Abstract: An apparatus and method autonomously controls fluid flow in a subterranean well, as the fluid changes in a characteristic, such as viscosity, over time. An autonomous reciprocating member has a fluid flow passageway there through and a primary outlet and at least one secondary outlet. A flow restrictor, such as a viscosity dependent choke or screen, is positioned to restrict fluid flow through the primary outlet. A vortex chamber is positioned adjacent the reciprocating member. The reciprocating member moves between a first position where fluid flow is directed primarily through the primary outlet of the reciprocating member and into the primary inlet of the vortex assembly, and a second position where fluid flow is directed primarily through the at least one secondary outlet of the reciprocating member and into the at least one secondary inlet of the vortex assembly. The movement of the reciprocating member alters the fluid flow pattern in the adjacent vortex chamber.

Abstract: A method of assembling a sand screen assembly includes the steps of providing inner and outer shrouds having radial protrusions, such as ribs, louvers, splines, etc., that are radially unaligned during a first assembly step thereby providing clearance for positioning of a filter layer between the shrouds. The outer or inner shroud is then rotated until the protrusions are aligned and the clearance between the shrouds and filter layer is eliminated to provide a tight fit between the layers.

Abstract: A method of assembling a sand screen assembly includes the steps of providing inner and outer shrouds having radial protrusions, such as ribs, louvers, splines, etc., that are radially unaligned during a first assembly step thereby providing clearance for positioning of a filter layer between the shrouds. The outer or inner shroud is then rotated until the protrusions are aligned and the clearance between the shrouds and filter layer is eliminated to provide a tight fit between the layers.

Abstract: An apparatus and method autonomously controls fluid flow in a subterranean well, as the fluid changes in a characteristic, such as viscosity, over time. An autonomous reciprocating member has a fluid flow passageway there through and a primary outlet and at least one secondary outlet. A flow restrictor, such as a viscosity dependent choke or screen, is positioned to restrict fluid flow through the primary outlet. A vortex chamber is positioned adjacent the reciprocating member. The reciprocating member moves between a first position where fluid flow is directed primarily through the primary outlet of the reciprocating member and into the primary inlet of the vortex assembly, and a second position where fluid flow is directed primarily through the at least one secondary outlet of the reciprocating member and into the at least one secondary inlet of the vortex assembly. The movement of the reciprocating member alters the fluid flow pattern in the adjacent vortex chamber.