Abstract: Provided is a filter plug, a well system, and a method for fracturing a well system. The filter plug, in one aspect, includes a filtration skeleton. The filter plug according to this aspect further includes a degradable material in contact with the filtration skeleton, the filtration skeleton and degradable material configured to lodge within a port in a wellbore, and thus substantially plug the port when the degradable material remains intact with the filtration skeleton and allow the filtration skeleton to filter particulate matter as fluid passes there through when the degradable material no longer remains intact with the filtration skeleton.

Abstract: There is provided a fluid flow conducting apparatus comprising: a housing, a housing passage configured for conducting fluid through the housing, and a flow controller for controlling flow communication between the housing passage and an environment external to the housing. The flow controller includes a sealed interface-effector. The flow controller is disposed in a first configuration, and adapted for disposition in a second configuration in response to disposition of the sealed interface-effector in communication with a degradation-promoting agent such that degradation of the sealed interface effector is effected. In the first configuration, the sealed interface effector is threadably coupled to the housing and defines a sealed interface between the housing passage and the environment external to the housing. In the second configuration, the sealed interface is defeated.

Abstract: Example systems and methods are described that operate to open screen joints using mechanically-generated perforations for beginning fluid production. In an example system, a screen joint is deployed in a production tubing within a wellbore. The screen joint includes a screen element and a blank housing that are coupled to an exterior surface of a non]perforated base pipe. Further, the screen joint includes a locator profile positioned along an interior surface of the non]perforated base pipe. A perforator is deployed within the screen joint that includes a mechanical perforator and a locator for engaging with the locator profile to position the mechanical perforator under the blank housing.

Abstract: A sand control screen assembly having a drainage layer that provides a controlled offset between the drainage layer and a filter medium and/or a base pipe. The sand control screen assembly also includes a protective shroud or jacket positioned about the filter medium. The sand control screen assembly can be utilized for preventing the flow of particulate material of a predetermined size therethrough and allowing the flow of production fluids therethrough.

Abstract: A tube wave reduction system for a borehole includes a tubular member; one or more openings in the tubular member, the one or more openings having a through-passage and a deformation region surrounding the through-passage; and an absorber in fluid communication with the one or more openings. Also included is a method for reducing an effect of a tube wave.

Abstract: A helical displacement well with preassembled segments includes a preassembled shaft-forming penetrator tube including helical plates mounted to its exterior that may be rotated to propel the casing into the ground. A hydraulic drill motor rotates the penetrator tube as it moves deeper into the ground. Extension tubes may be added to and coupled to the penetrator tube. A bolt including a threaded stem sized to engage the threaded bolt opening of the male connector and a cap of larger breadth than the threaded stem and sized to fit within the unthreaded tension bolt opening of the female connector for connecting the female connector about the male connector.

Abstract: A casing mandrel includes a body having a first end and a second end, the first end being configured to be coupled to an upper portion of a casing string and the second end being configured to be coupled to a lower portion of the casing string, a downhole tool operatively coupled to an outer surface of the body, a tool port defined in the body and extending between the downhole tool and an interior of the body and thereby placing the downhole tool in fluid communication with the interior of the body, and at least one degradable plug disposed within the tool port to prevent wellbore debris from obstructing fluid communication between the interior and the downhole tool, wherein the degradable plug degrades over time.

Abstract: A helical displacement well with preassembled segments includes a preassembled shaft-forming penetrator tube including helical plates mounted to its exterior that may be rotated to propel the casing into the ground. A hydraulic drill motor rotates the penetrator tube and as it moves deeper into the ground. Extension tubes may be added to and coupled to the penetrator tube. A hydraulic drill motor is attached to the upper end of the extension tubes in order to continue the rotation of the assembled helical displacement well. The filter screen and the piping are installed concurrently with the addition of the extension tubes at the surface of the ground.

Abstract: A layer of permeable material is positioned on an area of lost circulation lithology in a wellbore. An example of the permeable material includes a planar member with perforations that is rolled into and retained in an annular configuration. The permeable material is lowered into the wellbore adjacent the area of lost circulation and allowed to unroll and expand radially outward against walls of the wellbore. The wellbore wall along the area of lost circulation lithology can be reamed out so the layer of permeable material is out of the way of a drill bit. A bridging agent can be applied on the interface where the permeable material contacts the wellbore wall.

Abstract: A method of removing a downhole assembly comprises contacting, in the presence of an electrolyte, a first article comprising a first material and acting as an anode, and a second article comprising a second material having a lower reactivity than the first material and acting as a cathode, the downhole assembly comprising the first article in electrical contact with the second article, wherein at least a portion of the first article is corroded in the electrolyte.

Abstract: A sensing system comprises at least one gauge disposed in a wellbore, a sensing link coupled to the at least one gauge, and a debris barrier coupled to the sensing link. The debris barrier comprises a housing coupled to the sensing link, and a barrier element configured to reduce the transport of particulates from the wellbore into the sensing link.

Abstract: A debris barrier snap fits to a tubular groove of one of the tubulars that define the annular gap in which the barrier is to be mounted. It is loosely mounted so that it can center itself in the annulus as the relatively moving members go out of a concentric arrangement. The continuous carbon fiber material used for the debris barrier has lubricious qualities to act as a bushing when the annulus shape changes due to movement of the tubulars out of a concentric relationship. An outer or inner groove on the barrier acts to trap and retain small particles that manage to advance between the barrier and the outer tubular. The snap fit is accomplished with flexible spaced apart fingers with grip surfaces to engage a groove on one of the tubulars. The barrier has low expansion under thermal loads that acts to stop the entrance of debris.

Abstract: A debris barrier snap fits to a tubular groove of one of the tubulars that define the annular gap in which the barrier is to be mounted. It is loosely mounted so that it can center itself in the annulus as the relatively moving members go out of a concentric arrangement. The continuous carbon fiber material used for the debris barrier has lubricious qualities to act as a bushing when the annulus shape changes due to movement of the tubulars out of a concentric relationship. An outer or inner groove on the barrier acts to trap and retain small particles that manage to advance between the barrier and the outer tubular. The snap fit is accomplished with flexible spaced apart fingers with grip surfaces to engage a groove on one of the tubulars. The barrier has low expansion under thermal loads that acts to stop the entrance of debris.

Abstract: A method and system for cementing a tubular and mud motor in a wellbore utilizing burst disks above the mud motor. The burst disks rupture to permit the cement to flow through the burst disks and bypass the mud motor. All of the burst disks reliably rupture at a predetermined and known threshold pressure so as to permit cement to be pumped at a desired rate through all of the ruptured burst disks. Each burst disk is provided with a cover for maintaining a chamber of a known pressure between the cap and the burst disk. All of the burst disks predictably and reliably rupture at the rated pressure.

Abstract: A well screen assembly for use downhole comprises a fluid pathway configured to provide fluid communication between an exterior of a wellbore tubular and an interior of the wellbore tubular, a flow restrictor disposed in the fluid pathway, and a plug disposed in series with the flow restrictor in the fluid pathway. The plug substantially prevents a fluid flow through the fluid pathway. The plug is configured to be at least partially dissolvable when contacted by a fluid, and the fluid comprises a chemical configured to dissolve the plug.

Abstract: A debris barrier snap fits to a tubular groove of one of the tubulars that define the annular gap in which the barrier is to be mounted. It is loosely mounted so that it can center itself in the annulus as the relatively moving members go out of a concentric arrangement. The continuous carbon fiber material used for the debris barrier has lubricious qualities to act as a bushing when the annulus shape changes due to movement of the tubulars out of a concentric relationship. An outer or inner groove on the barrier acts to trap and retain small particles that manage to advance between the barrier and the outer tubular. The snap fit is accomplished with flexible spaced apart fingers with grip surfaces to engage a groove on one of the tubulars.

Abstract: A method of drilling and completing a well can include drilling a section of a wellbore, positioning a perforated shroud in the section of the wellbore, securing the perforated shroud by setting a hanger, and isolating the section of the wellbore from a remainder of the wellbore vertically above the section of the wellbore. The drilling, positioning, securing and isolating steps can be performed while the section of the wellbore is not exposed to a liquid column extending to a surface location. The drilling, positioning, securing and isolating steps can be performed in a single trip of a drill string into the wellbore.

Abstract: A debris barrier snap fits to a tubular groove of one of the tubulars that define the annular gap in which the barrier is to be mounted. It is loosely mounted so that it can center itself in the annulus as the relatively moving members go out of a concentric arrangement. The continuous carbon fiber material used for the debris barrier has lubricious qualities to act as a bushing when the annulus shape changes due to movement of the tubulars out of a concentric relationship. An outer or inner groove on the barrier acts to trap and retain small particles that manage to advance between the barrier and the outer tubular. The snap fit is accomplished with flexible spaced apart fingers with grip surfaces to engage a groove on one of the tubulars. The barrier has low expansion under thermal loads to retain the clearance that acts to stop the entrance of debris.

Abstract: A downhole apparatus is described comprising a main body coupled with a well tubing and a swellable mantle disposed on the main body. The swellable mantle expands upon contact with at least one predetermined fluid, and the main body comprises at least one opening for fluid flow between an exterior of the main body and the bore. An insert permits the passage of fluid, through the swellable mantle, between the exterior of the apparatus and the opening. In one aspect of the invention a screen filters solids between the exterior of the apparatus and the bore, and a swellable mantle comprises a first region which allows the passage of fluid between the exterior of the apparatus and the main body and a second region, circumferentially adjacent the first region, which substantially prevents passage of fluid. Corresponding well completion and production methods are also described.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a filter element for simulating a fracture in subterranean formations comprising a non-porous filter element configured to be disposed in a wellbore fluid testing device, the non-porous filter element having a plurality of radial perforations extending there through.

Abstract: A flow control screen having a fluid flow path between a perforated section of a base pipe and a filter medium positioned around a blank pipe section of the base pipe. A valve assembly, including a piston body and a valve plug, is disposed within the fluid flow path. The piston body has an internal seat and a collet assembly that is radially outwardly constrained in a first operating position of the piston body to retain the valve plug therein and radially outwardly unconstrained in a second operating position of the piston body. Reverse flow is initially prevented as an internal differential pressure seats the valve plug on the internal seat and causes the piston body to shift to the second operating position upon reaching a predetermined threshold. Thereafter, an external differential pressure causes the valve plug to be expelled through the collet assembly, thereby no longer preventing reverse flow.

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 debris barrier assembly for use downhole includes a single body annular barrier having a bore; an extension tubular inserted through the bore; an upper tubular coupled to an upper end of the extension tubular; and a lower tubular coupled to a lower end of the extension tubular, wherein the lower tubular includes a release valve. In one embodiment, the release valve is mechanically opened. In another embodiment, a torque connection is used to couple the upper tubular to the extension tubular.

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

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

Abstract: A method is disclosed for controlling the flow of fluid between a downhole formation and a base pipe located in wellbore proximate the downhole formation. A plurality of chokes are established between the formation and the base pipe to regulate the flow of fluid between the formation and the base pipe. In one embodiment, each choke comprises a nozzle formed in the base pipe. In another embodiment, each choke comprises a nozzle in a housing arranged on the base pipe. A plurality of plugs are pumped downhole for engagement with the nozzles. The pressure in the wellbore is then increased until the plugs engage each nozzle. In an alternative embodiment, plugs are pumped downhole and stop up the housing containing the nozzles. Fluid flow between the base pipe and the downhole formation may be reestablished by dissolving the plugs or by back-flowing the production string to dislodge them.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for completing a well. The apparatus can include a packer located downhole of a sand control sliding sleeve extension device to create an upper annulus and a lower annulus. The apparatus can also include a formation isolation well control barrier device located downhole of both the sand control sliding sleeve extension and the packer to create a lower tubular region an upper tubular region.

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

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

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

Abstract: Flow control systems and methods for use in injection wells and in the production of hydrocarbons utilize a particulate material disposed in an external flow area of a flow control chamber having an internal flow channel and an external flow area separated at least by a permeable region. The particulate material transitions from a first accumulated condition to a free or released condition when a triggering condition is satisfied without requiring user or operator intervention. The released particles accumulate without user or operator intervention, to control the flow of production fluids through a flow control chamber by at least substantially blocking the permeable region between the external flow area and the internal flow channel.

Abstract: A well system having a galvanic time release plug. A well system includes a flow passage and a flow blocking device which selectively obstructs flow through the passage, the device including an electrode in a galvanic cell. A flow blocking device for use in conjunction with a subterranean well includes a portion which delays an electrochemical reaction in a galvanic cell. A method of controlling fluid flow in a well system includes the steps of: obstructing flow through a passage using a flow blocking device which includes an electrode of a galvanic cell; and increasing flow through the passage by operation of the galvanic cell.

Abstract: A system for use in a well includes plural flow control devices to control fluid flow in respective zones of the well, where each of at least some of the flow control devices includes a membrane having a permeable material to provide a flow restriction. The membranes of the at least some flow control devices have different permeabilities to provide corresponding different flow restrictions.

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: Methods for forming a barrier around at least a portion of a treatment area in a subsurface formation are described herein. Sulfur may be introduced into one or more wellbores located inside a perimeter of a treatment area in the formation having a permeability of at least 0.1 darcy. At least some of the sulfur is allowed to move towards portions of the formation cooler than the melting point of sulfur to solidify the sulfur in the formation to form the barrier.

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: A sand control screen assembly (40) includes a base pipe (44) having a plurality of openings (45) in a sidewall portion thereof and a swellable material layer (46) disposed exteriorly of the base pipe (44) and having a plurality of openings (47) that correspond to the openings (45) of the base pipe (44). A plurality of telescoping perforations (48) are operably associated with the openings (45) of the base pipe (44) and at least partially disposed within the corresponding openings (47) of the swellable material layer (46). A filter medium (56) is disposed within each of the telescoping perforations (48). In operation, radial expansion of the swellable material layer (46), in response to contact with an activating fluid, causes the telescoping perforations (48) to radially outwardly extend.

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

Abstract: A drill-in liner assembly including a tubular and a plurality of substantially radially oriented openings in the tubular arranged in a pattern; the pattern selected to substantially maintain torsional strength of the tubular while facilitating in-flow of target fluid. Also including a plurality of beaded matrix plugs disposed within one or more of the plurality of openings such that torsional load placed upon the plurality of openings in the tubular is borne by the plugs. An erosion resistant filtering arrangement including a tubular, a plurality of openings in the tubular arranged in a pattern, and a plurality of beaded matrix plugs disposed within one or more of the plurality of openings.

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 strainer system having two separate strainers positioned in parallel, where one strainer can be cleaned while still permitting normal flow through the other strainer. The system flow circuit is arranged so that a high pressure backwashing flow can be applied to one strainer while the other strainer is providing its normal straining function. The backwashed strainer is then isolated by valves so that its access flange can be removed and the particulate buildup within the valve plug cleaned out. The strainer is then returned to service following the replacement of the access flange. In this manner, it is possible to alternate between the two strainers so that continuous flow can be maintained to the hydraulic choke located downstream of the strainer system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a well screen assembled on a base pipe and having an improved drainage layer disposed between the outer filter material and the base pipe. The improved drainage layer can be formed from a variety of materials and shapes. The drainage layer can be manufactured separately from the base pipe in the form of a tube severed along its length and subsequently assembled on the base pipe.

Abstract: The invention contemplates a strainer based upon a four-way, two-position rotary cylindrical plug valve having a hollow plug. The normal entry port for the sealing plug of the plug valve is a circular radial hole passing from the exterior of the plug into the interior cavity of the plug. The normal exit port for the sealing plug is a regular array of small holes across from and coaxial with the normal entry hole. The ports for the valve body are in two pairs positioned at 90° from each other, with the axes of the ports lying in the same transverse plane as the ports of the valve plug.

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: 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 combination collar based retrievable drilling fluid filter and wiper with threaded ends for easy inclusion within the drill string, and a through bore for passage of drilling fluids and insertion of a wire line retrievable filter and wiper unit which is concentrically received and supported by the collar. The filter and wiper unit include a filter insert and an elongated wiper carrier. The filter insert is positioned at an upper end of the apparatus and is received by the elongated wiper carrier which is positioned at the lower end of the apparatus. The elongated wiper carrier includes numerous wiper brushes which help remove scale from the interior of the drill string when the filter and wiper unit is retrieved. Electrical wiring passes easily through the apparatus for operation of down hole instruments if desired.

Abstract: A down-hole tool is described for collecting loose debris particles in a well bore. The tool has a body connectable in a work string for actively diverting well fluid through the tool body with at least some of the diverted well fluid being filtered as it passes through the tool by a filter. In a preferred embodiment the tool also comprises a cleaning member, such as a wiper for wiping the casing or liner wall of the well and a trap for trapping filtered debris up stream of the filter.

Abstract: Preperforated tubing is produced by forming a perforation in flat strip of raw material, forming a hollow, cylindrical tube from the flat strip, and placing a removable plug into the perforation, so as to form a fluid-tight seal. A sealing element may be placed into the perforation. The perforation may comprise a hole, into which first and second countersinks may be formed. The sealing element may be placed into the first countersink, and the plug may be placed through the countersinks and the hole, such that the plug's body fills the hole and the plug's head fits within the second countersink.

Abstract: The flow apertures of a perforated mandrel are temporarily sealed by plugs which are made of a sacrificial material, for example, zinc, aluminum and magnesium. The sacrificial plugs prevent dirty completion fluid from passing through and in and out of the screen as it is run into the hole, thereby protecting the screen from plugging. During the time the screen mandrel is temporarily sealed by the sacrificial plugs, cleaning fluid is circulated through a work string and is returned through the annulus between the screen and the open well bore for removing filter cake, drilling debris and lost circulation material. After the annulus has been cleaned, the annulus is filled with an acid solution or caustic solution, which dissolves the sacrificial plugs. In an alternative embodiment, each sealing plug has a body portion and a stub portion which project into the mandrel bore. The sealing plug body portion is intersected by a vent pocket which is sealed by the stub portion.

Abstract: A method for setting a gravel pack in an oil well through tubing situation includes the steps of running a tool body into the well using an electric wireline. The tool body is precisely positioned relative to the surrounding casing, and radially extending members attached to the tool are used to center the tool body in the well bore. Sand control media such as a gravel pack is disposed in the well annulus circumferentially about the tool body using a dump bailer. The use of radially extending members allow the tool body to pass through restricted diameter openings such as in production tubing, fittings, nipples, pressure control device, packers, valves and the like.