Abstract: A filter assembly includes a filter head with a first thread. The filter head has an inlet port and outlet port. The filter assembly includes a filter bowl including a second thread that screws on and off the first thread between mounted and unmounted positions. A filter element, housed in the filter bowl is in communication with the inlet port and outlet ports. The filter element is disposed along a flow path running from the inlet port to the outlet port. The filter assembly further includes a locking collar having a first catch acting upon a second catch provided by one of the filter head and the filter bowl in order to lock the filter bowl to the filter head in the mounted position. In an embodiment, the catches are adapted to be disengaged to allow rotation of the filter bowl from the mounted position to the unmounted position.

Abstract: An extended area filter is provided. The extended area filter has sheets of a filter media configured for increased filter media surface area. A plurality of filter media tubes are position in a concentric arrangement about a longitudinal axis of the filter, defining annular inlet volumes and annular outlet volumes, the annular inlet volumes receiving an unfiltered fluid, and the outlet volumes receiving a filtrate passed through the tubes of filter media. Internal support elements suitable for placement within the outlet volumes are also provided. A filter apparatus configured for filtering a contaminated fluid and employing extended area filters of the invention is also provided.

Abstract: An extended area filter is provided. The extended area filter has sheets of a filter media configured for increased filter media surface area. A plurality of filter media tubes are position in a concentric arrangement about a longitudinal axis of the filter, defining annular inlet volumes and annular outlet volumes, the annular inlet volumes receiving an unfiltered fluid, and the outlet volumes receiving a filtrate passed through the tubes of filter media. A filter apparatus configured for filtering a contaminated fluid and employing extended area filters of the invention is also provided.

Abstract: A particle control screen assembly for a perforated pipe used in a well. The particle control screen assembly includes a screen with a first end and a second end. The screen includes a first and a second unsintered woven mesh layer, each layer having a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge. The cylindrical screen also includes openings sized to prevent passage of particulate material and a longitudinal metal weld adjacent the first and second longitudinal edges of the first and second unsintered woven mesh layers. The longitudinal metal weld secures the edges of the unsintered woven mesh layers together. The particle control screen assembly also includes a weld-compatible metal structure adjacent the first end of the cylindrical screen. A circumferential metal weld between the cylindrical screen and the metal structure bonds a portion of the metal structure and a portion of the cylindrical screen.

Abstract: A particle control screen includes a support layer. A first filter layer is disposed around the support layer. A second filter layer is disposed around the first filter layer. A third filter layer is disposed around the second filter layer. Each of the filter layers has a pore size. The pore size of the third filter layer is greater than the pore size of the second filter layer. The pore size of the second filter layer is greater than the pore size of the first filter layer.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for the cyclonic inertial separation of particles from a fluid stream, wherein a generator and an outlet tube are disposed within a housing, a scavenge port is disposed about the housing, and the outlet tube has a plurality of slots disposed about its outer diameter. Second and third pluralities of slots are preferably disposed about the outer diameter of the outlet tube, downstream of the first plurality of slots. The number of the first plurality of slots is preferably greater than the number of the second plurality of slots. The number of the second plurality of slots is preferably greater than the number of the third plurality of slots. The pluralities of slots are preferably ramped and circumferentially disposed about the outer diameter of the outlet tube. The outlet tube preferably has an upstream end with a conical surface shaped at an angle. The generator preferably has vanes that are helical and tapered at an angle.

Abstract: In a particle or sand screen control assembly for mounting on a base pipe used in a well, a sealing strip preferably in the form of a metal strip is used in a weld joint that joins the metal mesh screen of filter media to a solid metal structure or “safe edge”. The sealing strip covers the pores in the screen proximate the metal structure to which it is welded. The sealing strip is a separate thin sheet of metal that is compatible with the welding metal used in the weld joint, such that the sealing strip becomes unitary with the weld joint. Prior to welding, the sealing strip may be bent around the screen if desired, or may lie flat along the top or bottom surface of the screen.

Abstract: A particle control screen assembly for a perforated pipe used in a well, a sand filter system, and methods of making same are provided. The screen assembly includes a woven mesh filter media disposed about an inner surface of the perforated pipe, and a protective wrapper disposed about the filter media. The protective wrapper comprises a radially inner perforated layer and a radially outer layer that is disposed between the inner layer and the filter media. A surface of the outer layer that faces the inner perforated layer has a non-smooth contour, with this surface of the outer layer having portions in direct contact with an outer surface of the inner layer. The outer layer is provided with apertures that are disposed in such a way that fluid cannot flow from the inner surface of the inner perforated layer directly radially both through holes of the inner layer and through the apertures of the outer layer.