Abstract: A downhole completion method and an expandable filtration apparatus are disclosed. The filter assembly comprises a plurality of layers beginning with a coated perforated base pipe. The coating reduces the force required for expansion. A drainage layer overlays the base pipe with the filtration layer above it. The drainage layer improves flow through the filtration layer and protects it from burrs in the base pipe. A filtration enhancement layer fits over the filtration layer and an outer shroud protects the assembly during run in. The assembly can be used as made or expanded downhole in one or a series of expansions.

Abstract: A sand control screen assembly (40) and method for treating formations traversed by a wellbore (34) in a single trip are disclosed. The sand control screen assembly (40) includes a base pipe (56) with a plurality of openings (58) that allow fluid flow therethrough. A filter medium (62) is positioned about the exterior of the base pipe (56) to filter particulate matter out of the production fluids. One-way valves (70) are operably associated within the openings (58) of the base pipe (56) to prevent fluid flow from the interior of the base pipe (56) to the exterior of the base pipe (56) during a treatment process. The one-way valves (70), however, are actuatable to allow fluid flow from the exterior of the base pipe (56) to the interior of the base pipe (56) to allow production of fluids from the formation (14).

Abstract: An apparatus for filtering a drilling fluid. The apparatus comprises a cylindrical flange member having a first and second passage and a cylindrical sleeve having an internal fishing neck. An attachment pin attaches the flange member to the cylindrical sleeve. The apparatus further comprises a screen member attached to the cylindrical sleeve. In one embodiment, the first and second passage are disposed off-centered so that four bore holes are created. The attachment pin cooperates with a groove formed on the sleeve's outer diameter surface. The apparatus may further include a pulling tool. The pulling tool contains a plurality of dog members disposed about a mandrel, and a spring that urges the dog members into engagement with a protuberance on the mandrel. The apparatus further comprises a shear pin attaching the dog members to the mandrel and wherein the shear pin is disposed within a slot so that the dog members can move axially relative to the mandrel.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention apparatus and methods are provided for completing a wellbore using expandable sand screen. An apparatus including a section of expandable sand screen, and an expanding member is disposed in the wellbore on a tubular run-in string. Thereafter, the expandable sand screen is expanded in a producing area of the wellbore.

Abstract: This invention provides improved apparatus and methods for completing a subterranean zone penetrated by a wellbore utilizing a gravel pack operation. One embodiment of the invention is an apparatus for completing a subterranean zone penetrated by a wellbore comprising a tubular member having a wall and a longitudinal bore. A plurality of apertures extend through the tubular member wall, the apertures define at least one radial arc and create at least one perforated radial aperture zone and at least one non-perforated radial blank zone. A screen member is attached to the exterior of the tubular member that covers the apertures. The placement of the apparatus within the wellbore creates an annular flow region that has a reduced tendency for premature dehydration of slurry during a gravel pack completion operation.

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: A method and apparatus for forcing drainage devices through the sidewall of a borehole and into the formation to increase oil and gas recovery from the formation. The object usually comprises a plurality of drainage devices, which may be a plurality of nesting discs perforated to provide a passageway for recovery fluid. The discs and drainage device are forced non-drillingly through the side wall and into the formation. The apparatus and method also may be used with interconnected links instead of discs to push a core sampler into the formation and retrieve it. The housing includes a guide channel that is usually an angled passageway or tube. The discs or links are sized to be received in the guide. The apparatus includes a propulsion assembly that impacts the discs or links that act as an anvil assembly. Alternatively, the apparatus takes the form of a pre-loaded casing section, that is, a casing section in which a plurality of drainage devices have been incorporated.

Abstract: An apparatus suitable for use in a wellbore comprises an expandable bistable device. An exemplary device has a plurality of bistable cells formed into a tubular shape. Each bistable cell comprises at least two elongated members that are connected to each other at their ends. The device is stable in a first configuration and a second configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus suitable for use in a wellbore comprises an expandable bistable device. An exemplary device has a plurality of bistable cells formed into a tubular shape. Each bistable cell comprises at least two elongated members that are connected to each other at their ends. The device is stable in a first configuration and a second configuration.

Abstract: Sensors are attached directly to portions of the sand screen of a gravel packing assembly, with connectors to the sensors run through elements of the screen that are hollow for that purpose. The hollow element can be the trapezoidal wire that is circumferentially wrapped to form the outer screen or one of the outer spacers used to provide a stand-off of the wire from the underlying tubing. Sensors can detect such conditions as pressure, temperature, flow rate, density, etc., and can provide real-time information on the effectiveness of gravel placement during packing and on well conditions during production.

Abstract: A screen assembly (38) and method for progressively treating an interval (48) of a wellbore (32) is disclosed. The screen assembly (38) comprises a sand control screen (40) that is positioned within the wellbore (32) and a plurality of diverter members(42) that are positioned along the sand control screen (40). During a treatment process when a treatment fluid is pumped into the interior of the sand control screen (40), the diverter members(42) progressively allow the treatment fluid to exit from the interior of the sand control screen (40) to the exterior of the sand control screen (40) from a first end (46) of the interval (48) to a second end (44) of the interval (48) to progressively treat the interval (48) of the wellbore (32).

Abstract: A slotting geometry for a metal pipe for use in fabricating slotted liners. The slotting geometry includes one or more integral substantially continuous unslotted helical coils extending around a peripheral sidewall for sustantially the entire length of a tubular body. There are helical regions between the coils containing slots arranged to create generally trapezoidally shaped elongated struts joining the edges of adjacent coils. Ends of the tubular body have unslotted connecting portions, thereby facilitating connection with the tubular body. Slotted liners fabricated using this slotting geometry have the capability of having their outer diameter expanded or contracted. This has utility when inserting or removing the slotted liners iinto a well bore. By expanding or contracting the outer diameter, the slots can be made to be sider or narrower, this has utility in controlling slot width.

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: Embodiments of a pump protection system are disclosed which may be used to enclose, protect, and improve the efficiency of a submersible pump. The pump protection system of the instant invention prevents unwanted materials from clogging the pump intake port and from entering the pump intake port to damage the internal parts of the pump. The pump protection system may be back flushed to clean the pump protection system without damaging the pump. The pump protection system also prevents entrained gasses from entering the pump. A pressure relief valve is also disclosed which provides back pressure on the pump at pump startup.

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: 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: An apparatus (60) and method for gravel packing an interval of a wellbore is disclosed. The apparatus (60) comprises a sand control screen (78) that is positioned within the wellbore and a tube and manifold system (62) positioned between the sand control screen (78) and the wellbore. The tube and manifold system (62) delivers a fluid slurry to a plurality of levels within the interval when the apparatus (60) is in an operable position. The tubes (64, 70, 76) of the tube and manifold system (62) have first and second ends which are open such that the fluid slurry may enter one end, travel through the entire length of the tube (64, 70, 76) and exit the other end. The manifolds (66, 72) of the tube and manifold system (62) each have at least one exit port (68, 74) for the discharge of the fluid slurry from the tube and manifold system (62).

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: Improved methods and apparatus for completing a subterranean zone penetrated by a wellbore are provided. The improved methods include the steps of placing in the wellbore a perforated shroud (liner) having an internal sand screen therein (e.g., screens, screened pipes, perforated liners, prepacked screens, etc.), positioning about the perforated liner an alternate flowpath comprised of a plurality of “bypass” tubes or conduits having inlet passages or portions adapted to receive the gravel slurry as it reaches the apparatus and outlets for the slurry to reach the well annulus, and injecting particulate material (e.g., slurry) into the wellbore/perforated shroud and shroud/screen annuli, whereby the particulate material is uniformly packed into the two annuli and the zone. In one aspect of the invention, the multiple flow paths are provided via a series of blank tubes (e.g.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for isolating a completing and isolating a zone within a subterranean wellbore is disclosed. One embodiment of the present invention is a zonal isolation assembly for completing a first zone in a subterranean wellbore. The zonal isolation assembly comprises an inner housing and a sliding sleeve capable of moving between an open and closed position is disposed within the inner housing. A passageway provides fluid communication between the inside and outside of the inner housing and an isolation tubing element is at least partially disposed within the inner housing and capable of moving between an upper position and a lower position. When the sliding sleeve is in its closed position and the isolation tubing element is in its lower position, fluid communication from the first zone through the isolation assembly is restricted.

Abstract: Three embodiments of an expandable screen are described. In the preferred embodiment, the base layer, filtering layer, and outer layer are joined together in a sintering furnace in the form of a flat sheet which is in turn rolled up. The layered sheet is then formed into a tube by rolling it to make a longitudinal or spiral joint which is welded with connections placed on ends. In an alternative embodiment, the base layer and filtering layer are sintered together and formed into a tube which is in turn inserted into an outer protective tube. In a third embodiment, a base pipe is perforated and its exterior surface threaded. A wire runs through the threads with a protective jacket over the underlying assembly. Upon expansion, the opening sizes remain relatively constant.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention apparatus and methods are provided for completing a wellbore using expandable sand screen. An apparatus including a section of expandable sand screen, and an expanding member is disposed in the wellbore on a tubular run-in string. Thereafter, the expandable sand screen is expanded in a producing area of the wellbore.

Abstract: A downhole debris filtering apparatus is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the flow diverter is retracted as the tool is run in to provide easy passage for debris. Settling velocity is the rate at which debris will fall through the fluid. Settling velocity is dependent on the density of the fluid and the debris density. If the fluid velocity exceeds the settling velocity, the debris will rise. The restricted annular area outside the screens raises the fluid velocity. Above the cup sleeve, the annular area increases significantly and the fluid velocity is reduce to below the settling velocity to allow debris to settle to the bottom of the tool. On run in, the fluid merely bypasses on the outside of the filter. Large debris will settle into the tool as described. When pulled out of the hole the swab cup/flow diverter is actuated into casing or liner wall contact and a large passage is opened to allow flow though the filter.

Abstract: Then invention generally provides an apparatus and method for providing a more uniform gravel pack in the well bore. An alternative pathway is provided within the apparatus to by-pass a sand bridge formed in the wellbore. The reentry point of the slurry into the wellbore can be predetermined based upon the conditions of the formation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of controlling the flow of hydrocarbons into and/or out of a string of tubing disposed in a wellbore. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a tubular member having at least one aperture formed in a wall thereof and a sleeve disposed radially outward of the tubular member. The sleeve is selectively movable between a first position and a second position to control the flow between the outside and the inside of the tubular member. In one aspect, the apparatus further comprises a biasing member disposed adjacent the sleeve and adapted to apply a force against the sleeve in an axial direction and further comprises a piston adapted to receive a hydraulic pressure to move the sleeve against the force of the biasing member. In another aspect, the apparatus further comprises a electromechanical device adapted to selectively move the sleeve between the first position and the second position and further comprises a control line adapted to conduct an electrical current.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for gravel packing, isolating and testing a sand screen completion of a wellbore in a single trip are disclosed. One method comprises inserting into the wellbore a sand screen assembly, an isolation pipe, and a test assembly on a workstring. A gravel pack operation is performed, and the isolation pipe is shifted to a position in sealing contact with the sand screen assembly, thereby isolating the sand screen assembly. The test assembly is then shifted to a configuration that provides hydraulic communication between the interior of the isolation pipe and the workstring-wellbore annulus above the test assembly. Imposing pressure on the workstring-wellbore annulus then hydraulically tests the integrity of the seal between the isolation pipe and the sand screen assembly.

Abstract: An expandable well screen provides increased collapse, torsional and tensile strength. In a described embodiment, an expandable well screen includes a generally tubular base pipe and an external filtering media. The well screen is configured to have sufficient torsional and tensile strength for conveyance and positioning in a wellbore, while also having sufficient strength to prevent collapse when the screen is radially expanded.

Abstract: An intelligent well system and method has a sand face completion and a monitoring system to monitor application of a well operation. Various equipment and services may be used. In another aspect, the invention provides a monitoring system for determining placement of a well treatment. Yet another aspect of the invention is an instrumented sand screen. Another aspect is a connector for routing control lines. 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. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: A well completion is provided to enable sand-control treatment of one or more production zones with only a single trip into a well. In one example arrangement, the completion may include a first, second and third packer. The first packer may be attached to a production tubing. A first sand screen may be disposed between the first and second packers. A first closing sleeve may be disposed between the first packer and the first sand screen. A first surface controlled flow control device may be disposed between the first sand screen and the second packer. A control conduit extending from the earth's surface is sealably passed through the first packer and connected to the first surface controlled flow control device. A second sand screen is disposed between the second and third packers. A second closing sleeve may be disposed between the second packer and the second sand screen.

Abstract: This invention provides improved apparatus and methods for completing a subterranean zone penetrated by a wellbore utilizing a gravel pack operation. One embodiment of the invention is an apparatus for completing a subterranean zone penetrated by a wellbore comprising a tubular member having a wall and a longitudinal bore. A plurality of apertures extend through the tubular member wall, the apertures define at least one radial arc and create at least one perforated radial aperture zone and at least one non-perforated radial blank zone. A screen member is attached to the exterior of the tubular member that covers the apertures. The placement of the apparatus within the wellbore creates an annular flow region that has a reduced tendency for premature dehydration of slurry during a gravel pack completion operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fracturing a formation or gravel packing a borehole extending through an unconsolidated subterranean zone in a formation includes a screen assembly having a length adapted for disposal adjacent the unconsolidated subterranean zone and includes a plurality of screens mounted on a base member with adjacent base members being connected by a sub having an aperture in the wall thereof. A flow-control service assembly is disposed within the bore of the screen assembly and includes an outer tubular member and an inner tubular member. The outer tubular member includes a plurality of ports that communicate with the apertures in the screen assembly. The apertures in the screen assembly are disposed along the length of screen assembly at predetermined intervals. The inner tubular member and outer tubular member form an inner annulus, the outer tubular member and screen assembly form a medial annulus, and the screen assembly forms an outer annulus with the wall of the borehole.

Abstract: A completion technique to replace cementing casing, perforating, fracturing, and gravel packing with an open hole completion is disclosed. Each zone to be isolated by the completion assembly features a pair of isolators, which are preferably tubular with a sleeve of a sealing material such as an elastomer on the outer surface. The screen is preferably made of a weave in one or more layers with a protective outer, and optionally an inner, jacket with openings. The completion assembly can be lowered on rigid or coiled tubing which, internally to the completion assembly, includes the expansion assembly. The expansion assembly is preferably an inflatable design with features that provide limits to the delivered expansion force and/or diameter. A plurality of zones can be isolated in a single trip.

Abstract: A separation string includes an outer pre-drilled liner and an inner assembly disposed within the outer pre-drilled liner. The inner assembly includes a shear-out member and a filter assembly for separating hydrocarbons from contaminants. A swivel slack joint is connected to an upper end of the inner assembly to facilitate mounting of a top sub to the inner assembly and to the outer pre-drilled liner without producing rotation of the inner assembly. The swivel slack joint includes an outer sleeve connected to the inner assembly, and a tube connected to the top sub. The tube is freely rotatable and vertically slidable relative to the sleeve. The shear-out member is designed to shear at a load less than a load which would cause other components of the inner assembly to shear, and to present, upon shearing, a portion configured to be grasped by a retrieval tool.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for expanding tubulars in a wellbore. In one aspect of the invention, an expansion tool with hydraulically actuated, radially expandable members is disposed on a string of coil tubing. In another aspect of the invention the apparatus is utilized to expand a tubular lining a lateral wellbore into contact with a window of a larger tubular lining a central wellbore. The tubular lining can comprise nonporous or porous material.

Abstract: Circulation flow apertures in a wellbore pipe, tubing, casing or casing liner screen may be selectively closed by an internal pipe sleeve that is formed of a thin, malleable material. One axial end of the sleeve is flared and secured to the inner bore surface of the pipe as by welding or by clamping between the ends of axially adjacent pipe joints joined by a threaded coupling. The remaining length of the sleeve extends along the pipe and over any pipe apertures to form an annular space between the outer cylinder surface of the sleeve and the inner bore surface of the pipe. A perimeter seal element such as an O-ring is placed around the sleeve outer perimeter beyond the apertures in a direction opposite from the sleeve flare. The flow aperture in the pipe is closed by a swaging tool that expands the sleeve against the pipe bore wall sufficiently to close the annulus and compress the O-ring seal against the pipe borewall.

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: An apparatus suitable for use in a wellbore comprises an expandable bistable device. An exemplary device has a plurality of bistable cells formed into a tubular shape. Each bistable cell comprises at least two elongated members that are connected to each other at their ends. The device is stable in a first configuration and a second configuration.

Abstract: A subterranean filter to remove particles from production fluid in a well includes a perforated inner member, at least one filter membrane made of a non-woven polymer material and a metal braided layer installed around the membrane and inner member to provide a filter having improved permeability and resistance to chemical and physical forces.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for completing an unconsolidated subterranean zone penetrated by a well bore are provided. The methods basically comprise the steps of placing a slotted liner having an internal sand screen disposed therein in the zone, isolating the slotted liner and the well bore in the zone and injecting particulate material into the annuli between the sand screen and the slotted liner and the slotted liner and the well bore to thereby form packs of particulate material therein to prevent the migration of fines and sand with produced fluids.

Abstract: In the present invention, a plurality of conduits are employed for introducing Fenton's reagent reaction components separately into a site for treating a target contaminant. The conduits are disposed in a subsurface borehole which can be positioned, prepared and sealed as in the prior art. At the surface-accessible end of each conduit, an injection head is provided. At the subsurface end of each conduit, various means are provided for allowing the components to contact one another to form Fenton's reagent and for delivering the reagent to the contamination site.

Abstract: A well screen for placement within wells used to filter out impurities from the fluid entering the well. In the preferred embodiment, the well screen comprises a spirally-wound wire forming a cylinder with gaps between the layers of wire. The layers of wire are attached by spacers placed within the gaps. In an alternative embodiment, the well screen is formed from concentric rings, and in a third embodiment the well screen is formed from a cylindrical tubes that are machined to remove material to form horizontal gaps. In the first two embodiments, at least one spacer is integrally formed to the wire or a ring to minimize the amount of welding required to secure the spacers to adjacent rings or windings.

Abstract: An integral well filter and screen and a method for making and using it are described. A first embodiment includes a perforated cylindrical well screen with a filter assembly in its interior. The filter assembly includes a pliable filter material bonded to a filter support. The filter support is a plastic lattice rigid enough to hold the shape of the filter assembly and keep the filter material in contact with the inner surface of the well screen, yet deformable enough that the filter assembly can be formed into a shape consistent with the interior of the well screen. A second embodiment includes a well screen with a filter made of a rigid, porous material placed inside the well screen. Because the filter is rigid, it needs no filter support. Methods of manufacturing each of the embodiments are presented.

Abstract: A downhole tool having selectively openable ports therein, the tool being actuable between a closed configuration in which the ports are closed, a primed configuration in which the ports are primed for opening, and an open configuration in which the ports are opened.

Abstract: A well screen for preventing contaminants such as debris, pests, and insects from falling into the well water. The well screen includes a barrier having top and bottom faces with a plurality of apertures therethrough. A plurality of elongate hanging arms are upwardly extended from the top face of the barrier. The hanging arms each have an outwardly extending upper extent.

Abstract: A sand-capturing tool is disclosed, as well as a method. The tool relies on an eductor. The eductor is supplied by pumped fluid from the surface through a coiled tubing support for the tool. The eductor induces flow into a central tube in the tool which brings in with it the sand to be captured. Ultimately, the cross-sectional area of the induced fluid flow is increased to reduce its velocity and to further induce the sand which has been brought through the narrow inner tube to drop out into an annular area around the inner tube. The clean fluid exits through a screen and goes around the eductor and uphole to the surface. In an alternative embodiment, the assembly can be supported on an electric line employing a downhole pump which provides the motive fluid force for the eductor jet. In this embodiment, the remaining operation is the same.

Abstract: A well screen for placement within wells used to filter out impurities from the fluid entering the well. In the preferred embodiment, the well screen comprises a spirally-wound wire forming a cylinder with gaps between the layers of wire. The layers of wire are attached by spacers placed within the gaps and on the surfaces of the wire such that the spacers do not extend radially beyond the inner and outer edges of the wire. The outer edge of the spacer can be flush or slightly recessed from the outer edge of the wire to create greater open area for which fluid can flow through. The inner edge of the spacer can also be flush or slightly recessed from the outer edge of the wire. In the alternate embodiment, the well screen comprises a plurality of rings stacked atop each other and connected together by spacers located at intervals around the circumference of the rings.

Abstract: A sand recovery unit for removing sand and other clogging debris from a producing well formation including a cylinder tube component housing an interior filter located across an intake; a DC motor coupled to a pumping mechanism having an intake covered by the filter and discharge orifices along the side wall of the tube; and a one-way flap valve provided in-line with the interior filter in a manner such that the inline flap valve is positioned on an opposite side of the filtering screen from the pumping mechanism. A coupling is also provided for attachment to a drill string and a chargeable ni-cad battery supply is provided for powering the pumping mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of separating hydrocarbons from water and other well fluids produced from a reservoir. A controlled permeability filter selectively permits the flow of gas, oil and other hydrocarbons while restricting water flow through the filter. The permeability of certain gases or liquids through the filter can be controlled by adjusting the pressure differential across the filter. In one embodiment of the invention, the pressure differential can be selected by adjusting the filter location within a fluid column within the wellbore. In other embodiments of the invention, multiple filters can be positioned in the wellbore, and the permeability of a filter can be adjusted to control the passage of hydrocarbons therethrough.

Abstract: A deformable well screen for preventing migration of solid particles into a hydrocarbon production well is disclosed, the screen including at least one substantially tubular filter layer of which the sieve opening size remains fairly constant during or after expansion and/or other deformation of the screen. Optionally the screen also includes a series of circumferentially scaled filter segments that are arranged around an expandable slotted tube, an expandable slotted tube of which the slots are filled with resin coated granules, an expandable slotted tube with micro-slots, an assembly of woven metal wire screens that are sintered together and/or a synthetic geotextile fabric.

Abstract: A conventional screened liner is modified to enable fluid circulation through its length when working it toward a landing position in a horizontal wellbore. At surface, a sleeve of heat-liquifiable sealant (such as wax or tar) is formed internally in each perforated liner joint to blind the liner openings. The sleeve may have a central longitudinal bore formed therethrough or alternatively the sleeve is bored out to fully re-open the joint bore. In either case, the bore through the blinded joints enable circulating the liner into the wellbore. Once the liner is in place, the sealant can be removed by circulating steam past it to liquify it. By providing bore-forming blinded screen joints, it is now possible to circulate through the entire length of liner to remove sand blockages without reversing fluid flow through the liner openings.