Abstract: Non conductive supports flank the mounting location of ribs for a wire wrap screen so as to limit penetration into the wire being fed over the ribs and resistance welded notwithstanding variations of applied force from the weld roller. Optionally the wire can be pre-rolled to approximately its end diameter in the finished screen ahead of the time it contacts a rib so as to minimize bending the wire over the rib which thins the wire. The supports are preferably ceramic and provide equal penetration of the rib into the wrap wire despite variations in loading by the weld roller.

Abstract: Non conductive supports flank the mounting location of ribs for a wire wrap screen so as to limit penetration into the wire being fed over the ribs and resistance welded notwithstanding variations of applied force from the weld roller. Optionally the wire can be pre-rolled to approximately its end diameter in the finished screen ahead of the time it contacts a rib so as to minimize bending the wire over the rib which thins the wire. The supports are preferably ceramic and provide equal penetration of the rib into the wrap wire despite variations in loading by the weld roller.

Abstract: A downhole completion method and an expandable filtration apparatus are disclosed. The filter assembly comprises a plurality of layers beginning with a coated perforated base pipe. The coating reduces the force required for expansion. A drainage layer overlays the base pipe with the filtration layer above it. The drainage layer improves flow through the filtration layer and protects it from burrs in the base pipe. A filtration enhancement layer fits over the filtration layer and an outer shroud protects the assembly during run in. The assembly can be used as made or expanded downhole in one or a series of expansions.

Abstract: Three embodiments of an expandable screen are described. In the preferred embodiment, the base layer, filtering layer, and outer layer are joined together in a sintering furnace in the form of a flat sheet which is in turn rolled up. The layered sheet is then formed into a tube by rolling it to make a longitudinal or spiral joint which is welded with connections placed on ends. In an alternative embodiment, the base layer and filtering layer are sintered together and formed into a tube which is in turn inserted into an outer protective tube. In a third embodiment, a base pipe is perforated and its exterior surface threaded. A wire runs through the threads with a protective jacket over the underlying assembly. Upon expansion, the opening sizes remain relatively constant.

Abstract: A downhole completion method and an expandable filtration apparatus are disclosed. The filter assembly comprises a plurality of layers beginning with a coated perforated base pipe. The coating reduces the force required for expansion. A drainage layer overlays the base pipe with the filtration layer above it. The drainage layer improves flow through the filtration layer and protects it from burrs in the base pipe. A filtration enhancement layer fits over the filtration layer and an outer shroud protects the assembly during run in. The assembly can be used as made or expanded downhole in one or a series of expansions.

Abstract: Three embodiments of an expandable screen are described. In the preferred embodiment, the base layer, filtering layer, and outer layer are joined together in a sintering furnace in the form of a flat sheet which is in turn rolled up. The layered sheet is then formed into a tube by rolling it to make a longitudinal or spiral joint which is welded with connections placed on ends. In an alternative embodiment, the base layer and filtering layer are sintered together and formed into a tube which is in turn inserted into an outer protective tube. In a third embodiment, a base pipe is perforated and its exterior surface threaded. A wire runs through the threads with a protective jacket over the underlying assembly. Upon expansion, the opening sizes remain relatively constant.