Patent ID: 6241013
Filing Date: 2001-06-05
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
An apparatus for use in both gravel packing and capturing production fluids from a wellbore having an annulus, said apparatus comprising:an inner tubing string having a lower section placed within the annulus;an outer tubing assembly containing and concentric with the lower section of the inner tubing string;a seal between the lower section of the inner tubing string and the outer tubing assembly;at least one port on the inner tubing string for communicating a first fluid between the inner tubing string and the outer tubing assembly;at least one port on the outer tubing assembly for communicating the first fluid between the outer tubing assembly and the wellbore annulus;means for selectively communicating a second fluid between the wellbore annulus and the lower section of the inner tubing string;wherein the inner tubing string can be raised or lowered within the wellbore while the outer tubing assembly remains fixed within the wellbore;wherein said raising and lowering of the inner tubing string within the outer tubing assembly selectively positions the inner tubing string relative to the outer tubing assembly such that:(a) in a first position, the first fluid is directed via the inner tubing string through said at least one port in the inner tubing string and said at least one port in outer tubing assembly to the wellbore annulus; and(b) in a second position, the second fluid may flow from the wellbore annulus to the inner tubing string via said fluid communication means.