Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus of the present invention generally include a tubular, substantially exteriorly rectangular, jumper tube connector having a substantially rectangular interior cavity having a plurality of transverse grooves disposed in the surface thereof and extending there around, wherein at least a portion of the jumper tube connector along its two opposing wide sides has a non-uniform wall thickness, at least a portion of which being thicker than a substantially uniform wall thickness of the connector's two opposing narrow sides. A method of connecting shunt tubes utilizing the apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus of the present invention generally include a wire wrapped screen having a plurality support ribs, wherein at least one support rib comprises at least one orifice extending transversely there thorough. Additional embodiments of the present invention generally include an embodiment of a wire wrapped screen of the present invention disposed longitudinally circumferentially around a perforated pipe section. A method of providing and a method of utilizing embodiments of apparatuses of the present invention are also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus generally include a substantially “u” shaped cap comprising a nozzle, wherein the nozzle cap is adapted to be longitudinally positioned onto a shunt tube and welded thereto, thereby affixedly positioning the nozzle over a shunt tube opening to allow fluid to flow from the shunt tube interior through the nozzle via the opening. Additional embodiments generally comprise a substantially tubular sleeve comprising a nozzle, wherein the nozzle sleeve is adapted to be slidingly longitudinally advanced onto a shunt tube and welded thereto, thereby affixedly positioning the nozzle over a shunt tube opening to allow fluid to flow from the shunt tube interior through the nozzle via the opening. In various embodiments, some interior or exterior surfaces of the nozzle cap and/or the nozzle sleeve comprise an erosion resistant and/or low friction material. Methods of utilizing the nozzle cap and providing a nozzle sleeve assembly are provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus of the present invention generally include a tubular, substantially exteriorly rectangular, jumper tube connector having a substantially rectangular interior cavity having a plurality of transverse grooves disposed in the surface thereof and extending there around, wherein at least a portion of the jumper tube connector along its two opposing wide sides has a non-uniform wall thickness, at least a portion of which being thicker than a substantially uniform wall thickness of the connector's two opposing narrow sides. A method of connecting shunt tubes utilizing the apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of wire wrap welding system generally includes a headstock; a bed; a bed mounted tailstock linearly moveable in relation to the headstock; a linear induction drive system adapted to move the tailstock; a linear encoder system having a series of position encoders disposed on the bed; a servomotor adapted to rotate a headstock mounted spindle; a welding system positioned on the headstock, a servomotor positioned on the tailstock and adapted to rotate a tailstock mounted spindle; and a control system. An exemplary embodiment of a method for controlling slot openings between wire segments in a wire wrap welding process generally includes controlling movement of a bed mounted tailstock in relation to the rate of rotation of a headstock mounted spindle, utilizing a linear induction drive system, a linear encoder system, and a control system.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of wire wrap welding system generally includes a headstock; a bed; a bed mounted tailstock linearly moveable in relation to the headstock; a linear induction drive system adapted to move the tailstock; a linear encoder system having a series of position encoders disposed on the bed; a servomotor adapted to rotate a headstock mounted spindle; a welding system positioned on the headstock, a servomotor positioned on the tailstock and adapted to rotate a tailstock mounted spindle; and a control system. An exemplary embodiment of a method for controlling slot openings between wire segments in a wire wrap welding process generally includes controlling movement of a bed mounted tailstock in relation to the rate of rotation of a headstock mounted spindle, utilizing a linear induction drive system, a linear encoder system, and a control system.

Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus of the present invention generally include a filtration assembly having a louvered shroud circumferentially positioned around a perforated inner pipe, such that at least a substantial portion of the shroud's inner surface contacts and frictionally engages the outer surface of the inner pipe. Embodiments of a method of the present invention generally include spirally wrapping a substantially flat strip of louvered material around the inner pipe, wherein adjoining edges of the louvered material abut and are at least partially welded together, to provide the shrouded pipe. Other method embodiments generally include an inner pipe having a louvered shroud positioned there around being introduced to a device operable to, dynamically or statically, radially compress the shroud such that at least a substantial portion of the shroud's inner surface contacts and frictionally engages at least a substantial portion of the outer surface of the inner pipe.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing wire wrapped screens utilizing a wire and support ribs is provided. The apparatus employs welding pressure control, utilizing a welding device mounted on a support assembly, wherein the support assembly is moveable in relation to a mounting structure and the wire and support rib weld pieces. Welding pressure is determined by a force measurement device, and a control and feedback system adjusts pressure. Mechanical actuator cylinders mounted on the support assembly and the mounting structure provide load balance. A method for making wire wrapped screens is also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of a jumper tube connection assembly generally include a retention clip having beveled and locking surfaces, a retention clip frame, and a biasing means, wherein the clip is restrained partially within the frame and is pivotable in response to a jumper connector contacting the beveled surface during shunt tube engagement therewith, and wherein the biasing means positions the locking surface to prevent jumper connector reverse movement. Other embodiments generally include a retention clip having a locking component, a retention clip support, and a biasing means, wherein the clip is restrained partially within the support and is pivotable in response to force biasing the locking component away from a shunt tube during jumper connector engagement therewith, wherein upon force cessation the biasing means positions the locking component in engagement with a jumper connector orifice, thereby preventing disengagement thereof from the shunt tube. Methods of utilizing the embodiments are also provided.

Abstract: Fluid flow between screen-pipe annuli of pipe sections in a down-hole well structure is provided by a fluid communication sleeve assembly that may be installed where adjacent pipe sections are connected. A flow ring is provided at each pipe section end, each flow ring providing fluid communication from and to an annulus between a screen and a corresponding base pipe. The fluid communication sleeve assembly includes a screen shield spaced from the adjoining pipes and the pipe joint, the screen shield connected to a flow ring at each screen shield end, and a lock nut at each screen shield end, the lock nut retaining a screen shield end to a corresponding flow ring. A method for providing fluid flow between screen-pipe annuli of pipe is also provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of a shunt tube connector assembly generally include a jumper tube assembly and a cooperative shroud assembly. In one embodiment, the jumper tube assembly includes a jumper tube having two tube connectors slideable thereon, where the tube connectors are fluidly connectable to shunt tubes. In one embodiment, the shroud assembly includes shroud segments, and corresponding shroud connection collars that include openings for shunt tubes and a transverse dove tail in the surface thereof, where shroud segments have a dove pin extending inwardly therefrom and adapted to engage a collar dove tail. Embodiments of a method for connecting and shrouding connectable pipe segments equipped with exterior shunt tubes generally include providing fluidly connected pipe segments having collars comprising an exterior surface opened dove tail, fluidly connecting shunt tubes, and attaching shroud segments around at least a portion of each said pipe segment by engaging a dove pin with the dovetail.

Abstract: Embodiments of a jumper tube connector assembly generally include a jumper tube, one or more fasteners affixed to and biased toward the exterior thereof, and two connectors slideable thereon, wherein each fastener is biased against a connector exterior, whereby upon slidably engaging each connector with a shunt tube, biases cease and a fastener end surface prevents connector backsliding. Embodiments of a jumper tube connection assembly generally include a retention clip having a locking surface, or a pin-locking retention clip having a pin, wherein the retention clip/pin-locking retention clip is affixed to a shunt tube, wherein upon slidably engaging a connector therewith, reverse axial connector movement is prevented by the locking surface/pin. Embodiments of a leak-off tube retention system generally include a leak-off tube having one or more spring-loaded buttons and adapted to releasably engage upper and lower retainer fittings via orifices therein. Methods of using these embodiments are also provided.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of wire wrap welding system generally includes a headstock; a bed; a bed mounted tailstock linearly moveable in relation to the headstock; a linear induction drive system adapted to move the tailstock; a linear encoder system having a series of position encoders disposed on the bed; a servomotor adapted to rotate a headstock mounted spindle; a welding system positioned on the headstock, a servomotor positioned on the tailstock and adapted to rotate a tailstock mounted spindle; and a control system. An exemplary embodiment of a method for controlling slot openings between wire segments in a wire wrap welding process generally includes controlling movement of a bed mounted tailstock in relation to the rate of rotation of a headstock mounted spindle, utilizing a linear induction drive system, a linear encoder system, and a control system.

Abstract: Embodiments of a filter assembly for use in down-hole applications generally include a drain filter, an inner layer of filter media, an outer layer of filter media, and a cover filter. The inner filter media includes a woven filter media spiral wrapped around the drain filter, with adjoining edges abutting, and the outer filter media includes a woven filter media spiral wrapped around the inner filter media, with adjoining edges abutting. Abutting edges of the second filter media are offset from the first filter media abutting edges. Embodiments of a method of constructing a filter assembly for use in down-hole applications generally include providing a drain filter by a wire wrap process, wrapping an inner filter media around the drain filter, wrapping an outer filter media around the inner filter media layer, and providing a cover filter by a wire wrap process, wherein abutting filter media layer edges are offset.

Abstract: Embodiments of a shunt tube connector assembly generally include a jumper tube assembly and a cooperative shroud assembly. In one embodiment, the jumper tube assembly includes a jumper tube having two tube connectors slideable thereon, where the tube connectors are fluidly connectable to shunt tubes. In one embodiment, the shroud assembly includes shroud segments, and corresponding shroud connection collars that include openings for shunt tubes and a transverse dove tail in the surface thereof, where shroud segments have a dove pin extending inwardly therefrom and adapted to engage a collar dove tail. Embodiments of a method for connecting and shrouding connectable pipe segments equipped with exterior shunt tubes generally include providing fluidly connected pipe segments having collars comprising an exterior surface opened dove tail, fluidly connecting shunt tubes, and attaching shroud segments around at least a portion of each said pipe segment by engaging a dove pin with the dovetail.

Abstract: Embodiments of a wire wrapping system generally include a welding wheel electrode mounted on a support assembly, wherein the support assembly is moveable laterally and vertically to a welding position, and moveable laterally and vertically to a sharpening location where a sharpening mechanism can engage the welding wheel electrode contact surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing wire wrapped screens utilizing a wire and support ribs is provided. The apparatus employs welding pressure control, utilizing a welding device mounted on a support assembly, wherein the support assembly is moveable in relation to a mounting structure and the wire and support rib weld pieces. Welding pressure is determined by a force measurement device, and a control and feedback system adjusts pressure. Mechanical actuator cylinders mounted on the support assembly and the mounting structure provide load balance. A method for making wire wrapped screens is also provided.

Abstract: Fluid flow between screen-pipe annuli of pipe sections in a down-hole well structure is provided by a fluid communication sleeve assembly that may be installed where adjacent pipe sections are connected. A flow ring is provided at each pipe section end, each flow ring providing fluid communication from and to an annulus between a screen and a corresponding base pipe. The fluid communication sleeve assembly includes a screen shield spaced from the adjoining pipes and the pipe joint, the screen shield connected to a flow ring at each screen shield end, and a lock nut at each screen shield end, the lock nut retaining a screen shield end to a corresponding flow ring. A method for providing fluid flow between screen-pipe annuli of pipe is also provided.