Expandable sand screen and method for installing same in a wellbore
US6571871B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 20, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jun 3, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 20, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC E)Fixed Constructions
- CPC primaryE21B43/26
- WIPO fieldCivil engineering
- WIPO sectorOther fields
Abstract
The present invention provides apparatus and methods for expanding an expandable sand screen in the wellbore and then fracturing the wellbore. In one aspect of the invention, an expandable sand screen includes a perforated inner pipe and outer shroud. The outer shroud includes a plurality of longitudinal channels that retain their general shape after the expandable sand screen is expanded. In the expanded state, the channels provide a fluid conduit along an area between the screen and the wall of the wellbore. In a subsequent fracturing operation, slurry travels along the conduits permitting communication of the fracturing slurry with hydrocarbon bearing formations.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.