Abstract: A wellscreen has a gravel pack assembly installed that can communicate slurry from a transport tube to a pack tube. A bypass has erosion resistant surfaces exposed to flow of the conveyed slurry and diverts portion of the conveyed slurry from the fluid bore of the transport tube to a tube opening, from which the pack tube extends. The bypass can be incorporated into the top ring for supporting the filter on the basepipes. A sheath of erosion resistance can be formed on or installed in a channel of the end ring to be covered by a cover.

Abstract: A wellscreen has a gravel pack assembly installed that can communicate slurry from a transport tube to a pack tube. A bypass has erosion resistant surfaces exposed to flow of the conveyed slurry and diverts portion of the conveyed slurry from the fluid bore of the transport tube to a tube opening, from which the pack tube extends. The bypass can be incorporated into the top ring for supporting the filter on the basepipes. A sheath of erosion resistance can be formed on or installed in a channel of the end ring to be covered by a cover.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing debris from a wellbore using a cleaning tool. The tool may comprise an inner mandrel and a cup member coupled to the inner mandrel. The cup member is moveable between a collapsed position where fluid may flow across the exterior of the cup member, and an extended position where fluid is diverted into a flow path disposed between the inner mandrel and the cup member. The fluid is diverted through a filter member that is coupled to the inner mandrel below the cup member.

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

Abstract: Certain aspects and embodiments of the present invention are directed a sand control device cleaning system that can be disposed in a wellbore through a fluid-producing formation. The sand control device cleaning system can include a housing and a fluid communication structure. The housing can be coupled to a section of a tubing string of a well system. A portion of the housing or a container disposed within the housing can store a dissolving material. A dissolving fluid that can dissolve or otherwise remove particulate material can be formed from the dissolving material. The fluid communication structure can communicate the dissolving fluid from the housing to a sand control device coupled to the section of the tubing string.

Abstract: Certain aspects and embodiments of the present invention are directed a sand control device cleaning system that can be disposed in a wellbore through a fluid-producing formation. The sand control device cleaning system can include a housing and a fluid communication structure. The housing can be coupled to a section of a tubing string of a well system. A portion of the housing or a container disposed within the housing can store a dissolving material. A dissolving fluid that can dissolve or otherwise remove particulate material can be formed from the dissolving material. The fluid communication structure can communicate the dissolving fluid from the housing to a sand control device coupled to the section of the tubing string.

Abstract: Multiple producing zones separated by a non-producing zone are gravel packed together. The non-producing zone has locations to take returns so as to get a consistent pack in the non-producing zone. The production string features external seals and/or an internal plug so that no matter which producing zone is aligned to produce, the screens in the non-producing zone are selectively isolated so that the producing zone that is not intended to be produced has only the path through the gravel pack to get to the actual zone being produced. Since the annulus can be long and full of gravel this path will make flow from the zone that is not of interest minimal into the flow from the zone of interest without using a packer between pairs of spaced apart producing zones.

Abstract: An apparatus for screening earth formation components includes: a base pipe configured to allow the passage of formation fluid therethrough; and a foam layer disposed radially outwardly of the base pipe and configured to allow the passage of formation fluid therethrough and minimize the passage of formation solids therethrough, the foam layer including a plurality of hollow structures forming windows therebetween. A method of manufacturing an apparatus for screening earth formation components is also disclosed.

Abstract: A particulate exculder tool includes a basepipe having one or more retention features; a screen jacket disposed radially outwardly of the basepipe; one or more end housings at the screen jacket; and a deformable element disposed between a portion of the one or more end housings and one or of the one or more retention features and method.

Abstract: A sand control screen assembly (40) is operably positionable within a wellbore (48). The sand control screen assembly (40) includes a base pipe (42) having at least one opening (60) and an internal flow path (44). A swellable material layer (46) is disposed exteriorly of the base pipe (42). A fluid collection subassembly (50) is disposed exteriorly of the swellable material layer (46). The fluid collection subassembly (50) is in fluid communication with the internal flow path (44). A filter medium (62) is operably associated with the sand control screen assembly (40) and is disposed in a fluid path between the exterior of the sand control screen assembly (40) and the internal flow path (44). In response to contact with an activating fluid, radial expansion of the swellable material layer (46) causes at least a portion of the fluid collection subassembly (50) to contact the wellbore (48).

Abstract: A technique protectively arranges at least one cable on the outside of and along at least one pipe section of a pipe string. The cable is secured to at least one cable protector coupled to the outside of at least one pipe section of the pipe string. The cable protector comprises a cable-retaining strip. The cable-retaining strip is provided with at least one continuous cable track arranged along the cable-retaining strip, the cable track opening outwards relative to the pipe section. The at least one cable is also secured to the at least one cable track, whereby the cable is protected from the external environment.

Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatus for assisting in reducing flowback of debris from an earthen formation into an underground fluid injection system includes a screen member disposed around and longitudinally moveable relative to a base pipe and shielded from direct contact with fluid as it is ejected from the base pipe.

Abstract: Methods for remediating a subterranean environment. Methods comprising introducing a cleanup fluid through a well bore and into a portion of a subterranean formation penetrated by the well bore, applying a pressure pulse to the cleanup fluid, and introducing a consolidating agent through the well bore and into the portion of the subterranean formation. Methods of cleaning a sand control screen comprises introducing a cleanup fluid through a sand control screen and into a portion of a subterranean formation, the sand control screen located in a well bore that penetrates the subterranean formation; applying a pressure pulse to the cleanup fluid; and introducing a consolidating agent through the sand control screen and into the portion of the subterranean formation.

Abstract: A screen assembly connected about a perforated base pipe includes a filter layer constructed of layers of woven metal cloth sintered together; a drainage layer positioned between the base pipe and the filter layer, the drainage layer sintered to the filter layer; and a support layer constructed of woven metal rods and metal cable disposed about the filter layer, the support layer sintered to the filter layer.

Abstract: A particulate exculder tool includes a basepipe having one or more retention features; a screen jacket disposed radially outwardly of the basepipe; one or more end housings at the screen jacket; and a deformable element disposed between a portion of the one or more end housings and one or of the one or more retention features and method.

Abstract: Inflow control devices for sand control screens. A well screen includes a filter portion and at least one flow restrictor configured so that fluid which flows through the filter portion also flows through the flow restrictor. The flow restrictor includes at least one tube which forces the fluid to change momentum within the tube. An inflow control device for restricting flow into a passage of a tubular string in a wellbore includes at least one flow restrictor configured so that fluid flows between the passage and the flow restrictor. The flow restrictor includes at least one tube which forces the fluid to change momentum within the tube.

Abstract: A method for reducing the width of slots spaced about the surface of a pipe or tube. The method comprises subjecting the surface of the pipe or tube to bombardment by a quantity of shot of a pre-determined size and for a pre-determined length of time to cause deformation of the surface of the pipe or tube adjacent to the slots therein so that the width of the slots is reduced to within a pre-determined size range.

Abstract: A well tool having at least one alternate flowpath for delivering fluid to different levels in a wellbore wherein the flowpath is comprised of a conduit having a plurality of outlets spaced along its length which, in turn, are provided with inserts of erosion-resistant material to alleviate erosion of the outlets.

Abstract: The filter of the present invention overcomes the aforementioned problems by separating gas and solid particulate matter from liquid as the wellbore fluid passes through the filter. The apparatus comprises a solid tube encased in a perforated tube which extends beyond the end of the solid tube. A top cap is attached to one end of each tube and holds the tubes concentric to each other. A bottom cap is attached to the end of the perforated tube which extends beyond the solid tube. An annulus is defined by the inner surface of the perforated tube and the outer surface of the solid tube. The top cap has a bore extending therethrough which is in fluid communication with the solid tube. The filter is generally used in conjunction with a low volume pump located adjacent to and in fluid communication with the top cap. As the pump operates, wellbore fluid is drawn through the perforations of the perforated tube into the annulus between the perforated and solid tubes.

Abstract: The flow apertures of a perforated mandrel are temporarily sealed by a foil covering sheet which is made of a sacrificial material, for example, zinc, aluminum and magnesium The sacrificial covering sheet prevents dirty completion fluid from passing through and in and out of the screen as it is run into the hole, thereby protecting the screen from plugging. During the time the screen mandrel is temporarily sealed by the sacrificial foil covering, cleaning fluid is circulated through the work string and is returned through the annulus between the screen and the open well bore for removing filter cake, drilling debris and lost circulation material. After the annulus has been cleaned, the annulus is filled with an acid solution or caustic solution, which dissolves the sacrificial foil and opens the base pipe perforations.

Abstract: A well screen-filter includes a pair of substantially spaced concentric screens defining an annular filtering space therebetween, connected with perforated joint(s) closing the lower end of the filtrating space. The annular space is filled with filtrating materials (gravel or synthetic balls) as a pack and an upper joint acts as a cover cap of the annular filtrating space to seal the pack. The lower perforated joint includes holes for passage of fine particles to a sedimentation tube, preventing clogging of the pack and enabling proper functioning of the double walled screen-filter.