US5333688A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for gravel packing of wells
Assignee: Mobil Oil AS
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Filing: 1993-01-07
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Granted: 1994-08-02
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Expires: 2013-01-07
Abstract
Abstract A method and apparatus for gravel packing wherein a gravel slurry is distributed to different points of a wellbore annulus from a internal passage within the apparatus thereby protecting the passage from damage during operation. The apparatus is comprised of a plurality of gravel screen units which are connected together at the lower end of a workstring. Each gravelscreen unit is comprised of a gravel screen and a valve-outlet assembly which, in turn, is comprised of a collar having an outlet and a valve for opening and closing the outlet. A washpipe is positioned within the workstring and provides a passage for delivering the slurry internally to the outlets in each of the valve-outlet assemblies. The valves are closed when the washpipe is removed.
Inventors
- 👤 Lloyd G. Jones
- 👤 Tommy J. Yates
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 04:46
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B43/00; E21B43/02; E21B43/08; E21B43/088; E21B34/00; E21B34/06; E21B34/14; E21B43/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
85 words
A method of gravel packing an interval of a wellbore, said method comprising: positioning a gravel pack apparatus within said wellbore adjacent said interval whereby an annulus is formed between said apparatus and said wellbore; flowing a gravel slurry from the surface and through the interior of said gravel pack apparatus; distributing said gravel slurry from the interior of said apparatus at different points within said annulus through a plurality of spaced outlets along said apparatus; and closing said outlets after said slurry is distributed.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
85 words
A method of gravel packing an interval of a wellbore, said method comprising: positioning a gravel pack apparatus within said wellbore adjacent said interval whereby an annulus is formed between said apparatus and said wellbore; flowing a gravel slurry from the surface and through the interior of said gravel pack apparatus; distributing said gravel slurry from the interior of said apparatus at different points within said annulus through a plurality of spaced outlets along said apparatus; and closing said outlets after said slurry is distributed.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
23 words
The method of claim I wherein said gravel slurry is flowed to said spaced outlets through a washpipe which extends through said apparatus.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 2 wherein said outlets are closed when said washpipe is removed from said apparatus.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
103 words
Apparatus for gravel packing an interval of a wellbore, said apparatus comprising: a plurality of gravel screen units connected together, each of said screen units comprising: a gravel screen; and a valve-outlet assembly connected to said screen, said assembly having at least one outlet and a valve which allows flow through said outlet when in an open position and blocks flow through said outlet when in a closed position; and means for delivering gravel slurry through the interior of said gravel screen units to each of said at least one outlet in each said valve-outlet assembly; and means for closing each said valve.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
103 words
Apparatus for gravel packing an interval of a wellbore, said apparatus comprising: a plurality of gravel screen units connected together, each of said screen units comprising: a gravel screen; and a valve-outlet assembly connected to said screen, said assembly having at least one outlet and a valve which allows flow through said outlet when in an open position and blocks flow through said outlet when in a closed position; and means for delivering gravel slurry through the interior of said gravel screen units to each of said at least one outlet in each said valve-outlet assembly; and means for closing each said valve.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
42 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said means for delivering said gravel slurry comprises: a washpipe extending substantially through all of said gravel screen units and having a respective outlet in fluid communication with each said outlet in each said valve-outlet assembly.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
46 words
The apparatus of claim 5 wherein said means for closing each said valve comprises: means on each of said valves adapted to engage said washpipe whereby said respective valves will be moved to a closed position as said washpipe is removed from said gravel screen units.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 6 including: means for securing each of said valves in said closed position.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus of claim 7 including: a cross-over connected to the upper end of said gravel screen units, said cross-over having at least one outlet in fluid communication with an outlet in said washpipe.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus of claim 8 including: a valve for closing said at least one outlet in said cross-over when said washpipe is removed.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
37 words
The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said washpipe comprises: an outer conduit; an inner conduit concentrically positioned within said outer conduit and spaced therefrom to form an passage therebetween which extends substantially through said gravel screen units.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
71 words
The apparatus of claim 9 wherein each valve-outlet assembly comprises: a collar having a radial outlet therein and an annular recess on the inner surface thereof; and wherein said valve comprises: a sleeve value slidably positioned within said recess and movable between an open position and a closed position, said sleeve valve having a radial opening therethrough which fluidly communicates with said outlet when said valve is in said open position.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1997-08-01 | 1998-01-31 | 1998-08-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2001-08-01 | 2002-01-31 | 2002-08-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2005-08-01 | 2006-01-31 | 2006-08-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |