Patent ID: 11603748

Abstract:
A sand separating apparatus for use with a production tubing string includes (i) a housing assembly forming an outer tubular and (ii) an inner tubular within the housing assembly to define an annular passage between the inner tubular and the housing assembly. A helical member occupies part of the annular passage below production openings in the housing assembly whereby a flow of production fluids entering from the wellbore is directed downwardly along a helical path within the annular passage as dictated by the helical member and subsequently upwardly through the inner tubular. The helical member extends radially outwardly from the inner tubular beyond a boundary surface at an outer perimeter of the annular passage to prevent formation of a gap at the tip of the helical member as it wears. A fluid passage in alignment with the helical member extends radially from inside the inner tubular to the annular passage.