Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for low damage gravel packing. The method comprises: combining a carrier fluid and a solids mixture into a slurry, wherein the solids mixture comprises a plurality of particle size distribution modes such that a packed volume fraction exceeds 0.75; contacting a screen with leak-off control agent to form a bridge; positioning the screen and circulating the slurry through the wellbore in any order such that the solids mixture is deposited between the screen and the wellbore; degrading the degradable material to increase porosity and permeability of the pack; removing the bridge; and producing a reservoir fluid from the formation. The system comprises the slurry, a tubing string and slurry pump to position the screen and circulate the slurry to form the bridge on the screen.

Abstract: A completions fluid loss control system for incorporation into upper completion hardware. The system allows for the avoidance of a dedicated intermediate completion installation in advance of upper completion delivery to a lower completion at a formation interface. The system includes a unique cup packer and flow regulation arrangement such that annular fluid thereabove may be isolated away from space below the system while at the same time allowing annular fluid therebelow to bypass the system. As such, the upper completion may be advanced toward the installed lower completion while maintaining well control at the noted formation interface.

Abstract: A system for supplying water to a desalination plant from a subsurface feedwater supply using one or more slant or horizontally directionally drilled (“HDD”) wells, and for concentrate disposal (e.g., injection of brine). A method for constructing a slant or HDD well feedwater supply system for supplying water from a subsurface feedwater supply or to inject concentrate into a subsea aquifer.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for use in a wellbore gravel pack operation. The method comprises providing an apparatus in a downhole annulus. The apparatus comprises a mandrel and a swellable element formed from a material selected to increase in volume when exposed to a downhole stimulus. The method comprises placing a gravel pack below the apparatus via the downhole annulus in which the apparatus is located, and placing a gravel pack above the apparatus. Subsequent to placing the gravel packs, the swellable element is increased in volume to create an annular barrier in the wellbore. The invention allows isolation of multiple intervals of a well in a single gravel pack operation using swellable elastomers, and does not rely on the use of shunt tube alternate path systems.

Abstract: A technique enables long-lasting control over fluid flow in a wellbore. The technique employs a base pipe, a flow control device, and a sand control screen. The sand control screen is coupled to the flow control device and mounted over the base pipe. Additionally, the sand control screen comprises longitudinal ribs positioned along the base pipe and a filter media positioned along the longitudinal ribs. A protective shroud is mounted over the filter media and cooperates with the other components of the system to provide a simple but durable system and method for controlling fluid flow.

Abstract: Gravel packing apparatus and method. The apparatus can include a conduit configured to extend between first and second wellbore intervals and through an isolation valve assembly separating the first and second intervals. A sliding sleeve can be configured to slide between an open position and a closed position. When the sliding sleeve is in the open position, it is configured to allow a flow of gravel slurry through the conduit between the first and second intervals, and when the sliding sleeve is in the closed position, it is configured to completely isolate the first and second intervals from each other.

Abstract: A method of completing at least a portion of an open-hole wellbore comprises: positioning a sand control assembly in the portion of the open-hole wellbore, wherein the sand control assembly comprises a screen; positioning at least one conduit adjacent to the sand control assembly; positioning a sheath in the portion of the open-hole wellbore, wherein the sheath is a non-porous tubular, and wherein the sheath is positioned such that a sheath annulus exists between the inside wall of the sheath and the outside wall of at least a portion of both, the sand control assembly and the at least one conduit; and introducing a treatment fluid into the portion of the open-hole wellbore.

Abstract: A plurality of zones is gravel packed together and then isolated from each other in the gravel annulus by formation of a barrier in the gravel annulus. The screen assembly carries a series of chambers internally that are located between the producing zones generally in the area of blank pipe between the zones. The wash pipe has a shifter associated with it so that extraction of the wash pipe after gravel packing will serially shift pistons that reduce chamber volume where the chemical is stored. The chemical will exit through a rupture disc and nozzle and will commingle with the gravel and make an impervious annular barrier.

Abstract: A gravel pack assembly has a longitudinal body that disposes in a borehole. A wellscreen and other components can connect to the body to complete the assembly. One or more packoff seals or bushings disposed in the body's inner passage can engage a smooth external surface of a crossover tool when disposed therein. This sealing prevents passage of sand and fluids between the tool and the assembly's inner passage. Moreover, the smooth external surface makes the tool less likely of becoming stuck in the inner passage. The packoff seals or bushings can be fixed or activated by movement to engage the smooth external surface of the crossover tool.

Abstract: A method of conducting a gravel pack operation comprising lowering a fluid control assembly into a wellbore and supplying a fluid mixture comprising gravel into an annulus between the fluid control assembly and the wellbore to form a gravel pack. A washout assembly surrounds a pre-determined length of the fluid control assembly to remove gravel pack from around the predetermined length. A tattle-tale sub provides an indication of the location of the washout assembly relative to the fluid control assembly. The placement of a cement or inflatable packer is controlled relative to the pre-determined length of the fluid control assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus associated with the production of hydrocarbons comprising a joint assembly comprising a main body portion having primary and secondary fluid flow paths, wherein the main body portion is attached to a load sleeve assembly at one end and a torque sleeve assembly at the opposite end. The load sleeve may include at least one transport conduit and at least one packing conduit. The main body portion may include a sand control device, a packer, or other well tool for use in a downhole environment. Included is a coupling assembly having a manifold region in fluid flow communication with the second fluid flow path of the main body portion and facilitating the make-up of first and second joint assemblies with a single connection.

Abstract: A screen assembly. The screen assembly may include a base pipe having an axial bore formed therethrough. An axial rod may be positioned radially-outward from the base pipe. A screen may be positioned radially-outward from the axial rod. A housing may be positioned radially-outward from the base pipe and axially adjacent to the axial rod, the screen, or both, and a first annulus may be formed between the housing and the base pipe. A first opening may be formed through the base pipe and radially-inward from the housing. A second opening may be formed through the base pipe and radially-inward from the housing, and the second opening may be axially offset from the first opening. A valve may be disposed within the first annulus and positioned axially between the first and second openings.

Abstract: A stimulation system configured for use in open-hole wells. The system may alternatively or additionally be configured for multi-zone stimulation applications. The system includes assemblies which employ techniques and configurations for isolating recovery screens downhole even without the presence of well casing. In this manner protection may be provided from dowhnole contaminants such as water which might otherwise leak in from adjacent formation layers.

Abstract: A completion system, including a barrier valve transitionable between an open position and a closed position. An upper completion is operatively coupled with the barrier valve for mechanically transitioning the barrier valve to the closed position when the upper completion is withdrawn. A method of operating a completion system is also included.

Abstract: Method, system and apparatus to produce hydrocarbons includes a packer apparatus with a swellable packer element around primary and secondary flow paths, the packer is configured to block flow in a portion of a wellbore annulus. The method includes disposing sand control devices having shunt tubes and a packer within a wellbore adjacent to a subsurface reservoir. The packer is then set within an interval, which may be an open-hole section of the wellbore, and gravel packing the sand control devices in different intervals. Hydrocarbons are produced by passing hydrocarbons through the sand control devices with different intervals providing zonal isolation. In some embodiments, intervals may be alternatively packed and plugged, wherein the plugged intervals are not packed.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a wellbore is described, the apparatus having a tubular body and a throughbore which defines a primary fluid path through the apparatus. An expanding element is disposed around the tubular body and is configured to provide an annular barrier in a space between the tubular body and a surrounding wall. A conduit defining a secondary flow path through the apparatus is provided, and is configured to be in fluid communication with at least one alternate path, such as a shunt tube. The conduit is arranged to vary the secondary flow path along a longitudinal direction of the apparatus, for example to redirect the flow path to a radial position closer to the tool body. The conduit is configured to have a reduced effect on the operation of the expanding element, while still allowing the conduit to be coupled to alternate flow paths of adjacent apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling flow of fluid from a reservoir into a wellbore is provided, which apparatus in one embodiment may include a flow-through region configured to substantially increase value of a selected parameter relating to the flow-through region when selected parameter is in a first range and maintain a substantially constant value of the selected parameter when the selected property of the fluid is in a second range.

Abstract: Proppants for use in fractured or gravel packed/frac packed oil and gas wells are provided with a contaminant removal component to remove one or more of the contaminants found in subterranean water/hydrocarbon from a production well. The water/hydrocarbon cleaning proppant solids may be used as discrete particles in a proppant formulation, as a coating on proppant solids in pores of a porous proppant solid or as part of the proppant's internal structure. The contaminant removal component removes contaminants, especially dissolved contaminants, in the subterranean water or hydrocarbon before the water/hydrocarbon leaves the well. For those contaminant removal components that can be regenerated, such as ion exchange resins, a measured quantity of an acidic regeneration solution can be injected into the fractured stratum for regeneration and recovered when the well resumes production.

Abstract: Assemblies, systems, and methods to facilitate gravel packing of a wellbore having a flow restricting device are described. The assemblies, systems, and methods can include a flow restricting device and an alternative-path gravel packing system to provide a gravel pack about the flow restricting device. The assemblies, systems, and methods can allow uniform and complete annular sand control pack placement together with reduced flow of unwanted fluids.

Abstract: An outlet member is preferably made from a hardened material and is cut from a tubular shape at an angle of preferably 5 degrees. At its upper end it is cut away so that slurry flow can exit ports in a hardened sleeve and impinge directly onto the upstream portion of the insert. The impingement changes the flow stream angle as the flow continues through a fully tubular middle segment of the insert that leads out to an elongated exit ramp whose downstream end sits preferably flush with the outer housing wall so as to protect the insert from mechanical shocks and retain the insert axially when slurry flows through it. Other external details aid in fixation when in use.

Abstract: A plurality of zones are gravel packed together and then isolated from each other in the gravel annulus by formation of a barrier in the gravel annulus. The screen assembly carries a series of chambers internally that are located between the producing zones generally in the area of blank pipe between the zones. The wash pipe has a shifter associated with it so that extraction of the wash pipe after gravel packing will serially shift pistons that reduce chamber volume where the chemical is stored. The chemical will exit through a rupture disc and nozzle and will commingle with the gravel and make an impervious annular barrier.

Abstract: A crossover tool that resists the erosive forces of high velocity slurry streams of gravel in downhole fracturing and gravel packing operations employs hardened inserts that protect the inside face of the housing as well as the openings through the crossover housing wall. The inserts have an extending portion that goes through housing openings preferably to the outer surface of the housing. The inserts also have inboard flanged surfaces that preferably abut or overlap to give preferably full inner wall protection to the housing from the flow of abrasive slurry. The inserts can be secured to each other or to the interior of the housing to hold them firmly in place.

Abstract: A permeable material compacting method includes, positioning a portion of at least one elongated member within the interior of a tubular, moving a portion of the at least one elongated member through the interior of the tubular, moving a permeable material through the interior of the tubular with the portion of the at least one elongated member, and radially compacting the permeable material as the permeable material passes through the interior of the tubular.

Abstract: Apparatus associated with the production of hydrocarbons comprising a joint assembly comprising a main body portion having primary and secondary fluid flow paths, wherein the main body portion is attached to a load sleeve assembly at one end and a torque sleeve assembly at the opposite end. The load sleeve may include at least one transport conduit and at least one packing conduit. The main body portion may include a sand control device, a packer, or other well tool for use in a downhole environment. Included is a coupling assembly having a manifold region in fluid flow communication with the second fluid flow path of the main body portion and facilitating the make-up of first and second joint assemblies with a single connection.

Abstract: An apparatus and method allow gravel pack slurry to be placed in a borehole annulus from the toe towards the heel to reduce the pressure acting upon the heel of the borehole during the gravel placement operation. By reducing the pressure on the heel, the gravel pack slurry may be placed in longer sections of the borehole in a single operation. Additionally, excess slurry in the inner string can be disposed in the borehole annulus around the shoe track of the apparatus, and fluid returns can flow up the apparatus through a bypass.

Abstract: A completion system that is usable with a well may include a packer, a screen, an isolation valve and an annulus communication valve. The screen communicates well fluid between an annulus of the well and an interior passageway of the completion system. The isolation valve is radially disposed inside the screen to control communication through the screen between the annulus and the interior passageway. The annulus communication valve is located downhole of the packer and uphole of the screen to control communication with the annulus of the well. The packer, screen, isolation valve and the annulus communication valve are adapted to be run downhole as a unit into the well as a single trip completion.

Abstract: Apparatus associated with the production of hydrocarbons comprising a joint assembly comprising a main body portion having primary and secondary fluid flow paths, wherein the main body portion is attached to a load sleeve assembly at one end and a torque sleeve assembly at the opposite end. The load sleeve may include at least one transport conduit and at least one packing conduit. The main body portion may include a sand control device, a packer, or other well tool for use in a downhole environment. Included is a coupling assembly having a manifold region in fluid flow communication with the second fluid flow path of the main body portion and facilitating the make-up of first and second joint assemblies with a single connection.

Abstract: A gravel packing assembly gravel packs a horizontal borehole. Operators wash down the borehole using an inner string in a first position by flowing fluid from the inner string through the apparatus' toe. Operators then gravel pack by moving the inner string to one or more flow ports between a screen and the toe. Slurry flows into the borehole from the flow ports, and returns from the borehole flow through the screen. The gravel in the slurry can pack the borehole in an alpha-beta wave from toe to heel. In another condition, operators can move the inner string to a second flow port so slurry can flow into the borehole through a shunt extending from the second flow port. When gravel packing is done, operators move the inner string to a port collar in a liner of the assembly to cement the liner in the borehole.

Abstract: A segmental flow-control method for a flow-control filter string in an oil-gas well and an oil-gas well structure are disclosed. The oil-gas well includes a well wall(1), a casing(2) located in the well wall(1), a cement sheath(3) provided between the casing(2) and the well wall(1), channeling path(5) existing outside the casing(2), and a plurality of perforated tunnels (6) passing through the casing(2), the cement sheath(3) and/or the channeling path(5) and into a formation from the inside of the casing to the formation.

Abstract: A wireline apparatus for depositing slurry in a well. The apparatus includes a container for holding slurry to be deposited in the well. The container is operatively associated with and disassociated from a packer. The apparatus also includes a displacement valve actuated by a predetermined pressure and a cross-over tool operatively associated with the displacement valve. Actuation of the displacement valve causes the slurry to enter and pass through the cross-over tool and into the well. A method of gravel packing a well with the wireline deployed apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A rigless sand-control tool string is for use in a wellbore having plural zones. The tool string includes plural flow port assemblies, and plural screen assemblies connected to corresponding circulation port assemblies. Each set of one of the flow port assemblies and one of the screen assemblies is configured to perform sand control with respect to a corresponding zone of the wellbore. The flow port assemblies are selectively activatable to allow selective performance of sand control with respect to the corresponding zones.

Abstract: A system for conveying fluid into a wellbore, including a tubular member, a packer, a hydrodynamic flow device, and a seal device. The tubular member is disposed in the wellbore through a first zone, a second zone, and a hydrocarbon producing zone of the wellbore. The packer is disposed adjacent to the tubular member, and is configured to at least partially isolate the hydrocarbon producing zone from at least one of the first and second zones. The hydrodynamic flow device is disposed around the tubular member and comprises a pump fluidly connected to a discharge in fluid communication with the first zone and an inlet in fluid communication with the second zone. The seal device is disposed around the hydrodynamic flow device to isolate a first annulus of the first zone from a second annulus of the second zone.

Abstract: A fracturing and gravel packing tool has features that prevent well swabbing when the tool is picked up with respect to a set isolation packer. An upper or jet valve allows switching between the squeeze and circulation positions without risk of closing the wash pipe valve. The wash pipe valve can only be closed with multiple movements in opposed direction that occur after a predetermined force is held for a finite time to allow movement that arms the wash pipe valve. The jet valve can prevent fluid loss to the formation when being set down whether the crossover tool is supported on the packer or on the smart collet.

Abstract: A method for making gravel filters in oil well bores. The first step involves ascertaining the location of a producing formation adjacent to a cemented casing in a well bore. Then, a portion of the casing adjacent to the producing formation is cut, enlarging the bore adjacent to the producing formation. Subsequently, a sufficient amount of gravel is deposited in the enlarged portion of the bore to create an effective filter for a producing tube with a screen at its distal end. The distal end is positioned adjacent to the cemented bottom of the well bore. The method maximizes the diameter of the gravel deposited by delivering it exteriorly of the screen of the producing tube and through the annular space defined and sealed between the screen and the casing.

Abstract: A gravel packing apparatus includes: a screen assembly including at least one screen configured to be disposed in a borehole in an earth formation, the screen configured to prevent particulate matter from passing therethrough; an axially extending conduit configured to transmit a gravel slurry from a remote location to a borehole region located between the screen and a portion of the borehole wall; and an exit port including an opening having a first end in fluid communication with the conduit and a second end in fluid communication with the borehole region, the exit port including at least one standoff member extending radially from the second end and configured to prevent blockage of the opening.

Abstract: A technique is provided to facilitate use of a service tool at a downhole location. The service tool has different operational configurations that can be selected and used without moving the service string.

Abstract: A technique facilitates performance of a treatment application in a lateral wellbore. The technique may be employed in an open lateral wellbore and comprises deploying a completion within the open wellbore wall of the lateral wellbore. A service tool is used in cooperation with the completion to perform a gravel packing or other well treatment operation while maintaining hydrostatic pressure on the open lateral wellbore to prevent collapse of the open lateral wellbore. A variety of features may be incorporated into the completion or used in cooperation with the completion to facilitate the well treatment operation while maintaining the hydrostatic pressure until completion of the desired gravel pack.

Abstract: A fracturing and gravel packing tool has features that prevent well swabbing when the tool is picked up with respect to a set isolation packer. An upper or jet valve allows switching between the squeeze and circulation positions without risk of closing the wash pipe valve. The wash pipe valve can only be closed with multiple movements in opposed direction that occur after a predetermined force is held for a finite time to allow movement that arms the wash pipe valve. The jet valve can prevent fluid loss to the formation when being set down whether the crossover tool is supported on the packer or on the smart collet.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus associated with the production of hydrocarbons are described. One apparatus includes a swellable packer element around a primary and a secondary flow path, wherein the packer is configured to block flow in a portion of a wellbore annulus. One method includes disposing sand control devices having shunt tubes and a packer within a wellbore adjacent to a subsurface reservoir. The packer is then set within an interval, which may be an open-hole section of the wellbore. With the packer set, gravel packing of the sand control devices in different intervals may be performed. Then, hydrocarbons are produced from the wellbore by passing hydrocarbons through the sand control devices with the different intervals providing zonal isolation. In some embodiments, intervals may be alternatively packed and plugged, wherein the plugged intervals are not packed. In addition, the method may also include disposing the sand control devices and packer into the wellbore in conditioned drilling fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus for gravel packing includes a sand screen and a secondary flow path module. The module is installed over the sand screen with the sand screen positioned radially inward the secondary flow path module. The secondary flow path module includes a protective cover to which the secondary flow path hardware is attached on an interior of the protective cover.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for low damage gravel packing. The method includes combining a carrier fluid, a first amount of particulates, and a second amount of particulates into a slurry. The first amount of particulates have a first average size distribution and the second amount of particulates have a second average size distribution, and the first average size distribution is at least three times larger than the second average size distribution. The slurry includes particles which are at least partially degradable material, and with reactive solid constituents. The reactive solid reacts with the degradable material and/or a hydrolysis product of the degradable material. The method further includes positioning a screen in a wellbore, and circulating the slurry through the wellbore such that the first amount of particulates and the second amount of particulates are deposited on an outer surface of the screen.

Abstract: The well condition during gravel packing is monitored and the gravel distribution condition is sent to the surface in real time through the preferred technique of a fiber optic line that wraps around the screens directly or indirectly on a surrounding tube around the screens. The fiber optic line has a breakaway connection that severs when the completion inner string is removed. A production string can then be run in to tag the fiber optic line through a wet connect to continue monitoring well conditions in the production phase. The fiber optic line can also be coiled above the packer so that relative movement of the inner string to the set packer can be detected and communicated to the surface in real time so as to know that the crossover has been moved the proper distance to, for example, get it from the gravel packing position to the reverse out position.

Abstract: The well condition during gravel packing is monitored and the gravel distribution condition is sent to the surface in real time through the preferred technique of a fiber optic line that wraps around the screens directly or indirectly on a surrounding tube around the screens. The fiber optic line has a breakaway connection that severs when the completion inner string is removed. A production string can then be run in to tag the fiber optic line through a wet connect to continue monitoring well conditions in the production phase. The fiber optic line can also be coiled above the packer so that relative movement of the inner string to the set packer can be detected and communicated to the surface in real time so as to know that the crossover has been moved the proper distance to, for example, get it from the gravel packing position to the reverse out position.

Abstract: A technique that is usable with a well includes running screen assemblies into the well on a base pipe. Each screen assembly is associated with a different zone of the well to be gravel packed. During gravel packing of the well, the screen assemblies may be selectively configured to contain pressure without running a tool inside the base pipe to form a fluid seal.

Abstract: Apparatus associated with the production of hydrocarbons comprising a joint assembly comprising a main body portion having primary and secondary fluid flow paths, wherein the main body portion is attached to a load sleeve assembly at one end and a torque sleeve assembly at the opposite end. The load sleeve may include at least one transport conduit and at least one packing conduit. The main body portion may include a sand control device, a packer, or other well tool for use in a downhole environment. Included is a coupling assembly having a manifold region in fluid flow communication with the second fluid flow path of the main body portion and facilitating the make-up of first and second joint assemblies with a single connection.

Abstract: A gravel pack operation disposes slurry from an inner string into the annulus around a shoe track. A valve on the shoe track can open and close flow through a port, and seats around the port allow an outlet of the tool to seal with the port. When the valve is open and the outlet sealed with the port, the slurry in the string is pumped into the borehole around the shoe track by flowing the slurry from the outlet into the borehole through the flow port. As this occurs, gravel collects around the shoe track, and fluid returns in the borehole flow back into the shoe track through a screen disposed toward the track's toe. Once inside the shoe track, the fluid returns communicate through a bypass on the shoe track around the sealed outlet and port. At this point, the fluid returns can pass uphole in the gravel pack assembly.

Abstract: A gravel pack assembly gravel packs a horizontal borehole. Operators wash down the borehole using a tool in a first position by flowing fluid from the tool through the apparatus' toe. Operators then gravel pack by moving the tool to a first flow port between a screen and the toe. Slurry flows into the borehole from the first flow port, and returns from the borehole flow through the screen. The gravel in the slurry can pack the borehole in an alpha-beta wave from toe to heel. When the tool has a sleeve, operators can break any bridges by flowing fluid from the passage of the assembly into the tool. In another condition, operators can move the tool to a second flow port. Slurry can flow into to the borehole through a shunt extending from the second flow port. Meanwhile, returns can flow from the borehole through a bypass in the assembly.

Abstract: A downhole assembly, such as a toe-to-heel gravel pack assembly, has a body with a body passage, outlet ports for slurry, and screens for fluid returns. An inner string deploys in the body to perform the toe-to-heel gravel packing. A telescoping adjustment device allows the inner string to space out properly when deployed to the toe of the assembly. Sealing surfaces of a locating device in the body separate a sealable space and seal against seals on the inner string movably disposed therein. Fluid pumped in the string produces a pressure buildup when the string's port communicates with the sealable space. The pressure buildup indicates that the tool is positioned at a first location in the assembly, and other positions for placement of the tool can then be calculated therefrom.

Abstract: A screen assembly that contains a tubular carrier and a gravel pack layer (containing gravel) is run in position in a stage of the well; and the screen assembly is expanded in the stage, an expansion that includes expanding the tubular carrier and the gravel pack layer.

Abstract: A stimulation technique is provided for use in an open hole well. The stimulation technique utilizes a system which comprises one or more isolation devices positioned to isolate desired regions of the open hole well. At least one release mechanism is used to provide controlled release of stimulation material to a desired wellbore region of the open hole well. Additionally, a protection mechanism cooperates with each release mechanism to prevent undesirable contact between stimulation material and the surrounding wellbore wall of the open hole well. In many applications, the entire system is deployed and operated during a single trip downhole into the well.