Abstract: A downhole filter comprises a tubular member having a wall defining a plurality of openings. The openings have an outer width less than an inner width. The parts of the opening defining the smaller width are defined by radially outer parts of the openings, such that particulates or sand prevented from passing through the openings will tend to be retained to the outside of the tubular member.

Abstract: A method for reducing the width of slots spaced about the surface of a pipe or tube. The method comprises subjecting the surface of the pipe or tube to bombardment by a quantity of shot of a pre-determined size and for a pre-determined length of time to cause deformation of the surface of the pipe or tube adjacent to the slots therein so that the width of the slots is reduced to within a pre-determined size range.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of controlling the flow of hydrocarbons into and/or out of a string of tubing disposed in a wellbore. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a tubular member having at least one aperture formed in a wall thereof and a sleeve disposed radially outward of the tubular member. The sleeve is selectively movable between a first position and a second position to control the flow between the outside and the inside of the tubular member. In one aspect, the apparatus further comprises a biasing member disposed adjacent the sleeve and adapted to apply a force against the sleeve in an axial direction and further comprises a piston adapted to receive a hydraulic pressure to move the sleeve against the force of the biasing member. In another aspect, the apparatus further comprises a electromechanical device adapted to selectively move the sleeve between the first position and the second position and further comprises a control line adapted to conduct an electrical current.

Abstract: A fluid flow control device (60) for use in a wellbore to control the inflow of production fluids comprises a sand control screen (62) having a base pipe (64) with a first set of openings (66) that allows the production fluids to flow therethrough and a sleeve (74) coaxially disposed adjacent to the base pipe (64). The sleeve (74) has a second set of openings (76) that allows the production fluids to flow therethrough. The sleeve (74) is selectively positionable relative to the base pipe (64) such that a pressure drop in the production fluids is selectively controllable by adjusting an alignment of the first set of openings (66) relative to the second set of openings (76).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling a wellscreen onto a perforated base pipe are provided. The wellscreen defines a tubular body which is suitable for subterranean use in oil, gas, and water wells. In accordance with the present invention, the wellscreen first defines a perforated base pipe having termination members at its opposite ends. Disposed on each termination member is a continuous helical, step-tiered surface. The helical surface serves as a support surface for a layer of filtering material which is rolled around the base pipe. The filtering material is pre-cut to a correct diameter and bias to match the diameters and bias of the spiraling termination support surfaces. The filtering material is connected to the rings to form a substantial seal on the opposite ends. A protective, perforated outer shroud is optionally disposed around the filtering media as well.

Abstract: An expandable well screen has a desirable thin-wall construction together with a simplified fabrication method. In fabricating the screen, a flexible sheet of metal mesh filter media is diffusion bonded to an inner side of a perforated metal sheet which is then deformed to a tubular shape to form a filter structure having an outer perforated tubular shroud interiorly lined with the filter media. The tubular filter structure is telescoped onto a perforated base pipe and has its opposite ends sealingly secured thereto to complete the expandable well screen.

Abstract: A slotting geometry for a metal pipe for use in fabricating slotted liners. The slotting geometry includes one or more integral substantially continuous unslotted helical coils extending around a peripheral sidewall for sustantially the entire length of a tubular body. There are helical regions between the coils containing slots arranged to create generally trapezoidally shaped elongated struts joining the edges of adjacent coils. Ends of the tubular body have unslotted connecting portions, thereby facilitating connection with the tubular body. Slotted liners fabricated using this slotting geometry have the capability of having their outer diameter expanded or contracted. This has utility when inserting or removing the slotted liners iinto a well bore. By expanding or contracting the outer diameter, the slots can be made to be sider or narrower, this has utility in controlling slot width.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of controlling the flow of hydrocarbons into and/or out of a string of tubing disposed in a wellbore. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a tubular member having at least one aperture formed in a wall thereof and a sleeve disposed radially outward of the tubular member. The sleeve is selectively movable between a first position and a second position to control the flow between the outside and the inside of the tubular member. In one aspect, the apparatus further comprises a biasing member disposed adjacent the sleeve and adapted to apply a force against the sleeve in an axial direction and further comprises a piston adapted to receive a hydraulic pressure to move the sleeve against the force of the biasing member. In another aspect, the apparatus further comprises a electromechanical device adapted to selectively move the sleeve between the first position and the second position and further comprises a control line adapted to conduct an electrical current.

Abstract: The drain element for collecting hydrocarbons comprises a screen (TM) surrounding a suction cylinder (CA) extending in a longitudinal direction (AL). The screen is made up of rods (TT, TC) which extend along said longitudinal direction (AL) and which are regularly spaced apart around the suction cylinder. At least one of said rods is hollow in order to form a collector rod (TC), said collector rod (TC) having a lateral orifice and communicating with the inside of the suction cylinder via one of its ends.

Abstract: An intelligent well system and method has a sand face completion and a monitoring system to monitor application of a well operation. Various equipment and services may be used. In another aspect, the invention provides a monitoring system for determining placement of a well treatment. Yet another aspect of the invention is an instrumented sand screen. Another aspect is a connector for routing control lines.

Abstract: A well screen cover including a channel running along substantially the entire length of the well screen cover. The channel may be formed directly into the cover or separately formed and welded to the cover. The channel is open to the exterior of the well screen cover and is formed to house a cable, such as a fiber optic cable, which is run into a well bore along with the well screen.

Abstract: An expandable well screen has a desirable thin-wall construction together with a simplified fabrication method. In fabricating the screen, a flexible sheet of metal mesh filter media is diffusion bonded to an inner side of a perforated metal sheet which is then deformed to a tubular shape to form a filter structure having an outer perforated tubular shroud interiorly lined with the filter media. The tubular filter structure is telescoped onto a perforated base pipe and has its opposite ends sealingly secured thereto to complete the expandable well screen.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for completing an unconsolidated subterranean zone penetrated by a well bore are provided. The methods basically comprise the steps of placing a slotted liner having an internal sand screen disposed therein in the zone, isolating the slotted liner and the well bore in the zone and injecting particulate material into the annuli between the sand screen and the slotted liner and the slotted liner and the well bore to thereby form packs of particulate material therein to prevent the migration of fines and sand with produced fluids.

Abstract: A completion assembly for use in a lateral well bore has a base pipe with a plurality of holes through the sidewall of the base pipe. Flow through the holes is regulated to produce an influx difference between the ends of the base pipe. Flow can be regulated by variably spacing or sizing the holes. Flow can also be regulated by selectively inserting a rod between adjacent splines located on the base pipe to cover and block the flow through certain holes in the base pipe. Flow can also be regulated using a rotatable sleeve adjacent to the base pipe such that rotation of the sleeve brings the holes and openings in the pipe and sleeve, respectively, into and out of alignment. A filter can be used to filter sand and other particulates. An erosion inhibitor can be used to extend the useful life of the assembly.

Abstract: A well screen (10) comprising a wire (14) spirally wrapped around a perforated base pipe (12) and spacing the perforated base pipe from a woven wire mesh filtering medium (16).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a more uniform gravel pack in the well bore. An alternative pathway is provided within the apparatus to by-pass a sand bridge formed in the wellbore. The reentry point of the slurry into the wellbore can be predetermined based upon the conditions of the formation.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of controlling the flow of hydrocarbons into and/or out of a string of tubing disposed in a wellbore. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a tubular member having at least one aperture formed in a wall thereof and a sleeve disposed radially outward of the tubular member. The sleeve is selectively movable between a first position and a second position to control the flow between the outside and the inside of the tubular member. In one aspect, the apparatus further comprises a biasing member disposed adjacent the sleeve and adapted to apply a force against the sleeve in an axial direction and further comprises a piston adapted to receive a hydraulic pressure to move the sleeve against the force of the biasing member. In another aspect, the apparatus further comprises a electromechanical device adapted to selectively move the sleeve between the first position and the second position and further comprises a control line adapted to conduct an electrical current.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for completing an unconsolidated subterranean zone penetrated by a well bore are provided.

Abstract: In completing a well bore in a underground formation, the well bore being closed off by a closing structure for blocking flow of pressurized fluid through the well bore, a substantially tubular element having a tube wall surrounding an axial bore is passed through the closing structure. The tube wall having passed the closing structure is processed along at least a portion of its axial dimension from a first condition into a second, processed condition. In the first condition, the tube wall is substantially impermeable in radial direction to pressurized fluid for precluding a flow of pressurized fluid from passing the penetrated closing structure. In the second condition the tube wall is radially permeable to pressurized fluid along at least a processed portion of its axial dimension. A tubular element to be used in such an application is described as well.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for use in completing a subterranean zone penetrated by a wellbore include a tubular member having a first segment and a second segment, each segment containing a longitudinal bore. The tubular member forms an annulus between itself and the wellbore wall. At least one screen member at least partially encloses and is coupled to a second segment of the tubular member. The screen member and the enclosed second segment of the tubular member both have openings that allow fluid communication between the longitudinal bore of the tubular member and the wellbore. The apparatus includes an alternate flowpath member having a wall, upper and lower ends, and at least one aperture in its wall. The apertures are small enough to substantially prevent passage of particulate material. The alternate flowpath member extends longitudinally along a portion of the wellbore and creates a communication path for fluid flow.

Abstract: An apparatus (60) and method for gravel packing an interval of a wellbore is disclosed. The apparatus (60) comprises a sand control screen (78) positioned within the wellbore and a tubular member (62) disposed within the wellbore forming a first annulus with the sand control screen (78) and a second annulus with the wellbore. The tubular member (62) has an axially extending production section (64) with a plurality of openings (66) and an axially extending nonproduction section (68) with a plurality of outlets (70). A channel (72) is disposed within the first annulus such that the channel (72) is substantially circumferentially aligned with the nonproduction section (68) of the tubular member (62) forming a slurry passageway (74) therewith.

Abstract: An apparatus (60) and method for gravel packing an interval of a wellbore is disclosed. The apparatus (60) comprises a sand control screen (78) that is positioned within the wellbore and a tube and manifold system (62) positioned between the sand control screen (78) and the wellbore. The tube and manifold system (62) delivers a fluid slurry to a plurality of levels within the interval when the apparatus (60) is in an operable position. The tubes (64, 70, 76) of the tube and manifold system (62) have first and second ends which are open such that the fluid slurry may enter one end, travel through the entire length of the tube (64, 70, 76) and exit the other end. The manifolds (66, 72) of the tube and manifold system (62) each have at least one exit port (68, 74) for the discharge of the fluid slurry from the tube and manifold system (62).

Abstract: An apparatus (60) and method for gravel packing an interval of a wellbore is disclosed. The apparatus (60) comprises a sand control screen (78) positioned within the wellbore and a tubular member (62) disposed within the wellbore forming a first annulus with the sand control screen (78) and a second annulus with the wellbore. The tubular member (62) has an axially extending production section (64) with a plurality of openings (66) and an axially extending nonproduction section (68) with a plurality of outlets (70). A channel (72) is disposed within the first annulus such that the channel (72) is substantially circumferentially aligned with the nonproduction section (68) of the tubular member (62) forming a slurry passageway (74) therewith.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for the drilling, notably by percussion or rotary-percussion drilling, and draining of holes in soil or rock. A drill bit (2, 3) mounted on a drill rod (4) creates a bore hole and a jacket tube (6) is coupled to the drill rod (4) or the drill bit (2, 3). In the area adjacent to the drill bit (2, 3) the jacket tube (6) has at least one through hole which opens into an annular space embodied between the drill rod and the jacket tube. In the end area adjacent to the drill bit (2, 3) the jacket tube (6) is surrounded by at least one filter tube (7) having a plurality of through holes or slits (8) which are distributed especially evenly across its circumference. This allows for correspondingly safe and reliable drainage during boring, using simple measures.

Abstract: This invention provides improved apparatus and methods for completing a subterranean zone penetrated by a wellbore utilizing a gravel pack operation. One embodiment of the invention is an apparatus for completing a subterranean zone penetrated by a wellbore comprising a tubular member having a wall and a longitudinal bore. A plurality of apertures extend through the tubular member wall, the apertures define at least one radial arc and create at least one perforated radial aperture zone and at least one non-perforated radial blank zone. A screen member is attached to the exterior of the tubular member that covers the apertures. The placement of the apparatus within the wellbore creates an annular flow region that has a reduced tendency for premature dehydration of slurry during a gravel pack completion operation.

Abstract: An expandable well screen has a desirable thin-wall construction together with a simplified fabrication method. In fabricating the screen, a flexible sheet of metal mesh filter media is diffusion bonded to an inner side of a perforated metal sheet which is then deformed to a tubular shape to form a filter structure having an outer perforated tubular shroud interiorly lined with the filter media. The tubular filter structure is telescoped onto a perforated base pipe and has its opposite ends sealingly secured thereto to complete the expandable well screen.

Abstract: A filter for subterranean use includes a filter body containing a filter medium, and a restraining member disposed around the filter body. The inner periphery of the restraining member is sufficiently close to the outer periphery of the filter body to prevent the filter body from being damaged by radially outward forces encountered during operation of the filter within a well.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for use in a wellbore to compensate for pressure differentials between fluid in the wellbore and fluid in an oil bearing formation therearound. In one aspect of the invention, an apparatus is provided for insertion in a string of screened tubulars in a horizontal wellbore. The device includes an inner tubular body portion having apertures in the wall thereof for passing oil, an outer tubular body and a pathway therebetween permitting oil from a formation to migrate into the inner body. Disposed around the inner body is an axially movable member to selectively cover and expose the apertures of the inner body, thereby permitting fluid to flow therethough.

Abstract: A well screen (10) comprising a wire (14) spirally wrapped around a perforated base pipe (12) and spacing the perforated base pipe from a woven wire mesh filtering medium (16).

Abstract: An expandable well screen for preventing migration of sand or other solid particles into a hydrocarbon fluid production well comprises a number of filter sheets with circumferential slots, which sheets are secured in an iris-shaped configuration and co-axial to an expandable slotted carrier tube such that as result of expansion of the tube the amount of overlap between adjacent filter sheets is reduced. The circumferential slot pattern of the slots enables the filter sheets to slide easily relative to each other and to avoid buckling and/or tearing of the filter sheets during the expansion process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing any given length of a completion filter assembly is described. An outer perforated jacket is assembled over the filter media, which is itself placed over a coarse support screen or drainage layer. In the preferred embodiment, the drainage layer and outer jacket have end rings such that when advanced through a die are pushed together with the filter media in between to effect a seal of the subassembly. The subassembly can then be placed on a support pipe which is perforated, and if metallic, the end rings are welded to the support pipe to complete the assembly. Optionally, many of the components can be made of materials which lend buoyancy to the assembly so that when it is advanced into a long lateral, it will float to assist in its proper positioning.

Abstract: The present invention allows a well to be produced through a screen without the need for a gravel pack. This is accomplished by the placement of an expandable screen that can move radially outwardly when placed at the desired location against the wellbore and be porous enough with sufficient open area to allow production from the formation. The screen is placed in the desired location by using coiled tubing which can be preperforated for a support for the screen. The screen is protected during delivery to the desired location in the wellbore by providing a disposable or removable outer cover which can be disposed of after proper location on the screen in the wellbore.

Abstract: A well screen having an internal, blank alternate flowpath for delivering fracturing fluid/gravel slurry to different levels within a well annulus. The well screen includes an outer pipe which is positioned over a base pipe thereby forming an annulus therebetween. The circumference of each pipe has a perforated sector and a blank sector, both of which extend along their respective lengths. When assembled, the respective perforated sectors are aligned to form a perforated, production sector and the respective blank sectors are aligned to form the blank, alternate flowpath. The base pipe is wrapped with wire to prevent solids from flowing through the openings therein. Slurry is pumped into the annulus where it flows circumferently from the blank, alternate flowpath to exit into the well annulus through the openings in the perforated sector of the annulus.

Abstract: A system for enhancing steam distribution in a thermal stimulation phase, and for reducing the production of particulate matter with hydrocarbon fluids in a production phase, has a base pipe with a limited number of spaced-apart holes. The spaced-apart holes are sized and located so that steam is uniformly distributed in the reservoir. A collar is disposed around each hole to deflect the steam into an annulus between the base pipe and a wire-wrap screen section to avoid erosion and deterioration of the wire-wrap screen, which is required in the production phase. Mobilized hydrocarbon fluids flow to the wire-wrap screen section, which acts to filter particulate matter so that the production of particulate matter with hydrocarbon fluid is limited. The open area in the base pipe is significantly reduced, as compared with conventional methods, so that at the design injection rates, the pressure drop through the spaced-apart holes is larger than the pressure drop along the base pipe.

Abstract: A tortuous path sand control screen (40) for reducing the velocity of particles (66) traveling therethrough is disclosed. The tortuous path sand control screen (40) comprises a base pipe (42) and a screen wire (48) wrapped therearound having turns (50, 52, 54) which extend along at least a portion of the length of the base pipe (42) forming gaps between adjacent turns (50, 52). The screen wire has a profile (62, 64) that reduces the velocity of the particles (66) traveling through the gaps, thereby minimizing erosion of the tortuous path sand control screen (40).

Abstract: A sand control screen assembly (10) having a sacrificial anode (26) is disclosed. The sand control screen assembly (10) comprises a plurality of ribs (16) spaced around a base pipe (12) and a screen wire (18) wrapped around the plurality of ribs (16) forming adjacent turns (20, 22) having gaps therebetween that allow the flow of fluids therethrough while preventing the flow of particulate therethrough. The plurality of ribs (16) includes at least one rib (26) that comprises a first metal. The screen wire (18) comprises a second metal that is cathodic to the first metal such that the at least one rib (26) that comprises the first metal acts as a sacrificial anode to reduce the environmental cracking of the screen wire (18).

Abstract: Underground cavities containing liquid contaminants are remediated by drilling directionally through the cavity and then pulling back pipe with a slotted section extending through the cavity. The pipe is supplied on reels in lengths much longer than in the prior art, thus avoiding the joining by butt welding of successive short lengths of pipe as in the prior art. Slots are preferably cut parallel to the axis of the pipe or at a angle in respect to the axis instead of being cut radially as in the prior art, so that a much greater portion of the pipe circumference remains joined together, thereby substantially increasing the axial strength of the pipe.

Abstract: A screen or filter assembly is described as well as improved methods of affixing such assemblies to a portion of an oil or gas production assembly. A nonrigid attachment for reversibly securing a tubular screen to a portion of a production string is disclosed which significantly reduces the risk of the connection between the screen and the production nipple from being broken. In a preferred embodiment, an end cap is described having a projecting lip which secures one end of the screen body to a perforated sub. A removable threaded retaining sleeve is used to secure the other end of the screen body to the perforated sub. A compression ring is associated with the threaded connector to assist in securing the screen body end. A pair of deformable rings are placed adjacent each of the screen body ends to absorb service loads. The screen assembly may be subjected to operational tensile and compressive stresses and thermal expansions and contractions without significant risk of connection failure.

Abstract: Well screen assembly for use in horizontal wells and other situations where tensile, torsion and bending forces can damage well screens which are welded to their end supports provides a floating mounting which eliminates welding of the screen segments. A pair of complementary inner and outer slip rings are provided at one end of the well screen assembly with the inner ring being in sealed relationship with a screen segment and the outer ring being integrally affixed to an outer protective cover member and an axial support member such as a pipe base member or a tubular end fitting. The inner ring is free to slide and rotate relative to the outer ring.

Abstract: A well screen is disclosed for positioning in a well bore to screen solid particles from the fluid produced by the well including a perforated base pipe having threaded connections for connecting the base pipe into a pipe string and a wire screen surrounding the perforations of the base pipe, a tubular shroud covers the screen and provides an annulus between the shroud and the screen, the shroud having a plurality of round holes through which well fluid can flow into the annulus, a plurality of arcuate straps located in the annulus with the ends of each strap attached to the shroud on opposite sides of one of the holes in the shroud to cause the well fluid flowing through the holes to swirl as it passes through the holes and to flow laterally from each side of the straps into the annulus between the shroud and the screen.

Abstract: A gravel-pack, well screen having an internal shunt tube positioned inside the screen for delivering gravel slurry to different levels within the well annulus during a gravel pack operation. The screen includes one or more joints with each joint includes a base pipe having a screen section therein. The internal shunt extends substantially throughout the length of the base pipe. Bolts, each having a passage therethrough, provide fluid passages between the exterior of the screen and the internal shunt tube near either end of the base pipe. During operation, slurry enters the internal shunt tube through the uppermost bolt and exits into the annulus through the passages in the lower bolts to distribute gravel to to different levels of the annulus.

Abstract: Well casing assembly for use in oil and gas wells, and especially deviated or horizontal wells, has an inner pipe member with threaded ends which permit a number of casing assemblies to be joined in a string. The inner pipe has a series of perforations along a segment of its length which are covered by an elongated screen member which prevents the passage of sand particles. A concentric outer protective cover member is devoid of perforations in regions which are radially opposite the inner screen to prevent damage to the screen. One or more perforated segments of the outer member are axially spaced from the screen member so that inward flow from a formation will have its energy and velocity reduced before it reaches the screen, thereby minimizing erosion of the screen surface. If desired, perforated flow control devices such as annular rings can be located between the inner pipe and outer member at the ends of the screen segment to allow a more uniform flow to the screen, and thus further reduce erosion.

Abstract: A screen provides increased erosion resistance and collapse resistance without uneconomical overcompensation and without requiring an increase in the screen's outer diameter. In a preferred embodiment, a sand control screen has a support material radially between a tubular base pipe and a filtering portion. The support material radially outwardly supports the filtering portion to help prevent radially inward collapse of the filtering portion. In another preferred embodiment, a screen has a coating applied to a filtering portion's exterior surface. The coating may alternatively or combinatively provide erosion resistance, radially inwardly retain a support material, and selectively vary flow through the filtering portion.

Abstract: A well screen is composed of a plurality of screen units connected in series. Each of said screen units has a cylindrical connecting section at least at one end thereof and includes a plurality of support rods extending in the axial direction of the screen disposed cylindrically about a section of the screen other than the connecting section at a predetermined interval in the circumferential direction of the screen, and a wire wound on the outer periphery of said support rods so as to form slits of a predetermined width. The well screen further includes outer diameter equalizing means provided about adjacent ones of the connecting sections of two of the screen units connected to each other for substantially equalizing the outer diameter of said connecting sections to the outer diameter of sections other than the connecting sections.

Abstract: A retrievable screen apparatus provides increased filtration in a retrievable screen disposed within a receptacle, the receptacle being positioned in a subterranean well. The receptacle has a lower filtration screen attached thereto for filtering larger particles, such as gravel and proppant, from fluid flow within the well. Thus, the retrievable screen may be retrieved and replaced, leaving the receptacle operatively positioned in the well.

Abstract: A compact double screen assembly (20), which can be used alone or mounted on a perforated pipe base (22), has a plurality of rods (30) arranged in cylindrical fashion around an axis (23). A wire (34) is helically wound about the rods (30) and welded thereto at every intersection. Adjacent rods (30) are separated by an inter-rod gap having a slot distance X while adjacent turns of the wire have an inter-turn slot distance Y therebetween. The rods (30) are closely spaced together such that the inter-rod slot distance X is on the order of 80-120% of the inter-turn slot distance Y, and preferably equal to it. A packing cavity (42) is provided between the rods (30) and the wire (34) for accommodating a porous media or packing material (40).

Abstract: A sand-filtering screen-making technique and screen are disclosed, which involves an initial assembly of the sand-filtering screen over an underlying coarse screen. The sand-filtering screen has a mechanical, longitudinal overlap-type joint. End caps are fitted over the filtering screen which has already been preassembled to the underlying coarse screen. The assembly is then mechanically forced through a die to compress the end caps onto the assembled filtering screen and underlying coarse screen. That subassembly is then assembled onto a base pipe and secured. An outer shroud can then be secured to the underlying base pipe, overlaying the filtering screen. The ends of the subassembly comprising the filtering screen and the underlying coarse screen are sealed against the support pipe by a packing gland arrangement at both ends.

Abstract: Method and apparatus to facilitate the economical recovery of crude oil from an oil well having a string of tubing which extends to the level of the underground reservoir of crude oil. An Ion Collider is attached to the lower end of the tubing with the Ion Collider at the level of the crude oil reservoir. The Ion Collider consists of two spaced-apart cylindrical metal tubes whose common vertical axis coincides with the axis of the string of tubing. The Ion Collider's inner tube has its upper end capped and its lower end joined to the lower end of the outer tube whose upper end opens into the interior of the tubing. The Ion Collider's inner tube contains a multiplicity of spaced-apart holes in its cylindrical wall. The entire inner tube and the inner surface of the outer tube are made of an alloy of copper and nickel in which the copper comprises at least 80% of the alloy.

Abstract: A well screen having slurry flow paths enclosed therein includes support rods extending in the axial direction of the screen disposed cylindrically at a predetermined interval in the circumferential direction of the screen, a wire wound on the outer periphery of said support rods so as to form slits of a predetermined width, one or more flow paths for gravel-containing slurry provided inside of the wire and extending in the axial direction of the screen, and openings for communicating the flow paths with the outside of the screen. Lowering and lifting of the screen through a wellbore can be made smoothly without interfering of the slurry flow paths with the wellbore and installation of the screen can thereby be facilitated.

Abstract: A well tool for delivering fluid (e.g. sand or gravel slurry) to different levels within a wellbore which is comprised of a delivery conduit which, in turn, has a plurality of exit ports spaced along its length. Each exit port has an exit tube connected thereto. Each exit tube includes a portion whose length lies substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the delivery conduit which permits larger exit ports to be used which, in turn, substantially reduces the likelihood of an exit port becoming blocked prior to completion of a well operation. Also, where at least a portion of an exit tube is inside the delivery conduit, the concentration of the sand flowing through the exit tube will be substantially the same as the original concentration in the slurry since sand particles will not tend to by-pass an exit port and remain in the slurry. This prevents the premature dehydration of the slurry and the resulting buildup of sand within the delivery conduit which is normally associated therewith.