Patent ID: 8662177
Filing Date: 2014-03-04
Classification: E21B

Abstract:
1. A downhole apparatus positionable along a pipe string in a wellbore, the apparatus comprising: a tubular structure having an outermost diameter greater than an outer diameter of an adjacent portion of the pipe string, a first end face facing a flow path in the wellbore, a set of longitudinally extending indentations extending longitudinally from the first end face to a second end face and provided on an outer surface of the tubular structure, a set of radially arranged fins alternately separated by the indentations, and at least one indentation within the set of indentations having a disruption, the disruption being an enlargement positioned between the first and second end faces, the enlargement having a width greater than a width of the at least one indentation adjacent the first end face and greater than a width of the at least one indentation adjacent a second end face of the tubular structure, the enlargement partially formed by indents in adjacent fins, the disruption configured to disrupt flow of slurry passing by the tubular structure; wherein the indentations, fins, and disruption are arranged to cause particulates in slurry within the flow path to collect and remain in a vicinity of the tubular structure.