Abstract: A groundwater pumping apparatus includes an outer tube, an inner tube, a shield member, a vacuum unit and a pump unit. The outer tube is buried in ground, and has a water-passing portion at its lower part. The inner tube has a substantially same length as the outer tube, and is placed in the outer tube such that the inner tube is spaced from the outer tube. The inner tube has a groundwater inlet at its bottom end, which is provided at a position lower than a top end of the water-passing portion. The shield member shields top ends of the outer tube and the inner tube. The vacuum unit reduces a pressure in the inner tube. The pump unit pumps groundwater that comes in the inner tube through the groundwater inlet.

Abstract: Systems and methods for gravel packing which provide a mechanism for a gravel slurry to bypass bridges which may form in the well intervals being packed. In one embodiment, a plurality of short, independent bypass flow paths are provided along the length of a well screen. Each of the bypass flow paths comprises a sub-interval of the length of the well screen. The bypass flow paths are preferably staggered to allow the upper ends of the flow paths to be spaced at intervals along the length of the well screen which are shorter than the lengths of the flow paths themselves.

Abstract: A sand control screen assembly (60) comprises a base pipe (62) having at least one opening (64) that allows fluid flow therethrough and a filter medium (66) positioned about the exterior of the base pipe (62) that allows fluid flow therethrough and prevents particulate flow therethrough. An inflatable seal member (72) is disposed within the at least one opening (64) of the base pipe (62) and controls fluid flow through the at least one opening (64). An inflation fluid source (74) is in fluid communication with the inflatable seal member (72) and provides an inflation fluid to the inflatable seal member (72) to selectively urge the inflatable seal member (72) into sealing engagement with the at least one opening (64).

Abstract: An apparatus and method of controlling the flow of hydrocarbons into and/or out of a string of tubing disposed in a wellbore. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a tubular member having at least one aperture formed in a wall thereof and a sleeve disposed radially outward of the tubular member. The sleeve is selectively movable between a first position and a second position to control the flow between the outside and the inside of the tubular member. In one aspect, the apparatus further comprises a biasing member disposed adjacent the sleeve and adapted to apply a force against the sleeve in an axial direction and further comprises a piston adapted to receive a hydraulic pressure to move the sleeve against the force of the biasing member. In another aspect, the apparatus further comprises a electromechanical device adapted to selectively move the sleeve between the first position and the second position and further comprises a control line adapted to conduct an electrical current.

Abstract: An adjustable well screen assembly having a sand screen which is wrapped around a perforated base pipe and a perforated sleeve which is movably disposed concentrically inside the base pipe between a first, closed, and a second, open, position. In the first position of the sleeve the perforations of the sleeve and base pipe are unaligned and hydraulically isolated from each other and flow of fluids from the outer diameter of the screen into the interior of the sleeve is inhibited. In the second position the perforations of the sleeve and the base pipe are aligned and connected in fluid communication with each other and fluids are permitted to flow from the formation through the sand screen and the perforations of the sleeve and base pipe into the interior of the sleeve.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for completing a subterranean zone penetrated by a wellbore are provided. The improved methods basically comprise the steps of placing a sand control screen (e.g., screens, screened pipes, perforated liners, prepacked screens, etc.) and an outer shroud assembly mounted over the sand screen in the wellbore adjacent the zone to be completed, the shroud having perforated and blank (non-perforated) segments with the blank segments corresponding to selected intervals of the wellbore, for example problem zones such as shale streaks or isolated zones where flows are restricted by mechanical seals or packers, and injecting particulate material into the wellbore, whereby gravel packing takes place in the remaining length of the wellbore/shroud annulus without voids. The inner annulus between the shroud and screen provides an alternate flow path for the slurry to bypass the blocked intervals and continue with its placement.

Abstract: An intelligent well system and method has a sand face completion and a monitoring system to monitor application of a well operation. Various equipment and services may be used. In another aspect, the invention provides a monitoring system for determining placement of a well treatment. Yet another aspect of the invention is an instrumented sand screen. Another aspect is a connector for routing control lines.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of a subterranean formation penetrated by a well in which, first and second flow paths are established from the wellhead into the vicinity of the formation. A plugging fluid comprising a suspension of a particulate plugging agent in a carrier liquid is circulated into the first flow path and into contact with the wall of the well within the subterranean formation. The carrier liquid is separated from the particulate plugging agent by circulating the carrier liquid through a set of openings leading to the second flow path, which are dimensioned to allow the passage of the carrier liquid while retaining the particulate plugging agent in contact with the set of openings. The circulation of the plugging fluid continues until the particulate plugging agent accumulates to form a bridge packing within the well.

Abstract: A gravel packing apparatus comprises multiple joints each having substantially the same construction and each having a perforated outer tubular (150, 152) positioned around a sand control screen (154, 156) including a slurry passageway (190, 194) and a production pathway (188, 192) therebetween. First and second transition members (210, 204) are disposed at opposite ends of each joint. When two such joints are connected together, the second transition member (204) of one joint is proximate the first transition member (210) of the next joint such that a fluid traveling from the slurry passageway (190) of one joint to the slurry passageway (194) of the next joint travels from the exterior to the interior of the second transition member (204) of the one joint and from the interior to the exterior of the first transition member (210) of the next joint.

Abstract: A well screen cover including a channel running along substantially the entire length of the well screen cover. The channel may be formed directly into the cover or separately formed and welded to the cover. The channel is open to the exterior of the well screen cover and is formed to house a cable, such as a fiber optic cable, which is run into a well bore along with the well screen.

Abstract: An expandable well screen has a desirable thin-wall construction together with a simplified fabrication method. In fabricating the screen, a flexible sheet of metal mesh filter media is diffusion bonded to an inner side of a perforated metal sheet which is then deformed to a tubular shape to form a filter structure having an outer perforated tubular shroud interiorly lined with the filter media. The tubular filter structure is telescoped onto a perforated base pipe and has its opposite ends sealingly secured thereto to complete the expandable well screen.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methods for movably securing a radially expandable sand-control screen jacket assembly to a base pipe. The screen jacket assembly is connected to the base pipe with a longitudinally moveable, sand-controlling joint. In use, the joint slides maintain a sand-controlling seal after radial expansion of the sand-control screen jacket assembly.

Abstract: A well screen for use in fracturing and/or gravel packing completions that produces a good distribution of gravel over the entire completion interval. The screen is comprised of a base pipe and an outer surface (e.g. wire wrap). A plurality of flow paths (e.g. shunt tubes) are positioned in the annulus formed by the base pipe and the outer surface of the screen, and connected to corresponding exit nozzle chambers positioned at different levels on the screen to supply gravel slurry throughout the well annulus. Thereby providing the necessary alternate flowpaths for the slurry without significantly increasing the overall effective outside diameter of the screen. The screen includes one or more joints each connected together via a special connector that incorporates a manifold area. Thereby making for simpler installation and faster make up of the joints, and eliminating the need for any special tools to run the screens in the well.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for completing an unconsolidated subterranean zone penetrated by a well bore are provided. The methods basically comprise the steps of placing a slotted liner having an internal sand screen disposed therein in the zone, isolating the slotted liner and the well bore in the zone and injecting particulate material into the annuli between the sand screen and the slotted liner and the slotted liner and the well bore to thereby form packs of particulate material therein to prevent the migration of fines and sand with produced fluids.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for completing a subterranean zone penetrated by a wellbore are provided. The improved methods include the steps of placing in the wellbore a perforated shroud (liner) having an internal sand screen therein (e.g., screens, screened pipes, perforated liners, prepacked screens, etc.), positioning about the perforated liner an alternate flowpath comprised of a plurality of “bypass” tubes or conduits having inlet passages or portions adapted to receive the gravel slurry as it reaches the apparatus and outlets for the slurry to reach the well annulus, and injecting particulate material (e.g., slurry) into the wellbore/perforated shroud and shroud/screen annuli, whereby the particulate material is uniformly packed into the two annuli and the zone. In one aspect of the invention, the multiple flow paths are provided via a series of blank tubes (e.g.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for expanding an expandable tubular in the wellbore. In one aspect, the expandable tubular is expanded using an inflatable packer. In another aspect, the expandable tubular is an expandable sand screen.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of a subterranean formation penetrated by a well in which, first and second flow paths are established from the wellhead into the vicinity of the formation. A plugging fluid comprising a suspension of a particulate plugging agent in a carrier liquid is circulated into the first flow path and into contact with the wall of the well within the subterranean formation. The carrier liquid is separated from the particulate plugging agent by circulating the carrier liquid through a set of openings leading to the second flow path, which are dimensioned to allow the passage of the carrier liquid while retaining the particulate plugging agent in contact with the set of openings. The circulation of the plugging fluid continues until the particulate plugging agent accumulates to form a bridge packing within the well.

Abstract: A gravel packing apparatus comprises multiple joints each having substantially the same construction and each having a perforated outer tubular (150, 152) positioned around a sand control screen (154, 156) including a slurry passageway (190, 194) and a production pathway (188, 192) therebetween. First and second transition members (210, 204) are disposed at opposite ends of each joint. When two such joints are connected together, the second transition member (204) of one joint is proximate the first transition member (210) of the next joint such that a fluid traveling from the slurry passageway (190) of one joint to the slurry passageway (194) of the next joint travels from the exterior to the interior of the second transition member (204) of the one joint and from the interior to the exterior of the first transition member (210) of the next joint.

Abstract: A tubing connection arrangement (10) comprises two expandable tubing sections (12, 14), each tubing section comprising a filter screen (16, 18) sandwiched between inner expandable tubing (20, 22) and outer expandable tubing (24, 26). The filter screen of one tubing section overlaps the filter screen of the other tubing section and the outer expandable tubing of at least one of the tubing sections extends over the overlapping filter screens. On expansion of the tubing sections, the overlapping filter screens, restrained by the outer tubing, ensure the integrity of the filter between the tubing sections.

Abstract: A sand control screen assembly (40) and method for treating multiple formations traversed by a wellbore (34) in a single trip are disclosed. The sand control screen assembly (40) includes a base pipe (56) with multiple openings (58) that allow fluid flow therethrough. A filter medium (62) is positioned about the exterior of the base pipe (56) to filter particulate matter out of the production fluids. One-way valves (70) are positioned within the openings (58) of the base pipe (56) to prevent fluid flow from the interior of the base pipe (56) to the exterior of the base pipe (56) during and following a treatment process. The one-way valves (70), however, are actuatable to allow fluid flow from the exterior of the base pipe (56) to the interior of the base pipe (56) to allow production of fluids from the formation (14).

Abstract: A downhole expandable bore liner and well screen filter assembly has a perforated tubular base-pipe overlain with a self expanding filter-cover. A set of runners or bumpers extends the length of the outside of the filter-cover. A releaseable constriction mechanism holds the liner/filter assembly in a compressed configuration during insertion of the assembly down a well bore to facilitate insertion of the liner/filter assembly into its downhole position. Once positioned downhole in the well bore, the mechanism is released, and the liner/filter assembly takes its expanded or uncompressed configuration and interfaces with the walls of the well bore. In its uncompressed configuration, the liner/filter assembly can contact and press against the walls of the well bore, which contact serves to stabilize the assembly and to center it in the downhole well bore.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of controlling the flow of hydrocarbons into and/or out of a string of tubing disposed in a wellbore. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a tubular member having at least one aperture formed in a wall thereof and a sleeve disposed radially outward of the tubular member. The sleeve is selectively movable between a first position and a second position to control the flow between the outside and the inside of the tubular member. In one aspect, the apparatus further comprises a biasing member disposed adjacent the sleeve and adapted to apply a force against the sleeve in an axial direction and further comprises a piston adapted to receive a hydraulic pressure to move the sleeve against the force of the biasing member. In another aspect, the apparatus further comprises a electromechanical device adapted to selectively move the sleeve between the first position and the second position and further comprises a control line adapted to conduct an electrical current.

Abstract: A well completion system and method for preventing sand production into a well casing (38) having a perforated interval (42) is disclosed. The system comprises a sand control screen (40) having expandable end sections (60, 62) each of which having an attachment member (72, 74) positioned exteriorly therearound. An expander tool (44) is operably disposed within the sand control screen (40) such that when the sand control screen (40) is positioned within the well casing (38) across the perforated interval (42), the expander tool (44) radially expands the end sections (60, 62) such that the attachment members (72, 74) are placed in contact with the interior of the well casing (38), thereby creating a fluid seal and a friction grip between the end sections (60, 62) and the well casing (38).

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.

Abstract: A system for enhancing oil production and reducing contamination thereof by such things as water breakthrough in unconsolidated horizontal wells comprises gravel packing, zonal isolation and selective flow control in combination. The significant control provided by the system enables the well operator to create a uniform pressure drop form heel to toe of the horizontal well and avoid commonly experienced water coning and early breakthrough of the horizontal borehole. An intelligent completion string including one or more flow control devices and one or more sensors is installable to enhance zonal isolation and control.

Abstract: A sand control screen assembly (40) and method for treating multiple formations traversed by a wellbore (34) in a single trip are disclosed. The sand control screen assembly (40) includes a base pipe (56) with multiple openings (58) that allow fluid flow therethrough. A filter medium (62) is positioned about the exterior of the base pipe (56) to filter particulate matter out of the production fluids. One-way valves (70) are positioned within the openings (58) of the base pipe (56) to prevent fluid flow from the interior of the base pipe (56) to the exterior of the base pipe (56) during and following a treatment process. The one-way valves (70), however, are actuatable to allow fluid flow from the exterior of the base pipe (56) to the interior of the base pipe (56) to allow production of fluids from the formation (14).

Abstract: A water well filter apparatus includes a conduit with multiple layers. The conduit comprises an inner layer, middle layer and outer layer with each layer comprising a composite of polymers, preferably ABS and unplasticized PVC. The thicker middle layer also includes a higher proportion of ABS than the other layers for rigidity and heat deflection. The inner and outer layers have a higher proportion of UPVC for greater chemical and impact resistance. The conduit further includes slots and mating end portions enabling the conduit to be coupled end-to-end with additional conduits to form an elongated filter assembly. A dual cylinder apparatus comprises an inner conduit and an outer conduit with each conduit having an inner layer, middle layer and outer layer composed of a composite of polymers. A permeable cover is disposed over the inner conduit. Filter granules are disposed in the gap between the two conduits.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided comprising a first tubular having an inside surface and outside surface defining an outside diameter; a second tubular concentric with the first tubular, the second tubular having an inside surface defining an inside diameter greater than the outside diameter of the first tubular, an outside surface, and a longitudinal axis; a plurality of spacers between the first and second tubulars, each spacer having a longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the second tubular, wherein at least one spacer is hollow; and at least one data sensing device and/or at least one data collecting device and/or at least one data transmitting device is carried within the at least one hollow spacer.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for completing an unconsolidated subterranean zone penetrated by a well bore are provided.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for completing an unconsolidated subterranean zone penetrated by a well bore are provided. The methods basically comprise the steps of placing a slotted liner having an internal sand screen disposed therein in the zone, isolating the slotted liner and the well bore in the zone and injecting particulate material into the annuli between the sand screen and the slotted liner and the slotted liner and the well bore to thereby form packs of particulate material therein to prevent the migration of fines and sand with produced fluids.

Abstract: A method for fracturing a formation or gravel packing a borehole using a screen assembly having a plurality of screens mounted on a base member and a plurality of apertures disposed at predetermined intervals along the screen assembly. A flow-control service assembly is disposed within the screen assembly and includes an outer tubular member and an inner tubular member. The outer tubular member includes a plurality of ports that communicate with the apertures in the screen assembly. Barriers are placed around the ports on the outer tubular member to prevent the formation of gravel bridges across the inner annulus between the inner tubular member and outer tubular member. The inner annulus provides alternative flow paths around the ports upon the ports becoming closed to fluid flow such as by bridges.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methods for movably securing a radially expandable sand-control screen jacket assembly to a base pipe. The screen jacket assembly is connected to the base pipe with a longitudinally moveable, sand-controlling joint. In use, the joint slides maintain a sand-controlling seal after radial expansion of the sand-control screen jacket assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus (60) and method for gravel packing an interval of a wellbore is disclosed. The apparatus (60) comprises a sand control screen (78) that is positioned within the wellbore and a tube and manifold system (62) positioned between the sand control screen (78) and the wellbore. The tube and manifold system (62) delivers a fluid slurry to a plurality of levels within the interval when the apparatus (60) is in an operable position. The tubes (64, 70, 76) of the tube and manifold system (62) have first and second ends which are open such that the fluid slurry may enter one end, travel through the entire length of the tube (64, 70, 76) and exit the other end. The manifolds (66, 72) of the tube and manifold system (62) each have at least one exit port (68, 74) for the discharge of the fluid slurry from the tube and manifold system (62).

Abstract: A screen assembly (60) comprises a base pipe (62) having perforated and nonperforated sections (66, 68), ribs (70) circumferentially spaced therearound and a filter medium (84) positioned around the ribs (70) having voids (92, 94) therethrough. The screen assembly (60) includes a slurry passageway (98) defined by the nonperforated section (68) of the base pipe (62), two of the ribs (70) and the portion (100) of the filter medium (84) that is circumferentially aligned with the nonperforated section (68). This portion (100) of the filter medium (84) has a filler material (96) disposed within the voids (92, 94) to create a fluid tight seal for a fluid slurry. The fluid slurry is discharged from the screen assembly (60) to a plurality of levels of the interval through exit ports (106) in a plurality of manifolds (102) when the screen assembly (60) is in an operable position.

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

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for completing an unconsolidated subterranean zone penetrated by a well bore are provided. The methods basically comprise the steps of placing a slotted liner having an internal sand screen disposed therein in the zone, isolating the slotted liner and the well bore in the zone and injecting particulate material into the annuli between the sand screen and the slotted liner and the slotted liner and the well bore to thereby form packs of particulate material therein to prevent the migration of fines and sand with produced fluids.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for completing an unconsolidated subterranean zone penetrated by a well bore are provided. The methods basically comprise the steps of placing a slotted liner having an internal sand screen disposed therein with dividers extending between the screen and liner, isolating the slotted liner and the well bore in the zone and injecting particulate material into flow paths formed by the dividers between the sand screen and the slotted liner and into the annulus between the slotted liner and the well bore to thereby form packs of particulate material therein to prevent the migration of fines and sand with produced fluids.

Abstract: A universal well screen filter assembly for installation in a borehole formed in a fluid bearing formation to filter fluid passing therethrough. The screen filter includes an outer cylindrical perforated screen member and an inner cylindrical perforated screen member which is aligned concentrically with the outer screen member. The inner screen member has a smaller diameter than the outer screen member and positioned to define an annular filter space therebetween. This space is substantially filled with a filter medium which is designed to filter particulate materials from fluid passing through the medium. An upper end cap is secured to an upper end of each of the spaced apart screen members to seal the annular space therebetween and a lower end cap is secured to a lower end of each of the spaced apart screen members to also seal the annular space therebetween. A tubular member is aligned concentrically and extends through the screen filter.

Abstract: An expandable well screen has a desirable thin-wall construction together with a simplified fabrication method. In fabricating the screen, a flexible sheet of metal mesh filter media is diffusion bonded to an inner side of a perforated metal sheet which is then deformed to a tubular shape to form a filter structure having an outer perforated tubular shroud interiorly lined with the filter media. The tubular filter structure is telescoped onto a perforated base pipe and has its opposite ends sealingly secured thereto to complete the expandable well screen.

Abstract: An artificial lift assembly is suspended from a string of conduit in a well inside a well casing. An encapsulation module is independently suspended from the conduit and encases the pump assembly with a jacket. A series of well fluid conditioning tools are mounted to the lower end of the jacket, including a tubular screen, a desander located behind the screen, a string of disposal conduit extending below the desander, and a nucleation device located above the desander. The entire weight of this fluid conditioning equipment is completely supported by the jacket and the conduit. The encapsulation module is completely sealed so that the well bore fluid is limited to entering the module and pump through the screen. The screen removes larger contaminants from the fluid such as rubber and trash. After the fluid passes through the screen, it enters the desander where solid matter such as sediment is removed from the fluid and eliminated through the disposal conduit.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention may be a well completion including a production tubing, an upper packer connected to a lower end of the production tubing, an intelligent device disposed below the upper packer, a continuous control cable running from the intelligent device to a connection point, and a sand screen disposed below the packer. The completion may be installed in a well in a single trip, instead of multiple. Sand-control operations may be performed by a service tool that is deployed through the production tubing. The completion may include the ability to washdown the well as the completion is being run into place. Related methods are also provided.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for completing an unconsolidated subterranean zone penetrated by a well bore are provided.

Abstract: Improved methods and apparatus for completing an unconsolidated subterranean zone penetrated by a well bore are provided.

Abstract: An integral well filter and screen and a method for making and using it are described. A first embodiment includes a perforated cylindrical well screen with a filter assembly in its interior. The filter assembly includes a pliable filter material bonded to a filter support. The filter support is a plastic lattice rigid enough to hold the shape of the filter assembly and keep the filter material in contact with the inner surface of the well screen, yet deformable enough that the filter assembly can be formed into a shape consistent with the interior of the well screen. A second embodiment includes a well screen with a filter made of a rigid, porous material placed inside the well screen. Because the filter is rigid, it needs no filter support. Methods of manufacturing each of the embodiments are presented.

Abstract: A sand screen having a shroud with a channel for routing of a control line and associated methods and systems. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A filter for subterranean use includes a filter body containing a filter medium, and a restraining member disposed around the filter body. The inner periphery of the restraining member is sufficiently close to the outer periphery of the filter body to prevent the filter body from being damaged by radially outward forces encountered during operation of the filter within a well.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for use in a wellbore to compensate for pressure differentials between fluid in the wellbore and fluid in an oil bearing formation therearound. In one aspect of the invention, an apparatus is provided for insertion in a string of screened tubulars in a horizontal wellbore. The device includes an inner tubular body portion having apertures in the wall thereof for passing oil, an outer tubular body and a pathway therebetween permitting oil from a formation to migrate into the inner body. Disposed around the inner body is an axially movable member to selectively cover and expose the apertures of the inner body, thereby permitting fluid to flow therethough.

Abstract: A water well filter apparatus includes a conduit with multiple layers. The conduit comprises an inner layer, middle layer and outer layer with each layer comprising a composite of polymers, preferably ABS and unplasticized PVC. The thicker middle layer also includes a higher proportion of ABS than the other layers for rigidity and heat deflection. The inner and outer layers have a higher proportion of UPVC for greater chemical and impact resistance. The conduit further includes slots and mating end portions enabling the conduit to be coupled end-to-end with additional conduits to form an elongated filter assembly. A dual cylinder apparatus comprises an inner conduit and an outer conduit with each conduit having an inner layer, middle layer and outer layer composed of a composite of polymers. A permeable cover is disposed over the inner conduit. Filter granules are disposed in the gap between the two conduits.

Abstract: A system for enhancing oil production and reducing contamination thereof by such things as water breakthrough in unconsolidated horizontal wells comprises gravel packing, zonal isolation and selective flow control in combination. The significant control provided by the system enables the well operator to create a uniform pressure drop form heel to toe of the horizontal well and avoid commonly experienced water coning and early breakthrough at the heel of the horizontal borehole.

Abstract: A well screen having an internal, blank alternate flowpath for delivering fracturing fluid/gravel slurry to different levels within a well annulus. The well screen includes an outer pipe which is positioned over a base pipe thereby forming an annulus therebetween. The circumference of each pipe has a perforated sector and a blank sector, both of which extend along their respective lengths. When assembled, the respective perforated sectors are aligned to form a perforated, production sector and the respective blank sectors are aligned to form the blank, alternate flowpath. The base pipe is wrapped with wire to prevent solids from flowing through the openings therein. Slurry is pumped into the annulus where it flows circumferently from the blank, alternate flowpath to exit into the well annulus through the openings in the perforated sector of the annulus.