Method and apparatus for controlling fluid flow in conduits
US6298916A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 17, 1999 |
| Grant date | Oct 9, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 17, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B2200/04
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
A completion string for use in a wellbore includes a main conduit, such as a production tubing, and one or more alternate path conduits, such as shunt tubes, that extend generally in parallel with the main conduit. A flow control device is positioned in each alternate path conduit to control flow through the alternate path conduit. The one or more alternate path conduits may be adapted to carry gravel slurry to perform gravel packing operations. The one or more flow control devices in the one or more alternate path conduits may be actuated to the open position to allow communication of the gravel slurry to multiple zones in the wellbore. Once the gravel packing operation is completed, the one or more flow control devices may be actuated to the closed position to block fluid flow communication between multiple zones through the alternate path conduits during operation of the well. Other types of fluids may be communicated through the one or more alternate path conduits, such as fracturing fluids.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.