Abstract: An expanding screen has an associated spirally wrapped exterior control line. The control line rests in a spiral trough made up in an exterior perforated jacket. The trough can be made by a pair of ridges disposed substantially parallel to each other or by an ordered spacing of raised dimples in the outer perforated jacket to create spiral troughs. At the screen connections centralizers having a spiral path or paths within can serve a dual function of locating the screen prior to expansion and protecting the control line in the joint area. A fiber optic cable can be placed in the control line.

Abstract: A sand control screen assembly (90) that is positionable within a wellbore comprises a base pipe (92) having a blank pipe section (94) and a perforated section (96) having at least one opening (98) that allows fluid flow therethrough. A filter medium (100) is positioned about the exterior of the base pipe (92) that selectively allows fluid flow therethrough and prevents particulate of a predetermined size from flowing therethrough. An internal seal element (104) is positioned at least partially within the perforated section (96) of the base pipe (92). The internal seal element (104) controls the flow of fluid through the opening (98) of the base pipe (92) such that fluid flow is prevented from the interior to the exterior of the sand control screen assembly (90) but is allowed from the exterior to the interior of the sand control screen assembly (90).

Abstract: The present invention provides a screen for a well that utilizes a partial screen wrapping used to advantage with side conduits (e.g., alternate flowpaths), control lines, intelligent completions devices, and the like. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for gravel packing is provided. The apparatus includes a substantially tubular-shaped base pipe having a plurality of apertures disposed along part of its length and a dual-wall sand screen coaxially secured to the base pipe. The dual-wall screen is substantially permeable to fluids and impermeable to sand. The apparatus provides a plurality of fluid permeable channels formed within the sand screen, which are disposed along the entire length of the screen. Each channel has an associated plurality of ports spaced along discrete intervals of the screen, which communicate with an annulus formed between the apparatus and the wellbore. The method provides for injecting a sand and fluid slurry mixture through the screen and out of the ports. This design reduces the incidence of sand bridge formation, and packs gravel around any sand bridges, which may be formed.

Abstract: An adjustable well screen assembly having a pipe which is connectable to a production pipe, wherein the pipe comprises a hole extending from the ID of the pipe to the OD of the pipe; a screen connected to the pipe adjacent the hole of the pipe; a valve connected to the pipe, wherein the valve controls fluid flow through the hole of the pipe; a valve motor mechanically connected to the valve, wherein the valve motor opens and closes the valve; and a valve controller communicatively connected to the valve motor, wherein the valve controller instructs the valve motor as to a configuration of the valve.

Abstract: An expandable sand control screen (100) that is positionable within a wellbore comprises a fluid permeable generally tubular member (102) that is expanded downhole. A filtering assembly is disposed exteriorly of the generally tubular member (102). The filtering assembly includes a filter medium (106) that prevents the flow of particulate material of a predetermined size therethrough but allows the flow of production fluids therethrough. The filtering assembly also includes a compliable member (118) that has a thickness that is radially variable downhole. During or after expansion of the expandable sand control screen (100), the radial variability of the thickness of the compliable member (118) allows the expandable sand control screen (100) to comply with any irregularities in the wellbore profile, thereby preventing any void regions between the expandable sand control screen (100) and the wellbore.

Abstract: Coatings for well screens that protect the screens from damage as they are inserted into the wellbore and once in the well, release reactive materials to react with and degrade potentially plugging materials such as drill solids, fluid filtercakes, fluid loss additives, and drilling fluids. The coatings can be specifically designed for individual well conditions and are comprised of a binder that either melts or dissolves within the wellbore and one or more reactive materials such as acids, enzymes, surfactants, chelants, oxidizers or free radical generators and the like which are released into the screen and the near wellbore area and which are effective in degrading or dissolving materials which could potentially plug the screen.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for completing a subterranean zone penetrated by a wellbore are provided. The improved methods basically comprise the steps of placing a sand control screen (e.g., screens, screened pipes, perforated liners, prepacked screens, etc.) and an outer shroud assembly mounted over the sand screen in the wellbore adjacent the zone to be completed, the shroud having perforated and blank (non-perforated) segments with the blank segments corresponding to selected intervals of the wellbore, for example problem zones such as shale streaks or isolated zones where flows are restricted by mechanical seals or packers, and injecting particulate material into the wellbore, whereby gravel packing takes place in the remaining length of the wellbore/shroud annulus without voids. The inner annulus between the shroud and screen provides an alternate flow path for the slurry to bypass the blocked intervals and continue with its placement.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for completing and producing from multiple mineral production zones, independently and in several combinations. This is made possible only through the use of pressure-actuated circulating (PAC) valves and pressure-actuated device (PAD) valves in combination with isolation valves. Also disclosed are methods of completing and producing from multiple mineral zones.

Abstract: A sand control screen assembly (60) comprises a base pipe (62) having at least one opening (64) that allows fluid flow therethrough and a filter medium (66) positioned about the exterior of the base pipe (62) that allows fluid flow therethrough and prevents particulate flow therethrough. An inflatable seal member (72) is disposed within the at least one opening (64) of the base pipe (62) and controls fluid flow through the at least one opening (64). A inflation fluid source (74) is in fluid communication with the inflatable seal member (72) and provides an inflation fluid to the inflatable seal member (72) to selectively urge the inflatable seal member (72) into sealing engagement with the at least one opening (64).

Abstract: Degradable polylactic or polyhydroxyalkanoate polymers may be used to viscosify aqueous fluids for use in wells, Sand control screen or liner can be coated with a solid degradable polymer during placement in a well. Mechanical changes or flow changes in a well can be caused by solid degradable polymer that changes physical properties after it is placed in a well. Parts of devices or entire devices can be made of solid degradable polymer that converts to a fluid after selected times in an aqueous environment in a well.

Abstract: An apparatus (60) and method for treating an interval of a wellbore comprises an outer tubular (62) disposed within the wellbore. A sand control screen (92) is disposed within the outer tubular (62). A slurry passageway (88) is formed between the sand control screen (92) and outer tubular (62). In addition, a production pathway (90) is formed between the sand control screen (92) and outer tubular (62). When the apparatus (60) is in an operable position, the region between the outer tubular (62) and the wellbore serves as a primary path for delivery of a fluid slurry, the production pathway (90) serves as a secondary path for delivery of the fluid slurry if the primary path becomes blocked and the slurry passageway (88) serves as a tertiary path for delivery of the fluid slurry if the primary and secondary paths become blocked.

Abstract: A debris screen, sealingly and releasably latched to the top of a polished bore of a downhole tool for preventing the ingress of debris into the polished bore. Typically the debris screen is connected to a tieback receptacle of a liner hanger assembly. The debris screen is connected to a setting tool and is axially moveable on the setting tool permitting the setting tool to be stroked inside the liner hanger assembly during normal operations, such as cementing while retaining the debris screen at the top of the tieback receptacle at all times except during the final stages of retrieval. The debris screen has a tubular sleeve having a plurality of ports, covered by a wedge wire screen through which fluids can flow. Further, the latching mechanism has a plurality of ports to permit the flow of debris-free fluids from the wellbore into the annulus between the setting tool and the downhole tool.

Abstract: A system for controlling sand has an expandable screen an an inner string to isolate the sand screen allowing for drilling fluids to be circulated to the bottom of the drilling assembly, before returning up the annulus in normal fashion. Both ends of the expandable screen are mount on an inner string. The inner string is integral with the internals of the bottomhole drilling assembly, allowing for retrieval thereof, including a pilot bit. Upon retrieval an isolation valve will close and seal thus providing sand control integrity in the well. Release from the sand screen will be by pumping a ball down the string and engaging this in a catcher to slim the sliding sleeve open, giving hydraulic access to the liner hanger and engaging slips in the previous casing. Further pressure will release the ball into a catcher, restoring communication through the drill string.

Abstract: A connector for providing a pathway between a first screened tubing and a second screened tubing. In one embodiment, the connector includes an annular pipe coupled to the first screened tubing at a first end and coupled to the second screened tubing at a second end. The annular pipe defines a plurality of channels disposed therein. The channels are configured to provide the pathway between the first screened tubing and the second screened tubing.

Abstract: A particulate screen suitable for use in a wellbore. The particulate screen is expandable and may be at least partially formed of a bistable tubular. Also, a filter media may be combined with the bistable tubular to limit influx of particulates.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for completing a wellbore junction is provided. In one embodiment, a first leg of a screen is fastened within a first tubular with a preformed window. The first tubular houses a whipstock with a cut-out portion containing a folded second leg of the screen. The first tubular is lowered into a junction of a central and a lateral wellbore. A second tubular is lowered within the first tubular and catches an end of the folded second leg of the screen thereby unfolding and expanding the screen as the second tubular is guided into the lateral wellbore. In another embodiment, an expandable sand screen junction component with expandable sand screen production tubing is lowered through a junction of a central and lateral wellbore into the lateral wellbore and expanded into place. A central wellbore access port is milled into the junction component.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methods for movably securing a radially expandable sand-control screen jacket assembly to a base pipe. The screen jacket assembly is connected to the base pipe with a longitudinally moveable, sand-controlling joint. In use, the joint slides maintain a sand-controlling seal after radial expansion of the sand-control screen jacket assembly.

Abstract: Screen assemblies (40, 42) and a single trip method for selectively fracturing multiple formations (14, 16) traversed by a wellbore (32) are disclosed. Each formation (14, 16) has a screen assembly (40, 42) having a plurality of valves (60, 66) positioned adjacent thereto. During the treatment process, the formations (14, 16) are selectively treated with a treatment fluid that is pumped into the interior of the adjacent screen assembly (40, 42). The valves (60, 66) of the respective screen assemblies (40, 42) progressively allow the treatment fluid to exit from the interior to the exterior of the screen assemblies (40, 42) such that each formation (14, 16) is progressively fractured.

Abstract: A well screen assembly (70) with a controllable variable flow area. The well screen assembly (70) comprises an outer tubular section (80), the outer tubular section (80) containing a first plurality of openings (90) disposed in a pattern (100) throughout a length “L” of the outer tubular section (80); an inner tubular section (110) that is disposed within the outer tubular section (80), the inner tubular section (110) containing a second plurality of openings (120) disposed in the same pattern (100) throughout a length L of the inner tubular section (110), and when the first plurality of openings (90) and second plurality of openings (120) align, the openings form a plurality of passageways (130) through the outer tubular section (80) and inner tubular section (110). The well screen assembly (70) may therefore, vary the flow of production fluid through it and upwards through the interior of a production tubing (40).

Abstract: A multilateral well construction and sand control completion. In a described embodiment, a well completion includes first and second wellbores intersecting at an intersection; an assembly positioned in the second wellbore, the assembly including a packer and a well screen, the packer being sealingly engaged with the second wellbore; and a wellbore connector sealingly connected to the assembly, the wellbore connector also being sealingly engaged in the first wellbore on opposite sides of the intersection, and the wellbore connector isolating the intersection from fluid flow through the assembly in the second wellbore and from fluid flowing through the wellbore connector between the opposite sides of the intersection.

Abstract: A downhole expandable bore liner and well screen filter assembly has a perforated tubular base-pipe overlain with a self expanding filter-cover. A set of runners or bumpers extends the length of the outside of the filter-cover. A releaseable constriction mechanism holds the liner/filter assembly in a compressed configuration during insertion of the assembly down a well bore to facilitate insertion of the liner/filter assembly into its downhole position. Once positioned downhole in the well bore, the mechanism is released, and the liner/filter assembly takes its expanded or uncompressed configuration and interfaces with the walls of the well bore. In its uncompressed configuration, the liner/filter assembly can contact and press against the walls of the well bore, which contact serves to stabilize the assembly and to center it in the downhole well bore.

Abstract: An arrangement for restricting the inflow of formation water from an underground formation to a hydrocarbon producing well, where, between the underground formation and a production tubing (38) located in the well, there is disposed at least one flow chamber (3, 33) connected to the production tubing (38), the flow chamber (3, 33), preferably via a filter (2) in one portion, being open to inflow of formation fluid and in communication with the production tubing (38) via at least one opening (7, 32), and where the flow chamber (3, 33) is provided with at least one free-floating body (4, 34) with approximately the same density as the formation water, the at least one body (4, 34) being designed by means of the closing of at least one opening (32) or choking, to reduce the inflow of formation water to the production tubing (38).

Abstract: In general, a method is provided for completing a subterranean wellbore, and an apparatus for using the method. The method comprises positioning an expandable sand-control device in the wellbore thereby forming an annulus between the sand-control device and the wellbore; depositing a filter media in the annulus; and after the depositing step, radially expanding the sand-control device to decrease the volume of the annulus. The sand-control device can be a sand screen or slotted or perforated liner having radially extending passageways in the walls thereof, the passageways designed to substantially prevent movement of the particulate material through the passageways and into the sand-control device. Where a slotted liner is desired, the passageways can be plugged during positioning and later unplugged for production.

Abstract: The invention is a method and system of separating a multi-component fluid in a wellbore. At least one fluid separation membrane comprising a feed side and a permeate side is incorporated in the wellbore. A flowing stream of the multi-component fluid obtained from a subterranean zone being in fluid communication with the wellbore is passed across the feed side of the membrane at a first pressure. A retentate stream depleted in at least one component compared to the multi-component fluid is withdrawn from the feed side of the membrane and passed to the earth's surface. A permeate stream at a second pressure is withdrawn from the permeate side, in which the permeate stream is enriched in at least one component compared with the multi-component fluid. The second pressure is controlled to maintain the second pressure below the first pressure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for introducing pilot fuel into a piston cylinder of an operating gaseous fuelled internal combustion engine monitoring a set of engine parameters, determining engine load and engine speed from the set of engine parameters, introducing a first portion of the gaseous fuel into the cylinder where the first portion of gaseous fuel forms a substantially homogeneous mixture comprising gaseous fuel and air prior to combustion, and introducing a pilot fuel to avoid a excessive knocking range for the engine. A second quantity of gaseous fuel can also be added to burn in a substantially diffusion combustion mode.

Abstract: This invention includes an apparatus and method for completing a subterranean zone penetrated by a wellbore. One embodiment of the invention is an apparatus for connecting a first sand screen assembly and a second sand screen assembly. The apparatus comprises a tubular housing having an eccentric longitudinal bore therethrough, providing a first fluid communication path through the apparatus, the longitudinal bore defining a housing wall. A longitudinal passageway is disposed within the housing wall, providing a second fluid communication path through the apparatus. The first fluid communication path is capable of communicating fluid flow from a sand screen in the first sand screen assembly to a sand screen in the second sand screen assembly. The second fluid communication path is capable of communicating fluid flow from an alternate path element in the first sand screen assembly an alternate path element in the second sand screen assembly.

Abstract: This invention is a sand screen comprising a base pipe with openings cut directly thereon. The size, shape, and configuration of the openings may be varied depending on the filtration, inflow, and strength characteristics desired by the operator. The openings may be cut directly on the base pipe by use of water jet, laser, or saw cutting techniques.

Abstract: The invention relates to a controlled-pressure drop liner device comprising a circumscribed filter element (9) centred on a base tube (1) by longitudinal braces in relation to the axis of the tube and arranged according to the diameter of the tube so as to divide the annular space defined by the filter element and the tube into sectors delimited by the braces, and in which collecting tubes (5) are arranged and open into the sectors by one end.

Abstract: A method of forming expandable downhole tubing (10) comprises the steps of: providing a tubing section (12) of a first diameter; forming apertures in the tubing section (12); and then reducing the diameter of the apertured tubing section.

Abstract: An expandable device, such as a sand screen, is used in a wellbore. The expandable device comprises an expandable base pipe and a filter layer that facilitates expansion of the device while maintaining filtering capability.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for expanding an expandable tubular in the wellbore. In one aspect, the expandable tubular is expanded using an inflatable packer. In another aspect, the expandable tubular is an expandable sand screen.

Abstract: An apparatus for preventing erosion of wellbore components comprises a wellscreen and a coating disposed on the wellscreen. The coating includes a metal-based coating and preferably nickel and phosphorous. The coating may also be organic-based such as phenolic resin containing ceramic or cermet. A method for fabricating an erosion and corrosion resistant wellbore component by providing the wellbore component and treating the wellbore component with erosion resistant materials. The treating step is conducted by plating the wellbore component, preferably by electroless plating. The treating step further comprises heat treatment of the wellbore component subsequent to plating. An additional step of inserting the treated wellbore component into a wellbore may also be conducted.

Abstract: A swabbing tool for wells that filters particulates from fluids passing through the swabbing tool. The swabbing tool comprises a mandrel, at least one swab cup on the mandrel, the mandrel and swab cup being arranged to allow fluids to pass from below to above the swab cup; and a sifter attached to the swabbing tool below the swab cup for filtering particulates from fluid passing from below to above the swab cup. The sifter is barrel shaped and is provided with a sealing element attached to the sifter to force fluid into the sifter. The sifter has an interior and the sealing element is dimensioned to seal against a casing or tubing wall and force fluid into the sifter. The openings in the sand sifting element may be slots, with a size between 0.125 mm to 0.635 mm.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and apparatus for setting a liner in a wellbore and then expanding a screen in the wellbore in a single trip. In one aspect of the invention, a liner and expandable screen is provided with a slip assembly to fix the liner in the wellbore. An expansion tool and work sting is run into the wellbore in the liner. After the liner is set, the expansion tool is used to expand the screen. In another embodiment, an annular area between the expansion tool and work string is utilized in order to set the slips. Thereafter, cup packers used in forming the annulus are lifted from the liner prior to expanding the screen.

Abstract: A technique for connecting expandable tubulars. The technique comprises an expandable connector system that facilitates the connection of tubular components, such as tubulars used in wellbore environments.

Abstract: A well completion has an expanded tubing portion and an unexpanded tubing portion. A seal is provided on the unexpanded portion. In another embodiment, an expandable tubing is provided and a gravel pack operation is performed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for gravel packing an interval of a wellbore comprises an outer tubular (110), which forms a first annulus with the wellbore, and an inner tubular (114) disposed within the outer tubular (110) forming a second annulus therebetween. Within the second annulus is an axially extending production pathway (190) and an axially extending slurry passageway (194), which is defined between a channel (170) and the inner tubular (114). The outer tubular (110) has outlets (128) that are substantially aligned with outlets (178) of the channel (170). The portions of both the outer and inner tubulars (110, 114) adjacent the production pathway (190) have openings (122, 146). When a fluid slurry containing gravel is injected through the slurry passageway (194), the fluid slurry exits through the outlets (178, 128) leaving gravel in the first annulus, thereby gravel packing the interval.

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: The present system and method comprises an expandable device for use in wellbores. In one embodiment, the present device comprises a plurality of slots disposed within the device. The slots define expansion compensation portions, wherein the compensation portions facilitate radial expansion of the device while concurrently maintaining essentially constant the axial length of the device. The present technique also comprises a method of forming the device in accordance therewith.

Abstract: A sand control screen assembly (200) positionable within a production interval of a wellbore that traverses a subterranean hydrocarbon bearing formation comprises a base pipe (202) having openings (204) in a sidewall section thereof that allow fluid flow therethrough. A filter medium (210) is positioned about the exterior of at least a portion of the base pipe (202). The filter medium (210) selectively allows fluid flow therethrough but prevents the flow of particulate of a predetermined size therethrough. A seal member (218, 220, 222) is operably associated with the base pipe (202). The seal member (218, 220, 222) has a one-way valve configuration and a valve open configuration such that the seal member (218, 220, 222) controls fluid flow through the openings (204) of the base pipe (202).

Abstract: There is a need to better understand well conditions during gravel pack completions and during production through a gravel pack. The sensors that are used to determine the conditions at the actual interface between the gravel pack and the production interval are located directly on the gravel pack assembly. This allows for the most accurate and timely understanding of the interface conditions. Sensors along the length of the gravel pack can provide real time bottom hole pressure and temperature readings. Other sensors could provide information on flow rate of fluids produced as well as density measurements. Thus, during completion, the sensors can provide information on the effectiveness of gravel placement. During production, the sensors could provide instantaneous information on dangerous well conditions in time to minimize damage to the well equipment.

Abstract: An expanding screen with an associated spirally wrapped exterior control line is disclosed. The control line rests in a spiral trough made up in an exterior perforated jacket. The trough can be made by a pair of ridges disposed substantially parallel to each other or by an ordered spacing of raised dimples in the outer perforated jacket to create spiral troughs. At the screen connections centralizers having a spiral path or paths within can serve a dual function of locating the screen prior to expansion and protecting the control line in the joint area. A fiber optic cable can be placed in the control line.

Abstract: A sand screen having a shroud with a channel for routing of a control line and associated methods and systems. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A single placement well completion system wherein a perforating gun is vertically positioned alongside a filter in a cased subterranean well. The position of the filter and perforating gun remains fixed relative to the casing during perforating, fracturing and/or packing, and production of the well.

Abstract: There is disclosed, in one embodiment of the invention an expandable downhole tubular (10) comprising an expandable inner support tube (14) an expandable outer tube (18); and a filter tube (22) located between said inner support tube (14) and said outer tube (18), the filter tube (22) comprising at least one filter portion (24) and at least one extendable portion (28) coupling axial edges of said filter portion (24), said extendable portion (28) being extendable to accommodate circumferential expansion of said filter tube (22).

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for expanding tubulars in a wellbore. In one aspect, a process of sealing an annular area in a wellbore is provided in which a tubular having perforations at a predetermined location and a sleeve concentrically covering substantially all of the perforations is expanded into substantial contact with an inner diameter of a tubular, such as a casing or a liner. In another aspect, a process of sealing an annular area in a wellbore is provided in which a tubular having perforation at a predetermined location and a sleeve concentrically coving substantially all of the perforations is expanded into substantial contact with a junction between two tubulars, such as a liner and a casing, or between two liners.

Abstract: A method of treating a subterranean hydrocarbon bearing formation penetrated by a perforated section of a cased wellbore. A treating mixture containing particulate material is pumped from the casing through the perforations and into the formation. After injection of the particulate through the perforations a screen is circumferentially expanded in the casing and hydrocarbons are flowed through the perforations and into the casing while the screen prevents particulate materials from flowing into the well.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for expanding an expandable sand screen in the wellbore and then fracturing the wellbore. In one aspect of the invention, an expandable sand screen includes a perforated inner pipe and outer shroud. The outer shroud includes a plurality of longitudinal channels that retain their general shape after the expandable sand screen is expanded. In the expanded state, the channels provide a fluid conduit along an area between the screen and the wall of the wellbore. In a subsequent fracturing operation, slurry travels along the conduits permitting communication of the fracturing slurry with hydrocarbon bearing formations.

Abstract: An expandable well screen has a desirable thin-wall construction together with a simplified fabrication method. In fabricating the screen, a flexible sheet of metal mesh filter media is diffusion bonded to an inner side of a perforated metal sheet which is then deformed to a tubular shape to form a filter structure having an outer perforated tubular shroud interiorly lined with the filter media. The tubular filter structure is telescoped onto a perforated base pipe and has its opposite ends sealingly secured thereto to complete the expandable well screen.