Method and apparatus for single trip injection of fluid for well treatment and for gravel packing thereafter

Claim 1

A method of injection of fluid within a subterranean well (W) for removal of lost circulation material (LCM) which has been deposited within perforations (P) through a first perforated well conduit section (C) traversing a production zone (PZ), by first initiating removal of said material (LCM) upwardly from a lowermost portion (LP) of said section and by subsequent continuation of removal of said material (LCM) downwardly from an uppermost portion (UP) of said section, comprising the steps of: (1) assembling a second conduit (10) which carries a zone isolator (11) and fluid communicating means (12) comprising first and second communicating members (12a, 12b); (2) running the second conduit (10) into the well until the isolator (11) is positioned above the production zone (PZ) with the first communicating member (12a) being in proximity to the uppermost end of the perforations (P) and the second communicating member (12b) being in proximity to the lowermost end of the perforations (P); (3) sealingly securing the isolator (11) within and against the first well conduit (C) above said zone (PZ); (4) forming a first injection path for said fluid which extends from the top of the well (W), through the interior of said communicating means (12) and out only the exterior of the second communicating member (12b) and into the lowermost of said perforations (P) for contact with and removal of said lost circulation material (LCM) therefrom until a loss of circulation of said fluid is established; and (5) forming a second injection path for said fluid which extends from the top of the well (W) through the first communicating member (12a) of said communicating means (12) while preventing said fluid from passing from the interior to the exterior of said second communicating member (12b), said second injection path for said fluid continuing out of said first communicating member (12a) and into the other of said perforations for contact with and removal of the remainder of said lost circulation material (LCM).

Claim 2

A method of injection of fluid within a subterranean well (W) for removal of lost circulation material (LCM) which has been deposited within perforations (P) through a first perforated well conduit section (C) traversing a production zone (PZ), by first initiating removal of said material (LCM) upwardly from a lowermost portion (LP) of said section and by subsequent continuation of removal of said material (LCM) downwardly from an uppermost portion (UP) of said section, comprising the steps of: (1) assembling a second conduit (10) which carries a zone isolator (11) and fluid communicating means (12) comprising first and second communicating members (12a, 12b); (2) running the second conduit (10) into the well until the isolator (11) is positioned above the production zone (PZ) with the first communicating member (12a) being in proximity to the uppermost end of the perforations (P) and the second communicating member (12b) being in proximity to the lowermost end of the perforations (P); (3) sealingly securing the isolator (11) within and against the first well conduit (C) above said zone (PZ); (4) forming a first injection path for said fluid which extends from the top of the well (W), through the interior of said communicating means (12) and out only the exterior of the second communicating member (12b) and into the lowermost of said perforations (P) for contact with and removal of said lost circulation material (LCM) therefrom until a loss of circulation of said fluid is established; and (5) forming a second injection path for said fluid which extends from the top of the well (W) through the first communicating member (12a) of said communicating means (12) while preventing said fluid from passing from the interior to the exterior of said second communicating member (12b), said second injection path for said fluid continuing out of said first communicating member (12a) and into the other of said perforations for contact with and removal of the remainder of said lost circulation material (LCM).

Claim 6

A method according to any preceding claim, wherein said first and second injection paths comprise sectional lengths of said conduit.

Claim 7

A method according to any preceding claim, further comprising the following steps: with the isolator (11) continuing to be sealingly secured within and against the first well conduit (C) above said zone (PZ), forming a gravel pack fluid flow path which extends from the surface downhole through the interior of the isolator (11), around the exterior of said communicating means (12), and a return fluid flow path for said gravel pack fluid through the interior of said communicating means (12) and back up hole to the top of the well.

Claim 10

A method of injection of fluid within a subterranean well (W) for removal of lost circulation material (LCM) which has been deposited within perforations (P) through a first perforated well conduit section (C) traversing a production zone (PZ), by first initiating removal of said material (LCM) upwardly from a lowermost portion (LP) of said section and by subsequent continuation of removal of said material downwardly from an uppermost portion (UP) of said section, comprising the steps of: (1) assembling a second conduit (10) which carries a fluid flow cross-over means (T-1, T-2), a zone isolator (11) and fluid communicating means (12) comprising first and second communicating members (12a, 12b); (2) running the second conduit (10) into the well (W) until the isolator (11) is positioned above the production zone (PZ) with the first communicating member (12a) being in proximity to the uppermost end of the perforations (P) and the second communicating member (12b) being in proximity to the lowermost end of the perforations (P); (3) hydraulically activating the isolator (11) to sealingly secure said isolator (11). within and against the first well conduit (C) above said zone (PZ); (4) manipulating said cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) to one position and forming a first injection path for said fluid which extends from the top of the well (W), through said cross-over tool (T-1, T-2), through the interior of said communicating means (12) and out only the exterior of the second communicating member (12b) and into the lowermost (LP) of said perforations (P) for contact with and removal of said lost circulation material (LCM) therefrom; and (5) manipulating said cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) to another position and forming a second injection path for said fluid which extends from the top of the well (W) through said cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) through the first communicating member (12a) of said communicating means (12) for preventing said fluid from passing from the interior to the exterior of said communicating member (12b), said second injection path for said fluid continuing out of said first communicating member (12a) and into the other of said perforations (P) for contact with and removal of the remainder of said lost circulation material (LCM).

Claim 11

A method of injection of fluid within a subterranean well (W) for removal of lost circulation material (LCM) which has been deposited within perforations (P) through a first perforated well conduit section (C) traversing a production zone (PZ), by first initiating removal of said material (LCM) upwardly from a lowermost portion (LP) of said section and by subsequent continuation of removal of said material downwardly from an uppermost portion (UP) of said section, comprising the steps of: (1) assembling a second conduit (10) which carries a fluid flow cross-over means (T-1, T-2), a zone isolator (11) and fluid communicating means (12) comprising first and second communicating members (12a, 12b); (2) running the second conduit (10) into the well (W) until the isolator (11) is positioned above the production zone (PZ) with the first communicating member (12a) being in proximity to the uppermost end of the perforations (P) and the second communicating member (12b) being in proximity to the lowermost end of the perforations (P); (3) hydraulically activating the isolator (11) to sealingly secure said isolator (11). within and against the first well conduit (C) above said zone (PZ); (4) manipulating said cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) to one position and forming a first injection path for said fluid which extends from the top of the well (W), through said cross-over tool (T-1, T-2), through the interior of said communicating means (12) and out only the exterior of the second communicating member (12b) and into the lowermost (LP) of said perforations (P) for contact with and removal of said lost circulation material (LCM) therefrom; and (5) manipulating said cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) to another position and forming a second injection path for said fluid which extends from the top of the well (W) through said cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) through the first communicating member (12a) of said communicating means (12) for preventing said fluid from passing from the interior to the exterior of said communicating member (12b), said second injection path for said fluid continuing out of said first communicating member (12a) and into the other of said perforations (P) for contact with and removal of the remainder of said lost circulation material (LCM).

Claim 12

A method of injection of fluid within a subterranean well for removal of lost circulation material (LCM) which has been deposited within perforations (P) through a first perforated well conduit section (C) traversing a production zone (PZ), by first initiating removal of said material (LCM) upwardly from a lowermost portion (LP) of said section (C) and by subsequent continuation of removal of said material (LCM) downwardly from an uppermost portion (UP) of said section (C), comprising the steps of: (1) assembling a second conduit (10) which carries a zone isolator (11), a fluid flow cross-over tool (T-1, T-2), and fluid communicating means (12) comprising first and second communicating members (12a, 12b); (2) running the second conduit (10) into the well (W) until the isolator (11) is positioned above the production zone (PZ) with the first communicating members (12a) being in proximity to the uppermost end of the perforations (P) and the second communicating member (12b) being in proximity to the lowermost end of the perforations (P); (3) sealingly securing the isolator (11) within and against the first well conduit (C) above said zone (PZ); (4) manipulating the fluid cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) to a first position to permit downward fluid flow therethrough to pass exteriorly out of said communicating means (12) through only the second communicating member (12b) and upwardly to the top of the well (W) above said isolator (11) through an annulus defined between said first well conduit (C) and another conduit (10) concentrically disposed therein; (5) moving said fluid cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) to a second position whereby fluid is permitted to pass through said fluid cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) downwardly therethrough and exteriorly through only said second communicating member (12b) and is prevented from flowing to the annular area (34) above said isolator (11) between said first well conduit (C) and said concentrically disposed conduit (10) therethrough, whereby fluid for removal of said lost circulation material (LCM) may be squeezed into the lowermost of said perforations (P) for removal of said lost circulation material (LCM) therefrom; (6) manipulating said fluid cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) to a third position whereby fluid for removal of said lost circulation material (LCM) passes through said fluid cross-over tool (T-1, T-2), thence exteriorly below said isolator (11) in an annular area between said first perforated well conduit (C) and the fluid communicating means (12), into contact with the other of said perforations (P) through said perforated well conduit section (C), thence through only the second (12b) of said first and second fluid communicating members (12a, 12b), thence through the interior of said cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) and into the annular area (34) above said isolator (11) between said first well conduit (C) and the concentrically disposed conduit (10) therethrough; (7) manipulating said cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) to another position whereby said fluid for removal of said lost circulation material (LCM) passes downwardly through said cross-over tool (T-1, T-2), thence within the annular areas below said isolator (11) between said first perforated well conduit section (C) and said communicating means (12), then into contact with the perforation (P) of the first perforated well conduit section (C) and into at least one of the first and second communicating members (12a, 12b), through the interior of the cross-over tool (T-1, T-2), thence outwardly above said isolator (11) through the annular area (34) between said first well conduit member (C) and the concentric conduit (10) positioned therethrough to the top of the well; and (8) preventing continued flow above said isolator (11) within said annular area between said first well conduit member (C) and the concentric conduit (10) disposed therethrough by manipulating valve means in communication with said annular area (34) above said isolator (11) between said first well conduit (C) and the concentric conduit (10) positioned therethrough to closed position whereby said fluid for removal of lost circulation material (LCM) may be squeezed into said perforations (P) through said first perforated well conduit section.

Claim 13

A method of injection of fluid within a subterranean well for removal of lost circulation material (LCM) which has been deposited within perforations (P) through a first perforated well conduit section (C) traversing a production zone (PZ), by first initiating removal of said material (LCM) upwardly from a lowermost portion (LP) of said section (C) and by subsequent continuation of removal of said material (LCM) downwardly from an uppermost portion (UP) of said section (C), comprising the steps of: (1) assembling a second conduit (10) which carries a zone isolator (11), a fluid flow cross-over tool (T-1, T-2), and fluid communicating means (12) comprising first and second communicating members (12a, 12b); (2) running the second conduit (10) into the well (W) until the isolator (11) is positioned above the production zone (PZ) with the first communicating members (12a) being in proximity to the uppermost end of the perforations (P) and the second communicating member (12b) being in proximity to the lowermost end of the perforations (P); (3) sealingly securing the isolator (11) within and against the first well conduit (C) above said zone (PZ); (4) manipulating the fluid cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) to a first position to permit downward fluid flow therethrough to pass exteriorly out of said communicating means (12) through only the second communicating member (12b) and upwardly to the top of the well (W) above said isolator (11) through an annulus defined between said first well conduit (C) and another conduit (10) concentrically disposed therein; (5) moving said fluid cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) to a second position whereby fluid is permitted to pass through said fluid cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) downwardly therethrough and exteriorly through only said second communicating member (12b) and is prevented from flowing to the annular area (34) above said isolator (11) between said first well conduit (C) and said concentrically disposed conduit (10) therethrough, whereby fluid for removal of said lost circulation material (LCM) may be squeezed into the lowermost of said perforations (P) for removal of said lost circulation material (LCM) therefrom; (6) manipulating said fluid cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) to a third position whereby fluid for removal of said lost circulation material (LCM) passes through said fluid cross-over tool (T-1, T-2), thence exteriorly below said isolator (11) in an annular area between said first perforated well conduit (C) and the fluid communicating means (12), into contact with the other of said perforations (P) through said perforated well conduit section (C), thence through only the second (12b) of said first and second fluid communicating members (12a, 12b), thence through the interior of said cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) and into the annular area (34) above said isolator (11) between said first well conduit (C) and the concentrically disposed conduit (10) therethrough; (7) manipulating said cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) to another position whereby said fluid for removal of said lost circulation material (LCM) passes downwardly through said cross-over tool (T-1, T-2), thence within the annular areas below said isolator (11) between said first perforated well conduit section (C) and said communicating means (12), then into contact with the perforation (P) of the first perforated well conduit section (C) and into at least one of the first and second communicating members (12a, 12b), through the interior of the cross-over tool (T-1, T-2), thence outwardly above said isolator (11) through the annular area (34) between said first well conduit member (C) and the concentric conduit (10) positioned therethrough to the top of the well; and (8) preventing continued flow above said isolator (11) within said annular area between said first well conduit member (C) and the concentric conduit (10) disposed therethrough by manipulating valve means in communication with said annular area (34) above said isolator (11) between said first well conduit (C) and the concentric conduit (10) positioned therethrough to closed position whereby said fluid for removal of lost circulation material (LCM) may be squeezed into said perforations (P) through said first perforated well conduit section.

Claim 14

A method of injection of fluid within a subterranean well (W) for removal of lost circulation material (LCM) which has been deposited within perforations (P) through a first perforated well conduit section (C) traversing a production zone (PZ), by first initiating removal of said material (LCM) upwardly from a lowermost portion (LP) of said section and by subsequent continuation of removal of said material (LCM) downwardly from an uppermost portion (UP) of said section, comprising the steps of: (1) assembling a second conduit (10) which carries a zone isolator (11), a fluid flow cross-over tool (T-1, T-2), and fluid communicating means (12) comprising first and second communicating members (12a, 12b); (2) running the second conduit (10) into the well (W) until the isolator (11) is positioned above the production zone (PZ) with the first communicating member (12a) being in proximity to the uppermost end of the perforations (P) and the second communicating member (12b) being in proximity to the lowermost end of the perforations (P); (3) sealingly securing the isolator (11) within and against the first well conduit (C) above said zone; (4) manipulating the fluid cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) to a first position to permit downward fluid flow therethrough to pass exteriorly out of said communicating means (12) through only the second communicating member (12b) and upwardly to the top of the well (W) above said isolator (11) through an annulus (34) defined between said first well conduit (C) and the second conduit (10) concentrically disposed therein; (5) moving said fluid cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) to a second position whereby fluid is permitted to pass through said fluid cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) downwardly therethrough and exteriorly through only said second communicating member (12b) and is prevented from flowing to the annular area (34) above said isolator (11) between said first well conduit (C) and said concentrically disposed second conduit (10) therethrough, whereby fluid for removal of said lost circulation material (LCM) may be squeezed into the lowermost of said perforations (P) for removal of said lost circulation material (LCM) there from; (6) manipulating said fluid cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) to a third position whereby fluid for removal of said lost circulation material (LCM) passes through said fluid cross-over tool (T-1, T-2), thence exteriorly below said isolator (11) in an annular area between said first perforated well conduit (C) and the fluid communicating means (12), into contact with the other of said perforations (P) through said perforated well conduit section (C), thence through only the second (12b) of said first and second fluid communicating members (12a, 12b), thence through the interior of said cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) and into the annular area (34) above said isolator (11) between said first well conduit (C) and the concentrically disposed second conduit (10) therethrough; (7) manipulating said cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) to another position whereby said fluid for removal of said lost circulation material (LCM) passes downwardly through said cross-over tool (T-1, T-2), thence within the annular area below said isolator (11) between said first perforated well conduit section (C) and said communicating means (12), then into contact with the perforations (P) of the first perforated well conduit section (C) and into at least one of the first and second communicating members (12a, 12b), through the interior of the cross-over tool (T-1, T-2), thence outwardly above said isolator (11) through the annular area (34) between said first well conduit member (C) and the concentric second conduit (10) positioned therethrough to the top of the well (W); (8) preventing continued flow above said isolator (11) within said annular area (34) between said first well conduit member (C) and the concentric second conduit (10) disposed therethrough by manipulating valve means in communication with said annular area (34) above said isolator (11) between said first well conduit (C) and the concentric second conduit (10) positioned therethrough to closed position whereby said fluid for removal of lost circulation material (LCM) may be squeezed into said perforations (P) through said first perforated well conduit section (C); and (9) manipulating said cross-over tool (T1-T2) to a position and introducing fluid containing gravel through said cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) for deposition of said gravel exterior of said communicating means (12) and for flow.of fluid without said gravel interiorly of said cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) thence exteriorly of said cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) above said isolator (11) in the annular area (34) between the first well conduit (C) and the concentrically disposed conduit (10) therethrough, while said isolator (11) still remains in sealing securement against the first well conduit (C) above said zone (PZ).

Claim 15

A method of injection of fluid within a subterranean well (W) for removal of lost circulation material (LCM) which has been deposited within perforations (P) through a first perforated well conduit section (C) traversing a production zone (PZ), by first initiating removal of said material (LCM) upwardly from a lowermost portion (LP) of said section and by subsequent continuation of removal of said material (LCM) downwardly from an uppermost portion (UP) of said section, comprising the steps of: (1) assembling a second conduit (10) which carries a zone isolator (11), a fluid flow cross-over tool (T-1, T-2), and fluid communicating means (12) comprising first and second communicating members (12a, 12b); (2) running the second conduit (10) into the well (W) until the isolator (11) is positioned above the production zone (PZ) with the first communicating member (12a) being in proximity to the uppermost end of the perforations (P) and the second communicating member (12b) being in proximity to the lowermost end of the perforations (P); (3) sealingly securing the isolator (11) within and against the first well conduit (C) above said zone; (4) manipulating the fluid cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) to a first position to permit downward fluid flow therethrough to pass exteriorly out of said communicating means (12) through only the second communicating member (12b) and upwardly to the top of the well (W) above said isolator (11) through an annulus (34) defined between said first well conduit (C) and the second conduit (10) concentrically disposed therein; (5) moving said fluid cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) to a second position whereby fluid is permitted to pass through said fluid cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) downwardly therethrough and exteriorly through only said second communicating member (12b) and is prevented from flowing to the annular area (34) above said isolator (11) between said first well conduit (C) and said concentrically disposed second conduit (10) therethrough, whereby fluid for removal of said lost circulation material (LCM) may be squeezed into the lowermost of said perforations (P) for removal of said lost circulation material (LCM) there from; (6) manipulating said fluid cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) to a third position whereby fluid for removal of said lost circulation material (LCM) passes through said fluid cross-over tool (T-1, T-2), thence exteriorly below said isolator (11) in an annular area between said first perforated well conduit (C) and the fluid communicating means (12), into contact with the other of said perforations (P) through said perforated well conduit section (C), thence through only the second (12b) of said first and second fluid communicating members (12a, 12b), thence through the interior of said cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) and into the annular area (34) above said isolator (11) between said first well conduit (C) and the concentrically disposed second conduit (10) therethrough; (7) manipulating said cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) to another position whereby said fluid for removal of said lost circulation material (LCM) passes downwardly through said cross-over tool (T-1, T-2), thence within the annular area below said isolator (11) between said first perforated well conduit section (C) and said communicating means (12), then into contact with the perforations (P) of the first perforated well conduit section (C) and into at least one of the first and second communicating members (12a, 12b), through the interior of the cross-over tool (T-1, T-2), thence outwardly above said isolator (11) through the annular area (34) between said first well conduit member (C) and the concentric second conduit (10) positioned therethrough to the top of the well (W); (8) preventing continued flow above said isolator (11) within said annular area (34) between said first well conduit member (C) and the concentric second conduit (10) disposed therethrough by manipulating valve means in communication with said annular area (34) above said isolator (11) between said first well conduit (C) and the concentric second conduit (10) positioned therethrough to closed position whereby said fluid for removal of lost circulation material (LCM) may be squeezed into said perforations (P) through said first perforated well conduit section (C); and (9) manipulating said cross-over tool (T1-T2) to a position and introducing fluid containing gravel through said cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) for deposition of said gravel exterior of said communicating means (12) and for flow.of fluid without said gravel interiorly of said cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) thence exteriorly of said cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) above said isolator (11) in the annular area (34) between the first well conduit (C) and the concentrically disposed conduit (10) therethrough, while said isolator (11) still remains in sealing securement against the first well conduit (C) above said zone (PZ).

Claim 16

A method of injection of fluid within a subterranean well (W) for removal of lost circulation material (LCM) which has been deposited within perforations (P) through a first perforated well conduit section (C) traversing a production zone (PZ), by first initiating removal of said material (LCM) upwardly from a lowermost portion (LP) of said section and by subsequent continuation of removal of said material (LCM) downwardly from an uppermost portion (UP) of said section, comprising the steps of: (1) assembling a second conduit (10) which carries a zone isolator (11), a fluid flow cross-over tool (T-1, T-2), and fluid communicating means (12) comprising first and second communicating members (12a, 12b); (2) running the second conduit (10) into the well (W) until the isolator (11) is positioned above the production zone (PZ) with the first communicating member (12a) in proximity to the uppermost end of the perforations (P) and the second communicating member (12b) being in proximity to the lowermost end of the perforations (P); (3) sealingly securing the isolator (11) within and against the first well conduit (C) above said zone (PZ); (4) manipulating the fluid cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) to a first position to permit downward fluid flow therethrough to pass exteriorly out of said communicating means (12) through only the second communicating member (12b) and upwardly to the top of the well (W) above said isolator (11) through an annular area (34) defined between said first well conduit and (C) the second conduit (10) concentrically disposed therein; (5) moving said fluid cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) to a second position whereby fluid is permitted to pass through said fluid cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) downwardly therethrough and exteriorly through only said second communicating member (12b) and is prevented from flowing to the annular area (34) above said isolator (11) between said first well conduit (C) and said concentrically disposed conduit (10) therethrough, whereby fluid for removal of said lost circulation material (LCM) may be squeezed into the lowermost of said perforations (P) for removal of said lost circulation material (LCM) therefrom; (6) manipulating said fluid cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) to a third position whereby fluid for removal of said lost circulation material (LCM) passes through said fluid cross-over tool (T-1, T-2), thence exteriorly below said isolator (11) in an annular area between said first perforated well conduit (C) and the fluid communicating means (12), into contact with the other of said perforations (P) through said perforated well conduit section (C), thence through only the second (12b) of said first and second fluid communicating members (12a, 12b) thence through the interior of said cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) and into the annular area (34) above said isolator (11) between said first well conduit (C) and the concentrically disposed conduit (10) therethrough; (7) manipulating said cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) to another position whereby said fluid for removal of said lost circulation material (LCM) passes downwardly through said cross-over tool (T-1, T-2), thence within the annular area below said isolator (11) between said first perforated well conduit section (C) and said communicating means (12), then into contact with the perforations (P) of the first perforated well conduit section (C) and into at least one of the first and second communicating members (12a, 12b), through the interior of the cross-over tool (T-1, T-2), thence outwardly above said isolator (11) through the annular well (34) between said first well conduit member (C) and the concentric second conduit (10) positioned therethrough to the top of the well (W); (8) preventing continued flow above said isolator (11) within said annular area (34) between said first well conduit member (C) and the concentric conduit (10) disposed therethrough by manipulating valve means in communication with said annular area (34) above said isolator (11) between said first well conduit (C) and the concentric conduit (10) positioned therethrough to closed position whereby said fluid for removal of lost circulation material (LCM) may be squeezed into said perforations (P) through said first perforated well conduit section (C); (9) manipulating said cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) to a position and introducing fluid containing gravel through said cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) for deposition of said gravel exterior of said communicating means (12) and for flow of fluid without said gravel interiorly of said cross-over tool (T-1, T-2), thence exteriorly of said cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) above said isolator (11) in the annular area (34) between the first well conduit (C) and the concentrically disposed conduit (10) therethrough, while said isolator (11) still remains in sealing securement against the first well conduit (C) above said zone (PZ); and (10) manipulating said cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) to squeeze said gravel into place in said well adjacent said perforations (P) and exterior of said communicating means (12).

Claim 17

A method of injection of fluid within a subterranean well (W) for removal of lost circulation material (LCM) which has been deposited within perforations (P) through a first perforated well conduit section (C) traversing a production zone (PZ), by first initiating removal of said material (LCM) upwardly from a lowermost portion (LP) of said section and by subsequent continuation of removal of said material (LCM) downwardly from an uppermost portion (UP) of said section, comprising the steps of: (1) assembling a second conduit (10) which carries a zone isolator (11), a fluid flow cross-over tool (T-1, T-2), and fluid communicating means (12) comprising first and second communicating members (12a, 12b); (2) running the second conduit (10) into the well (W) until the isolator (11) is positioned above the production zone (PZ) with the first communicating member (12a) in proximity to the uppermost end of the perforations (P) and the second communicating member (12b) being in proximity to the lowermost end of the perforations (P); (3) sealingly securing the isolator (11) within and against the first well conduit (C) above said zone (PZ); (4) manipulating the fluid cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) to a first position to permit downward fluid flow therethrough to pass exteriorly out of said communicating means (12) through only the second communicating member (12b) and upwardly to the top of the well (W) above said isolator (11) through an annular area (34) defined between said first well conduit and (C) the second conduit (10) concentrically disposed therein; (5) moving said fluid cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) to a second position whereby fluid is permitted to pass through said fluid cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) downwardly therethrough and exteriorly through only said second communicating member (12b) and is prevented from flowing to the annular area (34) above said isolator (11) between said first well conduit (C) and said concentrically disposed conduit (10) therethrough, whereby fluid for removal of said lost circulation material (LCM) may be squeezed into the lowermost of said perforations (P) for removal of said lost circulation material (LCM) therefrom; (6) manipulating said fluid cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) to a third position whereby fluid for removal of said lost circulation material (LCM) passes through said fluid cross-over tool (T-1, T-2), thence exteriorly below said isolator (11) in an annular area between said first perforated well conduit (C) and the fluid communicating means (12), into contact with the other of said perforations (P) through said perforated well conduit section (C), thence through only the second (12b) of said first and second fluid communicating members (12a, 12b) thence through the interior of said cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) and into the annular area (34) above said isolator (11) between said first well conduit (C) and the concentrically disposed conduit (10) therethrough; (7) manipulating said cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) to another position whereby said fluid for removal of said lost circulation material (LCM) passes downwardly through said cross-over tool (T-1, T-2), thence within the annular area below said isolator (11) between said first perforated well conduit section (C) and said communicating means (12), then into contact with the perforations (P) of the first perforated well conduit section (C) and into at least one of the first and second communicating members (12a, 12b), through the interior of the cross-over tool (T-1, T-2), thence outwardly above said isolator (11) through the annular well (34) between said first well conduit member (C) and the concentric second conduit (10) positioned therethrough to the top of the well (W); (8) preventing continued flow above said isolator (11) within said annular area (34) between said first well conduit member (C) and the concentric conduit (10) disposed therethrough by manipulating valve means in communication with said annular area (34) above said isolator (11) between said first well conduit (C) and the concentric conduit (10) positioned therethrough to closed position whereby said fluid for removal of lost circulation material (LCM) may be squeezed into said perforations (P) through said first perforated well conduit section (C); (9) manipulating said cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) to a position and introducing fluid containing gravel through said cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) for deposition of said gravel exterior of said communicating means (12) and for flow of fluid without said gravel interiorly of said cross-over tool (T-1, T-2), thence exteriorly of said cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) above said isolator (11) in the annular area (34) between the first well conduit (C) and the concentrically disposed conduit (10) therethrough, while said isolator (11) still remains in sealing securement against the first well conduit (C) above said zone (PZ); and (10) manipulating said cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) to squeeze said gravel into place in said well adjacent said perforations (P) and exterior of said communicating means (12).

Claim 18

A method of injection of fluid within a subterranean well (W) for removal of lost circulation material (LCM) which has been deposited within perforations (P) through a first perforated well conduit section (C) traversing a production zone (PZ), by first initiating removal of said material (LCM) upwardly from a lowermost portion (LP) of said section (C) and by subsequent continuation of removal of said material downwardly from an uppermost portion (UP) of said section (C), comprising the steps of: (1) assembling a second conduit (10) which carries a zone isolator (11), a fluid flow cross-over tool (T-1, T-2), and fluid communicating means (12) comprising first and second communicating members (12a, 12b); (2) running the second conduit (10) into the well (W) until the isolator (11) is positioned above the production zone (PZ) with the first communicating member (12a) in proximity to the uppermost end of the perforations (P) and the second communicating member (12b) being in proximity to the lowermost end of the perforations (P); (3) sealingly securing the isolator (11) within and against the first well conduit (C) above said zone (PZ); (4) manipulating the fluid cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) to a first position to permit downward fluid flow therethrough to pass exteriorly out of said communicating means (12) through only the second communicating member (12b) and upwardly to the top of the well (W) above said isolator (11) through an annular area (34) defined between said first well conduit (C) and the second conduit (10) concentrically disposed therein; (5) moving said fluid cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) to a second position whereby fluid is permitted to pass through said fluid cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) downwardly therethrough and exteriorly through only said second communicating member (12b) and is prevented from flowing to the annular area (34) above said isolator (11) between said first well conduit (C) and said concentrically disposed conduit (10) therethrough, whereby fluid for removal of said lost circulation material (LCM) may be squeezed into the lowermost of said perforations (P) for removal of said lost circulation material (LCM) therefrom; (6) manipulating said fluid cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) to a third position whereby fluid for removal of said lost circulation material (LCM) passes through said fluid cross-over tool (T-1, T-2), thence exteriorly below said isolator (11) in an annular area between said first perforated well conduit (C) and the fluid communicating means (12), into contact with the other of said perforations (P) through said perforated well conduit section (C), thence through only the second (12b) of said first and second fluid communicating members (12a, 12b), thence through the interior of said cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) and into the annular area (34) above said isolator (11) between said first well conduit (C) and the concentrically disposed conduit (10) therethrough; (7) manipulating said cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) to another position whereby said fluid for removal of said lost circulation material (LCM) passes downwardly through said cross-over tool (T-1, T-2), thence within the annular area below said isolator (11) between said first perforated well conduit section (C) and said communicating means (12), then into contact with the perforations (P) of the first perforated well conduit section (C) and into at least one of the first and second communicating members (12a, 12b), through the interior of the cross-over tool (T-1, T-2), thence outwardly above said isolator (11) through the annular area (34) betwwen said first well conduit member (C) and the concentric conduit (10) positioned therethrough to the top of the well; (8) preventing continued flow above said isolator (11) within said annular area (34) between said first well conduit member (C) and the concentric conduit (10) disposed therethrough by manipulating valve means in communication with said annular area (34) above said isolator (11) between said first well conduit (C) and the concentric conduit (10) positioned therethrough to closed position whereby said fluid for removal of lost circulation material (LCM) may be squeezed into said perforations (P) through said first perforated well conduit section (C); and (9) forming a production flow path from the production zone (PZ), through the perforations (P), through the communicating means (12) and uphole of the top of the well (W), while the isolator (11) still is in sealing securement against the first well conduit (C).

Claim 19

A method of injection of fluid within a subterranean well (W) for removal of lost circulation material (LCM) which has been deposited within perforations (P) through a first perforated well conduit section (C) traversing a production zone (PZ), by first initiating removal of said material (LCM) upwardly from a lowermost portion (LP) of said section (C) and by subsequent continuation of removal of said material downwardly from an uppermost portion (UP) of said section (C), comprising the steps of: (1) assembling a second conduit (10) which carries a zone isolator (11), a fluid flow cross-over tool (T-1, T-2), and fluid communicating means (12) comprising first and second communicating members (12a, 12b); (2) running the second conduit (10) into the well (W) until the isolator (11) is positioned above the production zone (PZ) with the first communicating member (12a) in proximity to the uppermost end of the perforations (P) and the second communicating member (12b) being in proximity to the lowermost end of the perforations (P); (3) sealingly securing the isolator (11) within and against the first well conduit (C) above said zone (PZ); (4) manipulating the fluid cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) to a first position to permit downward fluid flow therethrough to pass exteriorly out of said communicating means (12) through only the second communicating member (12b) and upwardly to the top of the well (W) above said isolator (11) through an annular area (34) defined between said first well conduit (C) and the second conduit (10) concentrically disposed therein; (5) moving said fluid cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) to a second position whereby fluid is permitted to pass through said fluid cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) downwardly therethrough and exteriorly through only said second communicating member (12b) and is prevented from flowing to the annular area (34) above said isolator (11) between said first well conduit (C) and said concentrically disposed conduit (10) therethrough, whereby fluid for removal of said lost circulation material (LCM) may be squeezed into the lowermost of said perforations (P) for removal of said lost circulation material (LCM) therefrom; (6) manipulating said fluid cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) to a third position whereby fluid for removal of said lost circulation material (LCM) passes through said fluid cross-over tool (T-1, T-2), thence exteriorly below said isolator (11) in an annular area between said first perforated well conduit (C) and the fluid communicating means (12), into contact with the other of said perforations (P) through said perforated well conduit section (C), thence through only the second (12b) of said first and second fluid communicating members (12a, 12b), thence through the interior of said cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) and into the annular area (34) above said isolator (11) between said first well conduit (C) and the concentrically disposed conduit (10) therethrough; (7) manipulating said cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) to another position whereby said fluid for removal of said lost circulation material (LCM) passes downwardly through said cross-over tool (T-1, T-2), thence within the annular area below said isolator (11) between said first perforated well conduit section (C) and said communicating means (12), then into contact with the perforations (P) of the first perforated well conduit section (C) and into at least one of the first and second communicating members (12a, 12b), through the interior of the cross-over tool (T-1, T-2), thence outwardly above said isolator (11) through the annular area (34) betwwen said first well conduit member (C) and the concentric conduit (10) positioned therethrough to the top of the well; (8) preventing continued flow above said isolator (11) within said annular area (34) between said first well conduit member (C) and the concentric conduit (10) disposed therethrough by manipulating valve means in communication with said annular area (34) above said isolator (11) between said first well conduit (C) and the concentric conduit (10) positioned therethrough to closed position whereby said fluid for removal of lost circulation material (LCM) may be squeezed into said perforations (P) through said first perforated well conduit section (C); and (9) forming a production flow path from the production zone (PZ), through the perforations (P), through the communicating means (12) and uphole of the top of the well (W), while the isolator (11) still is in sealing securement against the first well conduit (C).

Claim 20

A method of injection of fluid within a subterranean well (W) for removal of lost circulation material (LCM) which has been deposited within perforations (P) through a first perforated well conduit section (C) traversing a production zone (PZ), by first initiating removal of said material (LCM) upwardly from a lowermost portion (LP) of said section and by subsequent continuation of removal of said material (LCM) downwardly from the uppermost portion (UP) of said section, comprising the steps of: (1) assembling a second conduit (10) which carries a zone isolator (11), a fluid flow cross-over tool (T-1, T-2), and fluid communicating means (12) comprising first and second communicating members (12a, 12); (2) running the second conduit (10) into the well (W) until the isolator (11) is positioned above the production zone (PZ) with the first communicating member (12a) in proximity to the uppermost end of the perforations (P) and the second communicating member (12a) being in proximity to the lowermost end of the perforations (P); (3) sealingly securing the isolator (11) within and against the first well conduit (C) above said zone (PZ); (4) manipulating the fluid cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) to a first position to permit downward fluid flow therethrough to pass exteriorly of said communicating means (12) through only the second communicating member (12b) and upwardly to the top of the well (W) above said isolator (11) through an annular area (34) defined between said first well conduit (C) and the second conduit (10) concentrically disposed therein; (5) moving said fluid cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) to a second position whereby fluid is permitted to pass through said fluid cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) downwardly therethrough and exteriorly through only said second communicating member (12b) and is prevented from flowing to the annular area (34) above said isolator (11) between said first well conduit (C) and said concentrically disposed conduit (10) therethrough, whereby fluid for removal of said lost circulation material (LCM) may be squeezed into the lowermost of said perforations (P) for removal of said lost circulation material (LCM) therefrom; (6) manipulating said fluid cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) to a third position whereby fluid for removal of said lost circulation material (LCM) passes through said fluid cross-over tool (T-1, T-2), thence exteriorly below said isolator (11) in an annular area between said first perforated well conduit (C) and the fluid communicating means (12), into contact with the other of said perforations (P) through said perforated well conduit section (C), thence through only the second (12b) of said first and second fluid communicating members (12a, 12b), thence through the interior of said cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) and into the annular area (34) above said isolator (11) between said first well conduit (C) and the concentrically disposed conduit (10) therethrough; (7) manipulating said cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) to another position whereby said fluid for removal of said lost circulation material (LCM) passes downwardly through said cross-over tool (T-1, T-2), thence within the annular area below said isolator (11) between said first perforated well conduit section (C) and said communicating means (12), then into contact with the perforations (P) of the first perforated well conduit section (C) and into at least one of the first and second communicating members (12a, 12b), through the interior of the cross-over tool (T-1, T-2), thence outwardly above said isolator (11) through the annular area (34) between said first well conduit member (C) and the concentric conduit (10) positioned therethrough to the top of the well (W); (8) preventing continued flow above said isolator (11) within said annular area (34) between said first well conduit member (C) and the concentric conduit (10) disposed therethrough by manipulating valve means in communication with said annular area (34) above said isolator (11) between said first well conduit (C) and the concentric conduit (10) positioned therethrough to closed position whereby said fluid for removal of lost circulation material (LCM) may be squeezed into said perforations (P) through said first perforated well conduit section (C); (9) manipulating said cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) to a position and introducing fluid containing gravel through said cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) for deposition of said gravel exterior of said communicating means (12) and for flow of fluid without said gravel interiorly of said cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) thence exteriorly of said cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) above said isolator (11) in the annular area between the first well conduit and the concentrically disposed conduit (10) therethrough, while said isolator (11) still remains in sealing securement against the first well conduit (C) above said zone (PZ); and (10) forming a production flow path from the production zone (PZ) through the perforations (P), through the deposited gravel, through the communicating means (12) and uphole to the top of the well (W) while the isolator still is in sealing securement position within and against the first well conduit (C) above said zone (PZ).

Claim 21

A method of injection of fluid within a subterranean well (W) for removal of lost circulation material (LCM) which has been deposited within perforations (P) through a first perforated well conduit section (C) traversing a production zone (PZ), by first initiating removal of said material (LCM) upwardly from a lowermost portion (LP) of said section and by subsequent continuation of removal of said material (LCM) downwardly from the uppermost portion (UP) of said section, comprising the steps of: (1) assembling a second conduit (10) which carries a zone isolator (11), a fluid flow cross-over tool (T-1, T-2), and fluid communicating means (12) comprising first and second communicating members (12a, 12); (2) running the second conduit (10) into the well (W) until the isolator (11) is positioned above the production zone (PZ) with the first communicating member (12a) in proximity to the uppermost end of the perforations (P) and the second communicating member (12a) being in proximity to the lowermost end of the perforations (P); (3) sealingly securing the isolator (11) within and against the first well conduit (C) above said zone (PZ); (4) manipulating the fluid cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) to a first position to permit downward fluid flow therethrough to pass exteriorly of said communicating means (12) through only the second communicating member (12b) and upwardly to the top of the well (W) above said isolator (11) through an annular area (34) defined between said first well conduit (C) and the second conduit (10) concentrically disposed therein; (5) moving said fluid cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) to a second position whereby fluid is permitted to pass through said fluid cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) downwardly therethrough and exteriorly through only said second communicating member (12b) and is prevented from flowing to the annular area (34) above said isolator (11) between said first well conduit (C) and said concentrically disposed conduit (10) therethrough, whereby fluid for removal of said lost circulation material (LCM) may be squeezed into the lowermost of said perforations (P) for removal of said lost circulation material (LCM) therefrom; (6) manipulating said fluid cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) to a third position whereby fluid for removal of said lost circulation material (LCM) passes through said fluid cross-over tool (T-1, T-2), thence exteriorly below said isolator (11) in an annular area between said first perforated well conduit (C) and the fluid communicating means (12), into contact with the other of said perforations (P) through said perforated well conduit section (C), thence through only the second (12b) of said first and second fluid communicating members (12a, 12b), thence through the interior of said cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) and into the annular area (34) above said isolator (11) between said first well conduit (C) and the concentrically disposed conduit (10) therethrough; (7) manipulating said cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) to another position whereby said fluid for removal of said lost circulation material (LCM) passes downwardly through said cross-over tool (T-1, T-2), thence within the annular area below said isolator (11) between said first perforated well conduit section (C) and said communicating means (12), then into contact with the perforations (P) of the first perforated well conduit section (C) and into at least one of the first and second communicating members (12a, 12b), through the interior of the cross-over tool (T-1, T-2), thence outwardly above said isolator (11) through the annular area (34) between said first well conduit member (C) and the concentric conduit (10) positioned therethrough to the top of the well (W); (8) preventing continued flow above said isolator (11) within said annular area (34) between said first well conduit member (C) and the concentric conduit (10) disposed therethrough by manipulating valve means in communication with said annular area (34) above said isolator (11) between said first well conduit (C) and the concentric conduit (10) positioned therethrough to closed position whereby said fluid for removal of lost circulation material (LCM) may be squeezed into said perforations (P) through said first perforated well conduit section (C); (9) manipulating said cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) to a position and introducing fluid containing gravel through said cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) for deposition of said gravel exterior of said communicating means (12) and for flow of fluid without said gravel interiorly of said cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) thence exteriorly of said cross-over tool (T-1, T-2) above said isolator (11) in the annular area between the first well conduit and the concentrically disposed conduit (10) therethrough, while said isolator (11) still remains in sealing securement against the first well conduit (C) above said zone (PZ); and (10) forming a production flow path from the production zone (PZ) through the perforations (P), through the deposited gravel, through the communicating means (12) and uphole to the top of the well (W) while the isolator still is in sealing securement position within and against the first well conduit (C) above said zone (PZ).

Claim 22

An apparatus for injection of fluid within a subterranean well (W) for removal of lost circulation material (LCM) which has been deposited within perforations (P) through a first perforated well conduit section (C) traversing a production zone (PZ) by first initiating removal of said material (LCM) upwardly from the lowermost portion (LP) of said section and by subsequent continuation of removal of said material (LCM) downwardly from the uppermost portion (UP) of said section, comprising: (1) a second conduit (10) which carries a zone isolator (11) and fluid communicating means (12) comprising first and second communicating members (12a, 12b); (2) means for running the second conduit (10) into the well (W) until the isolator (11) is positioned above the production zone (PZ) with the first communicating member (12a) in proximity to the uppermost end of the perforations (P) and the second communicating member (12b) in proximity to the lowermost end of the perforations (P); (3) means for sealingly securing the isolator (11) within and against the first well conduit (C) above said zone (PZ); (4) means for forming a first injection path for said fluid which extends from the top of the well (W), through the interior of said communicating means (12) and out only the exterior of the second communicating member (12b) and into the lowermost of said perforations (P) for contact with and removal of said lost circulation material (LCM) therefrom; and (5) means for forming a second injection path for said fluid which extends from the top of the well (W) through the first communicating member (12a) of said communicating means (12) while preventing said fluid from passing from the interior to the exterior of said second communicating member (12b), said second injection path for said fluid continuing out of said first communicating member (12a) and into the other of said perforations (P) for contact with and removal of the remainder of said lost circulation material (LCM) therefrom.

Claim 23

An apparatus for injection of fluid within a subterranean well (W) for removal of lost circulation material (LCM) which has been deposited within perforations (P) through a first perforated well conduit section (C) traversing a production zone (PZ) by first initiating removal of said material (LCM) upwardly from the lowermost portion (LP) of said section and by subsequent continuation of removal of said material (LCM) downwardly from the uppermost portion (UP) of said section, comprising: (1) a second conduit (10) which carries a zone isolator (11) and fluid communicating means (12) comprising first and second communicating members (12a, 12b); (2) means for running the second conduit (10) into the well (W) until the isolator (11) is positioned above the production zone (PZ) with the first communicating member (12a) in proximity to the uppermost end of the perforations (P) and the second communicating member (12b) in proximity to the lowermost end of the perforations (P); (3) means for sealingly securing the isolator (11) within and against the first well conduit (C) above said zone (PZ); (4) means for forming a first injection path for said fluid which extends from the top of the well (W), through the interior of said communicating means (12) and out only the exterior of the second communicating member (12b) and into the lowermost of said perforations (P) for contact with and removal of said lost circulation material (LCM) therefrom; and (5) means for forming a second injection path for said fluid which extends from the top of the well (W) through the first communicating member (12a) of said communicating means (12) while preventing said fluid from passing from the interior to the exterior of said second communicating member (12b), said second injection path for said fluid continuing out of said first communicating member (12a) and into the other of said perforations (P) for contact with and removal of the remainder of said lost circulation material (LCM) therefrom.

Claim 29

A method of injection of fluid within a subterranan well (W) for removal of lost circulation material (LCM) which has been deposited across a formation section of a production zone (PZ) within said well (W), by first initiating removal of said material (LCM) upwardly from a lowermost portion (LP) of said section and by subsequent continuation of removal of said material (LCM) downwardly from an uppermost portion (UP) of said section, comprising the steps of: (1) assembling a conduit (10) which carries a zone isolator (11) and fluid communicating means (12) comprising first and second communicating members (12a, 12b); (2) running the conduit (10) into the well until the isolator (11) is positioned above the production zone (PZ) with the first communicating member (12a) being in proximity to the uppermost end of the production zone (PZ) and the second communicating member (12b) being in proximity to the lowermost end of the production zone (PZ); (3) sealingly securing the isolator (11) within and against the wellbore above said production zone (PZ); (4) forming a first injection path for said fluid which extends from the top of the well (W), through the interior of said communicating means (12) and out only the exterior of the second communicating member (12b) and into the lowermost portion (LP) of said production zone (PZ) for contact with and removal of said lost circulation material (LCM) therefrom until a loss of circulation of said fluid is established; and (5) forming a second injection path for said fluid which extends from the top of the well (W) through the first communicating member (12a) of said communicating means (12) while preventing said fluid from passing from the interior to the exterior of said communicating member (12b), said second injection path for said fluid continuing out of said first communicating member (12a) and into the other portion (UP) of said production zone (PZ) for contact with and removal of the remainder of said lost circulation material (LCM).

Claim 30

A method of injection of fluid within a subterranan well (W) for removal of lost circulation material (LCM) which has been deposited across a formation section of a production zone (PZ) within said well (W), by first initiating removal of said material (LCM) upwardly from a lowermost portion (LP) of said section and by subsequent continuation of removal of said material (LCM) downwardly from an uppermost portion (UP) of said section, comprising the steps of: (1) assembling a conduit (10) which carries a zone isolator (11) and fluid communicating means (12) comprising first and second communicating members (12a, 12b); (2) running the conduit (10) into the well until the isolator (11) is positioned above the production zone (PZ) with the first communicating member (12a) being in proximity to the uppermost end of the production zone (PZ) and the second communicating member (12b) being in proximity to the lowermost end of the production zone (PZ); (3) sealingly securing the isolator (11) within and against the wellbore above said production zone (PZ); (4) forming a first injection path for said fluid which extends from the top of the well (W), through the interior of said communicating means (12) and out only the exterior of the second communicating member (12b) and into the lowermost portion (LP) of said production zone (PZ) for contact with and removal of said lost circulation material (LCM) therefrom until a loss of circulation of said fluid is established; and (5) forming a second injection path for said fluid which extends from the top of the well (W) through the first communicating member (12a) of said communicating means (12) while preventing said fluid from passing from the interior to the exterior of said communicating member (12b), said second injection path for said fluid continuing out of said first communicating member (12a) and into the other portion (UP) of said production zone (PZ) for contact with and removal of the remainder of said lost circulation material (LCM).

Claim 31

A method according to 21 wherein the fluid communicating members (12a, 12b) comprise slotted screens circumferentially extending around said conduit (10), and said conduit (10) comprises a portion interior of said screens ported to permit fluid flow between said screen and said conduit (10).

Claim 32

A method according to 21 wherein the fluid communicating members (12a, 12b) comprise slotted screens circumferentially extending around said conduit (10), and said conduit (10) comprises a portion interior of said screens ported to permit fluid flow between said screen and said conduit (10).

Claim 33

A method according to 21 wherein the fluid communicating members (12a, 12b) comprise wire wrapped screens circumferentially extending around said conduit (10), and said conduit (10) comprises a portion interior of said screens ported to permit fluid flow between said screen and said conduit (10).

Claim 34

A method according to 21 wherein the fluid communicating members (12a, 12b) comprise wire wrapped screens circumferentially extending around said conduit (10), and said conduit (10) comprises a portion interior of said screens ported to permit fluid flow between said screen and said conduit (10).

Claim 35

A method according to 21, 22 or 23 wherein said conduit (10) is a tubular conduit.

Claim 36

A method according to 21, 22 or 23 wherein said conduit (10) is a tubular conduit.

Claim 37

A method according to any one of claims 21 to 24 wherein said first and second injection paths comprise sectional lengths of said conduit (10) and said conduit (10) is a tubular conduit.

Claim 38

A method according to any one of claims 21 to 25 and further comprising the step: with the isolator (11) continuing to be sealingly secured within and against the wall of said well adjacent said production zone (PZ), of forming a gravel pack fluid flow path which extends from the surface downhole through the interior of the isolator (11), around the exterior of said communicating means (12), and a return fluid flow path for said gravel pack fluid through the interior of said communicating means (12) and back uphole to the top of the well.

Claim 39

A method according to 26 and further comprising the step of mixing gravel with a gravel pack fluid and flowing said gravel in said gravel pack fluid in said gravel pack fluid flow path until the gravel is deposited in said well below said isolator (11) and exterior of said communicating means (12), and returning the gravel pack fluid through the interior of the communicating means (12) and within said return fluid flow path uphole to the top of the well.

Claim 40

A method according to 26 and further comprising the step of mixing gravel with a gravel pack fluid and flowing said gravel in said gravel pack fluid in said gravel pack fluid flow path until the gravel is deposited in said well below said isolator (11) and exterior of said communicating means (12), and returning the gravel pack fluid through the interior of the communicating means (12) and within said return fluid flow path uphole to the top of the well.

Claim 41

A method according to 27, further comprising the step: with the isolator (11) still in sealingly engaged position, of forming a production flow path from the production zone (PZ), through the deposited gravel, through the communicating means (12) and uphole to the top of the well.

Claim 42

A method according to 27, further comprising the step: with the isolator (11) still in sealingly engaged position, of forming a production flow path from the production zone (PZ), through the deposited gravel, through the communicating means (12) and uphole to the top of the well.