Patent ID: 6464007
Filing Date: 2002-10-15
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
A method for gravel packing a completion interval within a wellbore using a low-viscosity slurry; said method comprising:positioning a gravel pack tool within said wellbore adjacent said completion interval, said gravel pack tool having a well screen and a plurality of alternate flowpaths of different lengths extending along said screen, each of said alternate flowpaths having an inlet and only one outlet, each said inlet initially being closed to flow; flowing a slurry comprised of a low-viscosity carrier fluid and gravel down into the annulus which is formed between said gravel pack tool and said wellbore to deposit said gravel around said screen; continuing the flow of said slurry until a sand bridge forms in said annulus; opening each said inlet of said plurality of alternate flowpaths in response to respective different pressures after said sand bridge has been formed to allow the flow of said slurry into respective said alternate flowpaths and out of said outlets of said alternate flowpaths to complete said gravel packing of said completion interval.