Patent application number | Description | Published |
20080217001 | Flow control device for choking inflowing fluids in a well - A flow arrangement ( | 09-11-2008 |
20080289815 | DOWNHOLE SCREEN ASSEMBLY - A screen assembly that is used with a well includes a base pipe, a screen and ribs. The base pipe has a non-perforated section and has a longitudinal axis. The screen at least partially circumscribes the non-perforated section of the base pipe, and the ribs extend longitudinally in an annular space between the screen and the non-perforated section. A flexible member (e.g., a wire) is wrapped around the ribs. Various other mechanisms may be used instead of the ribs and flexible member in the annular space. In this regard, such annular standoffs such as a corrugated material, a member that has longitudinal channels, and a member formed from a first set of wires that is interwoven with a second set of wires may be used. Alternatively, longitudinal channels may be formed in the outer surface of the base pipe. | 11-27-2008 |
20090008084 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONNECTING SHUNT TUBES TO SAND SCREEN ASSEMBLIES - Method and apparatus are disclosed for connecting internal shunt tubes to tubular end components of a sand screen assembly by coupling each end of each shunt tube to ports formed in the tubular end components in an annular space between a base pipe and a filter media using a tubular coupler. | 01-08-2009 |
20090065199 | Retrievable Inflow Control Device - A retrievable flow control device comprising a housing configured to sealably couple with a completion component. The housing may comprise a first port and a second port establishing a fluid pathway. The fluid pathway may regulate a fluid flow as the fluid flow passes through the fluid pathway. The housing may further comprise a coupling mechanism configured to releasably couple with a corresponding feature of the wellbore completion. The downhole flow control device may be configured to be retrievable independently of the completion component. The flow control device may comprise a check valve in the fluid pathway in order to substantially constrain the fluid flow to a single direction. In some cases, the flow control device may be configured to couple with a side pocket. In other cases, a concentric flow control device may be configured to couple with a screen base pipe, tubing, or stinger. | 03-12-2009 |
20090126940 | Method and System for Well Production - Disclosed herein are methods for preparing a wellbore for production or injection. The methods may include the steps of positioning a completion longer than 300 m comprising an inflow control device (ICD) having radial flow paths in the wellbore adjacent to a filtercake and determining the pressure required to lift the filtercake off of the wellbore. The radial flow paths of the ICD are designed such that when the filtercake adjacent to a downstream portion of the ICD completion is removed, the pressure drop across the first downstream part of the ICD completion is sufficient to maintain a drawdown pressure high enough such that the second upstream filtercake is also removed. | 05-21-2009 |
20090218101 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR INFLOW CONTROL - An inflow control assembly. The inflow control assembly can include an inner tubular member comprising a hole formed therethrough. A cover assembly can encircle the hole. The cover assembly can include a first outer member disposed about at least a portion of the inner tubular member. The first outer member can be secured to the inner tubular member. A second outer member can be disposed about at least a portion of the inner tubular member, and the second outer member can be secured to the inner tubular member. A screen portion can be disposed between the outer members and between the inner tubular member and the outer members. An annulus can be formed between the outer members and the inner tubular member, and the annulus can provide a flow path between the hole and the screen portion. | 09-03-2009 |
20100200247 | System and Method for Controlling Fluid Injection in a Well - A technique involves injection of a fluid into a subterranean region. An injection string is provided with a plurality of injection devices positioned to enable fluid injection into the subterranean region when the system is deployed in a wellbore. Each injection device comprises a base pipe and a surrounding structure mounted over the base pipe. The surrounding structure is designed to create a desired injection fluid flow path from a base pipe radial flow opening to an outlet of the surrounding structure. Various features are incorporated into or used in cooperation with the surrounding structure to facilitate system functionality and to increase the life of the system. | 08-12-2010 |
20110024111 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR INSERTING AND REMOVING TRACER MATERIALS IN DOWNHOLE SCREENS - A downhole screen assembly for dispensing a tracer material and methods for using the same are provided. The downhole screen assembly can include a body having a screen disposed thereabout. The downhole screen assembly can also include chamber proximate the screen. The downhole screen assembly can further include a first member disposed about the body. The first member can have a port in fluid communication with the chamber. The downhole screen assembly can further include a second member at least partially disposed on the first member. The second member can be removable and can seal the port. | 02-03-2011 |
20110067886 | INFLOW CONTROL DEVICE AND METHODS FOR USING SAME - A completion assembly with a valve assembly for regulating fluid flow in a wellbore is disclosed. The completion assembly can include a base pipe with a sand screen. A flow control housing is disposed on one end of the sand screen. A first tubular port in the base pipe leads into the flow control housing, and a second tubular port is also formed in the base pipe. A flow path is formed within the flow control housing and communicates with both the base pipe and the inner annulus of the screen assembly. A valve assembly is located in the flow control housing and is in fluid communication with both the inner annulus and the base pipe. The valve assembly is positionable between multiple positions for controlling the flow through the flow control flowpath in response to fluid pressure applied to the second tubular port. | 03-24-2011 |
20110073308 | VALVE APPARATUS FOR INFLOW CONTROL - A downhole gravel pack completion with an integrated inflow control device. The gravel pack completion with an integrated inflow control device can include a first tubular member disposed at least partially within a second tubular member. A chamber can be formed between the first tubular member and second tubular member. A screen can be connected with the second tubular member and can encircle at least a portion of the first tubular member. A selectively openable flow port can be formed through the first tubular member, and an inflow control device can be formed through the first tubular member. The flow port and the inflow control device can be located within the chamber. | 03-31-2011 |
20110132596 | Wellbore Method and Apparatus For Completion, Production and Injection - Apparatus associated with the production of hydrocarbons comprising a joint assembly comprising a main body portion having primary and secondary fluid flow paths, wherein the main body portion is attached to a load sleeve assembly at one end and a torque sleeve assembly at the opposite end. The load sleeve may include at least one transport conduit and at least one packing conduit. The main body portion may include a sand control device, a packer, or other well tool for use in a downhole environment. Included is a coupling assembly having a manifold region in fluid flow communication with the second fluid flow path of the main body portion and facilitating the make-up of first and second joint assemblies with a single connection. | 06-09-2011 |
20110132616 | Wellbore Method and Apparatus For Completion, Production and Injection - A method associated with the production of hydrocarbons comprising a joint assembly comprising a main body portion having primary and secondary fluid flow paths, wherein the main body portion is attached to a load sleeve assembly at one end and a torque sleeve assembly at the opposite end. The load sleeve may include at least one transport conduit and at least one packing conduit. The main body portion may include a sand control device, a packer, or other well tool for use in a downhole environment. Included is a coupling assembly having a manifold region in fluid flow communication with the second fluid flow path of the main body portion and facilitating the make-up of first and second joint assemblies with a single connection. | 06-09-2011 |
20110198097 | AUTONOMOUS INFLOW CONTROL DEVICE AND METHODS FOR USING SAME - A valve assembly for regulating fluid flow in a horizontal wellbore. A housing can be coupled to a production tubular. A chamber is defined within the housing and can be in fluid communication through a flow channel with an inner annulus formed adjacent the wellbore. A piston and a biasing member can be disposed within the chamber, where the biasing member biases the piston into a first position. A flowpath is defined within the housing and communicable with both the production tubular and the inner annulus. The flowpath can include one or more nozzles disposed therein, and the piston can be configured to move between the first position allowing fluid flow through the flowpath to the production tubular and a second position preventing fluid flow to the production tubular. | 08-18-2011 |
20110247813 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING FLOW THROUGH A SAND SCREEN - A technique enables an improved filtering of sand, a desired distribution of produced or injected fluid, and a reduction in erosion of completion components positioned in a production or injection well. The technique employs a base pipe and a sand screen surrounding the base pipe. The base pipe comprises a plurality of flow restriction elements arranged in a selected pattern along the base pipe to provide a desired distribution of the fluid flowing into or out of the sand screen. The pattern of flow restriction elements also maintains a flow rate of the flowing fluid below an erosive flow rate across the entire sand screen. | 10-13-2011 |
20120006563 | RETRIEVABLE INFLOW CONTROL DEVICE - A retrievable flow control device comprising a housing configured to sealably couple with a completion component. The housing may comprise a first port and a second port establishing a fluid pathway. The fluid pathway may regulate a fluid flow as the fluid flow passes through the fluid pathway. The housing may further comprise a coupling mechanism configured to releasably couple with a corresponding feature of the wellbore completion. The downhole flow control device may be configured to be retrievable independently of the completion component. The flow control device may comprise a check valve in the fluid pathway in order to substantially constrain the fluid flow to a single direction. In some cases, the flow control device may be configured to couple with a side pocket. In other cases, a concentric flow control device may be configured to couple with a screen base pipe, tubing, or stinger. | 01-12-2012 |
20120199342 | WELLBORE METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COMPLETION, PRODUCTION AND INJECTION - Apparatus associated with the production of hydrocarbons comprising a joint assembly comprising a main body portion having primary and secondary fluid flow paths, wherein the main body portion is attached to a load sleeve assembly at one end and a torque sleeve assembly at the opposite end. The load sleeve may include at least one transport conduit and at least one packing conduit. The main body portion may include a sand control device, a packer, or other well tool for use in a downhole environment. Included is a coupling assembly having a manifold region in fluid flow communication with the second fluid flow path of the main body portion and facilitating the make-up of first and second joint assemblies with a single connection. | 08-09-2012 |
20120205094 | Wellbore Method and Apparatus For Completion, Production and Injection - Apparatus associated with the production of hydrocarbons comprising a joint assembly comprising a main body portion having primary and secondary fluid flow paths, wherein the main body portion is attached to a load sleeve assembly at one end and a torque sleeve assembly at the opposite end. The load sleeve may include at least one transport conduit and at least one packing conduit. The main body portion may include a sand control device, a packer, or other well tool for use in a downhole environment. Included is a coupling assembly having a manifold region in fluid flow communication with the second fluid flow path of the main body portion and facilitating the make-up of first and second joint assemblies with a single connection. | 08-16-2012 |
20120205095 | WELLBORE METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR COMPLETION, PRODUCTION AND INJECTION - Apparatus associated with the production of hydrocarbons comprising a joint assembly comprising a main body portion having primary and secondary fluid flow paths, wherein the main body portion is attached to a load sleeve assembly at one end and a torque sleeve assembly at the opposite end. The load sleeve may include at least one transport conduit and at least one packing conduit. The main body portion may include a sand control device, a packer, or other well tool for use in a downhole environment. Included is a coupling assembly having a manifold region in fluid flow communication with the second fluid flow path of the main body portion and facilitating the make-up of first and second joint assemblies with a single connection. | 08-16-2012 |
20120298223 | PREMIUM MESH SCREEN - Systems and methods for preventing particles from flowing into a base pipe are provided. A base pipe can have a plurality of perforations formed radially therethrough. A filtering strip can be wrapped helically around an outer surface of the base pipe to cover at least a portion of the perforations. The filtering strip can include a drainage layer, a filter layer, and a shroud layer. The drainage layer can include a plurality of ribs in contact with the outer surface of the base pipe. The filter layer can be coupled to the drainage layer and include at least one mesh screen. The shroud layer can be coupled to the filter layer and include a perforated metal sheet. | 11-29-2012 |
20120325500 | WELL-BASED FLUID COMMUNICATION CONTROL ASSEMBLY - An apparatus includes a base pipe, a screen and a first assembly. The screen at least partially circumscribes the base pipe to create a flow path between a first region that is outside of the screen and a second region that is inside the base pipe. The flow path includes at least one radial port of the base pipe and a third region between the screen and the exterior of the base pipe. The first assembly regulates fluid communication through the flow path. The first assembly includes a second assembly that is disposed in and mounted to the base pipe and a flow control device that is slidably connected to the second assembly. The flow control device is adapted to translate between at least two positions to regulate the fluid communication through the flow path. | 12-27-2012 |
20130081800 | SCREEN ASSEMBLY AND METHODS OF USE - A screen assembly. The screen assembly may include a base pipe having an axial bore formed therethrough. An axial rod may be positioned radially-outward from the base pipe. A screen may be positioned radially-outward from the axial rod. A housing may be positioned radially-outward from the base pipe and axially adjacent to the axial rod, the screen, or both, and a first annulus may be formed between the housing and the base pipe. A first opening may be formed through the base pipe and radially-inward from the housing. A second opening may be formed through the base pipe and radially-inward from the housing, and the second opening may be axially offset from the first opening. A valve may be disposed within the first annulus and positioned axially between the first and second openings. | 04-04-2013 |
20130092391 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING FLOW THROUGH A SAND SCREEN - A system and methodology utilizes a technique for filtering sand; distributing a flow of fluid; e.g. distributing an inflow of gas or condensate; and limiting the potential for erosion of completion components in a wellbore. The technique may be useful in production applications, but the technique also can be used in fluid injection applications, e.g. gas injection applications. The technique employs a base pipe and a sand screen surrounding the base pipe. The base pipe comprises a plurality of flow restriction openings of reduced size and deployed in a selected pattern along the base pipe. The size and arrangement of the flow restriction openings reduces the peak flux of radial fluid flow through the sand screen to a rate less than a sand screen erosion rate. | 04-18-2013 |
20140014337 | Single Trip Gravel Pack System And Method - Systems and methods for completing a well. A lower completion assembly is run into a wellbore adjacent to a subsurface formation in a single trip. The lower completion assembly includes a screen assembly, an inner string, and a sealing device. The inner string has a return opening and at least one inflow control device communicating with an interior of the inner string. The barrier device actuates between a gravel packing position and an inflow control position. Gravel flows about the screen assembly with the barrier device in the gravel packing position during at least a portion of gravel pack operations. The barrier device is actuated to the inflow control position to restrict flow through the screen assembly during at least a portion of a well operation. | 01-16-2014 |
20150027700 | SAND CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHODOLOGY - A technique facilitates a well operation employing at least one dehydration tube. The at least one dehydration tube is located along an exterior of a plurality of screen assemblies deployed in a wellbore and is fluidly coupled to a base pipe of at least one of the screen assemblies. The fluid coupling provides fluid access to the base pipe through a base pipe opening. Fluid flow along the at least one dehydration tube is controlled with a flow control mechanism. Additionally, an inflow of fluid from an exterior to an interior of select screen assemblies is separately controlled with an inflow control device associated with each select screen assembly. | 01-29-2015 |
20150034323 | SAND CONTROL SYSTEM AND METHODOLOGY - A technique facilitates a more desirable inflow distribution of fluid along a tubing string deployed in a wellbore. The technique comprises providing a tubing string with a plurality of flow control devices and conveying the tubing string downhole into the wellbore. An injection fluid is pumped down along an interior of the tubing string and out through the plurality of flow control devices for entry into the surrounding formation. Based on a function of this injection flow, the flow areas of the flow control devices are adjusted to improve the subsequent distribution of inflowing fluids. The injection and the subsequent adjustment of flow areas as a function of the injection flow through each flow control device may be repeated for continued improvement, e.g. continued optimization, of the inflow distribution. | 02-05-2015 |