Abstract: A gravel-packing apparatus and method is disclosed which involves a movable sleeve over a screen. The screen is fixed to a packer downhole while the sleeve is operated from the surface. As the sleeve is lifted to expose more of the screen, the granular material deposits along the outside of the screen and through the exposed perforations, starting from the packer and working its way up. The annulus is sealed by multiple cup seals or other suitable seals for the environment so that the slurry pressure applied from the surface is directed to deposition of the granular material adjacent the exposed perforations. As more granular material is deposited, the crew at the surface may further pull the sleeve up or the developed pressure downhole itself can force the sleeve further up, exposing additional perforations and continuing the deposition process of the granular material.

Abstract: A gravel-packing apparatus and method is disclosed which involves a movable sleeve over a screen. The screen is fixed to a packer downhole while the sleeve is operated from the surface. As the sleeve is lifted to expose more of the screen, the granular material deposits along the outside of the screen and through the exposed perforations, starting from the packer and working its way up. The annulus is sealed by multiple cup seals or other suitable seals for the environment so that the slurry pressure applied from the surface is directed to deposition of the granular material adjacent the exposed perforations. As more granular material is deposited, the crew at the surface may further pull the sleeve up or the developed pressure downhole itself can force the sleeve further up, exposing additional perforations and continuing the deposition process of the granular material.