Patent ID: 7234518
Filing Date: 2007-06-26
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. An adjustable well screen assembly comprising; a sand screen which is arranged around a perforated base pipe; and a perforated sleeve which is movably disposed concentrically relative to the base pipe between a first and a second position, wherein in said first position of the sleeve, the perforations of the sleeve, and base pipe hydraulically isolates from each other and flow of fluids from the outer diameter of the screen into the interior of the sleeve is inhibited, and in said second position the perforations of the sleeve and the base pipe are connected in fluid communication with each other, and fluids are permitted to flow from the formation through the sand screen and the perforations of the sleeve and base pipe into the interior of the sleeve and wherein the outer diameter of the sleeve is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the base pipe and the sleeve is connected to an actuator, which is designed to rotate and/or axially translate the sleeve within the base pipe; wherein the well screen is equipped with one or more sensors for monitoring physical parameters such as the velocity and/or composition of the fluids flowing through the screen, and the actuator is designed to move the sleeve between the first and second position thereof in response to signals generated by at least one of the sensors deployed in the screen system.