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) 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 and method for gravel packing an interval of a wellbore comprises an outer tubular (110), which forms a first annulus with the wellbore, and an inner tubular (114) disposed within the outer tubular (110) forming a second annulus therebetween. Within the second annulus is an axially extending production pathway (190) and an axially extending slurry passageway (194), which is defined between a channel (170) and the inner tubular (114). The outer tubular (110) has outlets (128) that are substantially aligned with outlets (178) of the channel (170). The portions of both the outer and inner tubulars (110, 114) adjacent the production pathway (190) have openings (122, 146). When a fluid slurry containing gravel is injected through the slurry passageway (194), the fluid slurry exits through the outlets (178, 128) leaving gravel in the first annulus, thereby gravel packing the interval.

Abstract: An actuator assembly for moving a device between a retracted and extended position in which a ball screw is connected to the device and is in threaded engagement with a ball nut so that, upon rotation of the ball nut, the ball screw moves between a retracted and an extended position. A gear train is connectable between a power source and the ball nut for transferring torque therebetween to rotate the nut member, and a control system responds to a relatively low power input for selectively connecting the drive assembly between the power source and the ball nut member.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic valving system for shutting off liquid flow into a container when the level of liquid within the container is above a predetermined level, and for permitting liquid flow when the liquid is below the predetermined level. A liquid is positioned within the container at the predetermined level, and a pressure responsive shutoff valve is fluidly connected in series between a source of liquid under pressure and the interior of the container. The shutoff valve has communication with the fluid sensor and is operative to shut off liquid flow into the container in response to a pressure variation received from the sensor upon the level of liquid within the container rising above the predetermined level.