Abstract: A wellbore screen including: an apertured base pipe; an intermediate filtering layer including a plurality of metal fibers wrapped helically around the apertured base pipe and a fluid tracing filament wrapped helically about the apertured base pipe, the fluid tracing filament including a filament structure and a tracer carried by the filament structure, the tracer being entrainable in produced fluids in a wellbore environment; and an outer apertured shell over the intermediate layer. A method for producing a wellbore screen, the method comprising: forming a filter tube by wrapping an intermediate layer, including a metal wool fiber strip and a fluid tracing filament, about an apertured base pipe in a helical arrangement under tension; positioning the filter tube within the long bore of an outer apertured sleeve; and securing the outer apertured sleeve and the filter tube together.

Abstract: A wellbore assembly comprises a tubular member adapted to be connected to other tubular members, the tubular member having a side wall defining a hollow interior and an array of openings therethrough to permit material into the interior. A screening element extends about the tubular member over the array of openings to control the material that reaches the array of openings. A stress relieving arrangement associated with the screening element permits relative movement between the screening element and the tubular member to absorb stress build-up within the screening element whether due to mechanical or temperature induced forces that would tend to distortion the screening elements. In a preferred arrangement, the wellbore assembly serves to maintain solids control in production wells while accommodating stresses and strains that occur within the tubular members in those wells.

Abstract: A well tool for use with a subterranean well can include an elongated passageway and a plug which prevents fluid communication through the passageway for a predetermined period of time. The plug can including an anhydrous boron compound, whereby the predetermined period of time is determined by a length of the anhydrous boron compound. A method of operating a well tool in conjunction with a subterranean well can include exposing an anhydrous boron compound to an aqueous fluid, with the anhydrous boron compound being included in a plug which prevents fluid communication through a passageway of the well tool. The well tool can be operated in response to fluid communication being permitted through the passageway a predetermined period of time after the exposing step.

Abstract: A screen jacket assembly for positioning around a base pipe (102) to form a sand control screen (100). The screen jacket assembly includes a screen jacket (112) formed from a plurality of circumferentially distributed axially extending ribs (114) and a screen wire (116) wrapped therearound. A pair of oppositely disposed connector rings (118, 126) is at least partially positionable around the first and second ends, respectively, of the screen jacket (112). The connector rings (118, 126) each have a plurality of openings (120, 128) in a sidewall portion thereof that are circumferentially alignable with at least a portion of the ribs (114) such that the connector rings (118, 126) are integrally connectable with the aligned ribs (114) via the openings (120, 128).

Abstract: In one aspect, a passive flow control device for controlling flow of a fluid is provided, which device in one configuration include a longitudinal member configured to receive fluid radially along a selected length of the longitudinal member, the longitudinal member including flow restrictions configured to cause a pressure drop across the radial direction of the longitudinal member. In another aspect, a method of completing a wellbore is provided, which method in one embodiment may include providing a flow control device that includes a tubular with a first set of fluid flow passages and at least one member with a second set of fluid passages placed outside the tubular, wherein the first and second set of passages are offset along a longitudinal direction and the member is configured to receive a fluid along the radial direction; placing the flow control device at a selected location a wellbore; and allowing a fluid flow between the formation and the flow control device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of degradable coatings suitable for use on downhole tools. In particular, the present invention relates to pliable coatings for use on downhole tools that have been designed to be able to resist flaking or breaking off of the tool in response to a physical shock. Some embodiments of the present invention provide methods of reacting lactic acid, glycolic acid, or a combination thereof in a polymerization reaction to form a degradable polymer; combining the degradable polymer and a plasticizer to form a coating composition; applying the coating composition to a downhole tool; placing the coated downhole tool into a portion of a subterranean formation; and, hydrolyzing the degradable polymer of the coating composition to release an acid and degrade the coating.

Abstract: A cartridge-type wellbore screen includes: a cylindrical wall including a first end, a second end opposite the first end, an inner surface defining an inner diameter of the wellbore screen, the inner diameter being open from the first end to the second end, and an outer surface; an opening to the inner diameter through the cylindrical wall the opening extending between the outer surface and the inner surface to provide fluid access from the outer surface to the inner diameter; a fluid filtering material positioned to filter oversize particles from passing through the opening; and a fluid tracing material carried by the wellbore tubular and mounted at a mounting site spaced from the opening to the inner diameter and outwardly of the inner diameter, the mounting site being positioned such that a fluid flow path is restricted to be from the mounting site, along the outer surface and through the opening before entering the inner diameter. The screen can be used for treating wellbore fluids.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling flow of fluid from a reservoir into a wellbore is provided, which apparatus in one embodiment may include a flow-through region configured to substantially increase value of a selected parameter relating to the flow-through region when selected parameter is in a first range and maintain a substantially constant value of the selected parameter when the selected property of the fluid is in a second range.

Abstract: A debris barrier snap fits to a tubular groove of one of the tubulars that define the annular gap in which the barrier is to be mounted. It is loosely mounted so that it can center itself in the annulus as the relatively moving members go out of a concentric arrangement. The continuous carbon fiber material used for the debris barrier has lubricious qualities to act as a bushing when the annulus shape changes due to movement of the tubulars out of a concentric relationship. An outer or inner groove on the barrier acts to trap and retain small particles that manage to advance between the barrier and the outer tubular. The snap fit is accomplished with flexible spaced apart fingers with grip surfaces to engage a groove on one of the tubulars. The barrier has low expansion under thermal loads to retain the clearance that acts to stop the entrance of debris.

Abstract: A debris barrier snap fits to a tubular groove of one of the tubulars that define the annular gap in which the barrier is to be mounted. It is loosely mounted so that it can center itself in the annulus as the relatively moving members go out of a concentric arrangement. The continuous carbon fiber material used for the debris barrier has lubricious qualities to act as a bushing when the annulus shape changes due to movement of the tubulars out of a concentric relationship. An outer or inner groove on the barrier acts to trap and retain small particles that manage to advance between the barrier and the outer tubular. The snap fit is accomplished with flexible spaced apart fingers with grip surfaces to engage a groove on one of the tubulars. The barrier has low expansion under thermal loads to retain the clearance that acts to stop the entrance of debris.

Abstract: A new method separating sand, solids, and produced particulates down-hole in a well producing hydrocarbons. The separation assembly can include ether one, two, or more segments or stages of varying lengths depending upon the individual application. The assembly is installed into the tubing string or delivery conduit of a well producing hydrocarbons. One stage can consist of a velocity chamber whereby separation of particulates occurs by increasing the downward velocity of particulates and reducing the upward velocity of hydrocarbons thereby allowing the particulates to “fall-out” into a lower chamber where the particulates are captured. Another stage can consist of a filter whereby particulates are captured in a chamber that can consist of filtering materials such as gravel, rock, sand, wood, or manmade materials. Each of the stages can be employed individually or in combination.

Abstract: A completion tubular is placed in position adjacent the zone or zones to be fractured and produced. It features preferably sliding sleeve valves one series of which can be put in the wide open position after run in for gravel packing and fracturing zones one at a time or in any desired order. These valves are then closed and another series of valves can be opened wide but with a screen material juxtaposed in the flow passage to selectively produce from one or more fractured zones. An annular path behind the gravel is provided by an offset screen to promote flow to the screened production port. The path can be a closed annulus that comes short of the production port or goes over it. For short runs an exterior screen or shroud is eliminated for a sliding sleeve with multiple screened ports that can be opened in tandem.

Abstract: Apparatus for downhole filtration of fluids in a wellbore. The apparatus has a diverter and a filter slidably mounted on a mandrel. The diverter has a circumferential wiper element between the mandrel and the casing within which the apparatus is run. When fluids are reverse circulated, or the tool is being pulled out, the diverter shifts to a downward position, wherein it seals against an upper end of the filter, filtering out solids in the fluids and retaining them in a chamber between the sleeve and mandrel. When running the tool into a wellbore, the diverter shifts to an upper position to permit fluids to bypass the filter sleeve. The filter sleeve bears against a spring loaded seat, which permits creating a gap between the diverter and an upper end of the filter sleeve to allow fluids to bypass the filter sleeve should the filter sleeve slots become plugged.

Abstract: An apparatus for isolating at least a portion of a tubular for use in a wellbore comprising a first, inner tubular in the form of carrier tube and a second, outer tubular in the form of protective shroud, coupled to the carrier tube. One or more aperture is provided in a wall of the carrier tube for permitting fluid transfer through the tube and one or more aperture is provided to permit fluid transfer through the shroud. A sealing layer is disposed on a surface of the shroud, the sealing layer defining a first configuration permitting fluid flow through the apertures and, on exposure to a selected reactant, adopting a second configuration to restrict fluid flow through the apertures, the sealing layer adapted to return from the second configuration to the first configuration where concentration of the selected reactant falls below a selected threshold.

Abstract: Screen assemblies capable of being disposed in a bore for hydrocarbon fluid production are described. The screen assemblies can support filter mediums and reduce or eliminate plugging by swellable material. One screen assembly includes filter mediums supported by a rigid member located exterior to a portion of a base pipe. The rigid member can include openings through which the filter mediums can be in fluid communication with an inner diameter of the base pipe. Swellable material can be disposed exterior to a second portion of the base pipe adjacent to the rigid member. The filter mediums can be displaced to contact a wellbore and the rigid members can help reduce or prevent plugging of screen assembly openings.

Abstract: Screen assemblies capable of being disposed in a wellbore for hydrocarbon fluid production are described. The screen assemblies can support tubes for receiving hydrocarbon fluid and reduce or eliminate plugging of the tubes by swellable material. A screen assembly may include a support material between a tube and swellable material located exterior to a base pipe. The tube may include perforations and can receive and direct hydrocarbon fluids from the formation. The swellable material can expand after contact with an activating fluid and can displace the tube toward a surface of the bore. The swellable material can expand more than the support material and the support material can reduce or prevent plugging of the perforations by the swellable material expanding.

Abstract: A well screen is constructed by positioning a crimp ring encircling and over an end of a wrapped-on-pipe screen layer on a tubular base pipe. The crimp ring is plastically deformed about an outer surface of the screen layer. A bead of weld is applied to affix the crimp ring to the base pipe.

Abstract: A sand control screen assembly (70) is operably positionable within a wellbore (84). The sand control screen assembly (70) includes a base pipe (72) having at least one opening and an internal flow path (74). A swellable material layer (76) is disposed exteriorly of the base pipe (72). A fluid collection subassembly (78) is disposed exteriorly of the swellable material layer (76). A drainage layer (82) is disposed exteriorly of the fluid collection subassembly (78) and the swellable material layer (76). In response to contact with an activating fluid, radial expansion of the swellable material layer (76) causes at least a portion of the fluid collection subassembly (78) and the drainage layer (82) to be displaced toward a surface of the wellbore (84).

Abstract: Methods and systems of hydrocarbon production where wellbore stimulation and production is achieved in a single wellbore run-in, and inflow control devices are installed in an existing wellbore completion. A coiled tubing string is conveyed into a substantially horizontal portion of a wellbore, where the coiled tubing string has a production tubular configured to execute both stimulation and recovery operations. The production tubular can include an inflow control device to be installed in an existing wellbore.

Abstract: A subterranean screen system features openings in a base pipe and sleeve sections of a porous material that preferably swells in the borehole to span an annular space around the base pipe. Retainers are mounted to the base pipe in a desired location and mechanically fixated using an internal grip system actuated through the wall of the retainer. A wedging action of slip segments is initiated by an angularly advancing assembly through the wall of the retainer. The retainer can have end rings extending past one or both ends over which the screen sleeve extends. Flat or ridges on the exterior of the retainer or end rings make assembly easier with hand tools to allow for rapid field assembly, if needed. Filtration occurs through the sleeves that abut the borehole wall and into the base pipe openings and to the surface.

Abstract: A remotely controllable flow control configuration including a body; one or more flow restrictors disposed in the body; and a selector fluidly connected with the body and capable of supplying or denying fluid to one or more of the one or more flow restrictors and method.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an assembly for use in a wellbore which includes a base pipe; a filter medium surrounding at least a portion of the external surface of the base pipe; and an internally profiled sleeve surrounding at least a portion of the filter media. Also included is a method for attaching a hardware accessory to a sand screen assembly which includes providing a base pipe having an inner surface and an outer surface; surrounding the outer surface of the base pipe with a filter medium; engaging the sleeve with the filter medium; and connecting the hardware accessory to the sleeve. Also included is a downhole apparatus which includes a basepipe, where at least a portion of the external surface of the basepipe is profiled; and a sleeve mounted external to the basepipe, where the internal profile of the sleeve corresponds to the external profile of the basepipe.

Abstract: A flow control screen having a fluid flow path between a perforated section of a base pipe and a filter medium positioned around a blank pipe section of the base pipe. A valve assembly, including a piston body and a valve plug, is disposed within the fluid flow path. The piston body has an internal seat and a collet assembly that is radially outwardly constrained in a first operating position of the piston body to retain the valve plug therein and radially outwardly unconstrained in a second operating position of the piston body. Reverse flow is initially prevented as an internal differential pressure seats the valve plug on the internal seat and causes the piston body to shift to the second operating position upon reaching a predetermined threshold. Thereafter, an external differential pressure causes the valve plug to be expelled through the collet assembly, thereby no longer preventing reverse flow.

Abstract: Screen assemblies capable of being disposed in a bore for hydrocarbon fluid production are described. The screen assemblies can support filter mediums and reduce or eliminate plugging by swellable material. One screen assembly includes filter mediums supported by a rigid member located exterior to a portion of a base pipe. The rigid member can include openings through which the filter mediums can be in fluid communication with an inner diameter of the base pipe. Swellable material can be disposed exterior to a second portion of the base pipe adjacent to the rigid member. The filter mediums can be displaced to contact a wellbore and the rigid members can help reduce or prevent plugging of screen assembly openings.

Abstract: Zonal isolation apparatus includes at least one packer assembly and can be used in completing an open-hole potion of a wellbore, which open-hole portion extends through at least two subsurface intervals. The zonal isolation apparatus includes base pipe and filter medium, which together form a sand screen. Each packer assembly comprises at least two mechanically set packer elements. Intermediate the at least two mechanically set packer elements is at least one swellable packer element. The swellable packer element is actuated over time in the presence of a fluid such as water, oil, or a chemical. Swelling may occur should one of the mechanically set packer elements fail. The zonal isolation apparatus also includes alternate flow channel(s) that serve to divert gravel pack slurry from an upper interval to lower intervals during gravel packing operations. A method for completing a wellbore using the zonal isolation apparatus is also provided herein.

Abstract: A slotted liner having straight-cut liner slots with a wall roughness which does not exceed 1 ?m. A slot cutting method to produce smooth slots using a specified blade configuration, rotational speed, and feed rate.

Abstract: A method of completing a wellbore having a branch wellbore extending outwardly from a window in a parent wellbore comprises positioning a tubular string in the window, wherein the positioning comprises deflecting the tubular string from the parent wellbore into the branch wellbore. The method also comprises providing a particulate barrier outside and against the tubular string proximate the window, the particulate barrier substantially excluding transport of particulate matter from the branch wellbore into the parent wellbore outside of the tubular string through the window. The method also comprises the tubular string passing fluid into the tubular string proximate the window from a formation proximate to the window while substantially excluding transport of particulate matter from the formation proximate to the window into the tubular string.

Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatus for assisting in reducing flowback of debris from an earthen formation into an underground fluid injection system includes a screen member disposed around and longitudinally moveable relative to a base pipe and shielded from direct contact with fluid as it is ejected from the base pipe.

Abstract: A method for making gravel filters in oil well bores. The first step involves ascertaining the location of a producing formation adjacent to a cemented casing in a well bore. Then, a portion of the casing adjacent to the producing formation is cut, enlarging the bore adjacent to the producing formation. Subsequently, a sufficient amount of gravel is deposited in the enlarged portion of the bore to create an effective filter for a producing tube with a screen at its distal end. The distal end is positioned adjacent to the cemented bottom of the well bore. The method maximizes the diameter of the gravel deposited by delivering it exteriorly of the screen of the producing tube and through the annular space defined and sealed between the screen and the casing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for preventing the migration of unconsolidated and/or loosely consolidated material into the wellbore. Such prevention is accomplished by introducing a well treatment comprising an expandable deployable structure into an uncosolidated zone proximate the wellbore. These deployable structures are inserted into the voids of the geological formation and using stored mechanical energy convert from an unexpanded or undeployed state to an expanded or deployed state. These deployable structures can exert forces, pressure or a combination of both in multiple directions on the surrounding media.

Abstract: A method of producing a filtration system for filtering a chemical fluid used in a hydrocarbon extraction well is provided. The method comprises providing a filter arrangement comprising an inlet end and an outlet end, connecting the inlet end to a first fluid flow passageway using a first hydraulically operated connector, and connecting the outlet end to a second fluid flow passageway using a second hydraulically operated connector.

Abstract: Degradable polylactic or polyhydroxyalkanoate polymers may be used to viscosify aqueous fluids for use in wells. Sand control screen or liner can be coated with a solid degradable polymer during placement in a well. Mechanical changes or flow changes in a well can be caused by solid degradable polymer that changes physical properties after it is placed in a well. Parts of devices or entire devices can be made of solid degradable polymer that converts to a fluid after selected times in an aqueous environment in a well.

Abstract: The well condition during gravel packing is monitored and the gravel distribution condition is sent to the surface in real time through the preferred technique of a fiber optic line that wraps around the screens directly or indirectly on a surrounding tube around the screens. The fiber optic line has a breakaway connection that severs when the completion inner string is removed. A production string can then be run in to tag the fiber optic line through a wet connect to continue monitoring well conditions in the production phase. The fiber optic line can also be coiled above the packer so that relative movement of the inner string to the set packer can be detected and communicated to the surface in real time so as to know that the crossover has been moved the proper distance to, for example, get it from the gravel packing position to the reverse out position.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly to be run with a well tubular having openings provided in the wall and for being arranged in a well bore and thereby forming a space between said tubing and the well bore surface. The assembly comprising: first fluid control means and second fluid control means being provided in another opening in said well tubular. The assembly further having a set of packers for sealing of the space between said tubing and the well bore surface, said set of packers being positioned such that a part the tubular having both first and second fluid control means is located between the set of packers. The first fluid control means is adapted such that it is capable of blocking fluid flow from the interior of said well tubular to said space between said tubing and the well bore surface. The second fluid control means is adapted such that it is capable of blocking fluid flow from said space between said tubing and the well bore surface to the interior of said well tubular.

Abstract: A sand control screen assembly (300) includes a base pipe (302) having at least one opening in a sidewall thereof and a screen jacket positioned about the base pipe (302). The screen jacket includes a drainage layer (304) and a filter medium positioned about the drainage layer (304). The drainage layer (304) includes a plurality of circumferentially distributed axially extending ribs (306) and a wrap wire (308) positioned around the ribs (306) forming a plurality of turns having gaps therebetween. The ribs (306) includes a plurality of first ribs (310) having a first cross-sectional rib profile, shaped and sized to maintain an annular space between the wrap wire (308) and the base pipe (302) and a plurality of second ribs (312) having a second cross-sectional rib profile, shaped and sized to provide for a gap between the second ribs (312) and the base pipe (302).

Abstract: A technique that is usable with a well includes running screen assemblies into the well on a base pipe. Each screen assembly is associated with a different zone of the well to be gravel packed. During gravel packing of the well, the screen assemblies may be selectively configured to contain pressure without running a tool inside the base pipe to form a fluid seal.

Abstract: An expanded non-bonded mesh well screen. A method of manufacturing a well screen includes the steps of: expanding at least a portion of a screen jacket; and then securing the screen jacket onto a base pipe. A well screen system includes a base pipe and an at least partially expanded screen jacket surrounding the base pipe. The screen jacket is expanded prior to being positioned on the base pipe.

Abstract: An expandable screen assembly includes, a tubular, and a plurality of screens in operable communication with the tubular each of the plurality of screens is configured to radially expand in response to a same force longitudinally compressing the plurality of screens.

Abstract: A fiber support arrangement for a downhole tool includes a tubular; at least one end ring positioning the tubular spaced radially from a downhole tool and lacking contact therewith; and a fiber supported at the tubular and method.

Abstract: An expanded non-bonded mesh well screen. A method of manufacturing a well screen includes the steps of: expanding at least a portion of a screen jacket; and then securing the screen jacket onto a base pipe. A well screen system includes a base pipe and an at least partially expanded screen jacket surrounding the base pipe. The screen jacket is expanded prior to being positioned on the base pipe.

Abstract: Apparatus for downhole filtration of fluids in a wellbore. The apparatus has a diverter and a filter slidably mounted on a mandrel. The diverter has a circumferential wiper element between the mandrel and the casing within which the apparatus is run. When fluids are reverse circulated, or the tool is being pulled out, the diverter shifts to a downward position, wherein it seals against an upper end of the filter, filtering out solids in the fluids and retaining them in a chamber between the sleeve and mandrel. When running the tool into a wellbore, the diverter shifts to an upper position to permit fluids to bypass the filter sleeve. The filter sleeve bears against a spring loaded seat, which permits creating a gap between the diverter and an upper end of the filter sleeve to allow fluids to bypass the filter sleeve should the filter sleeve slots become plugged.

Abstract: A method of completing a wellbore having a branch wellbore extending outwardly from a window in a parent wellbore comprises positioning a tubular string in the window, wherein the positioning comprises deflecting the tubular string from the parent wellbore into the branch wellbore. The method also comprises providing a particulate barrier outside and against the tubular string proximate the window, the particulate barrier substantially excluding transport of particulate matter from the branch wellbore into the parent wellbore outside of the tubular string through the window. The method also comprises the tubular string passing fluid into the tubular string proximate the window from a formation proximate to the window while substantially excluding transport of particulate matter from the formation proximate to the window into the tubular string.

Abstract: A screen assembly includes a tubular having one or more openings therein. A screen disposed about the tubular. The one or more devices disposed within the one or more openings. The devices each include a beaded matrix and a housing. Also included is a method for completing a wellbore with a sand screen.

Abstract: The invention concerns a bore screen comprising a plurality of perforated rigid tubular modules (1) impermeably connected in series by ball joint means (2), allowing an extracted fluid to flow though all of the elements in series and allowing the consecutive elements to move freely relative to one another, tilting in all directions.

Abstract: A sand control screen assembly (100) for use in a subterranean well. The sand control screen assembly (100) includes a base pipe (102) having an outer surface and at least one opening (104). A screen jacket (106) is disposed around the base pipe (102). The screen jacket (106) has a filter medium (112) and an outer shroud (114). The outer shroud (114) has first and second ends (124, 126) with inner and outer surfaces. Connector rings (120, 122) form mechanical interfaces between the base pipe (102) and the first and second ends (124, 126), respectively, of the outer shroud (114). Each of the connector rings (120, 122) is operable to mechanically induce permanent deformation in the outer surface of the base pipe (102) and at least one of the inner surface and the outer surface of the outer shroud (114), thereby connecting the screen jacket (106) to the base pipe (102).

Abstract: A sand control screen assembly having control line capture capability is operable for use in a subterranean wellbore. The sand control screen assembly includes a base pipe having a screen jacket positioned therearound for preventing the flow of particulate material of a predetermined size therethrough and allowing the flow of production fluids therethrough. The sand control screen assembly also includes a control line capture assembly. The control line capture assembly includes an axially extending flange that couples to the screen jacket and is operable to protect the control line during installation and operation of the sand control screen in the wellbore. The control line capture assembly also includes an axially extending spring channel that couples to the flange. The channel is operable to receive and retain the control line during installation and operation of the sand control screen in the wellbore.

Abstract: Methods and systems for completing multi-zone formations. The method can include placing a gravel pack assembly within a borehole. The gravel pack assembly can include a first sand control extension. A first sand control screen can be disposed adjacent the first sand control extension. The first sand control extension can have a flowpath that is selectively opened and closed. A first isolation packer can be disposed adjacent the first sand control screen. A second isolation packer can be disposed adjacent the first isolation packer. A second sand control extension can be disposed adjacent the second isolation packer. The second sand control extension can include at least a second flowpath that is selectively opened and closed. A second sand control screen can be disposed adjacent the second sand control extension. A lower seal can be disposed adjacent the second sand control screen.

Abstract: A method of making a screen for downhole use uses mesh screen layers that are diffusion bonded to each other. The ends that will overlap to make a seam when the sheets that are attached together are rolled into a tube are compressed before the tube shape is created or thereafter when the tube shape and an inner base pipe are drawn through a die to join the seam made by the overlapping edges. Because of the compression of the edges, when they overlap to form a tube the wall thickness at the overlap is about the same as the remaining thickness of the screen portion. Optionally, a resilient material can be compressed into the open areas of the screen portions that will be overlapped to make the generally longitudinally oriented seam. The seam can be parallel to the screen axis or spiral around it.

Abstract: Construction of well screens utilizing pre-formed annular-shaped elements. A well screen includes a filter layer configured to filter fluid flowing through the well screen and a drainage layer which radially supports the filter layer, the drainage layer including multiple individual annular-shaped elements. Another well screen includes a drainage layer configured to support the filter layer, with the drainage layer including at least one cavity molded therein. Another well screen includes a base pipe and a layer made up of multiple individual annular-shaped elements stacked coaxially on the base pipe. A cavity is formed in at least one of the elements.

Abstract: A device and system for controlling fluid flow into a wellbore tubular may include a flow path in a production control device and at least one in-flow control element along the flow path. A media in the in-flow control element adjusts a cross-sectional flow area of the flow path by interacting with water. The media may be an inorganic solid, a water swellable polymer, or ion exchange resin beads. A method for controlling a fluid flow into a wellbore tubular may include conveying the fluid via a flow path from the formation into a flow bore of the wellbore; and adjusting a cross-sectional flow area of at least a portion of the flow path using a media that interacts with water. The method may include calibrating the media to permit a predetermined amount of flow across the media after interacts with water.