Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for completing a subterranean zone penetrated by a wellbore are provided. The improved methods basically comprise the steps of placing a sand screen (e.g., screens, screened pipes, perforated liners, prepacked screens, etc.) in the wellbore adjacent the zone to be completed, positioning an alternate flowpath comprised of a plurality of blank (non-perforated) tube segments which are open at both ends in the annulus between the sand screen and the wellbore, isolating the annulus between the screen and the wellbore in the zone, and injecting particulate material into the annulus between the sand screen and the wellbore and into the zone, whereby the particulate material is uniformly packed into the annulus between the sand screen and the zone. The multiple flow paths are provided via a series of blank tubes (without intermediate openings) with each tube extending only a portion of the length of the zone to be completed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses apparatus and methods for use in wellbores that comprise an inflatable element. The inflatable element is adapted for inflation by gravel. One embodiment of the invention is a method of sealing an annulus in a well that comprises expanding the inflatable element with a gravel laden slurry. The inflatable element comprises a passageway communicating between an exterior and an interior of the inflatable element. The inflatable element is capable of being connected to a sand screen and the inflatable element can be inflated with the gravel laden slurry during a gravel packing of the well.

Abstract: A well completion system and associated methods of completing wells provides enhanced convenience in well completions involving well treatment operations. In a described embodiment, a single trip perforating and fracturing/gravel packing method permits a well completion assembly including a well screen and a perforating gun to be installed in a well, the well to be perforated and treated, and the perforating gun to be retrieved from the well in a single trip. Retrieval of the perforating gun permits multiple zone completions in the well without the perforating guns remaining in the well thereafter.

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

Abstract: An improved abrasive slurry delivery apparatus and associated method of using same that permits repeated and/or extended use of the apparatus in a subterranean wellbore, and reduces abrasive wear during fracturing operations while increasing pump rate and proppant mass delivery capabilities. In a preferred embodiment, an abrasive slurry delivery apparatus has a tubular crossover member with an internal flow passage and sidewall outlet openings formed with or without removable inserts formed from abrasive resistant materials. The internal flow passage is eccentrically offset to enlarge the effective flow cross-section, provide for tool passage clearance and to increase wall thickness for protection of a return flow passageway. The sidewall opening is positioned such that the opening is isolated from the secondary flow passageway.

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 well screen and method for gravel packing a wellbore interval wherein a low-viscosity slurry can be used to distributed the gravel. A well screen having a plurality of spaced intermediate manifolds is lowered into the interval and slurry is pumped down the well and into the first manifold. Each intermediate manifold has an upper and a lower perforated shunt tube in fluid communication therewith which, in turn, distribute slurry in both an upward and downward direction substantially simultaneously. The slurry exits the respective tubes into spaced zones within the completion interval. By overlapping the exit openings of respective lower and upper shunt tubes of adjacent manifolds, slurry will be delivered to across the entire completion interval.

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

Abstract: 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: A sand control assembly having individual single zone flow control for a multizone hydrocarbon well having remote control capability. Flow control in individual zones and superior packing are achieved.

Abstract: An apparatus and operating method allows the completion of multiple production zones in a single wellbore with a single downhole trip. The work string descends with a coaxially combined completion string and service string. The completion string is set into a previously set basement packer. The completion string includes a series of production screens, transverse flow orifices, isolation packers and collet indicating couplings, all prepositioned along the completion string length relative to the basement packer set location. The production sleeves and transverse flow orifices are selectively closed by axially sliding sleeves. The service string includes a crossover flow tool, a SMART collet tool, sleeve shifting tools and sleeve closing tools. With all orifice and screen closure sleeves closed, the procedure proceeds from the lowermost production zone to open the closure sleeves respective to the flow orifice and screens dedicated to a respective production zone.

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: An apparatus and method for gravel packing an interval of a wellbore is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an outer tubular (110) forming a first annulus with the wellbore and an inner tubular (114) disposed within the outer tubular (110) forming a second annulus therebetween. The second annulus includes an axially extending slurry passageway (194) and an axially extending production pathway (190). The portion of the outer tubular (110) adjacent the slurry passageway (194) has an outlet (128). The portion of both the outer and inner tubulars (110, 114) adjacent the production pathway (190) has a plurality of openings (122, 146). The slurry passageway (194) is in fluid isolation from the production pathway (190) such that when a fluid slurry containing gravel is injected through the slurry passageway (194), the fluid slurry exits through the outlet (128) leaving gravel in the first annulus, thereby gravel packing the interval.

Abstract: An intelligent well system and method has a sand face completion and a monitoring system to monitor application of a well operation. Various equipment and services may be used. In another aspect, the invention provides a monitoring system for determining placement of a well treatment. Yet another aspect of the invention is an instrumented sand screen. Another aspect is a connector for routing control lines. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

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

Abstract: An apparatus and operating method allows the completion of multiple production zones in a single wellbore with a single downhole trip. The work string descends with a coaxially combined completion string and service string. The completion string is set into a previously set basement packer. The completion string includes a series of production screens, transverse flow orifices, isolation packers and collet indicating couplings, all prepositioned along the completion string length relative to the basement packer set location. The production sleeves and transverse flow orifices are selectively closed by axially sliding sleeves. The service string includes a crossover flow tool, a SMART collet tool, sleeve shifting tools and sleeve closing tools. With all orifice and screen closure sleeves closed, the procedure proceeds from the lowermost production zone to open the closure sleeves respective to the flow orifice and screens dedicated to a respective production zone.

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 with dividers extending between the screen and liner, isolating the slotted liner and the well bore in the zone and injecting particulate material into flow paths formed by the dividers between the sand screen and the slotted liner and into the annulus between 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: 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 system for enhancing oil production and reducing contamination thereof by such things as water breakthrough in unconsolidated horizontal wells comprises gravel packing, zonal isolation and selective flow control in combination. The significant control provided by the system enables the well operator to create a uniform pressure drop form heel to toe of the horizontal well and avoid commonly experienced water coning and early breakthrough of the horizontal borehole. An intelligent completion string including one or more flow control devices and one or more sensors is installable to enhance zonal isolation and control.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides improved apparatus and methods for use in completing a subterranean zone penetrated by a wellbore. One aspect of the invention is an apparatus comprising a tubular member having a first segment and a second segment, each segment containing a longitudinal bore. The tubular member forms an annulus between itself and the wellbore wall. At least one screen member at least partially encloses and is coupled to a second segment of the tubular member. The screen member and the enclosed second segment of the tubular member both have openings that allow fluid communication between the longitudinal bore of the tubular member and the wellbore. The apparatus includes an alternate flowpath member having a wall, upper and lower ends, and at least one aperture in its wall. The apertures are small enough to substantially prevent passage of particulate material. The alternate flowpath member extends longitudinally along a portion of the wellbore and creates a communication path for fluid flow.

Abstract: A one-trip squeeze pack system has a unique service seal unit design using concentric tubing, with the inner tubing an extension of the traditional wash pipe and is later used as the production tubing. The inner tubing contains a ported sub which can be isolated in various positions within the outer tubing by way of seals located above and below the ported sub. This seal unit is raised and lowered on the production string and isolated at various positions in order to accomplish setting the packer, running a packing job, reversing out packing fluid, and receiving production fluids.

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 method and apparatus for controlling fluid flow in a well bore is provided. A base pipe having an outer surface and an inner bore is provided. A first screen jacket is placed therearound. A second screen jacket is positioned adjacent the first screen jacket around the base pipe. An annular space is defined between the outer surface of the base pipe and each screen jacket. A sleeve is disposed between the adjacent screen jackets and an isolated fluid flow path is created between the annular space defined by the first screen jacket and the annular space defined by the second screen jacket.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a gravel pack assembly comprising a gravel pack body and a crossover tool. The crossover tool comprises auxiliary flow chambers and channels around a casing packer and a crossover tool check valve. The gravel pack body and crossover tool are assembled coaxially as a cooperative unit by a threaded joint. The assembly 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. After setting the packer, the tool string is rotated to release the threaded assembly joint between the crossover tool and the gravel pack extension. The desired flow function is determined by selective axial positionment of the crossover tool within the gravel pack body. When the gravel pack is in place, the crossover tool is axially positioned to flush residual aggregate from the tool string bore.

Abstract: A universal washdown system for circulating fluid through a wellbore to clean debris therefrom and to gravel-pack a production zone is provided. The system includes a production assembly with a multi-position service tool assembly disposed therein. The multi-position service tool is connected to and sealingly engages a packer that is included in the production assembly. The multi-position service tool assembly moves from a first to a second position in the production assembly by pulling longitudinally thereon. The apparatus is lowered into the well with the service tool connected to the production assembly in the first position. When the service tool assembly is in the second position, fluid passing down through a longitudinal central flow passage defined therethrough is communicated with an annulus defined between a liner assembly and the wellbore through crossover ports defined in the service tool to allow a gravel pack fluid to pass into a desired formation.

Abstract: An improved single trip perforating and gravel pack system is provided which includes a tubing conveyed perforating assembly, a gravel pack completion assembly, and a retrievable service assembly. The retrievable service assembly includes a hydraulic setting tool and a crossover tool assembly. The hydraulic setting tool is less sensitive to hydraulic pressures generated by the detonation of the perforating guns. The hydraulic setting tool includes an annulus release mechanism, a preset lock assembly and a rotational lock assembly, all of which are mechanically actuated. The retrievable service assembly also includes a concentric check valve which improves well control and allows for reversing out excess slurry in the service assembly following completion of a gravel packing or frac packing operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing a gravel pack operation includes a bypass mechanism (e.g., a bypass valve) that is actuatable between plural positions. The bypass mechanism is part of a tool assembly, with the bypass mechanism providing different flow paths through the tool assembly corresponding to the plural positions of the bypass mechanism. For example, if the bypass mechanism is in a first position, an elevated pressure is communicated from an annular region outside a tool string to a target wellbore section. On the other hand, if the bypass mechanism is in the second position, the elevated pressure is communicated from inside the tool string to the target wellbore section. In either position, an overbalance condition is maintained in the target wellbore section so that swabbing effects are reduced or eliminated due to movement of the tool assembly during a gravel pack operation.

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: An apparatus for use in a wellbore having a tubing includes a flow control assembly having at least one orifice and a bore capable of communicating with a bore of the tubing. The flow control assembly includes at least one valve adapted to control fluid flow through the at least one orifice to the bore. The at least one valve is adapted to be actuated between an open position, a closed position, and at least an intermediate position. A sand control assembly is coupled to the flow control assembly and includes a sand screen and a flow path defined inside the sand screen in fluid communication with the at least one orifice.

Abstract: A gravel pack is formed using a mixture of a solid deformable material and conventional gravel pack gravel. In the event of reservoir compaction, such a gravel pack will reduce the transmission of forces from the subterranean formation to the wellbore completion hardware, thereby significantly extending the life of a well. Deformable materials selected for mixing with conventional gravel may be elastically flexible, plastically deformable, or crushable solid materials or particles.

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: An apparatus for use in wellbores that enables the running in, washing down, gravel packing, reversing excess slurry, and the spotting of post gravel pack fluids on a single trip. The one trip apparatus comprises a housing having an exterior and a longitudinal bore extending therethrough, and a lateral port providing a communication path between the housing longitudinal bore and the exterior of the housing. A first sleeve is disposed within the housing longitudinal bore that has a longitudinal passageway therethrough and is capable of being positioned in an upper position and a lower position relative to the housing. First and second lateral passageways extend through the wall of the first sleeve. A second sleeve is disposed within the first sleeve and also has a longitudinal passageway therethrough. The second sleeve is capable of being positioned in an upper position and a lower position relative to the first sleeve.

Abstract: A full bore set down tool assembly provides a housing attached to a packer in a wellbore and aligned with the production zone. A service tool of the tool assembly is attached to a tubing string extending to the surface and is adapted for selective, removable attachment to and positioning within the housing. The tool assembly defines a downstream flow path and a return flow path when the service tool is attached to the housing. A ball valve that is selectively shiftable from the surface opens and closes the return flow path to define a circulate position and a squeeze position. The housing, service tool, and ball valve also define a reverse position. The tool assembly facilitates gravel packing of the annulus between the wellbore casing and the service string including the tool assembly.

Abstract: A system for enhancing hydrocarbon production in long and deviated subterranean wells. Gravel is placed in the annulus between the screen liner and the borehole, together with annular isolation elements. Selective flow control is achieved. Sequential control or commingled production is achievable from multiple producing intervals of the borehole. A differential valve is incorporated in the screen liner service string to allow for gravel placement across multiple screen-liner sections, separated by annular isolation elements in a continuous one stage placement operation, thereby reducing time and complexity of such operations.

Abstract: An isolation system having: an isolation string, wherein the isolation string has a packing assembly which secures the isolation string in a wellbore casing, wherein the isolation string has a production screen which allows production fluid to pass into the isolation string; an isolation sleeve which slides within the isolation string between open and closed positions, wherein the open position allows fluid communication between the production screen and an interior portion of the isolation string and the closed position prevents fluid communication between the production screen and an interior portion of the isolation string, wherein the isolation sleeve comprises at least one isolation valve which is coupled within the isolation sleeve, wherein the at least one isolation valve is movable between open and closed positions; a locking device which locks and unlocks the isolation sleeve in an open position, wherein the locking device comprises a trigger that secures the isolation sleeve to the isolation string

Abstract: A one-trip squeeze pack system has a unique service seal unit design using concentric tubing, with the inner tubing an extension of the traditional wash pipe and is later used as the production tubing. The inner tubing contains a ported sub which can be isolated in various positions within the outer tubing by way of seals located above and below the ported sub. This seal unit is raised and lowered on the production string and isolated at various positions in order to accomplish setting the packer, running a packing job, reversing out packing fluid, and receiving production fluids.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of completing a well that penetrates a subterranean formation and more particularly to a method for screen placement during proppant packing of formation perforations or fractures created by hydraulic fracturing techniques. The top of the screen is placed at a sufficient distance below the top of the perforations such that the frac pack pumping rate does not bridge off at the top of the screen when the frac pack is being pumped.

Abstract: A one-trip squeeze pack system has a unique service seal unit design using concentric tubing, with the inner tubing an extension of the traditional wash pipe and is later used as the production tubing. The inner tubing contains a ported sub which can be isolated in various positions within the outer tubing by way of seals located above and below the ported sub. This seal unit is raised and lowered on the production string and isolated at various positions in order to accomplish setting the packer, running a packing job, reversing out packing fluid, and receiving production fluids.

Abstract: A hydraulic oil and gas well downhole packer apparatus for use in a well casing below a wellhead and in combination with a coil tubing unit provides a tool body having a longitudinally extending tool bore and an upper end portion that connects to the lower free end of the coiled tubing unit during use. The tool body includes an inner elongated hollow mandrel with a hydraulic piston movably disposed upon the external surface of the mandrel. The piston is movable between an initial “running” position and a final “setting” position. An external sleeve is engaged by the piston when it moves between the running and setting positions, the external sleeve engaging slips that expand to anchor the tool body to the well casing. An annular packer member is expandable responsive to sliding movement of the external sleeve and is positioned below the slips for forming a seal between the tool body and the casing at a position near the lower end portion of the tool body.

Abstract: A completion assembly facilitates gravel-packing and fracturestimulation of closely spaced zones. The assembly includes a pair of spaced screens with a production packer in between. The production packer has a short bypass flowpath therethrough to allow fluids carrying the gravel to pass the production packer so that the upper and lower zones can be gravel-packed simultaneously, as well as fracture-stimulated simultaneously. Thereafter, the presence of the gravel in the bypass tube in the packer between the zones provides some limited isolation based on the permeability of the gravel found in the bypass passage and the pressure drop across that passage. Production then can follow from the lower zone, the upper zone, or both zones depending on the completion configuration.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and method for gravel packing open holes wherein hydrostatic pressure is maintained above the formation pressure (“overburdened condition”) throughout the gravel pack process. The apparatus includes a completion string which contains a flow restriction device, a crossover device and a packer each above and below the crossover device. The string is set in the wellbore with the flow restriction device adjacent the producing formation. The upper packer and the crossover device are set, which allows the gravel fluid to pass to the annulus, and return through the string. After gravel packing, the lower packer is set. The crossover device and the upper packer are retrieved from the wellbore leaving the flow restriction device and the lower packer in the wellbore. The system maintains the wellbore under overburdened condition throughout the gravel packing process.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in gravel packing a well includes a tool body adapted to be lowered into the well, a screen coupled to the tool body, and a resilient member coupled to the screen. The apparatus is placed at a selected position in the well, and sand control media is disposed between the screen and the well while the resilient member is periodically excited to vibrate the screen.

Abstract: A full bore set down tool assembly provides a housing attached to a packer in a wellbore and aligned with the production zone. A service tool of the tool assembly is attached to a tubing string extending to the surface and is adapted for selective, removable attachment to and positioning within the housing. The tool assembly defines a downstream flow path and a return flow path when the service tool is attached to the housing. A ball valve that is selectively shiftable from the surface opens and closes the return flow path to define a circulate position and a squeeze position. The housing, service tool, and ball valve also define a reverse position. The tool assembly facilitates gravel packing of the annulus between the wellbore casing and the service string including the tool assembly.

Abstract: A well screen having an internal, blank alternate flowpath for delivering fracturing fluid/gravel slurry to different levels within a well annulus. The well screen includes an outer pipe which is positioned over a base pipe thereby forming an annulus therebetween. The circumference of each pipe has a perforated sector and a blank sector, both of which extend along their respective lengths. When assembled, the respective perforated sectors are aligned to form a perforated, production sector and the respective blank sectors are aligned to form the blank, alternate flowpath. The base pipe is wrapped with wire to prevent solids from flowing through the openings therein. Slurry is pumped into the annulus where it flows circumferently from the blank, alternate flowpath to exit into the well annulus through the openings in the perforated sector of the annulus.

Abstract: A service tool string (34) is releasably attached to a bottom hole assembly (18) and forms a production string as well as a work string. The tool (35) has a mandrel (102) and a slide valve assembly (68) mounted on the mandrel for relative sliding movement. Crossover ports (114, 124) are provided in the mandrel (102) and the slide valve assembly (68). Slide valve assembly (68) moves by gravity and spring action when not contacted by the bottom hole assembly (18) to a position in which ports (114, 124) are blocked as shown in FIG. 7B. Upon contact of slidable valve assembly (68) with the bottom hole assembly (18), slide valve assembly is moved upwardly for alignment of ports (114, 124) as shown in FIGS. 5B and 6B. An equalizing valve (29) as shown in FIGS. 10-12 is effective to equalize the fluid pressure within the bottom hole assembly (18) with the fluid pressure outside the perforated casing section (23) so that in a reverse position as shown in FIG.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gravel pack assembly for use in a wellbore having a packer positioned therein with a minimum inside diameter and a primary packing seal. In one embodiment, the gravel pack assembly comprises a pack-off conduit that is coupable to the packer. The pack-off conduit has a maximum outer diameter that is sufficient to prevent the pack-off conduit from traversing the minimum inside diameter of the packer. The gravel pack assembly further includes a seal positioned about an inside diameter of the pack-off conduit. The seal is engageable with an outer surface of a tool that is passable through the pack-off conduit to inhibit fluid flow between the seal and the tool, uphole from the primary packing seal. The primary packer seal is typically near the uphole end of the packer and is the seal that isolates the downhole zones from the pressure exerted by the fluid uphole from the primary packer seal.

Abstract: After installing an inventive tool attached to production tubing in a well, the well can be gravel packed without the use of a well intervention unit. The tool isolates a productive interval and diverts tubing-conveyed sand slurry towards an annular location by means of a port and an openable passageway restrictor. The entraining fluid component of the diverted sand slurry in the annular location is allowed to re-enter the production tubing through a first screen while the separated sand drops to the annular location to be packed in an axial direction. Rupture of a plug then allows the separated sand to be packed in an axial direction.

Abstract: A proppant containment apparatus and associated method of using the apparatus permit continued delivery of a proppant slurry to a subterranean wellbore after failure of a crossover portion of the apparatus during a fracturing operation, eliminating the need to stop the fracturing operation and remove and replace expensive items of equipment after such crossover failure. In a preferred embodiment, the proppant containment apparatus has a tubular crossover member with an internal flow passage, circulation port, and side wall outlet openings, first and second coaxial tubular structures, the first tubular structure being perforated, a tubular screen positioned between the first and second tubular structures, a ball, and a ball seat having a spaced series of grooves formed thereon.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus provide desired levels of continuous fluid pressure in a portion of a wellbore during completion operations. In a described embodiment, a method permits continuous fluid communication between a tubular string extending to the earth's surface and a portion of a wellbore below a packer during testing of the packer. This fluid communication enables a desired fluid pressure to be continually applied to a filter cake lining the portion of the wellbore, to aid in preventing compromise of the filter cake and possible collapse of the wellbore portion. A packer test device included in the apparatus permits such fluid communication during testing of the packer.