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: Systems and methods for gravel packing which provide a mechanism for a gravel slurry to bypass bridges which may form in the well intervals being packed. In one embodiment, a plurality of short, independent bypass flow paths are provided along the length of a well screen. Each of the bypass flow paths comprises a sub-interval of the length of the well screen. The bypass flow paths are preferably staggered to allow the upper ends of the flow paths to be spaced at intervals along the length of the well screen which are shorter than the lengths of the flow paths themselves.

Abstract: A gravel packing method and apparatus so that when setting the packer, a ball is dropped to a seat that is isolated from the effects of formation pressures when trying to set the packer. This is accomplished by isolation of the gravel pack outlet port when setting the packer and locating the ball seat in a position where the effects of formation pressure are irrelevant. Additionally, by positioning the evacuation ports above a seal bore in the screen extension during circulation to deposit gravel and further putting check valves in the evacuation ports, the evacuation step after circulation can be accomplished without having to reposition the crossover.

Abstract: A multi zone isolation tool (50) for use in a subterranean wellbore includes a first tubular and a second tubular disposed within the first tubular forming an annular flow path (110a, 110b) therebetween and a central flow path (70a, 80a, 80b) through the second tubular. An annular valving assembly (90, 80) is positioned in the annular flow path (110a, 110b) and a central valving assembly (148, 186) is positioned in the central flow path (70a, 80a, 80b). The central valving assembly (186) is operably coupled to the annular valving assembly (90) such that when the central valving assembly (148, 186) is in a closed position, a pressure variation in the central flow path (70a, 80a, 80b) will operate the annular valving assembly (90, 80) from a closed position to an open position.

Abstract: A technique for providing auxiliary conduits in multi-trip completions is disclosed. The technique has particular applicability to liner mounted screens which are to be gravel packed. In the preferred embodiment, a protective shroud is run with the gravel pack screens with the auxiliary conduits disposed in between. The auxiliary conduits terminate in a quick connection at a liner top packer. The gravel packing equipment can optionally be secured in a flow relationship to the auxiliary conduits so as to control the gravel packing operation. Subsequent to the removal of the specialized equipment, the production tubing can be run with an auxiliary conduit or conduits for connection down hole to the auxiliary conduits coming from the liner top packer for a sealing connection. Thereafter, during production various data on the well can be obtained in real time despite the multiple trips necessary to accomplish completion.

Abstract: A gravel packing system featuring pressure actuated sliding sleeve valves mounted to an exterior annulus around a blanking pipe for screen sections is disclosed. An internal sliding sleeve valve is provided for subsequent closure of access through the screens. The presence of the annulus between the blanking pipe and the screen permits a backup access through perforating the blanking pipe while not damaging the screen. The sliding sleeve valves that are mounted internally and externally on the blanking pipe are removable apart from the screen section that already has gravel packed around it, if they fail to operate and need repair.

Abstract: The present invention provides a return port cover that can close and open a return port separate from tubing movement caused by stretching or contracting under stress or other induced pipe movement from downhole conditions. For example, the return port cover can assist in preventing pack “fluffing” by preventing unintended fluid communication through an associated downhole tool regardless of the position of a circulating valve means. The return port cover can be biased, so that in one position it closes the port and in another position opens the port based on relative tubing placement at different portions of the fracturing operation or other well treatment operations.

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

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

Abstract: A method is disclosed that allows for sequential treatment of two zones in a single trip while isolating the zones. A fluid loss valve prevents the column of fluid in the tubing from flowing into the lower formation until activated. Zone isolation is accomplished by manipulation of a port on a wash pipe attached to the crossover assembly.

Abstract: A gravel pack screen assembly has one or more hollow flight augers that a continuous or segmented with multiple upwardly oriented gravel entrances and multiple downwardly oriented gravel exits. The gravel passes through the auger and around any bridge. The auger helps advance the screen into position as well as to centralize it during gravel deposition. The auger protects the screen during run in as well as the internal passages that pass through it due to its structural rigidity. An alternative embodiment features spirally wound tubes with staggered exit locations for better distribution of the gravel.

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: A gravel packing method combining fracturing is described. A gun having an exterior auger is used to perforate. With the gun in place, the gravel is positioned around it and the formation is fractured, pushing the gravel into the fractures. The gun is rotated out of the gravel using the auger. A screen with an external auger is run in and rotated into the packed gravel in the wellbore while being vibrated at the same time. After the screen is advanced into position the vibrator is removed and a flapper closes to minimize fluid loss into the formation. A production string and packer are tagged into the screen and production begins.

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

Abstract: A wellbore completion includes a plurality of longitudinal gravel pack sections disposed within a well, the gravel pack sections being capable of imposing a predetermined substantially radial flow restriction upon fluid production flowing radially through the gravel pack section. At least one of the gravel pack sections creates a radial flow restriction that is different from the radial flow restriction of at least one other gravel pack section. The gravel pack sections may comprise graded gravel material having an effective permeability within a predetermined range when placed in the well.

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

Abstract: A gravel packing apparatus comprises multiple joints each having substantially the same construction and each having a perforated outer tubular (150, 152) positioned around a sand control screen (154, 156) including a slurry passageway (190, 194) and a production pathway (188, 192) therebetween. First and second transition members (210, 204) are disposed at opposite ends of each joint. When two such joints are connected together, the second transition member (204) of one joint is proximate the first transition member (210) of the next joint such that a fluid traveling from the slurry passageway (190) of one joint to the slurry passageway (194) of the next joint travels from the exterior to the interior of the second transition member (204) of the one joint and from the interior to the exterior of the first transition member (210) of the next joint.

Abstract: A gravel packing method combining fracturing is described. A gun having an exterior auger is used to perforate. With the gun in place, the gravel is positioned around it and the formation is fractured, pushing the gravel into the fractures. The gun is rotated out of the gravel using the auger. A screen with an external auger is run in and rotated into the packed gravel in the wellbore while being vibrated at the same time. After the screen is advanced into position the vibrator is removed and a flapper closes to minimize fluid loss into the formation. A production string and packer are tagged into the screen and production begins.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for completing unconsolidated subterranean zones penetrated by well bores are provided. The methods basically comprise the steps of placing a slotted pipe having openings formed therein which vary in size or in the number of openings along the length of the slotted pipe or both in the subterranean zone, isolating the annulus between the slotted pipe and the well bore and injecting particulate material into the annulus whereby the particulate material is uniformly packed therein.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for transferring material in a wellbore in an earth formation, a pipe is inserted into the wellbore. A conduit is inserted alongside the pipe into the wellbore. The conduit is fixed to the pipe and has a first section with a perforated wall located adjacent a non-production interval of the formation, and has a second section with an unperforated wall located adjacent a production interval of the formation. The material is injected into the conduit and out the perforated wall of the first section of the conduit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for gravel packing an interval of a wellbore comprises an outer tubular (112), which forms a first annulus with the wellbore, and an sand control screen (118) disposed within the outer tubular (112) forming a second annulus therebetween. Within the second annulus is an axially extending production pathway (146) and an axially extending slurry passageway (144), which is defined between a sheet member (140) positioned on the sand control screen (118) and a channel (132). The outer tubular (112) has outlets (116) that are substantially aligned with outlets (142) of the channel (132). When a fluid slurry containing gravel is injected through the slurry passageway (144), the fluid slurry exits through the outlets (116, 142) leaving gravel in the first annulus, thereby gravel packing the interval.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a gravel pack assembly comprising a gravel pack body and a crossover tool. The gravel pack body comprises a pressure set packer, one or more production screens and a plurality of axial position indexing lugs. The crossover tool comprises auxiliary flow chambers, packer by-pass channels, a crossover tool check valve and an axial position indexing collet. The gravel pack body and crossover tool are assembled coaxially as a cooperative unit by a threaded joint and the unit is threadably attached to the bottom end of a tool string for selective placement within the wellbore. Set of the packer secures the gravel pack body to the well casing and seals the casing annulus around the gravel pack assembly.

Abstract: A gravel packing apparatus (310) has an outer tubular (312) having a plurality of openings (314) therethrough and a sand control screen assembly (318) disposed within the outer tubular (312). The sand control screen assembly (318) prevents the flow of particulate material of a predetermined size therethrough but allows the flow of production fluids therethrough. Sensors (354-360) are operably coupled to the outer tubular (312), the sand control screen assembly (318) or both. An instrument line (348) disposed between the outer tubular (312) and the sand control screen assembly (318) is operably associated with the sensors (354-360) such that power, signals and data may be transmitted between the sensors (354-360) and the surface or other downhole systems.

Abstract: A multi-zone packing system having unique features that allow for remote operation, thereby eliminating the need to raise and lower a work string and crossover tool to various zones of interest during a frac pack, gravel pack or related completion procedure. The squeeze pack system has a crossover tool or port collocated with each zone of interest and remotely operated closing devices to allow for the setting of each packer and the packing job to be performed with minimal or no movement of the work string.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sealing the top of a liner within a casing string of an oil well which does not require a second trip of the work string to seal off the top of the liner within the casing. The liner, connected to the apparatus, is run into the well on a work string until the bottom of the liner sets on the bottom of the well. After the bottom of the liner is set on the bottom of the well and, if desired, a gravel slurry is circulated into place, the apparatus is actuated by setting weight on the work string, which causes a cylindrical sealing element to expand and seal against the inside wall of the casing. The apparatus does not require slips to hold it in position within the casing.

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

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention may be a well completion including a production tubing, an upper packer connected to a lower end of the production tubing, an intelligent device disposed below the upper packer, a continuous control cable running from the intelligent device to a connection point, and a sand screen disposed below the packer. The completion may be installed in a well in a single trip, instead of multiple. Sand-control operations may be performed by a service tool that is deployed through the production tubing. The completion may include the ability to washdown the well as the completion is being run into place. Related methods are also provided.

Abstract: A gas storage and production system decreases production of formation sand and permits high gas flow rates in storing and producing operations. In a described embodiment, different flowpaths are used for injecting and withdrawing gas from a subterranean formation. In another embodiment, a gravel pack is confined to a set volume, so that it is not expanded when gas flows at a relatively high rate therethrough.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for completing wells and gravel packing an interval of a wellbore are provided. The methods include the steps of placing a perforated shroud having an internal sand screen disposed therein in the zone, and injecting particulate material into the annuli between the sand screen and the perforated shroud and the perforated shroud and the wellbore to thereby form packs of particulate material therein to prevent the migration of fines and sand with produced fluids. The perforated shroud has a flow-controlling means for restricting fluid movement between the casing/shroud and shroud/screen annuli during gravel packing. The flow-controlling means may be comprised of a material installed on a selected number of the shroud perforations which blocks or partially blocks fluid flow through the otherwise permeable wall of the perforated shroud during gravel packing.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a completion system that can be deployed in a single downhole trip, yet still achieve desired completion objectives.

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: The present invention discloses a system using a conduit run into a well on a service string. In one embodiment the conduit includes outlets along its length to permit a sand control treatment to exit the conduit along the length of the conduit and distribute the sand control treatment along the length of the conduit. The conduit can have a plurality of such outlets spaced to provide an even distribution of the sand control treatment. The conduit can be attached to the delivery tubing (such as coiled tubing or service string tubing) via a releasable connector. The conduit is deployed on the delivery tubing and connector (and is in fluid communication therewith) in the well adjacent to an area to be treated. The sand control treatment is pumped into the well. Once the sand control treatment is complete, the releasable connector is released to disconnect the conduit from the delivery tubing and the delivery tubing is removed from the well.

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

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

Abstract: A gravel pack screen assembly has one or more hollow flight augers that a continuous or segmented with multiple upwardly oriented gravel entrances and multiple downwardly oriented gravel exits. The gravel passes through the auger and around any bridge. The auger helps advance the screen into position as well as to centralize it during gravel deposition. The auger protects the screen during run in as well as the internal passages that pass through it due to its structural rigidity. An alternative embodiment features spirally wound tubes with staggered exit locations for better distribution of the gravel.

Abstract: A gravel packing apparatus comprises multiple joints each having substantially the same construction and each having a perforated outer tubular (150, 152) positioned around a sand control screen (154, 156) including a slurry passageway (190, 194) and a production pathway (188, 192) therebetween. First and second transition members (210, 204) are disposed at opposite ends of each joint. When two such joints are connected together, the second transition member (204) of one joint is proximate the first transition member (210) of the next joint such that a fluid traveling from the slurry passageway (190) of one joint to the slurry passageway (194) of the next joint travels from the exterior to the interior of the second transition member (204) of the one joint and from the interior to the exterior of the first transition member (210) of the next joint.

Abstract: A well completion has an expanded tubing portion and an unexpanded tubing portion. In another embodiment, an expandable tubing is provided and a gravel pack operation is performed. 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 gravel packing method and apparatus are described where to set the packer, a ball is dropped to a seat that it isolated from the effects of formation pressures when trying to set the packer. This is accomplished by isolation of the gravel pack outlet port when setting the packer and locating the ball seat in a position where the effects of formation pressure are irrelevant. Additionally, by positioning the evacuation ports above a seal bore in the screen extension during circulation to deposit gravel and further putting check valves in the evacuation ports, the evacuation step after circulation can be accomplished without having to reposition the crossover.

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

Abstract: A sand control screen assembly (40) and method for treating multiple formations traversed by a wellbore (34) in a single trip are disclosed. The sand control screen assembly (40) includes a base pipe (56) with multiple 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 positioned 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 and following 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: A transition member (130) coupled between first and second slurry delivery devices (132, 134) for maintaining fluid slurry velocity therethrough is disclosed. Each slurry delivery device (132, 134) has a slurry passageway (144, 164) having a cross sectional area. The transition member (130) includes a transition passageway (200) operable to provide fluid communication between the slurry passageways (144, 164) of the slurry delivery devices (132, 134). The cross sectional area of at least a portion of the transition passageway (200) approximates the cross sectional area of the slurry passageways (144, 164) of the slurry delivery devices (132, 134). This allows the transition member (130) to maintain the fluid slurry velocity above the settling velocity of the slurry.

Abstract: A gravel packing system featuring pressure actuated sliding sleeve valves mounted to an exterior annulus around a blanking pipe for screen sections is disclosed. An internal sliding sleeve valve is provided for subsequent closure of access through the screens. The presence of the annulus between the blanking pipe and the screen permits a backup access through perforating the blanking pipe while not damaging the screen. The sliding sleeve valves that are mounted internally and externally on the blanking pipe are removable apart from the screen section that already has gravel packed around it, if they fail to operate and need repair.

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

Abstract: A crossover tool is disclosed that permits access through to the wash pipe below after the conclusion of a known gravel packing operation. A ball is trapped to a sleeve after shifting it so as to allow flow through the crossover for acid treatment in the screen area and a reversing out procedure to remove excess acid. Alternatively, pressure delivered through the wash pipe can operate packers, as part of a gravel packing procedure as outlined in two steps in U.S. Pat. No. 6,311,772 is a single trip. The acid treating or other downhole operation through the wash pipe can also be accomplished in a single trip with the gravel packing assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for progressively treating an interval of a wellbore (32) is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a sand control screen (138) that is eccentrically positioned within the wellbore (32) and a fluid delivery tubular (140) that is disposed within the wellbore (32) adjacent to the sand control screen (138). During a treatment process when a treatment fluid is pumped into the fluid delivery tubular (140), the fluid delivery tubular (140) progressively allows the treatment fluid to exit from the interior of the fluid delivery tubular (140) to the exterior of the fluid delivery tubular (140) 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: 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 for gravel packing a production interval (42) of a wellbore (32) comprises first and second sand control screen assemblies (56, 58) connected downhole of a packer assembly (46) and a cross-over assembly (40) that provides a communication path (74) downhole of the packer assembly (46) for a gravel packing fluid and a communication path (92) uphole of the packer assembly (46) for return fluids. A wash pipe assembly (66) extends into the first and second sand control screen assemblies (56, 58) forming an annulus (84) therebetween. A valve (70) is positioned within the wash pipe assembly (66) in a location between the first and second sand control screen assemblies (56, 58). The valve (70) is actuatable from a closed position to an open position when the beta wave (100) is proximate the location of the valve (70).

Abstract: A method is disclosed that allows for sequential treatment of two zones in a single trip while isolating the zones. A fluid loss valve prevents the column of fluid in the tubing from flowing into the lower formation until activated. Zone isolation is accomplished by manipulation of a port on a wash pipe attached to the crossover assembly.