping the filter layer (50) around the base pipe (42), attaching the filter layer (50) to the base pipe (42) along the length of the filter layer (50) and creating a seam between the two edges of the filter layer (50).

Abstract: A technique that is usable with a well includes running an isolation device into the well and using the isolation device to form a seal to create a first region of the well isolating the surface of the well from a second higher pressure region of the well. The technique includes running an assembly into the first region and engaging the isolation device with the assembly to remove the seal. After removal of the seal, the isolation device and assembly are run together further into the well.

Abstract: A flow arrangement (10, 12) for use in a well through one or more underground reservoirs, and where the arrangement (10, 12) is designed to throttle radially inflowing reservoir fluids produced through an inflow portion of the production tubing in the well, the production tubing in and along this inflow portion being provided with one or more arrangements (10, 12) Such an arrangement (10, 12) is designed to effect a relatively stable and predictable fluid pressure drop at any stable fluid flow rate in the course of the production period of the well, and where said fluid pressure drop will exhibit the smallest possible degree of susceptibility to influence by differences in the viscosity and/or any changes in the viscosity of the inflowing reservoir fluids during the production period.

Abstract: An aperture design minimizes erosion on the surrounding casing and to the aperture itself and is particularly effective in fluid injection wells where large volumes of fluids over a long period of time with entrained solids are expected to be pumped through. The preferred design is an elongated shape with a flaring wider in the downhole direction. The downhole end of the opening features an exit that flares in the downhole direction with multiple slopes with an arc transition. Other options for the opening configuration are envisioned.

Abstract: An isolation system for producing oil and gas from one or more formation zones and methods of use are provided comprising one or more pressure activated valve and one or more tool shiftable valve. The tool shiftable valve may be actuated before or after actuation of the pressure activated valve.