Knitted wire fines discriminator

Abstract

Particularly, the knitted wire fluid/gas energy absorber and fines discriminator is designed to provide significantly, enhanced erosion resistance and durability through absorbing energy from fluid moving at elevated and erosive velocities through an energy absorbing and flexible structure, providing also a tortuous path for the fluid/gas, thereby, reducing the risk of sand production and sub terrain erosion damage to tubulars. The wire used for the knitted wire fluid/gas energy absorber and fines discriminator may be made from a range of different materials which possess the desired combination of properties required for this process, and lend themselves to knitting, may be compressed, exhibit desired mechanical strength and flex. Such materials may be: Stainless steel of various grades, metallic alloys of various kinds, (zinc, copper etc), wire made of various fibers such as Kevlar, Aramid and a range of other suitable materials.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 60/364,481 filed Mar. 15, 2002.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to producing fluids from wells and in particular to filtering of fluids from wells.

[0004] 2. Prior Art Background

[0005] In the prior art, a method of producing fluid from wells has been to remove all or substantially all solid particles from the fluid before it entered the production pipe. Oil and gas production from wells in subsurface reservoirs are from time to time hampered by sand production from the reservoir formation. This can lead to excessive wear of the tubulars installed in the well, upset surface production systems and may therefore become a serious safety hazard. In order to combat such problems filters are often installed as part of the tubular string inside the well. Over the years several different methods and filters have been introduced. Some of these methods include gravel packing the well, use of prepacked filters which may utilize sand, gravel or another media, or use of fibrous materials. All of these solutions, however, exhibit limited erosional strength. In each instance, the primary goal has been to preclude passage of solid particles through the production pipe string. The following provides a brief summary of apparatus used to achieve this goal.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 3,768,557 describes a graded multi-layer pre-packed sand filter for oil and other fluids containing sand. At col. 1, line 15, the stated purpose of the filter is to remove the sand from the liquid before it is produced from the well bore.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 4,434,054 describes a filter that is capable of segregating out the solid component of a fluid flow. The filter comprises a bed of randomly disposed fibrous members that retain solid particles and allow the particle free fluid to pass.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 4,917,183 describes a pre-packed gravel packing screen. The screen has a filtering bed comprising a fluid permneable bed of particulate solids. The particulate solids are sized to effectively prevent all the particulate matter in the well production fluids from passing inwardly through the bed into the well conduit.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 5,190,102 describes a pre-pack well screen assembly that has a sintered metal pre-pack sleeve positioned outside a perforated pipe representing a “first stage” filter. External protection for the sintered metal sleeve is a wire wrap screen member.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 5,404,954 describes a series of wire screen mesh arranged around a slotted or perforated pipe in a manner for filtering particulate matter from the produced fluids. The exterior meshes remove the larger particles from the fluid stream and the interior mesh removes the smaller particle from the fluid stream.

[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 6,158,507 describes a wellscreen surrounding the perforated portion of the base pipe, a thin porous membrane comprising an inner layer of cloth of woven ceramic fibers wrapped around the wire screen and covered by a porous sleeve membrane of braided ceramic fibers, means for holding the ends of the porous cloth membranes in sealing engagement with the base pipe, and a perforated tubular metal shroud surrounding the ceramic cloth membranes to protect the membranes from damage when lowered into a wellbore.

[0012] Knitted wire is used in many other industries and for numerous purposes. The following provides a brief summary of industrial uses of knitted wire:

[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 5,203,593 describes an exhaust coupling in which the clamp is comprised of bolts and resilient compressed steel wire knit sleeves disposed around shanks of the bolts.

[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 5,765,866 describes an airbag inflator comprising a metal housing, knitted wire that the gas from the chemical reaction passes through, and a stainless steel burst foil. The knitted wire is preferably made from stainless steel.

[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 5,883,018 describes a fabric for use as a stab-resistant insert in protective textiles made of knitted steel cords and filaments.

[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 6,225,714 describes an electric motor that has a grounding ring made of knit steel wire.

[0017] Searches on “well screen” and “sand screen” yielded some 250 patents. Knitted wire mesh is believed to be only described in reissued Pat. No. Re. 31,978 (Sept. 3, 1985). As stated in the Re 31,978 patent, this knitted wire mesh is utilized as a seal means in a packing/sealing element of a packer. References are made to this patent from numerous screen patents, so-called ‘pre-packed screens’. These pre-packed screens make use of the knitted wire mesh, as a medium for retaining the pre-pack solids in these screen assemblies. The knitted wire member is not utilized as a filtering medium or as a deterrent for erosion.

[0018] Filters made from knitted wire can easily be shaped to desired form and filter characteristics. It is widely used in closed loop pressurized hydraulic circuits in the auto, transport, aircraft, marine and other industries. Knitted wire filters are identified to be superior to other types of filters for several reasons:

[0019] 1. Easily manufactured to desired filter opening and shape. Knitted wire may be compressed in a press to obtain desired porosity (filter opening). By controlling and combining compression, knit tightness, knit pattern and wire thickness, desired filter shapes may be obtained.

[0020] 2. Ability to inhibit erosion from fluid jetting. Because of the very long interlinked fiber achieved with the knitting process, these filters are far stronger than cloth type, cellulose type, and other wire mesh type design filters that are made with short fibers having limited (or none) interlinked strength. The knitting process allows the filter to move or stretch in any direction rather than being unidirectional as a woven material, or bi-directional as a braided material. This can allow the filter to be able to conform to the jetting pattern and better resist erosion.

[0021] 3. Easily cleaned and reused. Although this is not an applicable point for oil and gas well applications, as it is not feasible to remove, clean and reinstall a sand filter in an oil or gas well. (This was however of significant importance in the above mentioned industry applications). Cleaning may however involve the use of a high pressure fluid jet. This is therefore comparable to being exposed to intermittent operational fluid erosion.

[0022] 4. Filter can be knitted out of many types of wire: metallic, non-metallic, fiber glass, composites and others. The process of knitting the filter allows for many types of material to be used independently or in conjunction with other materials.

[0023] This is important as materials can be combined to provide different desired properties, strengths, flex, compression etc. of the filter material. Also, the type of material can provide for a type of cathodic protection of the filter by incorporating metals such as zinc or aluminum in the knitting of the filter. The wire used may be made from a range of different materials which possess the desired combination of properties required for this process, and lend themselves to knitting, may be compressed, exhibit desired mechanical strength and flex. Such materials may be: Stainless steel of various grades, metallic alloys of various kinds, (zinc, copper etc), wire made of various fibers such as Kevlar, Aramid, reinforced fiber lass and a range of other suitable materials.

[0024] Knitted wire mesh has never been used as a filter media in a downhole production system. It is the object of the present invention to have a system which is a fines discriminator and a deterrent to erosion, suited for assembly inside subsurface hydrocarbon-producing wells.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0025] The present invention relates to an apparatus that absorbs fluid/gas impact energy thereby reducing tubular erosion damage, secondly to discriminate and filter out sand and other particulate matter from produced fluids. Particularly, the knitted wire fluid/gas energy absorber and fines discriminator is designed to provide significantly, enhanced erosion resistance and durability through absorbing energy from fluid moving at elevated and erosive velocities through an energy absorbing and flexible structure, providing also a tortuous path for the fluid/gas, thereby, reducing the risk of sand production and sub terrain erosion damage to tubulars. Additionally, the invention relates to a knitted wire energy absorber/discriminator that may be used as a fine filter medium for a broad range of particulate materials from the produced fluids Furthermore, the knitted wire fluid/gas energy absorber and fines discriminator can be used to provide known pressure loss in a sub terrain production system by flowing the fluid through a tube/container/vessel where discs/layers of knitted wire of known pressure loss is inserted, thereby effectively creating exact pressure loss, the basic foundation for a production inflow control device, whereby well inflow may be controlled selectively.

[0026] Similar to knitting a sweater, the knitted wire fluid/gas energy absorber and fines discriminator may be prepared from layer upon layer of knitted wire. Elements/subassemblies of knitted wire may be compressed to obtain the desired shape, as well as to obtain the desired filter media pore opening (porosity). Elements of desired shape may be installed onto a perforated or slotted pipe, or onto a wire wrapped, braided or wire mesh screen and held in place by an end ring coupling. Some of the different profiles that can be formed and used are a stacked chevron-packing configuration, stacked cylindrical rings, or stacked overlapping cylindrical rings/cups. In addition, a profile consisting of layer upon layer of knitted wire may be applied to a wire wrapped screen, a wire mesh (or braided wire screen), perforated or slotted pipe and/or a thin walled perforated support pipe.

[0027] Thus, the knitted wire discriminator may be assembled in numerous ways:

[0028] Subassemblies of any shape or combination mounted onto a perforated/slotted pipe.

[0029] Subassemblies of any shape or combination mounted onto a wire wrapped screen, wire mesh screen, braided wire screen.

[0030] Manufactured, shaped, formed and installed directly onto a perforated/slotted pipe

[0031] Manufactured, shaped, formed and installed directly onto a wire wrapped screen, wire mesh screen, braided wire screen.

[0032] Alternatively to making subassemblies of knitted (and compressed, shaped) elements, —a knitting machine may knit the wire discriminator directly onto, for example, a perforated pipe, a wire wrapped screen, a wire mesh (or braided wire) screen and/or a thin walled perforated support pipe, thereby combining the filter effect of a strong wire wrapped screen with the enhancement of a fine filter medium (provided by the knitted wire fines discriminator) to filter out a very broad range of particulate material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] For a better understanding of the nature and objects of the present invention, reference should be had to the following drawings, which should be taken in conjunction with the specification and in which like parts are given like reference numerals and wherein:

[0034] FIG. 1 is a combination of FIGS. 1 (A)-(C), and FIG. 1 (A) is a cutaway, FIG. 1(B) is an endview, and FIG. 1(C) is a sideview of a base pipe perforated full length,

[0035] FIG. 2 is a combination of FIGS. 2(A)-(C), and FIG. 2 (A), (B), and (C) are the same view as FIG. 1 (A), (B), and (C) but showing a single wire wrapped sand screen,

[0036] FIG. 3 is a combination of FIGS. 3(A)-(D), and FIG. 3 (A), (B), and (C) are the same view as FIG. 2 (A), (B), and (C) but showing a braided wire or wire mesh sand screen and FIG. 3(D) showing a layer-on-layer configuration,

[0037] FIG. 4 is a combination of FIGS. 3(A)-(C), and FIG. 4 (A) is a cutaway view, FIG. 4 (B) is an endview, and FIG. 4 (C) is a sideview of an inner pipe perforated section;

[0038] FIG. 5 is a combination of FIGS. 5(A)-(C), and FIG. 5 (A), (B), and (C) are the same sections as FIG. 4 (A), (B), and (C) but for an inner pipe perforated, full length;

[0039] FIG. 6 is a combination of FIGS. 6(A)-(D), and FIG. 6 (A) is a perspective view, FIG. 6 (B) is an endview, and FIG. 6 (C) is a section line view taken along section line A-A of FIG. 6 (B), and FIG. 6 (D) is an enlarged view of the top of FIG. 6 (C) of a knitted wire discriminator ring, individual ring;

[0040] FIG. 7 is a combination of FIGS. 7(A)-(D), and FIG. 7 (A)-(D) are the same views as FIG. 6 (A)-(D) except for multiple rings of knitted wire discriminator ring section;

[0041] FIG. 8 is a combination of FIGS. 7(A)-(D), and FIG. 8 (A)-(D) are the same views as FIG. 7 (A)-(D) except for a full length set of multiple rings;

[0042] FIG. 9 is a combination of FIGS. 9(A)-(E), and FIG. 9 (A)-(D) are the same views as FIG. 8 (A)-(D) except for a knitted wire discriminator hose section and FIG. 9(E) shows stacked knitted wire mesh sections;

[0043] FIG. 10 is a combination of FIGS. 10(A)-(D), and FIG. 10 (A)-(D) are the same views as FIG. 9 (A)-(D) except this is for a knitted wire discriminator-layer-on-layer section,

[0044] FIG. 11 is a combination of FIGS. 11(A)-(D), and FIG. 1 is the same view as FIG. 10 (A)-(D) except for a knitted wire discriminator-layer-on-layer fall joint length;

[0045] FIG. 12 is a combination of FIGS. 12(A)-(C), and FIG. 12 (A), (B), and (C) are the same views as FIG. 4 (A), (B), and (C) except for an outer pipe perforated section;

[0046] FIG. 13 is a combination of FIGS. 13(A)-(C), and FIG. 13 (A), (B), and (C) are the same views as FIG. 5 (A), (B), and (C) except for an outer pipe perforated full length;

[0047] FIG. 14 is a combination of FIGS. 14(A)-(D), and FIG. 14 (A), (B), and (C) are the same views as FIG. 5 (A), (B), and (C) except they are for an outer pipe louvered section, having slotted openings 130, and FIG. 14 (D) is a detail cut-through of FIG. 14 (C);

[0048] FIG. 15 is a combination of FIGS. 15(A)-(C), and FIG. 15 (A), (B) and (C) are the same views as FIG. 14 (A), (B), and (C) except for an outer pipe louvered full length;

[0049] FIG. 16 is a cutaway view of the base pipe of the single wire wrap sand screen, inner perforated pipe, knitted wire discriminator multi-ring, and an outer pipe perforated section;

[0050] FIG. 17 is the same view as FIG. 15 except that the outer pipe is a louvered section; and

[0051] FIG. 18 is a side view of a set of knitted wire discriminator individual rings stacked on a perforated base pipe.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0052] The present invention provides a knitted wire discriminator to be used as a fine filter medium to selectively remove fine solid particles while allowing the formation fluids to flow into the wellbore. The preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a knitted wire fluid/gas energy absorber and fines discriminator with a stronger deterrent to erosion from formation particles impinging on the knitted wire fluid/gas energy absorber. Additionally, the preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a knitted wire fluid/gas energy absorber/fines discriminator to be used as a fine filter medium to selectively remove fine solid particles while allowing the formation fluids to flow into the wellbore. The present invention may be installed onto any support carrier as a compressed element or subassembly of a desired shape and preferably onto a perforated or slotted pipe, a wire wrapped screen, a wire mesh (or braided wire screen), and/or a thin walled perforated support pipe as an element or subassembly that has been compressed into the desired shape. Alternatively, the present invention may be knitted directly onto a perforated or slotted pipe, a wire wrapped screen, a wire mesh (or braided wire screen), and/or a thin walled perforated support pipe.

[0053] In accordance with the objects of the present invention, the preferred embodiment of the knitted wire fluid/gas energy absorber and fines discriminator is formed in a manner to enable it to conform to the base pipe structure and with the jetting/erosional forces applied to it. Energy of the fluid production stream from the formation is dissipated because the fluid velocity is reduced as it passes through a tortuous path in the discriminator.

[0054] The knitted wire intertwining loops make it uni-directional when pulled or stretched. This material is thereby more compliant than a woven material that is uni-directional or a braided material that is bi-directional. The knitting process therefore provides a material more durable and stronger, along with the strength of the metallic material being used. An optimum design for filtering and for erosion protection can be obtained by:

[0055] 1) the size of the loops with up to a maximum of 11 strands of wire per loop.

[0056] 2) the size of the wire ranging from 0.0005″ to 0.014″.

[0057] 3) the number and arrangement of layers of the wire knitted together.

[0058] 4) the physical and chemical properties of the wire.

[0059] These four factors allow the fluid/gas energy absorber and fines discriminator to be designed such that there is a maximum reduction in the impact load to the present invention in the preferred embodiment. By changing any or all of the factors, the energy in the produced fluid stream can be diffused and/or dissipated. These factors affect the density and permeability of the knitted wire fluid/gas energy absorber and fines discriminator. Thereby, the present invention can be designed to the variances of the formation it is placed across. The wire used for the knitted wire fluid/gas energy absorber and fines discriminator may be made from a range of different materials which possess the desired combination of properties required for this process, and lend themselves to knitting, may be compressed, exhibit desired mechanical strength and flex. Such materials may be: Stainless steel of various grades, metallic alloys of various kinds, (zinc, copper etc), wire made of various fibers such as Kevlar, Aramid and a range of other suitable materials.

[0060] The size and range of wire that can be knitted in the present invention is a maximum of 0.014″ outside diameter (OD) to a minimum of 0.0005″ diameter. This wide range of knitting material provides for a broad spectrum of use as a fine filter medium. The compressed units are designed to be placed over the perforated or slotted pipe, the wire-wrapped screen, a wire mesh (or braided wire screen), and/or the thin walled perforated support pipe have a thickness of approximately 0.080″ and a height ranging from 1″ to 35′, depending on the manufacturing process of the knitted wire filter. Therefore the OD of the base material is not greatly affected by the addition of the knitted wire filter.

[0061] The present invention further provides a well filter assembly for use in cased hole and open hole production systems that resists deformation and maintains its filtering characteristics. As previously noted, the present invention uses knitted wire as a deterrent to erosion and as a filter medium. In one embodiment of the preferred embodiment, the knitted wire filter may be placed on subassemblies of any shape or combination mounted onto a perforated or slotted pipe, a wire wrapped screen, a wire mesh (or braided wire screen), and/or a thin walled perforated support pipe. However, another of the present invention embodiments of the preferred embodiment additionally provides a knitted wire discriminator manufactured, shaped, formed and installed directly onto a perforated pipe or a wire wrapped screen.

[0062] In addition the present invention can be fitted with an outer protective shielding that has perforated or louvered holes. The outer shield can be shrunk fit onto to the knitted wire filter member, either by preheating and/or the use of mechanical rollers. This process of fitting the outer shield serves to achieve desired properties, such as density, porosity, permeability and mechanical strength, on the knitted wire filter member. This shield will insure a protected installation in both cased and open hole well environment.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 1, perforated base pipe (A) is full length conventional casing with holes drilled through the wall. This is the load bearing member of the screen. It has an inner diameter 10, such as 5.921 or 4.892 inches, and an outer diameter 20, such as 6 ⅝ inches and 5 ½ inches. It further has holes 30, such as ⅜″ holes, and could range from ⅕″ to ¾″, which can be of any pattern.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 2, Single Wire Wrap Sand Screen, or SWWSS (B), is a sand filter (8)manufactured by simultaneously wrapping and welding an endless stainless steel profile wire 41 onto longitudinal ribs 42 which are installed directly onto the outside of a perforated base pipe (A). The profile wire is welded with an exact gap to the previous wire, thereby creating a slot, through which oil and gas will flow, but which will stop formation sand from being produced. The manufacturing process ensures the screen wire is shrink fit to the casing.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 3, braided wire/wire mesh sand screen (C), is a sand filter manufactured by wrapping a single or multiple layers of braided wire 48 or wire mesh 49 directly onto the outside of a perforated base pipe (A) or slotted wire pipe. The braided wire 48 or wire mesh 49 creates a filter medium through which oil and gas will flow, but which will stop formation sand from being produced. FIG. 3(D) illustrates braded wire ⅛ in a layer-on-layer configuration with wire mesh 49.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 4, inner pipe perforated, section (D) is a short section (2-10 ft and preferably 3-10 fit) of thin walled pipe with holes in the pipe wall that are drilled, cut or punched. (D), together with any of discriminators (F), (G), (H), (I), (J),OR (K), discussed below, will be fitted onto base pipe (A), or sand screen (B) or (C) as desired. The inner diameter 51 and outer diameter 52 of the inner pipe perforated section (D) are large enough to slide over a single wire wrapped screen (B). The inner wire pipe perforated section (D) is held in place by end rings.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 5, inner pipe perforated, full joint length (E) is a long section (as long as base pipe (A) of thin walled pipe with holes in the pipe wall that are drilled, cut or punched. Inner pipe (E), together with discriminators (F), (G), (H), (I), (J),OR (K),as discussed below, will be fitted onto base pipe (A) or sand screen (B) or (C) as desired.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 6, knitted wire discriminator, compressed individual ring (F) is a sand discriminator/sand filter made from knitted wire 81 that is compressed into a specific shape exhibiting specific and desired properties of: porosity, density, stiffness, flex, size. The knitted wire filter will absorb fluid impact energy and provide filtering capabilities. Final solids filtering may or may not be performed by the single wire wrap sand screen (B) or (C). Thickness of the knitted filter may be 1-10 mm or ⅛″ to ½″, depending on permeability desired, length may be 10-100 mm. Diameter will be to fit with pipe or screen (A), (J), (C), (D) or (E). Discriminator (F) is fitted onto pipe or screen (A), (B), (C), (D) or (E) as desired. Thus, the inner diameter 51 is large enough to slip over inner perforated pipe (A) or SWWSS (B) or (C).

[0069] As shown in FIG. 7, knitted wire discriminator, compressed multiple rings, sections (G) include a sand discriminator/sand filter made from knitted wire 81 that is compressed into a specific shape exhibiting specific and desired properties of: porosity, density, stiffness, flex, size. Multiple rings are stacked on top of each other to desired length between an outer and inner thin walled perforated tube, in order to keep the rings in place. The knitted wire filter will absorb fluid impact energy and provide filtering capabilities. Final solids filtering may or may not be performed by the single wire wrap sand screen (B) or braided wire/wire mesh sand screen (C). Thickness of the knitted filter may be 1-10 mm or ⅛″ to ½″, depending on permeability desired, length may be 100-1000 mm. Diameter will be to fit with pipe or screen (A), (B), (C), (D) or (E). Discriminator (G) is fitted onto pipe or screen (A), (B), (C), (D) or (E) as desired.

[0070] As shown in FIG. 8, knitted wire discriminator, compressed multiple rings, full joint length (H) include a sand discriminator/sand filter made from knitted wire 81 that is compressed into a specific shape exhibiting specific and desired properties of: porosity, density, stiffness, flex, size. Multiple rings are stacked on top of each other to desired length between an outer and inner thin walled perforated tube, in order to keep the rings in place. The knitted wire filter will absorb fluid impact energy and provide filtering capabilities. Final solids filtering may or may not be performed by the single wire wrap sand screen (B) or braided wire or wire mesh sand screen (C). Thickness of the knitted filter may be 1-10 mm or ⅛″ to ½″, depending on permeability desired, length may be 100-1000 mm. Diameter will be to fit pipe or screen (A), (B), (C), (D) or (E). Discriminator (H) is fitted onto pipe or screen (A), (B), (C), (D) or (E) as desired.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 9, knitted wire discriminator, compressed hose section (AI) is a sand discriminator/sand filter that is made by compressing individual or multiple continuous layers of knitted wire 81 between an outer and inner thin walled perforated tube to desired length, such that specific and desired properties, like: porosity, density, stiffness, flex, size are met. The knitted wire filter will absorb fluid impact energy and provide filtering capabilities. Final solids filtering may or may not be performed by the single wire wrap sand screen (B) or braided wire or wire mesh sand screen (C). Thickness of the knitted filter may be 10-60 mm or may be ⅛″ to ½″, and length as desired such as three to six feet. Diameter will be to fit pipe or screen (A), (B), (C),(D) or (E). The entire assembly may, or may not be compressed or rolled to alter or modify the final desired properties and geometric shape. Discriminator (I) is fitted onto pipe or screen (A), (B), (C), (D) or (E) as desired.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 10, knitted wire discriminator, layer-on-layer, section (J) is a sand discriminator/sand filter that is made by installing multiple layers of knitted wire 81 on top of each other such that specific and desired properties, like: porosity, density, stiffness, flex, size are met. The knitted wire filter will absorb fluid impact energy and provide filtering capabilities. Final solids filtering may or may not be performed by the single wire wrap sand screen (B) or braided wire or wire mesh sand screen (C). Thickness of the knitted filter may be 10-60 mm, length is as desired such as three to six feet. Diameter will be to fit pipe or screen (A), (B), (C), (D) or (E). The entire assembly may, or may not be compressed or rolled to alter or modify the final desired properties and geometric shape. Discriminator (J) will be fitted onto pipe or screen (A), (B), (C),(D) or (E) as desired. FIG. 10(D) shows multiple layers 81, 82, 83 to build density and permeability, each layer concentrically mounted over the next inner layer. The density and permeability of the section (J is determined by the size of the wire, for the descriminator, the size of the openings in the mesh and the number of layers.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 11, knitted wire discriminator, layer-on-layer, full joint length (K) is a sand discriminator/sand filter that is made by installing multiple layers of knitted wire 81 on top of each other such that specific and desired properties, like: porosity, density, stiffness, flex, size are met. The knitted wire filter will absorb fluid impact energy and provide filtering capabilities. Final solids filtering may or may not be performed by the single wire wrap sand screen (B) or braided wire or wire mesh sand screen (C). Thickness of the knitted filter may be 10-60 mm, length is as desired. Diameter will be to fit pipe or screen (A), (B), (C), (D) or (E). The entire assembly may, or may not be compressed or rolled to alter or modify the final desired properties and geometric shape. Discriminator (J) will be fitted onto pipe or screen (A), (B), (C), (D) oe (E) as desired.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 12, outer pipe perforated, section (L) is a short section (2-10 ft) of pipe with holes 30 in the pipe wall that are drilled, cut or punched. The purpose of this pipe is to serve as a shroud, or protection, to the filter medium beneath, such as (F), (G), (H), (I), (J) or (K). Section (L) will be fitted onto discriminator (F), (G), (H), (I), (J) or (K) as desired.

[0075] As shown in FIG. 13, outer pipe perforated, full length (M) is a full length of pipe with holes 30 in the pipe wall that are drilled, cut or punched. The purpose of this pipe (M) is to serve as a shroud, or protection, to the filter medium beneath, such as (F), (G), (H), (I), (J) or (K). Pipe (M) will be fitted onto discriminator (F), (G), (H), (I), (J) or (K). as desired.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 14, outer pipe louvered, section (N) is a short section (2-10 ft) of pipe with louvered openings 130 in the pipe wall that are cut or punched. The purpose of this pipe is to serve as a shroud, or protection, to the filter medium beneath, such as (F), (G), (H), (I), (J) or (K). Section (N) will be fitted onto discriminator (F), (G), (H), (I), (J) or (K).as desired.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 15, outer pipe louvered, fall length (O) is a full length of pipe with louvered openings 130 in the pipe wall that are cut or punched. The purpose of this pipe is to serve as a shroud, or protection, to the filter medium beneath, such as (F), (G), (H), (I), (J) or (K). Section (O) will be fitted onto discriminator (F), (G), (H), (I), (J) or (K). as desired.

[0078] Various combinations of the parts illustrated below may be used together to use a discriminator in particular applications. Illustrations of these combinations are set out below:

[0079] 1.) Comprises parts A, B or C, F, and L.

[0080] Part (A) is manufactured first. Part (B) or (C) is then manufactured onto part (A). Multiple parts (F) are installed onto part (B) or (C) until stacked full. Finally, multiple parts of (L) is fitted over above described parts. Part (L) may or may not be welded to each other to provide increased robustness. Screen end sections are closed with welded end rings.

[0081] 2.) Comprises parts A, B or C, F, and M.

[0082] Part (A) is manufactured first. Part (B) or (C) is then manufactured onto part (A). Multiple parts (F) are installed onto part (B) or (C) until stacked full. Finally, part (M) is fitted over above described parts. Screen end sections are closed with welded end rings.

[0083] 3.) Comprises parts A, B or C, F, and N.

[0084] Part (A) is manufactured first. Part (B) or (C) is then manufactured onto part (A). Multiple parts (F) are installed onto part (B) or(C) until stacked fill. Finally, multiple parts of (N) is fitted over above described parts. Part (N) may or may not be welded to each other to provide increased robustness. Screen end sections are closed with welded end rings.

[0085] 4.) Comprises parts A, B or C, F, and O.

[0086] Part (A) is manufactured first. Part (B) or (C) is then manufactured onto part (A). Multiple parts (F) are installed onto part (B) or(C) until stacked full. Finally, part (O) is fitted over above described parts. Screen end sections are closed with welded end rings.

[0087] 5.) Comprises parts A, B or C, G, and L.

[0088] Part (A) is manufactured first. Part (B) or (C) is then manufactured onto part (A). Multiple sections of (G) are installed onto part (B) or (C) until stacked full. Finally, multiple parts of (L) is fitted over above described parts. Part (L) may or may not be welded to each other to provide increased robustness. Screen end sections are closed with welded end rings, such as FIGS. 16 and 18.

[0089] 6.) Comprises parts A, B or C, G, and M.

[0090] Part (A) is manufactured first. Part (B) or (C) is then manufactured onto part (A). Multiple sections of (G) are installed onto part (B) or (C) until stacked full. Finally, part (M) is fitted over above described parts. Screen end sections are closed with welded end rings.

[0091] 7.) Comprises parts A, B or C, G, and N.

[0092] Part (A) is manufactured first. Part (B) or (C) is then manufactured onto part (A). Multiple sections of (G) are installed onto part (B) or (C) until stacked full. Finally, multiple parts of (N) is fitted over above described parts. Part (N) may or may not be welded to each other to provide increased robustness. Screen end sections are closed with welded end rings, such as FIG. 17

[0093] 8.Comprises parts A, B or C, G, and O.

[0094] Part (A) is manufactured first. Part (B) or (C) is then manufactured onto part (A). Multiple sections of (G) are installed onto part (B) or (C) until stacked full. Finally, part (O) is fitted over above described parts. Screen end sections are closed with welded end rings.

[0095] 9.) Comprises parts A, B or C, E, H, and L.

[0096] Part (A) is manufactured first. Part (B) or (C) is then manufactured onto part (A). Multiple rings of (H) are installed onto part (E) until stacked full. Assembly (H)+(E) is fitted onto (B) or (C). Finally, multiple parts of (L) is fitted over above described parts. Part (L) may or may not be welded to each other to provide increased robustness. Screen end sections are closed with welded end rings.

[0097] 10.) Comprises parts A, B or C, E, H, and M.

[0098] Part (A) is manufactured first. Part (B) or (C) is then manufactured onto part (A). Multiple rings of (H) are installed onto part (E) until stacked full. Assembly (H)+(E) is fitted onto (B) or (C). Finally, part (M) is fitted over above described parts. Screen end sections are closed with welded end rings.

[0099] 11.) Comprises parts A, B or C, E, H, and N.

[0100] Part (A) is manufactured first. Part (B) or (C) is then manufactured onto part (A). Multiple rings of (H) are installed onto part (E) until stacked full. Assembly (H)+(E) is fitted onto (B) or (C). Finally, multiple parts of (N) is fitted over above described parts. Part (N) may or may not be welded to each other to provide increased robustness. Screen end sections are closed with welded end rings.

[0101] 12.) Comprises parts A, B or C, E, H, and O.

[0102] Part (A) is manufactured first. Part (B) or (C) is then manufactured onto part (A). Multiple rings of (H) are installed onto part (E) until stacked fall. Assembly (H)+(E) is fitted onto (B) or (C). Finally, part (O) is fitted over above described parts. Screen end sections are closed with welded end rings.

[0103] 13.) Comprises parts A, B or C, D, I, and L.

[0104] Part (A) is manufactured first. Part (B) or (C) is then manufactured onto part (A). Multiple sections of (I) are installed onto part (D) until stacked full. Assembly (I)+(D) is fitted onto (B) or (C). Finally, multiple parts of (L) is fitted over above described parts. Part (L) may or may not be welded to each other to provide increased robustness. Screen end sections are closed with welded end rings.

[0105] 14.) Comprises parts A, B or C, D, I, and M

[0106] Part (A) is manufactured first. Part (B) or (C) is then manufactured onto part (A). Multiple sections of (I) are installed onto part (D) until stacked full. Assembly (I)+(D) is fitted onto (B) or (C). Finally, part (M) is fitted over above described parts. Screen end sections are closed with welded end rings.

[0107] 15.) Comprises parts A, B or C, D, I, and N

[0108] Part (A) is manufactured first. Part (B) or (C) is then manufactured onto part (A). Multiple sections of (I) are installed onto part (D) until stacked full. Assembly (I)+(D) is fitted onto (B) or (C). Finally, multiple parts of (N) is fitted over above described parts. Part (N) may or may not be welded to each other to provide increased robustness. Screen end sections are closed with welded end rings.

[0109] 16.) Comprises parts A, B or C, D, I, and O

[0110] Part (A) is manufactured first. Part (B) or (C) is then manufactured onto part (A). Multiple sections of (I) are installed onto part (D) until stacked full. Assembly (I)+(D) is fitted onto (B) or (C). Finally, part (O) is fitted over above described parts. Screen end sections are closed with welded end rings.

[0111] 17.) Comprises parts A, B or C, D, J, and L

[0112] Part (A) is manufactured first. Part (B) or (C) is then manufactured onto part (A). Multiple sections of (J) are installed onto part (D) until stacked full. Assembly (J)+(D) is fitted onto (B) or (C). Finally, multiple parts of (L) is fitted over above described parts. Part (L) may or may not be welded to each other to provide increased robustness. Screen end sections are closed with welded end rings.

[0113] 18.) Comprises parts A, B or C, D, J, and M

[0114] Part (A) is manufactured first. Part (B) or (C) is then manufactured onto part (A). Multiple sections of (J) are installed onto part (D) until stacked full. Assembly (J)+(D) is fitted onto (B) or (C). Finally, part (M) is fitted over above described parts. Screen end sections are closed with welded end rings.

[0115] 19.) Comprises parts A, B, or C, D, 3 and N

[0116] Part (A) is manufactured first. Part (B) or (C) is then manufactured onto part (A). Multiple sections of (J) are installed onto part (D) until stacked full. Assembly (J)+(D) is fitted onto (B) or (C). Finally, multiple parts of (N) is fitted over above described parts. Part (N) may or may not be welded to each other to provide increased robustness. Screen end sections are closed with welded end rings.

[0117] 20.) Comprises parts A, B or C, D, J and O

[0118] Part (A) is manufactured first. Part (B) or (C) is then manufactured onto part (A). Multiple sections of (J) are installed onto part (D) until stacked full. Assembly (J)+(D) is fitted onto (B) or (C). Finally, part (O) is fitted over above described parts. Screen end sections are closed with welded end rings.

[0119] 21.) Comprises parts A, B or C, E, K and L

[0120] Part (A) is manufactured first. Part (B) or (C) is then manufactured onto part (A). Section (K) is installed onto part (E). Assembly (K)+(E) is fitted onto (B) or (C). Finally, multiple parts of (1) is fitted over above described parts. Part (L) may or may not be welded to each other to provide increased robustness. Screen end sections are closed with welded end rings.

[0121] 22.) Comprises parts A, B or C, E, K and M

[0122] Part (A) is manufactured first. Part (B) or (C) is then manufactured onto part (A). Section (K) is installed onto part (E). Assembly (K)+(E) is fitted onto (B) or (C). Finally, part (M) is fitted over above described parts. Screen end sections are closed with welded end rings.

[0123] 23.) Comprises parts A, B or C, B, K and N

[0124] Part (A) is manufactured first. Part (B) or (C) is then manufactured onto part (A). Section (K) is installed onto part (B). Assembly (K)+(B) is fitted onto (B) or (C). Finally, multiple parts of (N) is fitted over above described parts. Part (N) may or may not be welded to each other to provide increased robustness. Screen end sections are closed with welded end rings.

[0125] 24.) Comprises parts A, B or C, E, K and O

[0126] Part (A) is manufactured first. Part (B) or (C) is then manufactured onto part (A). Section (K) is installed onto part (E). Assembly (K)+(E) is fitted onto (B) or (C). Finally, part (O) is fitted over above described parts. Screen end sections are closed with welded end rings.

[0127] 25.) Comprises parts A, F, and L.

[0128] Part (A) is manufactured first. Multiple parts (F) are installed onto part (A) until stacked full. Finally, multiple parts of (L) is fitted over above described parts. Part (L) may or may not be welded to each other to provide increased robustness. Screen end sections are closed with welded end rings.

[0129] 26.) Comprises parts A, F, and M.

[0130] Part (A) is manufactured first. Multiple parts (F) are installed onto part (A) until stacked full. Finally, part (M) is fitted over above described parts. Screen end sections are closed with welded end rings.

[0131] 27.) Comprises parts A, F, and N.

[0132] Part (A) is manufactured first. Multiple parts (F) are installed onto part (A) until stacked full. Finally, multiple parts of (N) is fitted over above described parts. Part (N) may or may not be welded to each other to provide increased robustness. Screen end sections are closed with welded end rings.

[0133] 28.) Comprises parts A, F, and O.

[0134] Part (A) is manufactured first. Multiple parts (F) are installed onto part (A) until stacked fill. Finally, part (O) is fitted over above described parts. Screen end sections are closed with welded end rings.

[0135] 29.) Comprises parts A, D, G and L

[0136] Part (A) is manufactured first. Multiple sections of (G) are installed onto part (D) until stacked full. Assembly (G)+(D) is fitted onto (A). Finally, multiple parts of (L) is fitted over above described parts. Part (L) may or may not be welded to each other to provide increased robustness. Screen end sections are closed with welded end rings.

[0137] 30.) Comprises parts A, D, G and M

[0138] Part (A) is manufactured first. Multiple sections of (G) are installed onto part (D) until stacked full. Assembly (G)+(D) is fitted onto (A). Finally, part (M) is fitted over above described parts. Screen end sections are closed with welded end rings.

[0139] 31.) Comprises parts A, D, G and N

[0140] Part (A) is manufactured first. Multiple sections of (G) are installed onto part (D) until stacked full. Assembly (G)+(D) is fitted onto (A). Finally, multiple parts of (N) is fitted over above described parts. Part (N) may or may not be welded to each other to provide increased robustness. Screen end sections are closed with welded end rings.

[0141] 32.) Comprises parts A, D, G and O

[0142] Part (A) is manufactured first. Multiple sections of (G) are installed onto part (D) until stacked full. Assembly (G)+(D) is fitted onto (A). Finally, part (O) is fitted over above described parts. Screen end sections are closed with welded end rings.

[0143] 33.) Comprises parts A, E, H and L.

[0144] Part (A) is manufactured first. Multiple rings of (H) are installed onto part (E) until stacked full. Assembly (H)+(E) is fitted onto (A). Finally, multiple parts of (L) is fitted over above described parts. Part (L) may or may not be welded to each other to provide increased robustness. Screen end sections are closed with welded end rings.

[0145] 34.) Comprises parts A, E, H and M

[0146] Part (A) is manufactured first. Multiple rings of (H) are installed onto part (F) until stacked full. Assembly (H)+(F) is fitted onto (A). Finally, part (M) is fitted over above described parts. Screen end sections are closed with welded end rings.

[0147] 35.) Comprises parts A, E, H and N

[0148] Part (A) is manufactured first. Multiple rings of (H) are installed onto part (E) until stacked full. Assembly (H)+(E) is fitted onto (A). Finally, multiple parts of (N) is fitted over above described parts. Part en) may or may not be welded to each other to provide increased robustness. Screen end sections are closed with welded end rings.

[0149] 36.) Comprises parts A, E, H and O

[0150] Part (A) is manufactured first. Multiple rings of (H) are installed onto part (E) until stacked full. Assembly (H)+(E) is fitted onto (A). Finally, part (O) is fitted over above described parts. Screen end sections are closed with welded end rings.

[0151] 37.) Comprises parts A, D, I and L

[0152] Part (A) is manufactured first. Multiple sections of (I) are installed onto part (D) until stacked full. Assembly (I)+(D) is fitted onto (A). Finally, multiple parts of (L) is fitted over above described parts. Part (L) may or may not be welded to each other to provide increased robustness. Screen end sections are closed with welded end rings.

[0153] 38.) Comprises parts A, D, I and M

[0154] Part (A) is manufactured first. Multiple sections of (I) are installed onto part (D) until stacked full. Assembly (I)+(D) is fitted onto (A). Finally, part (M) is fitted over above described parts.

[0155] 39.) Comprises parts A, D, I and N

[0156] Part (A) is manufactured first. Multiple sections of (I) are installed onto part (D) until stacked full. Assembly (I)+(D) is fitted onto (A). Finally, multiple parts of (N) is fitted over above described parts. Part (N) may or may not be welded to each other to provide increased robustness. Screen end sections are closed with welded end rings.

[0157] 40.) Comprises parts A, D, I and O

[0158] Part (A) is manufactured first. Multiple sections of (I) are installed onto part (D) until stacked full. Assembly (I)+(D) is fitted onto (A). Finally, part (O) is fitted over above described parts.

[0159] 41.) Comprises parts A, D, J and L

[0160] Part (A) is manufactured first. Multiple sections of (J) are installed onto part (D) until stacked full. Assembly (J)+(D) is fitted onto (A). Finally, multiple parts of (L) is fitted over above described parts. Part (L) may or may not be welded to each other to provide increased robustness. Screen end sections are closed with welded end rings.

[0161] 42.) Comprises parts A, D, J and M

[0162] Part (A) is manufactured first. Multiple sections of (J) are installed onto part (D) until stacked full. Assembly (J)+(D) is fitted onto (A). Finally, part (M) is fitted over above described parts. Screen end sections are closed with welded end rings.

[0163] 43.) Comprises parts A, D, J and N

[0164] Part (A) is manufactured first. Multiple sections of (J) are installed onto part (D) until stacked full. Assembly (J)+(D) is fitted onto (A). Finally, multiple parts of (N) is fitted over above described parts. Part (N) may or may not be welded to each other to provide increased robustness. Screen end sections are closed with welded end rings.

[0165] 44.) Comprises parts A, D, J and O

[0166] Part (A) is manufactured first. Multiple sections of (J) are installed onto part (D) until stacked full. Assembly (J)+(D) is fitted onto (A). Finally, part (O) is fitted over above described parts. Screen end sections are closed with welded end rings.

[0167] 45.) Comprises parts A, E, K and L

[0168] Part (A) is manufactured first. Section (K) is installed onto part (E). Assembly (K)+(E) is fitted onto (A). Finally, multiple parts of (L) is fitted over above described parts. Part (L) may or may not be welded to each other to provide increased robustness. Screen end sections are closed with welded end rings.

[0169] 46.) Comprises parts A, E, K and M

[0170] Part (A) is manufactured first. Section (K) is installed onto part (E). Assembly (K)+(E) is fitted onto (A). Finally, part (M) is fitted over above described parts. Screen end sections are closed with welded end rings.

[0171] 47.) Comprises parts A, E, K and N

[0172] Part (A) is manufactured first. Section (K) is installed onto part (E). Assembly (K)+(E) is fitted onto (A). Finally, multiple parts of (N) is fitted over above described parts. Part (N) may or may not be welded to each other to provide increased robustness. Screen end sections are closed with welded end rings.

[0173] 48.) Comprises parts A, E, K and O

[0174] Part (A) is manufactured first. Section (K) is installed onto part (E). Assembly (K)+(E) is fitted onto (A). Finally, part (O) is fitted over above described parts. Screen end sections are closed with welded end rings. 1 Alternative ResQ configurations ResQ Itm: Assembly Parts 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 A Perforated/Slotted Basepipe Full Joint Length x x x x x x x x x x x x x B SWWSS* Full Joint Length x x x x x x x x x x x x x C Wire/Braided Wire Mesh Screen Full Joint Length x x x x x x x x x x x x x D Inner Pipe Perforated Section x x x x x E Inner Pipe Perforated Full Joint Length x x x x F Knitted Wire Discriminiator Compressed ring Individual ring x x x x G Knitted Wire Discriminiator Compressed multiple rings Section x x x x H Knitted Wire Discriminiator Compressed multiple rings Full Joint Length x x x x I Knitted Wire Discriminiator Compressed hose section Section x J Knitted Wire Discriminiator Layer-on-layer Section K Knitted Wire Discriminiator Layer-on-layer Full Joint Length L Outer Pipe Perforated Section x x x x M Outer Pipe Perforated Full Joint Length x x x N Outer Pipe Louvered Section x x x O Outer Pipe Louvered Full Joint Length x x x ResQ Itm: Assembly Parts 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 A Perforated/Slotted Basepipe Full Joint Length x x x x x x x x x x x x x B SWWSS* Full Joint Length x x x x x x x x x x x C Wire/Braided Wire Mesh Screen Full Joint Length x x x x x x x x x x x D Inner Pipe Perforated Section x x x x x x x E Inner Pipe Perforated Full Joint Length x x x x F Knitted Wire Discriminiator Compressed ring Individual ring x x G Knitted Wire Discriminiator Compressed multiple rings Section H Knitted Wire Discriminiator Compressed multiple rings Full Joint Length I Knitted Wire Discriminiator Compressed hose section Section x x x J Knitted Wire Discriminiator Layer-on-layer Section x x x x K Knitted Wire Discriminiator Layer-on-layer Full Joint Length x x x x L Outer Pipe Perforated Section x x x M Outer Pipe Perforated Full Joint Length x x x x N Outer Pipe Louvered Section x x x O Outer Pipe Louvered Full Joint Length x x x ResQ Itm: Assembly Parts 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 A Perforated/Slotted Basepipe Full Joint Length x x x x x x x x x x x x x B SWWSS* Full Joint Length C Wire/Braided Wire Mesh Screen Full Joint Length D Inner Pipe Perforated Section x x x x x x x E Inner Pipe Perforated Full Joint Length x x x x F Knitted Wire Discriminiator Compressed ring Individual ring x x G Knitted Wire Discriminiator Compressed multiple rings Section x x x x H Knitted Wire Discriminiator Compressed multiple rings Full Joint Length x x x x I Knitted Wire Discriminiator Compressed hose section Section x x x J Knitted Wire Discriminiator Layer-on-layer Section K Knitted Wire Discriminiator Layer-on-layer Full Joint Length L Outer Pipe Perforated Section x x x M Outer Pipe Perforated Full Joint Length x x x N Outer Pipe Louvered Section x x x x O Outer Pipe Louvered Full Joint Length x x x ResQ Itm: Assembly Parts 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 A Perforated/Slotted Basepipe Full Joint Length x x x x x x x x x B SWWSS* Full Joint Length C Wire/Braided Wire Mesh Screen Full Joint Length D Inner Pipe Perforated Section x x x x x E Inner Pipe Perforated Full Joint Length x x x x F Knitted Wire Discriminiator Compressed ring Individual ring G Knitted Wire Discriminiator Compressed multiple rings Section H Knitted Wire Discriminiator Compressed multiple rings Full Joint Length I Knitted Wire Discriminiator Compressed hose section Section x J Knitted Wire Discriminiator Layer-on-layer Section x x x x K Knitted Wire Discriminiator Layer-on-layer Full Joint Length x x x x L Outer Pipe Perforated Section x x M Outer Pipe Perforated Full Joint Length x x N Outer Pipe Louvered Section x x O Outer Pipe Louvered Full Joint Length x x x *Single Wire Wrapped Sand Screen

[0175] The knitted wire fines discriminator has superior filter capabilities as one can tailor the properties of the filter medium; parameters such as thickness, wire diameter(s), porosity, permeability, compaction/density, etc. can be varied in a controlled manner.

[0176] Erosion resistance and durability of the knitted wire fines discriminator is enhanced, partially due to the intertwining of the steel wires from the knitting process.

[0177] Erosion resistance is further enhanced by:

[0178] 1) the size of the loops with up to a maximum of 11 strands of wire per loop.

[0179] 2) the size of the wire ranging from 0.0005″ to 0.014″.

[0180] 3) the number and arrangement of layers of the wire knitted together.

[0181] 4) the physical and chemical properties of the wire.

[0182] Due to the high erosion resistance, the knitted wire fines discriminator reduces the risk of sand production (more difficult to erode holes in the knitted wire filter and thereby provide a path for sand particles).

[0183] The knitted wire fines discriminator has a large effective flow area (highly porous −75%—and controlled permeability).

[0184] The discriminators are also able to be installed in configurations for which there has been experience for the structure to filter materials. Thus, it is adaptable to current configurations. This is illustrated by the 48 different types set out above.

[0185] Because many varying and difference embodiments may be made within the scope of the invention concept taught herein which may involve many modifications in the embodiments herein detailed in accordance with the descriptive requirements of the law, it is to be understood that the details herein are to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

Claims

1. A subterranean pipe system, comprising:

a substructure tubular member having an exterior wall and having at least one opening therethrough; a knitted wire energy absorber, said energy absorber covering at least a portion of said exterior wall of said substructure.

2. The pipe system of claim 1, wherein each of said substructure openings is perforated.

3. The pipe system of claim 1, wherein each of said substructure openings is slotted.

4. The pipe system of claim 1, wherein said energy absorber includes a knitted wire mesh cylindrical ring surrounding said substructure.

5. The pipe system of claim 1, wherein said energy absorber includes a stack of knitted wire mesh cylindrical rings.

6. The pipe system of claim 1, wherein there is further included a tubular member mounted over said energy absorber and in fluid communication with the well and said energy absorber.

7. The pipe system of claim 1, wherein said tubular member has openings therethrough.

8. The pipe system of claim 1, wherein said substructure tubular member includes a wire wrapped screen mounted around said exterior wall of said substructure tubular member.

9. The pipe system of claim 1, wherein said covering is a wire mesh screen.

10. The pipe system of claim 1, wherein said wire mesh screen covers at least a portion of said exterior wall of said tubular member.

11. The pipe system of claim 1, wherein said energy absorber includes a knitted wire mesh screen acting as a fines discriminator.

12. The pipe system of claim 1, wherein there is further included an outer protective shielding covering said energy absorber.

13. The pipe system of claim 12, wherein said outer protective shielding has openings therethrough.

14. The pipe system of claim 13, wherein said openings are perforations in said outer protective shielding.

15. The pipe system of claim 13, wherein said openings are leuvered.

16. The pipe system of claim 12, wherein energy absorber includes an exterior wall and said outer protective shielding is mounted to cover said exterior wall.

17. The pipe system of claim 1, wherein said energy absorber includes a knitted wire mesh screen and said knitted wire mesh includes wire, said wire being stainless steel.

18. The pipe system of claim 1, wherein said energy absorber includes a knitted wire mesh screen and said knitted wire mesh includes wire, said wire being metallic alloys of zinc.

19. The pipe system of claim 1, wherein said energy absorber includes a knitted wire mesh screen and said knitted wire mesh includes wire, said wire being metallic alloys of copper.

20. The pipe system of claim 1, wherein said energy absorber includes a knitted wire mesh screen and said knitted wire mesh includes wire, said wire being fibers of kavler.

21. The pipe system of claim 1, wherein said energy absorber includes a knitted wire mesh screen and said knitted wire mesh includes wire, said wire being fibers of aramid.

22. The pipe system of claim 1, wherein said energy absorber includes a series of knitted wire mesh cylinders layered around each other, said inner cylinder covering said portion of said exterior wall.

23. The pipe system of claim 1, wherein said energy absorber includes a series of wire mesh cylinders layered around each other, said inner cylinder covering said portion of said exterior wall.

24. The pipe system of claim 1, wherein said energy absorber includes a series of wire mesh and braided wire cylinders layered around each other, said inner cylinder covering said portion of said exterior wall.

25. A subterranean pipe system, comprising:

a substructure tubular member having a wall and having at least one opening therethrough; a knitted wire mesh screen acting as a fines discriminator, said knitted wire mesh screen covering at least a portion of said wall of said substructure, said energy absorber juxtaposed to at least a portion of said wall of said substructure.

26. A knitted wire inflow control apparatus for providing known pressure loss for a flowing fluid in a pipe, comprising:

a cylindrical shaped inner tubular member, said tubular member having a known pressure drop, said tubular member including layers of knitted wire mesh and being mounted in the pipe.

27. The control apparatus of claim 26, wherein said pipe is in a subterranean production system having flowing fluid flowing through said tubular member to produce the pressure loss.