Patent Publication Number: US-10781673-B2

Title: Base pipes for sand control screen assemblies

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a divisional application of and claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/353,013, titled “Base Pipes For Sand Control Screen Assemblies” and filed on Nov. 16, 2016, which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/350,394, titled “Base Pipes For Sand Control Screen Assemblies” and filed on Jun. 15, 2016, and to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/403,887, titled “Base Pipes For Sand Control Screen Assemblies” and filed on Oct. 4, 2016. The entire contents of these aforementioned applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present application relates generally to structures adapted for filtering particulates from a flowing fluid in a wellbore that traverse a subterranean hydrocarbon bearing formation, and in particular, to base pipes for sand control screen assemblies. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Sand exclusion screen assemblies are employed in wellbores during the production of hydrocarbon fluids from subterranean formations. Conventional sand screen assemblies include a perforated base pipe, a drainage layer, a filter medium, and a protective jacket or shroud. Such screen assemblies are designed to filter out particles, such as formation sand or placed gravel/proppant, while facilitating the passage of hydrocarbon fluids into the wellbore. One drawback in the deployment of such screen assemblies is the erosion of the filter medium by particle impingement contained in the fluids that pass the screen assemblies. The presence of particulate in the flow stream, coupled with the current designs and manufacturing methods of the screen assemblies, can cause erosion. For instance, current designs and manufacturing methods minimize the space, or offset, between the sand screen components for a number of reasons, which can increase erosion of the filter medium. Also, current base pipe designs have a limited inflow area due to limited number of perforated holes. These holes cause a flow concentration that localizes and increases the erosion of the filter medium. When the filter medium becomes eroded, then particles are produced from the well, which is highly undesirable. Production of these particles can cause excessive erosion of production tubulars, downhole equipment and surface equipment, and lead to high maintenance costs and undesirable downtime of wells. 
     Accordingly, a need has arisen for a sand control screen assembly that is capable of filtering fines out of a production stream from a subterranean hydrocarbon bearing formation and that does not readily suffer from erosion. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present application is generally related to base pipes for sand control screen assemblies for filtering particulates from a flowing fluid in a wellbore that traverses a subterranean hydrocarbon bearing formation. 
     In an example embodiment, a sand control screen assembly includes a base pipe having one or more openings through a thickness of the pipe. The openings are characterized by a non-uniform cross-section. In certain instances, the openings are characterized by an inner portion and an outer portion, whereby the inner and outer portions vary in dimensions. Generally, a drainage layer is positioned about the base pipe, a filter medium is positioned about the drainage layer, and a protective shroud is positioned about the filter medium. In certain instances where a drainage layer is not utilized, a filter medium is positioned about the base pipe, and a protective shroud is positioned about the filter medium. 
     In another example embodiment, a sand control screen assembly includes a base pipe having an outer surface and an inner surface. The base pipe includes one or more openings extending from the outer surface to the inner surface through a thickness of the base pipe. The base pipe also includes one or more channels or grooves positioned on the outer surface and in flow communication with at least one of the openings. 
     These and other aspects, objects, features, and embodiments will be apparent from the following description and the appended claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic illustration of a wellbore environment including a pair of sand control screen assemblies, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2A  is a top perspective view of a sand control screen assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2B  is a partial cut away view of the sand control screen assembly of  FIG. 2A , according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2C  is an exploded view of the sand control screen assembly of  FIG. 2A , according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2D  is a side cross-sectional view of the sand control screen assembly of  FIG. 2A , according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2E  is a partial perspective view of a base pipe of the sand control screen assembly of  FIG. 2A , according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2F  is a top view of a base pipe for a sand control screen assembly of  FIG. 2A  showing spacer ribs (of a drainage layer) thereon, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3A  is a top perspective view of a base pipe for a sand control screen assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3B  is a side cross-sectional view of the base pipe of  FIG. 3A , according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4A  is a top perspective view of a base pipe for a sand control screen assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4B  is a side cross-sectional view of the base pipe of  FIG. 4A , according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5A  is a top perspective view of a base pipe for a sand control screen assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5B  is a side cross-sectional view of the base pipe of  FIG. 5A , according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a top perspective view of a base pipe for a sand control screen assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a top perspective view of a base pipe for a sand control screen assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a top perspective view of a base pipe for a sand control screen assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9A  is a top perspective view of a base pipe for a sand control screen assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9B  is a side cross-sectional view of the base pipe of  FIG. 9A , according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10A  is a partial cut away view of a sand control screen assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10B  is a side cross-sectional view of the sand control screen assembly of  FIG. 10A , according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11A  is a top perspective view of a base pipe for a sand control screen assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11B  is a side cross-sectional view of the base pipe of  FIG. 11A , according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12A  is a top perspective view of a base pipe for a sand control screen assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12B  is a side cross-sectional view of the base pipe of  FIG. 12A , according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a side cross-sectional view of the base pipe for a sand control screen assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14  is a side cross-sectional view of the base pipe for a sand control screen assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present application provides sand control screen assemblies that are more resistant to erosion than conventional sand control screen assemblies. By limiting erosion loss, it is not required to reduce the rate of oil and gas production, which is common in instances of sand screen erosion. 
     The invention may be better understood by reading the following description of non-limitative, exemplary embodiments with reference to the attached drawings, wherein like parts of each of the figures are identified by the same reference characters. In the following description of the representative embodiments of the invention, directional terms, such as “above”, “below”, “upper”, “lower”, “top”, “bottom”, etc., are used for convenience in referring to the accompanying drawings. In general, “above”, “upper”, “upward” and similar terms refer to a direction toward the earth&#39;s surface along a wellbore, and “below”, “lower”, “downward” and similar terms refer to a direction away from the earth&#39;s surface along the wellbore towards the bottom of well. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , illustrated is a wellbore system  100  that may employ the principles of the present disclosure, according to one or more embodiments of the disclosure. As depicted, the wellbore system  100  includes a wellbore  105  having production intervals  110 ,  115 , having sand control screen assemblies  120 ,  125 , respectively, positioned therein. The wellbore  105  extends through various formations  130 ,  135  in the earth strata. A casing  140  is supported within wellbore  105  by cement  145 . A production or completion string  150  includes various tools, such as sand control screen assembly  120  that is positioned within production interval  110  between packers  160 ,  165 . In addition, the production or completion string  150  includes a sand control screen assembly  125  that is positioned within production interval  115  between packers  170 ,  175 . The sand control screen assemblies  120 ,  125  serve the primary functions of filtering particulate matter out of the production fluid stream and may also include flow control capabilities or other additional functionality. One or more control lines  180  may extend from a ground surface within annulus  185  and pass through sand control screen assemblies  120 ,  125  to provide instructions, carry power, signals and data, and transport operating fluid, such as hydraulic fluid, to sensors, actuators and the like associated with sand control screen assemblies  120 ,  125  and other tools or components positioned downhole. Sensors (not shown) operably associated with production or completion string  150  may be used to provide valuable information to the operator via control line  180  during the production phase of the well, such as fluid temperature, pressure, velocity, constituent composition and the like, such that the operator can enhance the production operations. 
     Even though  FIG. 1  depicts sand control screen assemblies  120 ,  125  in a cased hole environment, one skilled in the art will recognize that the sand control screen assemblies of the present invention are equally well suited for use in open hole environments. Also, even though  FIG. 1  depicts a vertical completion, one skilled in the art will recognize that the sand control screen assemblies of the present invention are equally well suited for use in well having other directional configurations including horizontal wells, deviated wells, multilateral wells, and the like. 
       FIGS. 2A-2D  illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a sand control screen assembly  200  for use in wellbore  105  ( FIG. 1 ).  FIG. 2E  is a partial perspective view of a base pipe  205  of screen assembly  200 .  FIG. 2F  is a partial top view of the base pipe  205  showing spacer ribs  235   a  of a drainage layer  210  thereon, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Along with the other sand control screen assemblies described in the present application, the sand control screen assembly  200  may replace one or more of the screen assemblies  120 ,  125  described in  FIG. 1  and may otherwise be used in the exemplary wellbore system  100  depicted therein. 
     The screen assembly  200  generally includes a perforated base pipe  205 , a drainage layer  210 , a filter medium  215 , and a protective jacket or shroud  220 . Generally, during hydrocarbon production, fluid from the subterranean formation flows in a direction from the formation, through the shroud  220 , and towards a central axis Ac of the base pipe  205 . The base pipe  205  provides structural support to the assembly  200 , and also provides flow communication via openings  225  with the production or completion string  150  ( FIG. 1 ) in the wellbore  105 . The drainage layer  210  occasionally is a slotted screen  230  and includes a plurality of ribs  235   a  that are substantially symmetrically disposed or positioned about the central axis Ac of the base pipe  205 . In certain embodiments, the slotted screen  230  is made up of wrapped wires. The drainage layer  210  is placed around the surface of the base pipe  205  and typically distributes inflow to the base pipe  205 . The filter medium  215  that surrounds the drainage layer  210  is utilized for particle control and/or particle filtration of a predetermined size. The filter medium  215  is generally woven, wire-wrapped, or slotted liner. The shroud  220  surrounds the filter medium  215  and provides protection to the assembly  200  during installation. In certain exemplary embodiments, the shroud  220  is a slotted screen jacket. In alternative embodiments, the shroud  220  may be a wire-wrapped jacket, a perforated jacket, or a stamped jacket. In certain exemplary embodiments, the shroud  220  includes a plurality of ribs  235   b  that are substantially symmetrically disposed or positioned about the central axis Ac of the base pipe  205 . In certain embodiments, the drainage layer  210 , composed of the slotted screen  230  and the plurality of ribs  235   a , can be replaced by other porous structures such as metal meshes. Furthermore, in certain alternative embodiments, the screen assemblies consist of only a drainage layer and a filter medium, without a protective jacket or shroud, wherein the wrapped wires function as the filter medium and the plurality of ribs provides a drainage layer. 
     The base pipe  205  is a generally cylindrical-shaped tube  240  having one or more openings  225  that extend from an outer wall  240   a  of the tube  240  to an inner wall  240   b  of the tube  240 . In certain cases, fluid from the subterranean formation flows in a direction from the outer wall  240   a  towards the inner wall  240   b  through openings  225 . In certain exemplary embodiments, the openings  225  have a non-uniform cross-section. In certain exemplary embodiments, the openings  225  include an outer or top portion  245  and an inner or bottom portion  250 . The top portion  245  may be larger in size than the bottom portion  250  in a perspective top planar view. In other words, the openings  225  are counterbore holes. For instance, the top portion  245  may have a circular profile having a diameter D 1  when viewed from the top, and the bottom portion  250  may have a circular profile having a diameter D 2  when viewed from the top, where the diameter D 1  is larger than the diameter D 2 . In certain exemplary embodiments, the diametric ratio D 2 /D 1  may in a range of from about 0.05 to about 0.95. One having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that in alternative embodiments, the planar top view profile of the top portion  245  of the opening  225  can have any shape configuration, such as triangular, circular, elliptical, oval, square, quatrefoil, curvilinear triangular, rectangular, trapezoidal, pentagon, hexagon, other polygons, asymmetrical, and the like. One having ordinary skill in the art will also recognize that the non-uniform cross-section shaped openings  225  can be intermittently placed on the base pipe  205  (e.g. the base pipe  205  may contain some uniform cross-section shaped openings as well). 
     As shown in  FIG. 2D , the side cross-sectional profile shows that the top portion  245  of the opening  225  has a side wall  245   a  that is generally perpendicular to a base wall  245   b . In certain exemplary embodiments, the side wall  245   a  of the top portion  245  of opening  225  has a depth d 1  that is less than a depth d 2  of a side wall  250   a  the bottom portion  250  of opening  225 . In other words, the top portion  245  may be shallower than the bottom portion  250 . In certain exemplary embodiments, the depth ratio d 1 /d 2  may be in a range of from about 0.05 to about 0.95. In exemplary embodiments, and as shown in  FIG. 2F , the larger diameter D 1  of the top portion  245  of the openings  225  of the base pipe  205  provides additional surface area for fluid flow over conventional base pipes where flow may be more limited or otherwise stagnant due to the position of ribs  235   a  of the drainage layer  210  over the openings. Accordingly, the larger diameter D 1  of the top portion  245  of the openings  225  of the base pipe  205  allows for a decrease in flow velocity and particle inertia because of the funneling effect of varying cross-section area. In certain exemplary embodiments, the top portion  245  of the openings  225  may cover at least two proximate rib channels so that flow communication can occur between the channels. In other words, fluid flow is not concentrated to a single sized opening as in conventional base pipes, but rather, there is reduced influx of flow towards the base pipe of the present invention due to enlarged sizing of the top portion of the opening enhancing flow communication between adjacent openings (illustrated by arrows in  FIG. 2F ). 
       FIGS. 3A-3B  illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a base pipe  300  for a sand control screen assembly for use in a wellbore. Along with the other base pipes described in the present application, the base pipe  300  may replace the base pipe  205  of the sand control screen assembly  200  described in  FIGS. 2A-2D  and may otherwise be used in the exemplary wellbore system  100  ( FIG. 1 ) depicted therein. The base pipe  300  is the same as that described above with regard to base pipe  205 , except as specifically stated below. For the sake of brevity, the similarities will not be repeated herein below. 
     The base pipe  300  includes one or more openings  325 . As shown in  FIG. 3B , the side cross-sectional profile shows that an outer or top portion  345  of opening  325  has a side wall edge  345   a  and a base wall edge  345   b . As shown in  FIG. 3B , the interface surface between the wall edge  345   a  and the wall edge  345   b  is a generally curved or arced surface having a radius of curvature RC. In certain alternative embodiments, the interface between the wall edge  345   a  and the wall edge  345   b  is a straight planar surface. Furthermore, the interface surface between the wall edge  345   a  and the wall edge  345   b  can be a single surface as described above, or segmented into multiple surfaces with different configurations as described below. 
       FIGS. 4A-4B  illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a base pipe  400  for a sand control screen assembly for use in a wellbore. Along with the other base pipes described in the present application, the base pipe  400  may replace the base pipe  205  of the sand control screen assembly  200  described in  FIGS. 2A-2D  and may otherwise be used in the exemplary wellbore system  100  ( FIG. 1 ) depicted therein. The base pipe  400  is the same as that described above with regard to base pipe  205 , except as specifically stated below. For the sake of brevity, the similarities will not be repeated hereinbelow. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4A-4B , the base pipe  400  includes one or more openings  425  having an outer or top portion  445 , a middle portion  455 , and an inner or bottom portion  450 . In certain exemplary embodiments, the planar top view profile of top portion  445  is generally similar to the top portion  245  of opening  225  ( FIGS. 2A-2D ), the planar top view profile of middle portion  455  is generally similar to the top portion  345  of opening  325  ( FIGS. 3A-3B ), and the planar top view profile of bottom portion  450  is generally similar to the bottom portion  250  of opening  225  ( FIGS. 2A-2D ). One having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that in alternative embodiments, the planar top view profile of top portion  445  could be generally similar to the top portion  345  of opening  325 , and the profile of middle portion  455  could be generally similar to the top portion  245  of opening  225 . One having ordinary skill in the art will also recognize that in alternative embodiments, the planar top view profiles of both the top portion  445  and middle portion  455  could be generally similar and have any shape, but vary in size. One having ordinary skill in the art will also recognize that in alternative embodiments, the planar top view profiles of the top portion  445  and middle portion  455  could have different shapes, and vary in size. 
     In exemplary embodiments, the top portion  445  may be larger in size than the middle portion  455 , and the middle portion  455  may be larger in size than the bottom portion  450 . For instance, the top portion  445  may have a circular profile having a diameter Dt when viewed from the top, the middle portion  455  may have a circular profile having a diameter Dm when viewed from the top, and the bottom portion  250  may have a circular profile having a diameter Db when viewed from the top, where the diameter Dt is larger than the diameter Dm, and where the diameter Dm is larger than the diameter Db. In certain exemplary embodiments, the diametric ratio Dm/Dt may be in a range of from about 0.05 to about 0.95. In certain embodiments, the diametric ratio Db/Dm may be in a range of from 0.05 to about 0.95. 
     As shown in  FIG. 4B , in certain exemplary embodiments, a side wall  445   a  of the top portion  445  of opening  425  has a depth dt, a side wall  455   a  of the middle portion  455  of opening  425  has a depth dm, and a side wall  450   a  of the bottom portion  450  of opening  425  has a depth db. In certain embodiments, the depth dt may be less than the depth db. In certain embodiments, the depth dm may be less than the depth db. In certain embodiments, the depth dt may be greater than the depth dm. In certain other embodiments, the depth dt may be less than the depth dm. In yet other embodiments, the depth dt may be the same as the depth dm. One having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the size and configuration of the top portion  445 , the middle portion  455 , and the bottom portion  450  of the opening  425  may vary from application to application, and be based on fluid flow needs or manufacturing capabilities. 
       FIGS. 5A-5B  illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a base pipe  500  for a sand control screen assembly for use in a wellbore. Along with the other base pipes described in the present application, the base pipe  500  may replace the base pipe  205  of the sand control screen assembly  200  described in  FIGS. 2A-2D  and may otherwise be used in the exemplary wellbore system  100  ( FIG. 1 ) depicted therein. The base pipe  500  is the same as that described above with regard to base pipe  205 , except as specifically stated below. For the sake of brevity, the similarities will not be repeated hereinbelow. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5A-5B , the base pipe  500  includes one or more openings  525 . As shown in  FIG. 5A , the planar top view profile shows that an outer or top portion  545  of opening  525  includes a plurality of channels or grooves  560  extending radially outward from an inner or bottom portion  550  of the opening  525 . As shown in  FIG. 5B , the grooves  560  may have a side cross-sectional profile shaped like a right triangle, where the hypotenuse H extends from an outer wall  540   a  of the base pipe  500  to the bottom portion  550  of the opening  525 . Each groove  560  in this case also forms side walls  526  that define the sides of the groove  560 . One having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that in alternative embodiments, the side cross-sectional profile of the grooves  560  of the opening  525  can have any shape configuration, such as curved or arced, square, rectangular, trapezoidal, other polygons, asymmetrical, and the like. One having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that while the present embodiment includes four grooves  560 , in alternative embodiments, the number of grooves  560  present can vary from base pipe to base pipe, or vary even within a single base pipe. One having ordinary skill in the art will also recognize that there can be grooves  560  on every opening  525 . In alternative embodiments, not every opening  525  will include grooves. For instance, in certain embodiments, every other opening will include the grooves. As another example, as shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , the array of openings  525  without a top portion  545  and openings  525  with top portions  545  can be randomly arranged. In addition, the present embodiment illustrates that some of the openings  525  include a top portion  545  having a noncircular or discontinuous cross-section. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a base pipe  600  for a sand control screen assembly for use in a wellbore. Along with the other base pipes described in the present application, the base pipe  600  may replace the base pipe  205  of the sand control screen assembly  200  described in  FIGS. 2A-2D  and may otherwise be used in the exemplary wellbore system  100  ( FIG. 1 ) depicted therein. The base pipe  600  is the same as that described above with regard to base pipe  205 , except as specifically stated below. For the sake of brevity, the similarities will not be repeated hereinbelow. 
     The base pipe  600  includes one or more openings  625  in flow communication via channels or grooves  645 . For instance, grooves  645   a ,  645   b  extend from and connect adjacent openings  625   a ,  625   b ,  625   c  that are positioned helically on the base pipe  600 . The grooves  645  are set within outer wall  640   a , and do not traverse the thickness of the base pipe  600 . The width of the grooves  645  can be wide enough to include the width of the diameter of the openings  625 . The presence of helical grooves between openings  625  provides enhanced extra flow paths in occasional cases that the drainage layer  210  ( FIGS. 2A-2D ) restricts the flow distribution between base pipe openings  225  ( FIGS. 2A-2E ). For instance, the restricted flow distributions between the openings  225  may take place by the drainage layer  210  that is narrow in height from the base pipe outer surface, or by the presence of ribs  235   a  ( FIGS. 2A-2D ) that block the circumferential flow distribution between the openings  225 . One having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the openings  625  may be in flow communication with grooves  645  in any configuration, such as circumferentially, longitudinally, spirally, helically, and combinations thereof. One having ordinary skill in the art will also recognize that not all openings will be in flow communication with an adjacent opening. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a base pipe  700  for a sand control screen assembly for use in a wellbore. Along with the other base pipes described in the present application, the base pipe  700  may replace the base pipe  205  of the sand control screen assembly  200  described in  FIGS. 2A-2D  and may otherwise be used in the exemplary wellbore system  100  ( FIG. 1 ) depicted therein. The base pipe  700  is the same as that described above with regard to base pipe  600 , except as specifically stated below. For the sake of brevity, the similarities will not be repeated hereinbelow. 
     The base pipe  700  includes one or more openings  725  in flow communication via channels or grooves  745 . For instance, grooves  745   a ,  745   b  extend from and connect adjacent openings  725   a ,  725   b ,  725   c  that are positioned longitudinally on the base pipe  700 . In other words, grooves  745  are disposed on an outer surface or wall  740   a  along a length of the base pipe  700 . The grooves  745  are set within outer surface or wall  740   a , and do not traverse the thickness of the base pipe  700 . 
       FIG. 8  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a base pipe  800  for a sand control screen assembly for use in a wellbore. Along with the other base pipes described in the present application, the base pipe  800  may replace the base pipe  205  of the sand control screen assembly  200  described in  FIGS. 2A-2D  and may otherwise be used in the exemplary wellbore system  100  ( FIG. 1 ) depicted therein. The base pipe  800  is the same as that described above with regard to base pipe  600 , except as specifically stated below. For the sake of brevity, the similarities will not be repeated hereinbelow. 
     The base pipe  800  includes one or more openings  825  in flow communication via channels or grooves  845 . For instance, grooves  845   a ,  845   b  extend from and connect adjacent openings  825   a ,  825   b ,  825   c  that are positioned circumferentially on the base pipe  800 . The grooves  845  are set within outer wall  840   a , and do not traverse the thickness of the base pipe  800 . 
       FIGS. 9A-9B  illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a base pipe  900  for a sand control screen assembly for use in a wellbore. Along with the other base pipes described in the present application, the base pipe  900  may replace the base pipe  205  of the sand control screen assembly  200  described in  FIGS. 2A-2D  and may otherwise be used in the exemplary wellbore system  100  ( FIG. 1 ) depicted therein. 
     The base pipe  900  includes one or more openings  925 , some of which having an insert  945  positioned therein on the side proximate an outer wall  940   a  of the base pipe  900 . The inserts  945  may include an internal opening  905  that allows for flow communication directly from the exterior of filter medium or supportive structure  950  ( FIG. 9B ) towards the interior of the base pipe  900 . Referring to  FIG. 9B , the inserts  945  essentially provide an offset δ such that when a filter medium or supportive structure  950  is positioned about the base pipe  900 , the additional offset δ forms a widely open channel  955  between the base pipe outer surface  940   a  and the filter medium or supportive structure  950 , and therefore results in unhindered flow distribution between openings  925 . The inserts  945  can be sectioned or slotted to allow for flow communication between the channel  955  and the interior of the base pipe  900 . In certain exemplary embodiments, the offset δ may eliminate the need for a drainage layer (not shown) in a sand control screen assembly. While the present embodiment illustrates an insert having a circular shape in the planar top view, one having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the inserts  945  may have any shape configuration that allows for flow communication to openings  925 , and provide an offset δ from the outer wall  940   a . For instance, the planar top view profile of the inserts  945  can have any shape configuration, such as triangular, floral, elliptical, oval, square, quatrefoil, curvilinear triangular, rectangular, trapezoidal, pentagon, hexagon, other polygons, asymmetrical, and the like. 
     The inserts  945  may be constructed from any material suitable for use with the screen assemblies of the present invention in a downhole environment, and may include erodible materials with tracers and/or fibers, the same material as the underlying base pipe  900 , a high temperature erosion resistant material (such as cobalt based alloys and carbides), a coated or hardened material, plastics suitable for use as metal replacements, and the like. 
       FIGS. 10A-10B  illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a sand control screen assembly  1000  for use in wellbore  105  ( FIG. 1 ). Along with the other sand control screen assemblies described in the present application, the sand control screen assembly  1000  may replace one or more of the screen assemblies  120 ,  125  described in  FIG. 1  and may otherwise be used in the exemplary wellbore system  100  depicted therein. The screen assembly  1000  is the same as that described above with regard to screen assembly  200 , except as specifically stated below. For the sake of brevity, the similarities will not be repeated hereinbelow. 
     The screen assembly  1000  includes a perforated base pipe  1005  (similar to base pipe  205 ), a drainage layer  1010  (similar to drainage layer  210 ), a filter medium  1015 , and a protective jacket or shroud  1020 . The filter medium  1015  that surrounds the drainage layer  210  is generally a metal mesh. In certain embodiments, the filter medium  1015  may or may not contain ribs. The shroud  1020  surrounds the filter medium  1015  and provides protection to the screen assembly  1000  during installation. In certain exemplary embodiments, the shroud  1020  is a perforated jacket having a plurality of openings  1080 . 
       FIGS. 11A-11B  illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a base pipe  1100  for a sand control screen assembly for use in a wellbore. Along with the other base pipes described in the present application, the base pipe  1100  may replace the base pipe  205  of the sand control screen assembly  200  described in  FIGS. 2A-2D  and may otherwise be used in the exemplary wellbore system  100  ( FIG. 1 ) depicted therein. The base pipe  1100  is the same as that described above with regard to base pipe  205 , except as specifically stated below. For the sake of brevity, the similarities will not be repeated herein below. The base pipe  1100  includes one or more openings  1125  having an upper portion  1145 . As shown in  FIG. 11B , the side cross-sectional profile shows that the opening  1125  is countersunk, or the upper portion  1145  is beveled. 
       FIGS. 12A-12B  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a base pipe  1200  for a sand control screen assembly for use in a wellbore. Along with the other base pipes described in the present application, the base pipe  1200  may replace the base pipe  205  of the sand control screen assembly  200  described in  FIGS. 2A-2D  and may otherwise be used in the exemplary wellbore system  100  ( FIG. 1 ) depicted therein. The base pipe  1200  is the same as that described above with regard to base pipe  205 , except as specifically stated below. For the sake of brevity, the similarities will not be repeated herein below. 
     The base pipe  1200  includes one or more openings  1225  having an outer or top portion  1245 , a middle portion  1255 , and an inner or bottom portion  1250 . The top portion  1245  may be larger in size than the middle portion  1255 , and the middle portion  1255  may be larger in size than the bottom portion  1250  in a perspective top planar view. In other words, the openings  1225  are multi-counterbore holes. For instance, the top portion  1245  may have a circular profile having a diameter D 1  when viewed from the top, the middle portion  1255  may have a circular profile having a diameter D 2  when viewed from the top, and the bottom portion  1250  may have a circular profile having a diameter D 3  when viewed from the top, where the diameter D 1  is larger than the diameter D 2 , and the diameter D 2  is larger than the diameter D 3 . 
       FIG. 13  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a base pipe  1300  for a sand control screen assembly for use in a wellbore. Along with the other base pipes described in the present application, the base pipe  1300  may replace the base pipe  205  of the sand control screen assembly  200  described in  FIGS. 2A-2D  and may otherwise be used in the exemplary wellbore system  100  ( FIG. 1 ) depicted therein. The base pipe  1300  is the same as that described above with regard to base pipe  205 , except as specifically stated below. For the sake of brevity, the similarities will not be repeated herein below. 
     The base pipe  1300  includes one or more openings  1325  having an outer or top portion  1345 , a chamfered middle portion  1355 , and an inner or bottom portion  1350 . The top portion  1345  may be larger in size than the middle portion  1355 , and the middle portion  1355  may be larger in size than the bottom portion  1350  in a perspective top planar view. In the present embodiment, the openings  1325  are hybrid counterbore-countersunk holes. 
       FIG. 14  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a base pipe  1400  for a sand control screen assembly for use in a wellbore. Along with the other base pipes described in the present application, the base pipe  1400  may replace the base pipe  205  of the sand control screen assembly  200  described in  FIGS. 2A-2D  and may otherwise be used in the exemplary wellbore system  100  ( FIG. 1 ) depicted therein. The base pipe  1400  is the same as that described above with regard to base pipe  205 , except as specifically stated below. For the sake of brevity, the similarities will not be repeated herein below. The base pipe  1400  includes one or more openings  1425  having a beveled outer or top portion  1445 , a middle portion  1455 , and an inner or bottom portion  1450 . The top portion  1445  may be larger in size than the middle portion  1455 , and the middle portion  1455  may be larger in size than the bottom portion  1450  in a perspective top planar view. In the present embodiment, the openings  1425  are hybrid counterbore-countersunk holes. 
     Although embodiments described herein are made with reference to example embodiments, it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications are well within the scope and spirit of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the example embodiments described herein are not limited to any specifically discussed application and that the embodiments described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. From the description of the example embodiments, equivalents of the elements shown therein will suggest themselves to those skilled in the art, and ways of constructing other embodiments using the present disclosure will suggest themselves to practitioners of the art. Therefore, the scope of the example embodiments is not limited herein.