Patent Publication Number: US-2021178455-A1

Title: Separating device and use of a separating device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present document is based on and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/579,451, filed Oct. 31, 2017, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     In a variety of well applications, well completion tools are installed in a well for production of oil and gas. The well completion tools may be positioned along a tubing string having a series of tubulars with various tools including screens, valves, actuators, and/or other tools installed to perform operations related to the production of fluids from a formation. However, the flowing formation fluid may carry undesirable components, e.g. sand and other particulates, at extreme pressures and this can cause erosion of the tools positioned along the tubing string. Sand screens may be installed along the tubing string and may be combined with gravel packs to help prevent the inflow of sand from the formation while maintaining efficient production of formation fluid, e.g. oil and gas. The sand screen may comprise a wire wrapped filter manufactured by wrapping wire in a helical fashion around a base pipe having longitudinal rib wires spaced along the exterior surface of the base pipe. The helically wrapped wire is welded to the rib wires to secure the wires in place. The spacing between sequential helical wraps of the wire effectively forms a continuous slot through which hydrocarbons may flow as the particulates are filtered out and deposited in the surrounding annulus region. The slot width determines the size of particles filtered from the inflowing fluid. However, many difficulties can arise in maintaining a desired slot width during the screen manufacturing process. 
     SUMMARY 
     In general, a methodology and system facilitate construction of a wire-wrapped screen. A wrapping machine is operated with a sensor, e.g. a camera, positioned adjacent the wrapping machine while wire is wrapped to create the wire-wrapped screen. The sensor is used to obtain data on at least one parameter of the wire-wrapped screen during creation of the wire-wrapped screen. For example, a camera may be utilized in capturing images of the wire-wrapped screen as wire is wrapped about a base pipe. Data is provided to a controller in communication with the wrapping machine to improve the quality of the wire-wrapped screen. For example, data from the images obtained via the camera may be provided to the controller which is configured to determine slot width as the wire is wrapped. The controller is then able to provide feedback in real time to the wrapping machine so as to adjust operational parameters of the wrapping machine for maintaining a desired slot width. 
     However, many modifications are possible without materially departing from the teachings of this disclosure. Accordingly, such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure as defined in the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Certain embodiments of the disclosure will hereafter be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements. It should be understood, however, that the accompanying figures illustrate the various implementations described herein and are not meant to limit the scope of various technologies described herein, and: 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic cross-sectional illustration of an example of a wire-wrapped screen which may be used to filter particulates during production of hydrocarbon fluid, according to an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic side view of the wire-wrapped screen illustrated in  FIG. 1 , according to an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  is a close-up illustration of wrapped wire and the resulting slot located between wraps of the wire during construction of a wire-wrapped screen, according to an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  is a schematic illustration of an example of a feedback system utilized during manufacture of the wire-wrapped screen, according to an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic illustration of another example of a feedback system utilized during manufacture of the wire-wrapped screen, according to an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  is an illustration of an example of a slot width measurement chart, according to an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 7  is a diagrammatic illustration of a feedback control implemented via the feedback system during manufacture of the wire-wrapped screen, according to an embodiment of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 8  is a flow chart illustrating an example of a flow diagram for operation of a feedback system during manufacture of a wire-wrapped screen, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following description, numerous details are set forth to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present disclosure. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the system and/or methodology may be practiced without these details and that numerous variations or modifications from the described embodiments may be possible. 
     The present disclosure generally relates to a well methodology and system which facilitate construction of high quality, wire-wrapped screens. According to an embodiment, a wrapping machine is operated with a sensor positioned adjacent the wrapping machine while wire is wrapped to create the wire-wrapped screen. The sensor is used to obtain data on at least one parameter of the wire-wrapped screen during creation of the wire-wrapped screen. The data is then processed so as to enable adjustment of the wrapping machine to improve the quality of the wire-wrapped screen. The data may be used in real time. 
     In one example, the sensor is in the form of a camera. The camera may be utilized in capturing images of the wire-wrapped screen as wire is wrapped about a base pipe. Data from the images obtained via the camera may be provided to a controller which is configured to determine slot width between wraps of the wire as the wire is wrapped about the base pipe, e.g. a ribbed base pipe. The controller is then able to provide feedback in real time to the wrapping machine so as to adjust operational parameters of the wrapping machine for maintaining a desired slot width. Maintenance of the desired slot width along the screen enhances the ability of the wire-wrapped screen to filter particulates of a desired size from inflowing fluid during, for example, hydrocarbon fluid production. 
     Referring generally to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , an embodiment of a sand screen  30  is illustrated in a cross-sectional view and a side view, respectively. In this example, the sand screen  30  comprises a base pipe  32 , rib wires  34 , and an outer wire wrap  36  formed by a wire  38  wrapped around the rib wires  34 . By way of example, the wire  38  may be helically wrapped around the rib wires  34  and the base pipe  32  to create the wire wrap  36  as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . 
     The sand screen  30  may be manufactured using industry-standard materials and sizes or other suitable materials and sizes. For a variety of applications, the base pipe  32 , rib wires  34 , and wire wrap  36  may be constructed in suitable sizes—with dimensions and materials conventionally used in the manufacture of sand screens. The sand screen  30  may be manufactured via a wrapping machine  40 , such as a variety of commercially available wrapping machines. Commercial wrapping machines are manufactured and/or sold by a variety of companies, including Schlumberger and ARC Specialties Inc. 
     A suitable manufacturing process may include initially obtaining a base pipe  32  of a suitable length and attaching the rib wires  34  to the base pipe  32  in a longitudinal direction. The rib wires  34  may be attached to the base pipe  32  by welding, fusing, or other suitable attachment techniques. In some embodiments, a pulsing current may be used to weld or fuse the material in a non-additive manner. 
     Once the rib wires  34  are secured to the base pipe  32 , the ribbed base pipe is passed through the wrapping machine  40  which wraps the wire  38  around the rib wires  34  and base pipe  32 . During wrapping, the base pipe  32  may be rotated about its longitudinal axis as it undergoes relative lengthwise movement through the wrapping machine  40 . For example, the base pipe  32  may be rotated as the wrapping machine  40  moves lengthwise along the base pipe  32  or as the base pipe  32  is moved lengthwise through a stationary wrapping machine  40 . The wire  38  is wrapped about the rib wires  34  and the base pipe  32  as the base pipe  32  rotates and moves linearly with respect to the wrapping machine  40  so as to create a filter  42  via the wire wrap  36 . The filter  42  is able to filter out particulates from inflowing fluid during, for example, a hydrocarbon production operation. It should be noted the base pipe  32  may be perforated or have another type of inflow control opening or openings to enable flow of fluid from the exterior of the wire wrap  36  to the interior of the base pipe  32 . 
     When the wire  38  is wrapped via the wrapping machine  40 , the wire  38  may be welded, fused, or otherwise attached to the rib wires  34  to secure the wire  38  in place. For example, the wire  38  may be secured to the rib wires  34  as it is wrapped onto the ribbed base pipe (rib wires  34  and base pipe  32 ) in a helical pattern. 
     With additional reference to  FIG. 3 , a close up view of the wrapped wire  38  is provided to show a slot  44  between each successive wrap of the wire  38 . Although the slot  44  may be a continuous slot,  FIG. 3  shows that the slot  44  functions effectively as a plurality of slots located between the successive wraps of wire  38 . The quality of the filter  42  provided by the wire wrap  36  is determined by the consistency and quality of the slot  44 . 
     In the example illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 , the width of slot  44  has been accurately controlled via a feedback system as discussed in greater detail below. Generally, the more consistent the width  46  of slot  44  and the more closely the slot width  46  is maintained within a desired range of widths or distribution of widths, the higher the quality of the slot  44  and overall sand screen  30 . 
     Referring generally to  FIG. 4 , an example of a feedback system  48  is illustrated. The feedback system  48  may be positioned adjacent to the wrapping machine  40  where the wraps of wire  38  are applied over the rib wires  34 . In some embodiments, the feedback system  48  may be attached to or integral with the wrapping machine  40 . The feedback system  48  may be configured to monitor at least one parameter with respect to construction of the sand screen  30 . For example, the feedback system  48  may be used to monitor slot width  46  as the wire  38  is wrapped about the rib wires  34  and base pipe  32 . The feedback system  48  utilizes data acquired on the at least one parameter and provides corresponding instructions to the wrapping machine  40  so as to adjust operation of the wrapping machine. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the feedback system  48  may comprise a sensor  50  located adjacent the wrapping machine  40 . The sensor  50  may be selected to monitor at least one parameter with respect to positioning of the wire  38  as it is wrapped about the ribbed base pipe. The sensor  50  may comprise an individual sensor or a plurality of sensors positioned at a predetermined distance  52  from the wire  38  which has been wrapped about the rib wires  34  and base pipe  32 . 
     The feedback system  48  further comprises a controller  54 , e.g. a computer-based controller, programmed with logic to determine deviations of the at least one parameter from, for example, a reference parameter. The controller  54  is in communication with the wrapping machine  40  so as to provide instructions to the wrapping machine  40  to ensure proper placement of the wire  38 . In some embodiments, the controller  54  may be configured to provide instructions to wrapping machine  40  in real time so as to cause real-time adjustments based on deviations of the at least one parameter from the reference parameter. Real-time adjustment of the wrapping process improves the quality of the wire-wrapped sand screen  30  and reduces costs otherwise associated with post-manufacture treatment. 
     According to an embodiment, the feedback system  48  is configured to obtain raw data measured from the wraps of wire  38  and/or additional data to enable determination of adjustment parameters. The adjustment parameters may be provided to wrapping machine  40  so as to modify the manner in which the wraps of wire  38  are being applied over the rib wires  34 . For example, the feedback system  48  may provide instructions to wrapping machine  40  with respect to pitch adjustment during wrapping of wire  38 . 
     The pitch adjustment instructions may be provided as a percentage or degree adjustment to be made with respect to the pitch of the wire  38  as it is wrapped about the rib wires  34 . In some embodiments, the instruction data communicated by the feedback system  48  to the wrapping machine  40  may include a particular pitch setting value representing the pitch value at which it should operate. The instruction data also may include instructions regarding the speed at which the wrapping machine  40  should operate, e.g. instructions regarding the speed of rotation of the base pipe  32  and/or the speed at which the wrapping machine  40  moves linearly with respect to the base pipe  32  during wrapping. However, the feedback system  48  may be used to obtain data on a variety of parameters and to provide a variety of corresponding instructions to the wrapping machine  40 . 
     According to one example, the sensor  50  of feedback system  48  is in the form of a camera  56  mounted on an actuator  58  which, in turn, may be attached to a backplane  60  or other suitable structure. The camera  56  may be mounted at the predetermined distance  52  which, in this case, is the focal length of the camera  56 . It should be noted that in some embodiments the focal length may be adjusted through manipulation of a lens or lenses of the camera  56  or through digital software manipulation. Using this predetermined distance  52  between the camera  56  and the wraps of wire  38 /slot(s)  44  enables the camera  56  to obtain clear images suitable for measurement and analysis. 
     The camera  56  may comprise a variety of digital type cameras or other suitable cameras. In some embodiments, a full-color image may be obtained at a suitable resolution. In other embodiments, however, the camera  56  may be selected for capturing a monochromatic image or other suitable type of image which allows determination of the desired parameter, e.g. slot width  46 . The camera  56 /sensor  50  also may utilize other technologies to determine the desired parameter, e.g. slot width  46 . Examples of other technologies include ultrasonic technologies, laser technologies, infrared imaging, or other technologies able to obtain images which enable determination of slot width  46  (and/or other desired parameters). 
     In a variety of embodiments, the camera  56  may operate together with the wrapping machine  40  to measure the slot width  46  and slot quality in real time as the layer  38  is wrapped to form the filter  42 . The measurements of slot width  46  may be determined from the images obtained by camera  56  and those images may be obtained concurrently with operation of the wrapping machine  40  as the wrapping machine  40  wraps the wire  38  about the rib wires  34  and base pipe  32 . The controller  54  processes the data obtained via camera  56  and provides feedback to wrapping machine  40  so as to make adjustments in real time. 
     Real-time adjustments to the wrapping process helps ensure manufacture of a high quality, wire-wrapped sand screen  30 . For example, if the wrapping machine  40  is producing slot widths that are at or near a threshold width, a pitch at which wire  38  is wrapped may be adjusted during operation of the wrapping machine  40 . The adjustment may be made to effectively alter the width of the slots  44  so they are no longer at or near the threshold width. This capability of making operational adjustments on-the-fly during wrapping of the wire  38  ensures consistent construction quality. The resulting sand screens  30  perform substantially better with respect to consistent filtering of the desired particulates. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 4 , the actuator  58  is constructed to aid in maintaining the predetermined distance  52 . Various types of actuators  58  may be used in maintaining the predetermined distance  52 , e.g. focal length, between the camera  56 /sensor  50  and the wraps of wire  38  separated by slots  46 . For example, the actuator  58  may utilize pressurized air, springs, hydraulics, or other mechanisms to achieve desired positioning and functionality. Various hydraulic actuators, electro-mechanical actuators, and other suitable actuators  58  may be mounted to control positioning of camera  56 , e.g. mounted between backplane  60  and camera  56 . 
     The backplane  60  also may have various suitable forms. In some embodiments, the backplane  60  may be mechanically coupled to the wrapping machine  40 . For example, the backplane  60  may be in the form of a flange or plate extending from the wrapping machine  40 . Such mechanical coupling may aid in maintaining the predetermined distance  52  between the sensor  50 /camera  56  and the wraps of wire  38 . In other embodiments, the backplane  60  may be mechanically independent from the wrapping machine  40 . 
     Due to large variations in spot weld parameters and also due to large tolerance variations between dimensions of base pipe  32 , rib wires  34 , and wrapped wire  38 , it may be desirable to continuously adjust the position of camera  56 . The position of camera  56  may be adjusted automatically to account for these variations and to maintain the predetermined distance/focal length  52  during construction of the sand screen  30 . By way of example, the actuator  58  may be operated to provide continuous adjustment of the position of camera  56 . In some embodiments, the actuator  58  also may be used to automatically compensate for vibrations. 
     Referring generally to  FIG. 5 , another embodiment of feedback system  48  is illustrated. In this embodiment, a distance member  62  is used to set the predetermined distance  52 . By way of example, the distance member  62  may comprise a wheel  64  coupled to a rigid arm  66  extending from the camera  56  (or a suitable camera mounting) to aid in maintaining the desired, predetermined distance/focal length  52 . 
     The wheel  64  may be placed in contact with the surface of the wraps of wire  38  at a location at or near the location from which images of the wraps of wire  38  are obtained. The wheel  64  may be configured to roll along the surface of the wire wrap  36  as the sand screen  30  is rotated and moved linearly outward from the wrapping machine  40  as the sand screen is rotated and as the wrapping machine  40  and the sand screen  30  are moved linearly with respect to each other. 
     In some embodiments, a light  68  may be positioned to help obtain high quality and consistent images via camera  56 . The light  68  may be positioned to illuminate the location on the wraps of wire  38  where the camera  56  captures the images. In some embodiments, the light  68  may be positioned at a low angle to brighten the images without washing out the image and/or without providing undesirable glare. Additionally, the light  68  may have a variety of types and forms, e.g. single LED, multiple LEDs, a circular LED array, or other suitable lighting tools. The light  68  also may be coupled to the camera  56  or with a suitable camera mount. This ensures that the light  68  moves with the camera  56  and maintains a fixed position relative to the camera  56 . In some embodiments, the light  68  may extend from the same arm  66  as wheel  64 . 
     When a wire wrapping process starts, the actuator  58  may initially be operated to move the camera  56  towards the sand screen  30  being manufactured so that the camera  56  is positioned at the desired, predetermined distance  52 . According to an embodiment, the contact between wheel  64  and the wire wrap  36  may be used to determine when the appropriate, predetermined distance  52  has been achieved. In some embodiments, other forms of distance measurement may be implemented. For example, a laser sensor or ultrasonic sensor may be provided and used to determine the desired distance  52  between the camera  56  and the sand screen  30 . 
     As the sand screen  30  is rotated and moved outward from the wrapping machine  40 , the camera  56  obtains images which are used to determine the desired parameter, e.g. slot width  46 . According to one embodiment, the camera  56  may be triggered to capture an image between each weld joint of the rib wire  34  and the wire wrap  36 . In this example, the camera  56  may be synced with a welder, e.g. a spot welder forming spot welds between wire  38  and rib wires  34 , so as to capture an image for each of the welds. Each image captured by the camera  56  may be used to obtain data on one or more slots  44  on a single plane (see  FIG. 3 ). 
     As wrapping continues via the wrapping machine  40 , images may be obtained in multiple planes or along the entire length of slot  44  to obtain desired measurement data. The measurement data may be logged in a suitable memory, e.g. a database or file, of controller  54 . The measurement data may be indexed along desired directions, e.g. axial and radial directions, of the wire-wrap filter  42  for post wrapping data analytics. The measurement data also may be utilized in performing a closed-loop feedback control of the wrapping machine  40  so as to adjust the monitored parameter, e.g. slot width  46 . 
     Each type of sand screen  30  being manufactured may have predefined, desired parameters, e.g. a predefined nominal value and a predefined tolerance for slot width  46 . These predefined parameters may arise from a desired performance of sand screens  30  and/or characteristics of a particular well into which the sand screens  30  may be deployed. 
     An example of a potential slot width specification for slots  44  between successive wraps of wire  38  in a given sand screen  30  is provided in Table I: 
                     TABLE I                  Sand Screen Quality Control Specification                                 X %   Y %   Z %                                                 Level 1   ±A 1     ±B 1     ±C 1             Level 2   ±A 2     ±B 2     ±C 2             . . .   . . .   . . .   . . .           Level N   ±A n     ±B n     ±C n                          
In this example, the specification provides that a given sand screen  30  is to have a minimum of X % of the slots  44  within (nominal−A, nominal+A), a minimum of Y % of the slots  44  within (nominal−B, nominal+B), and a minimum of Z % of the slots  44  within (nominal−C, nominal+C). (See also  FIG. 6  which shows an example of a slot width measurement chart in terms of slot width measured relative to nominal−A, nominal+A, nominal−B, nominal+B, nominal−C, nominal+C.)
 
     As may be appreciated, in some cases a specification also may establish that no slot width  46  exceed a certain width or deviate from a desired width by more than a certain distance or percentage. In such cases, a single slot exceeding such width may cause the entire screen  30  to fall out of specification. However, there may be multiple specification levels for the sand screen inspection. An example slot width measurement charting for one plane is illustrated in  FIG. 6 . 
     The measurement data obtained from sensor  50 /camera  56  may be utilized via controller  54  in performing a closed-loop feedback control on the wrapping machine  40 . As the slot width  46  is monitored, for example, a control loop may be utilized in which in-process data (e.g. slot width, pitch of wire  38 , speed) is fed back to controller  54 . The controller  54  outputs control signals to adjust the wrapping machine  40  so as to produce slots  44  which are closer to a nominal width (or within the sand screen specification width distribution) before completing the wrapping. 
     Referring generally to  FIG. 7 , an example feedback control diagram is illustrated. In this example, a control algorithm is programmed into the controller  54  and is utilized to minimize the difference between a measured parameter and a reference parameter, e.g. between a measured slot width  46  and a pre-defined nominal value. Certain traditional feedback control algorithms, such as Proportional-Integral-Differentiate (PID) and State Space Feedback, are suitable for the feedback control loop in some applications. Other more advanced predictive models also may be suitable for providing the desired control, e.g. Smith Predictor, for compensating pure time delay in the measuring process. Neural Network also can be utilized, after analyzing homogeneous data, to predict the performance of the wrapping machine  40  and the trending of slot width  46 . 
     By way of example, the camera  56  may be applied as a data acquisition mechanism in the feedback system  48 . The camera  56  acquires images which are a data source to the controller  54  which may be used, for example, to measure and analyze slot width  46  based on those images. In this embodiment, the camera  56  also serves as the data source for data in providing feedback to the wrapping machine  40  for improved wrapping performance. 
     Depending on the operation, the wrapping machine may perform a more dynamic non-machine feedback loop or a more static off-machine feedback loop. The data obtained via camera  56  also may be used to design and fine-tune control algorithms, e.g. PID, State Space Feedback, Smith Protector, or other suitable control algorithms. Then, the fine-tuned control algorithm may be applied to the wrapping machine  40 . 
     New data acquired from the wrapping machine  40  may be used as part of the implementation of the control algorithm and may be constantly fed back to the control algorithm in the controller  54  to enable calculation of new machine parameters which guarantee wrapping performance and screen quality. New data acquired from the wrapping machine  40  also may be applied as training datasets to train and validate an on-machine learning control algorithm for the wrapping machine  40 . Such algorithms are capable of identifying and categorizing different sets of control parameters to their correlated machine wrapping performance data. Thus, in real-time, the feedback system  48  is able to select desirable control parameters to govern performance of wrapping machine  40 . 
     The camera  56  in cooperation with the controller  54  enables feedback system  48  to operate with a variety of traditional wrapping machines  40 . The controller  54  is able to analyze and retrieve, for example, slot width information from the raw format data, e.g. from images from the camera or from direct reading of data from other sensors, such as ultrasonic sensors or laser sensors. The controller  54  is able to organize the gathered data into the correct format for later control algorithm calculation. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 7 , reference data such as startup machine settings and parameters may initially be input. Based on these initial machine settings and parameters, the operating parameters for the wrapping machine  40  and the feedback system  48  may be set. The controller  54  receives the reference data and initiates operation of the feedback system  48  by providing the operating parameters, e.g. wire pitch, to wrapping machine  40 . Wrapping machine  40  then wraps the wire  38  to create the filter  42  with a desired slot width  46 . 
     The sensor  50 , e.g. camera  56 , obtains sensor data, e.g. images, and the controller  54  determines the parameters related to the filter  42 , e.g. slot width  46 . These parameters are then compared with the reference parameters and a measured error is provided. The controller  54  is then able to adjust the operating parameters, e.g. wire pitch, for the wrapping machine  40 . In other words, the controller  54  is able to adjust the desired parameter on-the-fly as the wire wrapping occurs in wrapping machine  40 . Consequently, the wire wrapping process may be controlled to tight tolerances and the quality of the sand screen  30  is substantially improved during manufacture of the sand screen  30  rather than by implementing post manufacture adjustments. 
     Referring generally to  FIG. 8 , a flowchart is illustrated which shows an example of a slot width measuring process. It should be appreciated that the slot width measuring process may provide data used by the control loop (see  FIG. 7 ) to adjust and fine-tune the wrapping process. In some embodiments, the slot width measuring process may be initiated upon initiation of the wrapping machine  40 . In other embodiments, the slot width measuring process may be initiated upon receiving user input or upon sensing a wrapped screen filter exiting the wrapping machine  40 . 
     The illustrated example of the slot width measuring process comprises initially positioning the camera  56  relative to the wire wrap  36  (filter  42 ) to achieve a desired focal length, as represented by block  70 . Slot images are then captured via camera  56 , as represented by block  72 . The slot width  46  is then measured based on data in the captured image, as represented by block  74 . 
     Suitable image processing and/or boundary or shape determining software may be implemented to aid in the measurement process. For example, measurement data with plane index data may be logged, as represented by block  76 . This process may involve real-time measurement charting, as represented by block  78 . Controller  54  utilizes the appropriate algorithm to process the new data obtained via camera  56  and to provide new measurement data with respect to the slot width  46 , as represented by block  80 . 
     The controller  54  may be programmed to check whether the new measurement data is greater than a predetermined reference value, e.g. above a threshold, as represented by decision block  82 . If yes, a decision is made via controller  54  as to whether the new measurement data is above a non-acceptable threshold, as represented by decision block  84 . If yes, the wrapping machine  40  may be stopped, as represented by block  86 . 
     On the other hand, if the new measurement data is within the desired threshold, the settings of wrapping machine  40  are maintained, as represented by block  88 . If the new data is within the non-acceptable threshold at decision block  84 , the settings of wrapping machine  40  may be adjusted during the wrapping operation, as represented by block  90 . The controller  54  may then determine whether control of the wrapping machine  40  is on its last cycle, as represented by decision block  92 . If not, the cycles are continued by acquiring additional images, as represented by block  94 . Once the wrapping machine reaches its last cycle or is otherwise stopped, the measurement data file may be locked for providing suitable reports, as represented by block  96 . 
     It should be appreciated that alternate techniques, measurements, metrics, and specifications may be utilized in other implementations of feedback system  48 . In some embodiments, for example, limitations may include a threshold percentage of slot widths  46  which do not exceed a specified width. In some embodiments, the controller  54  may be programmed to control slot width  46  according to an average slot width. Regardless of the programmed parameters, the feedback system  48  may be used in making appropriate adjustments on-the-fly so as to output the desired sand screen  30  in compliance with the desired specification. 
     Although a few embodiments of the disclosure have been described in detail above, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible without materially departing from the teachings of this disclosure. Accordingly, such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure as defined in the claims.