Patent ID: 6176307
Filing Date: 2001-01-23
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
An apparatus useful for gravel packing a fluid production well, the well having perforations extending into a subsurface productive formation, said apparatus comprising:a tubing string having a passageway substantially extending from a near-surface location to a subsurface location proximate to said perforations when said tubing string is placed in said well creating a substantially annular space between the exterior of said tubing string and the interior of said well proximate to said tubing string;a packer attached to said tubing string, said packer restricting axial fluid flow between a lower annular space and an upper annular space;a radial-flow port in fluid communication with said passageway capable of allowing fluid flow between said lower annular space and said passageway;a first openable passageway restrictor in fluid communication with said passageway below said radial-flow port;a first radial-flow means for screening connected to said tubing string and capable of screening particles entrained in a fluid flowing from said lower annular space to said passageway, wherein at least a portion of said first radial-flow means for screening is located below said first openable passageway restrictor substantially above said perforations when said apparatus is installed in said well; anda second radial-flow means for screening connected to said tubing string and capable of screening particles entrained in a fluid flowing between said lower annular space and said passageway, at least a portion of said second radial-flow means for screening located below said first radial-flow means for screening by at least about 2 feet and proximate to said perforations when said apparatus is installed in said well.