US6557634B2 — Apparatus and method for gravel packing an interv…

Claim 1

Independent Claim 222 words

An apparatus for gravel packing an interval of a wellbore, the apparatus comprising: an outer tubular having an axially extending production section with a plurality of openings and an axially extending nonproduction section with an outlet; an inner tubular disposed within the outer tubular forming an annulus therebetween, the inner tubular having an axially extending production section that is substantially circumferentially aligned with the production section of the outer tubular and an axially extending nonproduction section that is substantially circumferentially aligned with the nonproduction section of the outer tubular, the production section of the inner tubular having plurality of openings, the nonproduction section of the inner tubular having no openings; and an isolation member disposed within the annulus forming a production pathway between the production sections of the outer and inner tubulars and a slurry passageway between the nonproductions sections of the outer and inner tubulars, the isolation member preventing fluid communication between the production pathway and the slurry passageway, such that when a fluid slurry containing gravel is injected through the slurry passageway, the fluid slurry exits the slurry passageway through the outlet leaving a first portion of the gravel in an annulus between the outer tubular and the wellbore then enters the plurality of opening in the outer tubular leaving a second portion of the gravel in the production pathway.

Claim 2

Independent Claim 222 words

An apparatus for gravel packing an interval of a wellbore, the apparatus comprising: an outer tubular having an axially extending production section with a plurality of openings and an axially extending nonproduction section with an outlet; an inner tubular disposed within the outer tubular forming an annulus therebetween, the inner tubular having an axially extending production section that is substantially circumferentially aligned with the production section of the outer tubular and an axially extending nonproduction section that is substantially circumferentially aligned with the nonproduction section of the outer tubular, the production section of the inner tubular having plurality of openings, the nonproduction section of the inner tubular having no openings; and an isolation member disposed within the annulus forming a production pathway between the production sections of the outer and inner tubulars and a slurry passageway between the nonproductions sections of the outer and inner tubulars, the isolation member preventing fluid communication between the production pathway and the slurry passageway, such that when a fluid slurry containing gravel is injected through the slurry passageway, the fluid slurry exits the slurry passageway through the outlet leaving a first portion of the gravel in an annulus between the outer tubular and the wellbore then enters the plurality of opening in the outer tubular leaving a second portion of the gravel in the production pathway.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 24 words

The apparatus as recited in claim 1 further comprising an actuatable device disposed within the outlet to selectively allow and prevent fluid flow therethrough.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 14 words

The apparatus as recited in claim 2 wherein the actuatable device is pressure actuated.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 14 words

The apparatus as recited in claim 2 wherein the actuatable device is a valve.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 15 words

The apparatus as recited in claim 2 wherein the actuatable device is a rupture disk.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 16 words

The apparatus as recited in claim 1 further comprising an exit tube disposed within the outlet.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 21 words

The apparatus as recited in claim 6 wherein at least a portion of the exit tube is disposed within the annulus.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 23 words

The apparatus as recited in claim 6 wherein at least a portion of the exit tube is disposed exteriorly of the outer tubular.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 26 words

The apparatus as recited in claim 1 further comprising an insert member disposed at least partially within the outlet, the insert member comprising an erosion-resistant material.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 68 words

The apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein the isolation member further comprises a pair of substantially parallel, circumferentially spaced apart, axially extending members that radially extend between the outer and inner tubulars and a pair of substantially parallel, axially spaced apart, circumferentially extending members that radially extend between the outer and inner tubulars that define the production pathway and the slurry passageway and prevent fluid communication therebetween.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 18 words

The apparatus as recited in claim 1 further comprising a sand control screen disposed within the inner tubular.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 14 words

The apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein the outlet further comprises two outlets.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 26 words

The apparatus as recited in claim 12 wherein the two outlets further comprise an outlet of a first size and an outlet of a second size.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 104 words

The apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein the axially extending production section in the outer tubular further comprises two axially extending production sections, wherein the axially extending nonproduction section in the outer tubular further comprises two, axially extending nonproduction sections, wherein the axially extending production section in the inner tubular further comprises two axially extending production sections, wherein the axially extending nonproduction section in the inner tubular further comprises two axially extending nonproduction sections, wherein the production pathway formed by the isolation member further comprises two production pathways and wherein the slurry passageway formed by the isolation member further comprises two slurry passageways.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 28 words

The apparatus as recited in claim 14 wherein the outlets of the two nonproduction sections of the outer tubular are at different axial positions along the outer tubular.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 104 words

The apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein the axially extending production section in the outer tubular further comprises four axially extending production sections, wherein the axially extending nonproduction section in the outer tubular further comprises four axially extending nonproduction sections, wherein the axially extending production section in the inner tubular further comprises four axially extending production sections, wherein the axially extending nonproduction section in the inner tubular further comprises four axially extending nonproduction sections, wherein the production pathway formed by the isolation member further comprises four production pathways and wherein the slurry passageway formed by the isolation member further comprises four slurry passageways.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 28 words

The apparatus as recited in claim 16 wherein the outlets of the four nonproduction sections of the outer tubular are at different axial positions along the outer tubular.

Claim 19

Independent Claim 205 words

An apparatus for gravel packing an interval of a wellbore, the apparatus comprising: an outer tubular forming a first annulus with the wellbore; and an inner tubular disposed within the outer tubular forming a second annulus therebetween, the second annulus including an axially extending slurry passageway and an axially extending production pathway, a portion of the outer tubular adjacent the slurry passageway having an outlet, a portion of both the outer and inner tubulars adjacent the production pathway having a plurality of openings, the slurry passageway being in fluid isolation from the production pathway such that when a fluid slurry containing gravel is injected through the slurry passageway, the fluid slurry exits the slurry passageway through the outlet leaving a first portion of the gravel in the first annulus then enters the openings in the outer tubular leaving a second portion of the gravel in the production pathway and such that when formation fluids are produced, the formation fluids enter the production pathway through the openings in the outer tubular and exit the production pathway through the openings in the inner tubular passing through the first portion of the gravel in the first annulus and the second portion of the gravel in the production pathway.

Claim 20

Independent Claim 205 words

An apparatus for gravel packing an interval of a wellbore, the apparatus comprising: an outer tubular forming a first annulus with the wellbore; and an inner tubular disposed within the outer tubular forming a second annulus therebetween, the second annulus including an axially extending slurry passageway and an axially extending production pathway, a portion of the outer tubular adjacent the slurry passageway having an outlet, a portion of both the outer and inner tubulars adjacent the production pathway having a plurality of openings, the slurry passageway being in fluid isolation from the production pathway such that when a fluid slurry containing gravel is injected through the slurry passageway, the fluid slurry exits the slurry passageway through the outlet leaving a first portion of the gravel in the first annulus then enters the openings in the outer tubular leaving a second portion of the gravel in the production pathway and such that when formation fluids are produced, the formation fluids enter the production pathway through the openings in the outer tubular and exit the production pathway through the openings in the inner tubular passing through the first portion of the gravel in the first annulus and the second portion of the gravel in the production pathway.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 28 words

The apparatus as recited in claim 18 further comprising an actuatable device disposed within the outlet to selectively allow and prevent the flow of the fluid slurry therethrough.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 14 words

The apparatus as recited in claim 19 wherein the actuatable device is pressure actuated.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 14 words

The apparatus as recited in claim 19 wherein the actuatable device is a valve.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 15 words

The apparatus as recited in claim 19 wherein the actuatable device is a rupture disk.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 27 words

The apparatus as recited in claim 18 further comprising an exit tube disposed within the outlet to increase the pressure drop of the fluid slurry traveling therethrough.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 22 words

The apparatus as recited in claim 23 wherein at least a portion of the exit tube is disposed within the first annulus.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 23 words

The apparatus as recited in claim 23 wherein at least a portion of the exit tube is disposed within of the second annulus.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 26 words

The apparatus as recited in claim 18 further comprising an insert member disposed at least partially within the outlet, the insert member comprising an erosion-resistant material.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 30 words

The apparatus as recited in claim 18 further comprising an isolation member disposed within the second annulus defining the slurry passageway and the production pathway and preventing fluid communication therebetween.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 67 words

The apparatus as recited in claim 27 wherein the isolation member further comprises a pair of substantially parallel, circumferentially spaced apart, axially extending members that radially extend between the outer and inner tubulars and a pair of substantially parallel, axially spaced apart, circumferentially extending members that radially extend between the outer and inner tubulars defining the slurry passageway and the production pathway and preventing fluid communication therebetween.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 18 words

The apparatus as recited in claim 18 further comprising a sand control screen disposed within the inner tubular.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 12 words

The apparatus as recited in claim 18 further comprises a second outlet.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 26 words

The apparatus as recited in claim 30 wherein the two outlets further comprise an outlet of a, first size and an outlet of a second size.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 18 words

The apparatus as recited in claim 18 further comprising a second production pathway and a second slurry passageway.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 24 words

The apparatus as recited in claim 32 wherein the outlets of the two slurry passageways are at different axial positions along the outer tubular.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 22 words

The apparatus as recited in claim 18 further comprising second, third and fourth production pathways and second, third and fourth slurry passageways.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 24 words

The apparatus as recited in claim 34 wherein the outlets of the four slurry passageways are at different axial positions along the outer tubular.

Claim 38

Independent Claim 195 words

An apparatus for gravel packing an interval of a wellbore, the apparatus comprising first and second sections coupled together, each section comprising an outer tubular forming a first annulus with the wellbore and an inner tubular disposed within the outer tubular forming a second annulus therebetween, the second annulus including an axially extending slurry passageway and an axially extending production pathway, a portion of the outer tubular adjacent the slurry passageway having an outlet, a portion of both the outer and inner tubulars adjacent the production pathway having a plurality of openings, the slurry passageway being in fluid isolation from the production pathway, the slurry passageway of the first section being in fluid communication with the slurry passageway of the second section, the production pathway of the first section being in fluid isolation from the production pathway of the second section, such that when a fluid slurry containing gravel is injected through the slurry passageway, the fluid slurry exits the slurry passageway through the outlet leaving a first portion of the gravel in the first annulus then enters the openings in the outer tubular leaving a second portion of the gravel in the production pathway.

Claim 39

Independent Claim 195 words

An apparatus for gravel packing an interval of a wellbore, the apparatus comprising first and second sections coupled together, each section comprising an outer tubular forming a first annulus with the wellbore and an inner tubular disposed within the outer tubular forming a second annulus therebetween, the second annulus including an axially extending slurry passageway and an axially extending production pathway, a portion of the outer tubular adjacent the slurry passageway having an outlet, a portion of both the outer and inner tubulars adjacent the production pathway having a plurality of openings, the slurry passageway being in fluid isolation from the production pathway, the slurry passageway of the first section being in fluid communication with the slurry passageway of the second section, the production pathway of the first section being in fluid isolation from the production pathway of the second section, such that when a fluid slurry containing gravel is injected through the slurry passageway, the fluid slurry exits the slurry passageway through the outlet leaving a first portion of the gravel in the first annulus then enters the openings in the outer tubular leaving a second portion of the gravel in the production pathway.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 27 words

The apparatus as recited in claim 36 further comprising actuatable devices disposed within the outlets to selectively allow and prevent the flow of the fluid slurry therethrough.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 26 words

The apparatus as recited in claim 36 further comprising exit tubes disposed within the outlets to increase the pressure drop of the fluid slurry traveling therethrough.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 25 words

The apparatus as recited in claim 36 further comprising insert members disposed at least partially within the outlets, the insert members comprising an erosion-resistant material.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 39 words

The apparatus as recited in claim 36 further comprising an isolation member disposed within the second annulus of each section, the isolation member defining the slurry passageway and the production pathway in each section and preventing fluid communication therebetween.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 67 words

The apparatus as recited in claim 40 wherein each isolation member further comprises a pair of substantially parallel, circumferentially spaced apart, axially extending members that radially extend between the outer and inner tubulars and a pair of substantially parallel, axially spaced apart, circumferentially extending members that radially extend between the outer and inner tubulars defining the slurry passageway and the production pathway and preventing fluid communication therebetween.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 18 words

The apparatus as recited in claim 36 further comprising a sand control screen disposed within the inner tubulars.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 24 words

The apparatus as recited in claim 36 wherein the portion of the outer tubular adjacent the slurry passageway of each section has two outlets.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 26 words

The apparatus as recited in claim 43 wherein the two outlets further comprise an outlet of a first size and an outlet of a second size.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 25 words

The apparatus as recited in claim 36 wherein the second annulus of each section further comprises a second production pathway and a second slurry passageway.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 27 words

The apparatus as recited in claim 45 wherein the outlets of the two slurry passageways of each section are at different axial positions along the outer tubular.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 29 words

The apparatus as recited in claim 36 wherein the second annulus of each section further comprises second, third and fourth production pathways and second, third and fourth slurry passageways.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 27 words

The apparatus as recited in claim 47 wherein the outlets of the four slurry passageways of each section are at different axial positions along the outer tubular.

Claim 52

Independent Claim 159 words

A method for gravel packing an interval of a wellbore, the method comprising the steps of: traversing a formation with the wellbore; locating a sand control screen within the wellbore proximate the formation; positioning a gravel packing apparatus around the sand control screen to form a first annulus between the gravel packing apparatus and the wellbore, the gravel packing apparatus comprising an outer tubular and an inner tubular disposed within the outer tubular forming a second annulus therebetween, the second annulus including an axially extending slurry passageway and an axially extending production pathway, the slurry passageway being in fluid isolation from the production pathway; injecting a fluid slurry containing gravel through the slurry passageway such that the fluid slurry exits the slurry passageway through an outlet leaving a first portion of the gravel in the first annulus then enters openings in the outer tubular leaving a second portion of the gravel in the production pathway; and terminating the injecting.

Claim 53

Independent Claim 159 words

A method for gravel packing an interval of a wellbore, the method comprising the steps of: traversing a formation with the wellbore; locating a sand control screen within the wellbore proximate the formation; positioning a gravel packing apparatus around the sand control screen to form a first annulus between the gravel packing apparatus and the wellbore, the gravel packing apparatus comprising an outer tubular and an inner tubular disposed within the outer tubular forming a second annulus therebetween, the second annulus including an axially extending slurry passageway and an axially extending production pathway, the slurry passageway being in fluid isolation from the production pathway; injecting a fluid slurry containing gravel through the slurry passageway such that the fluid slurry exits the slurry passageway through an outlet leaving a first portion of the gravel in the first annulus then enters openings in the outer tubular leaving a second portion of the gravel in the production pathway; and terminating the injecting.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 31 words

The method as recited in claim 49 further comprising the step of actuating a device disposed within the outlet to selectively allow and prevent the flow of the fluid slurry therethrough.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 21 words

The method as recited in claim 50 wherein the step of actuating a device further comprises actuating a pressure actuated device.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 19 words

The method as recited in claim 50 wherein the step of actuating a device further comprises actuating a valve.

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 20 words

The method as recited in claim 50 wherein the step of actuating a device further comprises actuating a rupture disk.

Claim 58

Dependent Claim 73 words

The method as recited in claim 49 wherein the step of injecting a fluid slurry containing gravel through the slurry passageway such that the fluid slurry exits the slurry passageway through the outlet further comprises injecting a fluid slurry containing gravel through the slurry passageway such that the fluid slurry exits the slurry passageway through an exit tube disposed within the outlet to increase the pressure drop of the fluid slurry traveling therethrough.

Claim 59

Dependent Claim 22 words

The method as recited in claim 54 wherein at least a portion of the exit tube is disposed within the first annulus.

Claim 60

Dependent Claim 23 words

The method as recited in claim 54 wherein at least a portion of the exit tube is disposed within of the second annulus.

Claim 61

Dependent Claim 29 words

The method as recited in claim 49 further comprising the step of positioning an insert member at least partially in the outlet, the insert member comprising an erosion-resistant material.

Claim 62

Dependent Claim 35 words

The method as recited in claim 49 further comprising the step of disposing an isolation member within the second annulus to define the slurry passageway and the production pathway and to prevent fluid communication therebetween.

Claim 63

Dependent Claim 67 words

The method as recited in claim 58 wherein the isolation member further comprises a pair of substantially parallel, circumferentially spaced apart, axially extending members that radially extend between the outer and inner tubulars and a pair of substantially parallel, axially spaced apart, circumferentially extending members that radially extend between the outer and inner tubulars defining the slurry passageway and the production pathway and preventing fluid communication therebetween.

Claim 64

Dependent Claim 57 words

The method as recited in claim 49 wherein the step of injecting a fluid slurry containing gravel through the slurry passageway such that the fluid slurry exits the slurry passageway through the outlet further comprises injecting a fluid slurry containing gravel through the slurry passageway such that the fluid slurry exits the slurry passageway through two outlets.

Claim 65

Dependent Claim 32 words

The method as recited in claim 60 further comprising the step of sizing one of the two outlets a first size and sizing the other of the two outlets a second size.

Claim 66

Dependent Claim 32 words

The method as recited in claim 49 wherein injecting a fluid slurry containing gravel through the slurry passageway further comprises injecting a fluid slurry containing gravel through first and second slurry passageways.

Claim 67

Dependent Claim 79 words

The method as recited in claim 62 wherein the step of injecting a fluid slurry containing gravel through the slurry passageway such that the fluid slurry exits the slurry passageway through the outlet further comprises injecting a fluid slurry containing gravel through the first and second slurry passageways such that the fluid slurry exits the first and second slurry passageways through first and second outlets, the first and second outlets being at different axial positions along the outer tubular.

Claim 68

Dependent Claim 34 words

The method as recited in claim 49 wherein injecting a fluid slurry containing gravel through the slurry passageway further comprises injecting a fluid slurry containing gravel through first, second, third and fourth slurry passageways.

Claim 69

Dependent Claim 87 words

The method as recited in claim 64 wherein the step of injecting a fluid slurry containing gravel through the slurry passageway such that the fluid slurry exits the slurry passageway through the outlet further comprises injecting a fluid slurry containing gravel through the first, second, third and fourth slurry passageways such that the fluid slurry exits the first, second, third and fourth slurry passageways through first, second, third and fourth outlets, the first, second, third and fourth outlets being at different axial positions along the outer tubular.

Claim 70

Independent Claim 174 words

A method for gravel packing an interval of a wellbore, the method comprising the steps of: providing a casing within the wellbore traversing a formation; perforating the casing proximate the formation to form a plurality of perforations; locating a sand control screen within the wellbore proximate the formation; positioning a gravel packing apparatus around the sand control screen to form a first annulus between the gravel packing apparatus and the wellbore, the gravel packing apparatus comprising an outer tubular and an inner tubular disposed within the outer tubular forming a second annulus therebetween, the second annulus including an axially extending slurry passageway and an axially extending production pathway, the slurry passageway being in fluid isolation from the production pathway; injecting a fluid slurry containing gravel through the slurry passageway such that the fluid slurry exits the slurry passageway through an outlet leaving a first portion of the gravel in the first annulus then enters openings in the outer tubular leaving a second portion of the gravel in the production pathway; and terminating the injecting.

Claim 71

Independent Claim 174 words

A method for gravel packing an interval of a wellbore, the method comprising the steps of: providing a casing within the wellbore traversing a formation; perforating the casing proximate the formation to form a plurality of perforations; locating a sand control screen within the wellbore proximate the formation; positioning a gravel packing apparatus around the sand control screen to form a first annulus between the gravel packing apparatus and the wellbore, the gravel packing apparatus comprising an outer tubular and an inner tubular disposed within the outer tubular forming a second annulus therebetween, the second annulus including an axially extending slurry passageway and an axially extending production pathway, the slurry passageway being in fluid isolation from the production pathway; injecting a fluid slurry containing gravel through the slurry passageway such that the fluid slurry exits the slurry passageway through an outlet leaving a first portion of the gravel in the first annulus then enters openings in the outer tubular leaving a second portion of the gravel in the production pathway; and terminating the injecting.

Claim 72

Dependent Claim 31 words

The method as recited in claim 66 further comprising the step of actuating a device disposed within the outlet to selectively allow and prevent the flow of the fluid slurry therethrough.

Claim 73

Dependent Claim 73 words

The method as recited in claim 66 wherein the step of injecting a fluid slurry containing gravel through the slurry passageway such that the fluid slurry exits the slurry passageway through the outlet further comprises injecting a fluid slurry containing gravel through the slurry passageway such that the fluid slurry exits the slurry passageway through an exit tube disposed within the outlet to increase the pressure drop of the fluid slurry traveling therethrough.

Claim 74

Dependent Claim 29 words

The method as recited in claim 66 further comprising the step of positioning an insert member at least partially in the outlet, the insert member comprising an erosion-resistant material.

Claim 75

Dependent Claim 35 words

The method as recited in claim 66 further comprising the step of disposing an isolation member within the second annulus to define the slurry passageway and the production pathway and to prevent fluid communication therebetween.

Claim 76

Dependent Claim 67 words

The method as recited in claim 70 wherein the isolation member further comprises a pair of substantially parallel, circumferentially spaced apart, axially extending members that radially extend between the outer and inner tubulars and a pair of substantially parallel, axially spaced apart, circumferentially extending members that radially extend between the outer and inner tubulars defining the slurry passageway and the production pathway and preventing fluid communication therebetween.

Claim 77

Dependent Claim 57 words

The method as recited in claim 66 wherein the step of injecting a fluid slurry containing gravel through the slurry passageway such that the fluid slurry exits the slurry passageway through the outlet further comprises injecting a fluid slurry containing gravel through the slurry passageway such that the fluid slurry exits the slurry passageway through two outlets.

Claim 78

Dependent Claim 32 words

The method as recited in claim 72 further comprising the step of sizing one of the two outlets a first size and sizing the other of the two outlets a second size.

Claim 79

Dependent Claim 60 words

The method as recited in claim 66 wherein injecting a fluid slurry containing gravel through the slurry passageway further comprises injecting a fluid slurry containing gravel through first and second slurry passageways and wherein leaving a second portion of the gravel in the production pathway further comprises leaving a second portion of the gravel in first and second production pathways.

Claim 80

Dependent Claim 79 words

The method as recited in claim 74 wherein the step of injecting a fluid slurry containing gravel through the slurry passageway such that the fluid slurry exits the slurry passageway through the outlet further comprises injecting a fluid slurry containing gravel through the first and second slurry passageways such that the fluid slurry exits the first and second slurry passageways through first and second outlets, the first and second outlets being at different axial positions along the outer tubular.

Claim 81

Dependent Claim 64 words

The method as recited in claim 66 wherein injecting a fluid slurry containing gravel through the slurry passageway further comprises injecting a fluid slurry containing gravel through first, second, third and fourth slurry passageways and wherein leaving a second portion of the gravel in the production pathway further comprises leaving a second portion of the gravel in first, second, third and fourth production pathways.

Claim 82

Dependent Claim 87 words

The method as recited in claim 76 wherein the step of injecting a fluid slurry containing gravel through the slurry passageway such that the fluid slurry exits the slurry passageway through the outlet further comprises injecting a fluid slurry containing gravel through the first, second, third and fourth slurry passageways such that the fluid slurry exits the first, second, third and fourth slurry passageways through first, second, third and fourth outlets, the first, second, third and fourth outlets being at different axial positions along the outer tubular.

Claim 83

Independent Claim 175 words

A method for gravel packing an interval of a wellbore, the method comprising the steps of: traversing a formation with the wellbore; locating a sand control screen within the wellbore proximate the formation; positioning a gravel packing apparatus around the sand control screen to form a first annulus between the gravel packing apparatus and the wellbore, the gravel packing apparatus comprising an outer tubular and an inner tubular disposed within the outer tubular forming a second annulus therebetween, the second annulus including an axially extending slurry passageway and an axially extending production pathway, the slurry passageway being in fluid isolation from the production pathway; injecting a fluid slurry containing gravel through the first annulus and the slurry passageway such that the fluid slurry in the slurry passageway exits through an outlet into the first annulus; depositing a first portion of the gravel in the first annulus; depositing a second portion of the gravel in the production pathway by injecting a portion of the fluid slurry through openings in the outer tubular; and terminating the injecting.

Claim 84

Independent Claim 175 words

A method for gravel packing an interval of a wellbore, the method comprising the steps of: traversing a formation with the wellbore; locating a sand control screen within the wellbore proximate the formation; positioning a gravel packing apparatus around the sand control screen to form a first annulus between the gravel packing apparatus and the wellbore, the gravel packing apparatus comprising an outer tubular and an inner tubular disposed within the outer tubular forming a second annulus therebetween, the second annulus including an axially extending slurry passageway and an axially extending production pathway, the slurry passageway being in fluid isolation from the production pathway; injecting a fluid slurry containing gravel through the first annulus and the slurry passageway such that the fluid slurry in the slurry passageway exits through an outlet into the first annulus; depositing a first portion of the gravel in the first annulus; depositing a second portion of the gravel in the production pathway by injecting a portion of the fluid slurry through openings in the outer tubular; and terminating the injecting.

Claim 85

Dependent Claim 31 words

The method as recited in claim 78 further comprising the step of actuating a device disposed within the outlet to selectively allow and prevent the flow of the fluid slurry therethrough.

Claim 86

Dependent Claim 21 words

The method as recited in claim 79 wherein the step of actuating a device further comprises actuating a pressure actuated device.

Claim 87

Dependent Claim 19 words

The method as recited in claim 79 wherein the step of actuating a device further comprises actuating a valve.

Claim 88

Dependent Claim 20 words

The method as recited in claim 79 wherein the step of actuating a device further comprises actuating a rupture disk.

Claim 89

Dependent Claim 73 words

The method as recited in claim 78 wherein the step of injecting a fluid slurry containing gravel through the slurry passageway such that the fluid slurry exits the slurry passageway through the outlet further comprises injecting a fluid slurry containing gravel through the slurry passageway such that the fluid slurry exits the slurry passageway through an exit tube disposed within the outlet to increase the pressure drop of the fluid slurry traveling therethrough.

Claim 90

Dependent Claim 22 words

The method as recited in claim 83 wherein at least a portion of the exit tube is disposed within the first annulus.

Claim 91

Dependent Claim 23 words

The method as recited in claim 83 wherein at least a portion of the exit tube is disposed within of the second annulus.

Claim 92

Dependent Claim 29 words

The method as recited in claim 78 further comprising the step of positioning an insert member at least partially in the outlet, the insert member comprising an erosion-resistant material.

Claim 93

Dependent Claim 35 words

The method as recited in claim 78 further comprising the step of disposing an isolation member within the second annulus to define the slurry passageway and the production pathway and to prevent fluid communication therebetween.

Claim 94

Dependent Claim 67 words

The method as recited in claim 87 wherein the isolation member further comprises a pair of substantially parallel, circumferentially spaced apart, axially extending members that radially extend between the outer and inner tubulars and a pair of substantially parallel, axially spaced apart, circumferentially extending members that radially extend between the outer and inner tubulars defining the slurry passageway and the production pathway and preventing fluid communication therebetween.

Claim 95

Dependent Claim 57 words

The method as recited in claim 78 wherein the step of injecting a fluid slurry containing gravel through the slurry passageway such that the fluid slurry exits the slurry passageway through the outlet further comprises injecting a fluid slurry containing gravel through the slurry passageway such that the fluid slurry exits the slurry passageway through two outlets.

Claim 96

Dependent Claim 32 words

The method as recited in claim 89 further comprising the step of sizing one of the two outlets a first size and sizing the other of the two outlets a second size.

Claim 97

Dependent Claim 60 words

The method as recited in claim 78 wherein injecting a fluid slurry containing gravel through the slurry passageway further comprises injecting a fluid slurry containing gravel through first and second slurry passageways and wherein depositing a second portion of the gravel in the production pathway further comprises depositing a second portion of the gravel in first and second production pathways.

Claim 98

Dependent Claim 79 words

The method as recited in claim 91 wherein the step of injecting a fluid slurry containing gravel through the slurry passageway such that the fluid slurry exits the slurry passageway through the outlet further comprises injecting a fluid slurry containing gravel through the first and second slurry passageways such that the fluid slurry exits the first and second slurry passageways through first and second outlets, the first and second outlets being at different axial positions along the outer tubular.

Claim 99

Dependent Claim 64 words

The method as recited in claim 78 wherein injecting a fluid slurry containing gravel through the slurry passageway further comprises injecting a fluid slurry containing gravel through first, second, third and fourth slurry passageways and wherein depositing a second portion of the gravel in the production pathway further comprises depositing a second portion of the gravel in first, second, third and fourth production pathways.

Claim 100

Dependent Claim 87 words

The method as recited in claim 93 wherein the step of injecting a fluid slurry containing gravel through the slurry passageway such that the fluid slurry exits the slurry passageway through the outlet further comprises injecting a fluid slurry containing gravel through the first, second, third and fourth slurry passageway such that the fluid slurry exits the first, second, third and fourth slurry passageways through first, second, third and fourth outlets, the first, second, third and fourth outlets being at different axial positions along the outer tubular.

Claim 101

Independent Claim 190 words

A method for gravel packing an interval of a wellbore, the method comprising the steps of: providing a casing within the wellbore traversing a formation; perforating the casing proximate the formation to form a plurality of perforations; locating a sand control screen within the wellbore proximate the formation; positioning a gravel packing apparatus around the sand control screen to form a first annulus between the gravel packing apparatus and the wellbore, the gravel packing apparatus comprising an outer tubular and an inner tubular disposed within the outer tubular forming a second annulus therebetween, the second annulus including an axially extending slurry passageway and an axially extending production pathway, the slurry passageway being in fluid isolation from the production pathway; injecting a fluid slurry containing gravel through the first annulus and the slurry passageway such that the fluid slurry in the slurry passageway exits through an outlet into the first annulus; depositing a first portion of the gravel in the first annulus; depositing a second portion of the gravel in the production pathway by injecting a portion of the fluid slurry through openings in the outer tubular; and terminating the injecting.

Claim 102

Independent Claim 190 words

A method for gravel packing an interval of a wellbore, the method comprising the steps of: providing a casing within the wellbore traversing a formation; perforating the casing proximate the formation to form a plurality of perforations; locating a sand control screen within the wellbore proximate the formation; positioning a gravel packing apparatus around the sand control screen to form a first annulus between the gravel packing apparatus and the wellbore, the gravel packing apparatus comprising an outer tubular and an inner tubular disposed within the outer tubular forming a second annulus therebetween, the second annulus including an axially extending slurry passageway and an axially extending production pathway, the slurry passageway being in fluid isolation from the production pathway; injecting a fluid slurry containing gravel through the first annulus and the slurry passageway such that the fluid slurry in the slurry passageway exits through an outlet into the first annulus; depositing a first portion of the gravel in the first annulus; depositing a second portion of the gravel in the production pathway by injecting a portion of the fluid slurry through openings in the outer tubular; and terminating the injecting.

Claim 103

Dependent Claim 31 words

The method as recited in claim 95 further comprising the step of actuating a device disposed within the outlet to selectively allow and prevent the flow of the fluid slurry therethrough.

Claim 104

Dependent Claim 73 words

The method as recited in claim 95 wherein the step of injecting a fluid slurry containing gravel through the slurry passageway such that the fluid slurry exits the slurry passageway through the outlet further comprises injecting a fluid slurry containing gravel through the slurry passageway such that the fluid slurry exits the slurry passageway through an exit tube disposed within the outlet to increase the pressure drop of the fluid slurry traveling therethrough.

Claim 105

Dependent Claim 29 words

The method as recited in claim 95 further comprising the step of positioning an insert member at least partially in the outlet, the insert member comprising an erosion-resistant material.

Claim 106

Dependent Claim 35 words

The method as recited in claim 95 further comprising the step of disposing an isolation member within the second annulus to define the slurry passageway and the production pathway and to prevent fluid communication therebetween.

Claim 107

Dependent Claim 67 words

The method as recited in claim 99 wherein the isolation member further comprises a pair of substantially parallel, circumferentially spaced apart, axially extending members that radially extend between the outer and inner tubulars and a pair of substantially parallel, axially spaced apart, circumferentially extending members that radially extend between the outer and inner tubulars defining the slurry passageway and the production pathway and preventing fluid communication therebetween.

Claim 108

Dependent Claim 57 words

The method as recited in claim 95 wherein the step of injecting a fluid slurry containing gravel through the slurry passageway such that the fluid slurry exits the slurry passageway through the outlet further comprises injecting a fluid slurry containing gravel through the slurry passageway such that the fluid slurry exits the slurry passageway through two outlets.

Claim 109

Dependent Claim 32 words

The method as recited in claim 101 further comprising the step of sizing one of the two outlets a first size and sizing the other of the two outlets a second size.

Claim 110

Dependent Claim 60 words

The method as recited in claim 95 wherein injecting a fluid slurry containing gravel through the slurry passageway further comprises injecting a fluid slurry containing gravel through first and second slurry passageways and wherein depositing a second portion of the gravel in the production pathway further comprises depositing a second portion of the gravel in first and second production pathways.

Claim 111

Dependent Claim 79 words

The method as recited in claim 103 wherein the step of injecting a fluid slurry containing gravel through the slurry passageway such that the fluid slurry exits the slurry passageway through the outlet further comprises injecting a fluid slurry containing gravel through the first and second slurry passageways such that the fluid slurry exits the first and second slurry passageways through first and second outlets, the first and second outlets being at different axial positions along the outer tubular.

Claim 112

Dependent Claim 64 words

The method as recited in claim 95 wherein injecting a fluid slurry containing gravel through the slurry passageway further comprises injecting a fluid slurry containing gravel through first, second, third and fourth slurry passageways and wherein depositing a second portion of the gravel in the production pathway further comprises depositing a second portion of the gravel in first, second, third and fourth production pathways.

Claim 113

Dependent Claim 87 words

The method as recited in claim 105 wherein the step of injecting a fluid slurry containing gravel through the slurry passageway such that the fluid slurry exits the slurry passageway through the outlet further comprises injecting a fluid slurry containing gravel through the first, second, third and fourth slurry passageway such that the fluid slurry exits the first, second, third and fourth slurry passageways through first, second, third and fourth outlets, the first, second, third and fourth outlets being at different axial positions along the outer tubular.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	2006-05-05	2006-11-04	2007-05-06	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2010-05-05	2010-11-04	2011-05-06	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2014-05-05	2014-11-04	2015-05-06	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Apparatus and method for gravel packing an interval of a wellbore

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