Patent ID: 7278479

Claim:
A device for use in a fluid producing, underground well ( 1 ) having an inflow portion ( 2 , 4 , 6 ), said device comprising: a perforated, main pipe ( 12 ) suitable for insertion into the inflow portion of the well; a strainer comprising a pervious outer mantle ( 16 ) surrounding said main pipe; a plurality of axially extending spacer means ( 18 ) spaced about an external periphery of said main pipe and arranged to support the strainer mantle ( 16 ) on said main pipe, said spacer means forming channels ( 20 ) between the spacer means in an annular space defined by the strainer mantle ( 16 ) and the main pipe ( 12 ); and a hydraulic pipe extending through at least one of said channels and between the spacers and coupled to an actuator ( 36 ) located proximate the inflow portion, the hydraulic pipe providing the actuator ( 36 ) with energy; wherein said spacer means comprises a plurality of axially extending spacer strips ( 18 ).