US5664628A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Filter for subterranean wells
Assignee: Weatherford Technology Holdings LLC
•
Filing: 1994-12-07
•
Granted: 1997-09-09
•
Expires: 2014-12-07
Abstract
Abstract A damage-resistant filter for use in subterranean wells has at least one layer of a filter medium, such as a sintered supported porous membrane, coaxially disposed about a perforated support member. The filter may also include a drainage layer disposed between the inner support member and the filter medium, and a protective covering, such as a perforated cage, surrounding the filter medium. The filter is particularly suitable for removal of sand and other particulates from fluids produced in a well.
Inventors
- 👤 Paul C. Koehler
- 👤 Stephen A. Geibel
- 👤 Michael B. Whitlock
- 👤 Reza Hashemi
- 👤 Christophe A. Malbrel
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 18:53
CPC Classifications
E; E21; E21B; E21B43/00; E21B43/02; E21B43/08; E21B43/084; B; B01; B01D; B01D29/00; B01D29/11; B01D29/111; B01D29/13; B01D29/15; B01D29/21; B01D29/216; B01D29/50; B01D29/52; B01D29/54; B01D29/56; B01D29/58; B01D35/00; B01D35/26; B01D39/00; B01D39/14; B01D39/20; B01D39/2027; E21B29/00; E21B29/10; E21B43/082; B01D2201/00; B01D2201/04; B01D2201/0407; B01D2201/18; B01D2201/188
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 101
Claim 1
Independent Claim
102 words
A filter arrangement for use in a subterranean well comprising: a filter disposed in a well and including a hollow inner support member having a peripheral wall permeable to a fluid to be filtered, and one or more layers of a supported porous medium disposed around the inner support member, the supported porous medium comprising a foraminate support and particulates sintered to the foraminate support; and a fluid transporting member for transporting a fluid disposed in the well in fluid communication with the filter so that fluid can flow between an interior of the inner support member and the fluid transporting member.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
102 words
A filter arrangement for use in a subterranean well comprising: a filter disposed in a well and including a hollow inner support member having a peripheral wall permeable to a fluid to be filtered, and one or more layers of a supported porous medium disposed around the inner support member, the supported porous medium comprising a foraminate support and particulates sintered to the foraminate support; and a fluid transporting member for transporting a fluid disposed in the well in fluid communication with the filter so that fluid can flow between an interior of the inner support member and the fluid transporting member.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
A filter arrangement according to claim 1 wherein the particulates are supported within openings of the foraminate support.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
A filter arrangement according to claim 2 wherein the particulates are no more than one-fifth in size of a smallest dimension of the openings of the foraminate support.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
A filter arrangement according to claim 2 wherein the foraminate support comprises a metal mesh.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
A filter arrangement according to claim 2 comprising a plurality of layers of the supported porous medium, each layer having the same removal rating.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
A filter arrangement according to claim 2 comprising a plurality of layers of the supported porous medium in direct contact with each other.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
A filter arrangement according to claim 2 comprising a plurality of layers of the supported porous medium cylindrically wrapped around the inner support member.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
43 words
A filter arrangement according to claim 7 wherein each layer has longitudinal ends, and adjoining layers of the supported porous medium are not joined to one another between longitudinal ends of the layers, whereby adjoining layers can slide with respect to one another.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
18 words
A filter arrangement according to claim 8 wherein each layer is joined to itself by a longitudinal seam.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
25 words
A filter arrangement according to claim 2 wherein each layer is capable of bending about a radius five times its thickness while maintaining its integrity.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
25 words
A filter arrangement according to claim 10 wherein each layer is capable of bending about a radius three times its thickness while maintaining its integrity.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
15 words
A filter arrangement according to claim 2 wherein the porous supported medium has axially-extending pleats.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
15 words
A filter arrangement according to claim 12 wherein the pleats are in a laid-over state.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
30 words
A filter arrangement according to claim 2 wherein the supported porous medium has an F2 removal rating at β=100 in the range of from about 2 to about 200 micrometers.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
25 words
A filter arrangement according to claim 14 wherein the supported porous medium has an F2 removal rating at β=100 of less than about 80 micrometers.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
14 words
A filter arrangement according to claim 2 wherein the particulates comprise stainless steel particulates.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
26 words
A filter arrangement according to claim 2 wherein the inner support member has an outer surface formed with irregularities providing drainage for the porous supported medium.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
16 words
A filter arrangement according to claim 2 wherein the inner support member comprises a perforated pipe.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
16 words
A filter arrangement according to claim 1 wherein the fluid transporting member comprises a pipe string.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
16 words
A filter arrangement according to claim 19 wherein the pipe string comprises a production pipe string.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
15 words
A filter arrangement according to claim 19 wherein the pipe string comprises a drill string.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
15 words
A filter arrangement according to claim 1 wherein the fluid transporting member comprises coiled tubing.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
16 words
A filter arrangement according to claim 1 wherein the fluid transporting member comprises a downhole pump.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
15 words
A filter arrangement according to claim 1 wherein the fluid transporting member comprises another filter.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
21 words
A filter arrangement according to claim 1 wherein each layer of the sintered porous medium has a thickness of 0.005-0.030 inches.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
21 words
A filter arrangement according to claim 25 wherein each layer of the sintered porous medium has a thickness of 0.015-0.025 inches.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
22 words
A filter arrangement according to claim 1 wherein the supported porous medium has a voids volume of about 25% to about 80%.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
22 words
A filter arrangement according to claim 27 wherein the supported porous medium has a voids volume of about 35% to about 50%.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
24 words
A filter arrangement according to claim 1 wherein the porous supported medium has a mean pore size of approximately 50 to approximately 180 micrometers.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
25 words
A filter arrangement according to claim 1 wherein the filter includes a drainage layer disposed between the inner support member and the supported porous medium.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
14 words
A filter arrangement according to claim 30 wherein the drainage layer comprises a mesh.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
16 words
A filter arrangement according to claim 31 wherein the drainage layer comprises a woven wire mesh.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
26 words
A filter arrangement according to claim 1 wherein the filter includes an end cap surrounding the inner support member and sealed to the supported porous medium.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
18 words
A filter arrangement according to claim 33 wherein the supported porous medium is wrapped around the end cap.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
47 words
A filter arrangement according to claim 34 wherein the filter includes a plurality of layers of the supported porous medium and the end cap includes a plurality of circumferentially extending steps, each layer being wrapped around and secured to one of the steps of the end cap.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
20 words
A filter arrangement according to claim 35 wherein each layer is welded to a separate step of the end cap.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
27 words
A filter arrangement according to claim 33 wherein the filter includes a perforated outer protective tube surrounding the supported porous medium and secured to the end cap.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
17 words
A filter arrangement according to claim 37 wherein the outer protective tube comprises a spiral welded tube.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
24 words
A filter arrangement according to claim 37 wherein the filter includes a drainage layer disposed between the protective tube and the supported porous medium.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
52 words
A filter arrangement according to claim 1 wherein the filter includes a material disposed around the inner support member which is impermeable to the fluid to be filtered to prevent the fluid from passing through the supported porous medium and which can be made permeable to the fluid by a chemical solution.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
14 words
A filter arrangement according to claim 40 wherein the material comprises a nonmetallic layer.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
22 words
A filter arrangement according to claim 9 wherein the seams of adjoining layers are staggered in a circumferential direction of the filter.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
14 words
A filter arrangement according to claim 18 wherein the pipe comprises an API pipe.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
23 words
A filter arrangement according to claim 1 wherein the particulates comprise fibers having a length of about 750 μm to about 20 mm.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
20 words
A filter arrangement according to claim 44 wherein the fibers have a diameter of about 30 to about 300 μm.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
20 words
A filter arrangement according to claim 45 wherein the fibers have a diameter of about 50 to about 150 μm.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
12 words
A filter arrangement according to claim 44 wherein the fibers are nonlinear.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
34 words
A filter arrangement according to claim 1 wherein the supported porous medium has a voids volume of about 35% to about 50% and a mean pore size of approximately 50 to approximately 180 micrometers.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
62 words
A filter arrangement according to claim 1 including a plurality of layers of the support porous medium cylindrically wrapped around the inner support member and being joined to itself by a longitudinal seam without being joined to an adjoining layer between its longitudinal ends, each layer having a voids volume of about 25% to about 80% and a thickness of 0.005-0.030 inches.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
126 words
A filter arrangement for a subterranean well comprising: a filter disposed in a wall and including a hollow inner support member having a peripheral wall permeable to a fluid to be filtered, and a plurality of layers of a sintered porous medium, each layer comprising a sheet having longitudinal ends and being cylindrically wrapped around the inner support member and joined to itself without being joined to any adjoining layer of the sintered porous medium between the longitudinal ends, whereby adjoining layers can slide with respect to each other; and a fluid transporting member for transporting a fluid disposed in the well in fluid communication with the filter so that fluid can flow between an interior of the inner support member and the fluid transporting member.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
126 words
A filter arrangement for a subterranean well comprising: a filter disposed in a wall and including a hollow inner support member having a peripheral wall permeable to a fluid to be filtered, and a plurality of layers of a sintered porous medium, each layer comprising a sheet having longitudinal ends and being cylindrically wrapped around the inner support member and joined to itself without being joined to any adjoining layer of the sintered porous medium between the longitudinal ends, whereby adjoining layers can slide with respect to each other; and a fluid transporting member for transporting a fluid disposed in the well in fluid communication with the filter so that fluid can flow between an interior of the inner support member and the fluid transporting member.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
48 words
A filter arrangement according to claim 50 comprising an inner drainage mesh disposed between the inner support member and an innermost of the layers of the porous medium, the innermost layer contacting but not being joined to the inner drainage mesh between longitudinal ends of the innermost layer.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
39 words
A filter arrangement according to claim 51 comprising an outer drainage mesh surrounding an outermost layer of the filter medium, the outermost layer contacting without being joined to the outer drainage mesh between longitudinal ends of the outermost layer.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
19 words
A filter arrangement according to claim 50 wherein each sheet is joined to itself by a longitudinal welded seam.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
36 words
A filter arrangement according to claim 53 wherein each sheet has side edges overlapping each other in a circumferential direction of the filter, the overlapping edges being welded to each other to form the welded seam.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
26 words
A filter arrangement according to claim 53 including a chill strip disposed between adjoining layers to prevent the adjoining layers from being joined to each other.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
33 words
A filter arrangement according to claim 50 wherein each layer is joined to itself by a longitudinal seam, and the seams of adjoining layers are staggered in a circumferential direction of the filter.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
29 words
A filter arrangement according to claim 50 wherein the sintered porous medium comprises a sintered sheet of fibers having a length of about 750 μm to about 20 mm.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
20 words
A filter arrangement according to claim 57 wherein the fibers have a diameter of about 30 to about 300 μm.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
20 words
A filter arrangement according to claim 57 wherein the fibers have a diameter of about 50 to about 150 μm.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
20 words
A filter arrangement according to claim 57 wherein the sintered porous medium includes a foraminate support which supports the fibers.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
15 words
A filter arrangement according to claim 60 wherein the foraminate support comprises a metal mesh.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
164 words
A filter arrangement for use in a subterranean well comprising: a filter disposed in a well and including a hollow inner support member having a perforated peripheral wall, an inner drainage mesh wrapped around the inner support member, and a plurality of layers of a supported porous medium cylindrically wrapped around the inner drainage layer, the supported porous medium comprising a support mesh and particulates supported within openings of the mesh and sintered to the mesh, the medium having an F2 removal rating at β=100 of at most approximately 80 micrometers, each layer having a thickness of approximately 0.015 to approximately 0.025 inches and longitudinal ends and being joined to itself by a longitudinal seam weld without being joined to an adjoining layer between its longitudinal ends; and a fluid transporting member for transporting a fluid disposed in the well in fluid communication with the filter so that fluid can flow between an interior of the inner support member and the fluid transporting member.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
164 words
A filter arrangement for use in a subterranean well comprising: a filter disposed in a well and including a hollow inner support member having a perforated peripheral wall, an inner drainage mesh wrapped around the inner support member, and a plurality of layers of a supported porous medium cylindrically wrapped around the inner drainage layer, the supported porous medium comprising a support mesh and particulates supported within openings of the mesh and sintered to the mesh, the medium having an F2 removal rating at β=100 of at most approximately 80 micrometers, each layer having a thickness of approximately 0.015 to approximately 0.025 inches and longitudinal ends and being joined to itself by a longitudinal seam weld without being joined to an adjoining layer between its longitudinal ends; and a fluid transporting member for transporting a fluid disposed in the well in fluid communication with the filter so that fluid can flow between an interior of the inner support member and the fluid transporting member.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
20 words
A filter arrangement according to claim 62 wherein the filter includes at least three layers of the sintered porous medium.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
22 words
A filter arrangement according to claim 62 wherein the supported porous medium has a voids volume of about 35% to about 50%.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
24 words
A filter arrangement according to claim 62 wherein the porous supported medium has a mean pore size of approximately 50 to approximately 180 micrometers.
Claim 69
Independent Claim
48 words
A method of filtering well fluids comprising: disposing a filter comprising one or more layers of a supported porous medium in a subterranean well, the supported porous medium comprising a foraminate support and particulates sintered to the foraminate support; and passing a fluid through the supported porous medium.
Claim 70
Independent Claim
48 words
A method of filtering well fluids comprising: disposing a filter comprising one or more layers of a supported porous medium in a subterranean well, the supported porous medium comprising a foraminate support and particulates sintered to the foraminate support; and passing a fluid through the supported porous medium.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method according to claim 66 comprising passing oil or gas through the supported porous medium to remove particulates from the oil or gas.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method according to claim 66 comprising passing water through the supported porous medium to remove particulates from the water.
Claim 73
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method according to claim 66 comprising passing air through the filter to form air bubbles and releasing the air bubbles into ground surrounding the filter.
Claim 74
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method according to claim 66 including passing the fluid through a gravel pack surrounding the filter before passing the fluid through the filter.
Claim 75
Dependent Claim
31 words
A method according to claim 66 including installing the filter in fluid communication with a downhole pump inlet such that the fluid passes through the filter before entering the pump inlet.
Claim 76
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method according to claim 66 wherein the particulates are supported within openings of the foraminate support.
Claim 77
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method according to claim 72 wherein the particulates are no more than one-fifth in size of a smallest dimension of the openings of the foraminate support.
Claim 78
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method according to claim 72 wherein the foraminate support comprises a metal mesh.
Claim 79
Dependent Claim
55 words
A method according to claim 72 wherein the filter includes a plurality of cylindrical layers of the supported porous medium, each layer has longitudinal ends, and adjoining layers of the supported porous medium are not joined to one another between longitudinal ends of the layers, whereby adjoining layers can slide with respect to one another.
Claim 80
Dependent Claim
17 words
A method according to claim 75 wherein each layer is joined to itself by a longitudinal seam.
Claim 81
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method according to claim 72 wherein the filter includes a plurality of layers of the supported porous medium, each layer having the same removal rating.
Claim 82
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method according to claim 72 wherein the filter includes a plurality of layers of the supported porous medium in direct contact with each other.
Claim 83
Dependent Claim
29 words
A method according to claim 72 wherein the supported porous medium has an F2 removal rating at β=100 in the range of from about 2 to about 200 micrometers.
Claim 84
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method according to claim 79 wherein the supported porous medium has an F2 removal rating at β=100 of less than about 80 micrometers.
Claim 85
Dependent Claim
13 words
A method according to claim 72 wherein the particulates comprise stainless steel particulates.
Claim 86
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method according to claim 72 wherein each layer is capable of bending about a radius five times its thickness while maintaining its integrity.
Claim 87
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method according to claim 72 wherein each layer is capable of bending about a radius three times its thickness while maintaining its integrity.
Claim 88
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method according to claim 72 wherein the supported porous medium has axially-extending pleats.
Claim 89
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method according to claim 84 wherein the pleats are in a laid-over state.
Claim 90
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method according to claim 72 including introducing the fluid into an inlet of a downhole pump after passing the fluid through the supported porous medium.
Claim 91
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method according to claim 72 including introducing the fluid into coiled tubing after passing the fluid through the supported porous medium.
Claim 92
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method according to claim 66 wherein the particulates comprise fibers having a length of about 750 μm to about 20 mm.
Claim 93
Dependent Claim
20 words
A filter arrangement according to claim 88 wherein the fibers have a diameter of about 30 to about 300 μm.
Claim 94
Dependent Claim
20 words
A filter arrangement according to claim 88 wherein the fibers have a diameter of about 50 to about 150 μm.
Claim 95
Dependent Claim
12 words
A filter arrangement according to claim 88 wherein the fibers are nonlinear.
Claim 96
Dependent Claim
77 words
A filtering method comprising: disposing a filter including a supported porous medium within an uncased portion of a subterranean well for oil or gas without a gravel pack surrounding the filter, the supported porous medium comprising a foraminate support and particulates sintered to the foraminate support; allowing an underground formation surrounding the filter to collapse against the filter; and filtering a fluid from the well with the filter and transporting the filtered fluid out of the well.
Claim 97
Dependent Claim
77 words
A filtering method comprising: disposing a filter including a supported porous medium within an uncased portion of a subterranean well for oil or gas without a gravel pack surrounding the filter, the supported porous medium comprising a foraminate support and particulates sintered to the foraminate support; allowing an underground formation surrounding the filter to collapse against the filter; and filtering a fluid from the well with the filter and transporting the filtered fluid out of the well.
Claim 98
Independent Claim
51 words
A method of filtering fluids in a geothermal well comprising: disposing a filter having a supported porous medium into a geothermal producing well, the supported porous medium comprising a foraminate support and particulates sintered to the foraminate support; and filtering hot water or steam within the producing well through the filter.
Claim 99
Independent Claim
51 words
A method of filtering fluids in a geothermal well comprising: disposing a filter having a supported porous medium into a geothermal producing well, the supported porous medium comprising a foraminate support and particulates sintered to the foraminate support; and filtering hot water or steam within the producing well through the filter.
Claim 100
Dependent Claim
92 words
A filtering method for a subterranean well comprising: connecting a filter comprising a supported porous medium in series with a drill string, the supported porous medium comprising a foraminate support and particulates sintered to the foraminate support; drilling a well in an underground formation using the drill string; leaving the drill string and the filter within the well upon completion of the drilling; filtering a fluid produced by the formation through the filter to remove particles from the fluid; and transporting the filtered fluid through the drill string out of the well.
Claim 101
Dependent Claim
92 words
A filtering method for a subterranean well comprising: connecting a filter comprising a supported porous medium in series with a drill string, the supported porous medium comprising a foraminate support and particulates sintered to the foraminate support; drilling a well in an underground formation using the drill string; leaving the drill string and the filter within the well upon completion of the drilling; filtering a fluid produced by the formation through the filter to remove particles from the fluid; and transporting the filtered fluid through the drill string out of the well.
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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) | 2000-09-08 | 2001-03-10 | 2001-09-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2004-09-08 | 2005-03-10 | 2005-09-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2008-09-08 | 2009-03-10 | 2009-09-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |