Abstract: A system for optimizing gravel deposition in a completion interval of a well. The system includes a pumping system that is operable to deliver a gravel pack slurry to the completion interval, an actuator system that is operable to control properties of the gravel pack slurry and a sensor system that is operable to monitor parameters representative of gravel deposition in the completion interval. A dynamic gravel pack model defined in a computer is operable to receive data from the sensor system and provides estimates of gravel deposition in the completion interval. A control system is operable to control the pumping system and the actuator system in relation to a gravel pack deposition plan and the dynamic gravel pack model, wherein the estimates of the dynamic gravel pack model are input into the control system to automatically modify the gravel pack deposition plan.

Abstract: Systems and methods for bidirectional gravel packing of wells. A gravel packing method includes flowing a gravel slurry in one direction in an annulus formed between a wellbore and a gravel packing assembly, and flowing another gravel slurry in an opposite direction in the annulus. A well system includes a gravel packing assembly positioned in a wellbore; one or more well screens interconnected in the gravel packing assembly; a flow control device, interconnected in the gravel packing assembly, and which selectively permits and prevents flow of a gravel slurry outward from the gravel packing assembly to an exterior of the well screens; another flow control device, interconnected in the gravel packing assembly, and which selectively permits and prevents flow of another gravel slurry outward from the gravel packing assembly to the exterior of the well screens; and the well screens being positioned between the flow control devices.

Abstract: A gravel packing system, method and slurry. The system comprises a blending device to prepare a slurry comprising a carrier fluid suspending first, second and third particulates, wherein the carrier fluid comprises a brine and less than about 2.4 g/L (20 lb per 1000 gallons) of a viscosifier, and wherein the sum of the mass of the particulates is greater than about 2.4 kg/L (20 pounds per gallon), wherein the first average particle volume is between 27 and 3375 times larger than the second average particle volume, which in turn is between 27 and 3375 times larger than the third average particle volume. The system can also include tubing to position a screen in the wellbore and a slurry pump to circulate the slurry from the blending device in the wellbore in any order such that the particulates are deposited in the screen annulus to form a gravel pack.

Abstract: A method of completing a wellbore is provided. The method comprises running in a screen, a gravel pack assembly comprising a flow diversion tool, and a completion string in a first trip. The method also comprises gravel packing the well and removing the flow diversion tool from the gravel pack assembly and from the completion string.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for low damage gravel packing. The method includes combining a carrier fluid, a first amount of particulates, and a second amount of particulates into a slurry. The first amount of particulates have a first average size distribution and the second amount of particulates have a second average size distribution, and the first average size distribution is at least three times larger than the second average size distribution. The slurry includes particles which are at least partially degradable material, and with reactive solid constituents. The reactive solid reacts with the degradable material and/or a hydrolysis product of the degradable material. The method further includes positioning a screen in a wellbore, and circulating the slurry through the wellbore such that the first amount of particulates and the second amount of particulates are deposited on an outer surface of the screen.

Abstract: A system that is usable with a well includes a tubular member and an inflow control device. The screen receives a well fluid flow, and the tubular member has a well fluid communication passageway. The inflow control device changes a momentum of the well fluid flow and/or introduces a flow resistance to regulate a pressure of the well fluid. The number of momentum changes and/or the flow resistance may be changed while the inflow control device is deployed downhole in the well.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a conveyance device to bypass regions within a wellbore that may disrupt the desired distribution of gravel in a gravel pack.

Abstract: Shunt tube flowpaths extending through swellable packers. A well system includes a packer assembly including a base pipe and an annular seal element which is swellable in response to contact with a selected fluid, and a shunt tube flowpath extending through the seal element for delivery of a slurry in a gravel packing operation. A swellable packer assembly includes a base pipe; a swellable annular seal element having a shunt tube flowpath extending through a swellable material; and a valve connected to the flowpath and positioned within the swellable material. Another well system comprises a packer assembly including a base pipe and an annular seal element which is swellable in response to contact with a selected fluid; a shunt tube flowpath extending through a swellable material of the seal element; and a connection between the flowpath and a shunt tube assembly, the connection being positioned within the swellable material.

Abstract: Downhole tools for gravel pack completion processes in wellbores comprise a screen, an isolation device comprising a sealing element disposed above the screen, and an artificial lifting device disposed above the isolation device. Upon actuation, the sealing element divides the wellbore into an upper zone and a lower zone so that the screen is disposed in the lower zone and the artificial lifting device is disposed in the upper zone. The two zones are in fluid communication with each other through a longitudinal bore within the downhole tool. In operation, the artificial lifting device of the downhole tool creates a negative pressure so wellbore fluid is transported from the lower zone into the upper zone. Due to this flow of fluid through the downhole tool, gravel disposed within the wellbore becomes sufficiently fluidized to facilitate the screen being inserted into the gravel form the gravel pack completion.

Abstract: A completion system for use in a well includes a first completion section and a second section. The first completion section has a sand control assembly to prevent passage of particulates, a first inductive coupler portion, and a sensor positioned proximate to the sand control assembly that is electrically coupled to the first inductive coupler portion. The second section is deployable after installation of the first completion section. It includes a second inductive coupler portion to communicate with the first inductive coupler portion, to enable communication between the first completion section's sensor and another component coupled to the second section.

Abstract: An intelligent well system can service three or more zones that have gravel packed screens. A modular system features a screen and a surface controlled production valve on an internal blank pipe that internally straddles the screen. A gravel exit valve is disposed above the blank pipe and the blank pipe can optionally have a fluid loss control valve. A gravel pack/fracturing assembly can engage each module and close the fluid loss valve and gravel outlet valve on the way out of a module. Optionally the fluid loss valve can be eliminated if the gravel packing and fracturing string has the ability to power the production valve. The modules can be connected by wet connects as can the production string to make the intelligent well system functional from the surface.

Abstract: A system having a sealing assembly for a gravel port in a gravel pack apparatus. The sealing assembly includes a sealing element around an outer circumference of the gravel pack assembly above the gravel pack and below the gravel port. The sealing element is on the outside housing of the gravel pack apparatus or on a separate piece of equipment located above the gravel pack and below the gravel port, permitting a larger flow bore through the gravel pack apparatus. The sealing element may be selectively actuated after the gravel pack operation has concluded, thus maintaining the gravel pack in the desired location. The removal of a gravel pack tool may permit the sealing element to be actuated.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a conveyance device to bypass regions within a wellbore that may disrupt the desired distribution of gravel in a gravel pack.

Abstract: A completion assembly has a packer for isolation and indicating shoulders incorporated into a sleeve mounted uphole of the packer. Locating the indicating shoulders above the packer allows them to be larger than placement below the packer where the assembly generally has to neck down to permit operations such as gravel packing. Placement above the packer makes the indicating shoulders less restrictive to subsequent production flow or for passage of tools further down the wellbore.

Abstract: A wireline apparatus for depositing slurry in a well. The apparatus includes a container for holding slurry to be deposited in the well. The container is operatively associated with and disassociated from a packer. The apparatus also includes a displacement valve actuated by a predetermined pressure and a cross-over tool operatively associated with the displacement valve. Actuation of the displacement valve causes the slurry to enter and pass through the cross-over tool and into the well. A method of gravel packing a well with the wireline deployed apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: A coupler for gravel packing completions comprising an annular member having an upper end, a lower end, at least one flange disposed along an inner wall surface of the annular member intermediate the upper and lower ends, and at least one deformable portion is disclosed. The coupler may be used to connect one or more screens to a base pipe in a gravel packing completion by deforming the deformable portion such as by passing a swage over the outer wall surface of the annular member. In a similar manner, the coupler may also be used to connect a gravel packing completion component, such as an inflow control device to the base pipe of the gravel packing completion, to contemporaneously connect a screen section and a gravel packing completion component to the base pipe.

Abstract: A sand control screen assembly (40) includes a base pipe (44) having a plurality of openings (45) in a sidewall portion thereof and a swellable material layer (46) disposed exteriorly of the base pipe (44) and having a plurality of openings (47) that correspond to the openings (45) of the base pipe (44). A plurality of telescoping perforations (48) are operably associated with the openings (45) of the base pipe (44) and at least partially disposed within the corresponding openings (47) of the swellable material layer (46). A filter medium (56) is disposed within each of the telescoping perforations (48). In operation, radial expansion of the swellable material layer (46), in response to contact with an activating fluid, causes the telescoping perforations (48) to radially outwardly extend.

Abstract: Methods are provided including a method comprising: placing a sand control screen in the wellbore penetrating the subterranean formation, wherein the sand control screen comprises: a base pipe having at least one opening in a sidewall portion thereof; a swellable material layer disposed exteriorly of the base pipe and having at least one opening corresponding to the at least one opening of the base pipe; a telescoping perforation operably associated with the at least one opening of the base pipe and at least partially disposed within the at least one opening of the swellable material layer; and a filter medium disposed within the telescoping perforation; and introducing a consolidating agent into at least a portion of a subterranean formation. Additional methods are also provided.

Abstract: Shunt tube flowpaths extending through swellable packers. A well system includes a packer assembly including a base pipe and an annular seal element which is swellable in response to contact with a selected fluid, and a shunt tube flowpath extending through the seal element for delivery of a slurry in a gravel packing operation. A swellable packer assembly includes a base pipe; a swellable annular seal element having a shunt tube flowpath extending through a swellable material; and a valve connected to the flowpath and positioned within the swellable material. Another well system comprises a packer assembly including a base pipe and an annular seal element which is swellable in response to contact with a selected fluid; a shunt tube flowpath extending through a swellable material of the seal element; and a connection between the flowpath and a shunt tube assembly, the connection being positioned within the swellable material.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and tools for provide for delivering a particulate-laden slurry to a subterranean portion of a well for operations including gravel packing and/or frac packing.

Abstract: Filtration devices may include a shape-memory material having a compressed run-in position or shape and an original expanded position or shape. The shape-memory material may include an open cell porous rigid polyurethane foam material held in the compressed run-in position at the temperature below glass transition temperature (Tg). The foam material in its compressed run-in position may be covered with a fluid-dissolvable polymeric film and/or a layer of fluid-degradable plastic. Once filtration devices are in place in downhole and are contacted by the fluid for a given amount of time at temperature, the devices may expand and totally conform to the borehole to prevent the production of undesirable solids from the formation.

Abstract: A one-trip system for use in a subterranean well includes a tubing hanger, a production tubing, a perforating gun assembly and a screen assembly. The tubing hanger is adapted to be mounted to one of a well in the well casing near the earth's surface. The production tubing is sealingly attached to the tubing hanger, and the perforating gun assembly is coupled to the production tubing. The tubing hanger, production tubing, perforating gun assembly and screen assembly are adapted to be run downhole as a unit. Once the unit is positioned downhole the screen assembly is adapted to be moved relative to the production tubing by a riglessly-deployed continuous medium that is deployed through the production tubing from the surface of the well.

Abstract: A method associated with the production of hydrocarbons is described. The method includes drilling a wellbore using a drilling fluid, conditioning the drilling fluid, running a production string in the wellbore and gravel packing an interval of the wellbore with a carrier fluid. The production string includes a joint assembly comprising a main body portion having primary and secondary fluid flow paths, wherein the main body portion is attached to a load sleeve assembly at one end and a torque sleeve assembly at the opposite end, the load sleeve assembly having at least one transport conduit and at least one packing conduit disposed therethrough. The main body portion may include a sand control device, a packer, or other well tool for use in a downhole environment.

Abstract: A technique is provided for controlling sand in a well. The technique may utilize a vent screen assembly having a main screen, a vent screen, and a tubular member extending from the main screen to the vent screen. An expandable element is positioned around the tubular member between the main screen and the vent screen. After the vent screen assembly is deployed into a wellbore, a gravel pack can be formed around at least the main screen. The expandable element is selectively expanded in a radial direction to secure the gravel pack and to enable higher production rates.

Abstract: A completion assembly useful to fracture pack, gravel pack or otherwise treat production intervals traversed by an uncased wellbore to stimulate production and/or prevent production of solid particles from the production intervals and a single trip method to fracture pack, gravel pack or otherwise treat multiple zones in an open-hole wellbore having no liner or casing string installed through a production open hole portion.

Abstract: A transition piece is provided near an end of a screen assembly to allow transition from a lighter weight and collapse resistant pipe under the screen sections to a heavier wall and higher collapse strength pipe between the top of the screen and the isolation packer. When a screen out occurs, the heavier wall pipe can handle the new pressures that are applied to the formation and to the tubular to try to collapse it. The screen portion can still be built with thinner wall pipe as the screen out condition protects that pipe from collapse pressure because the fully gravel packed annular space keeps the surface applied pump pressure from exerting a collapse force on the base pipe under the screen.

Abstract: A system includes a wellbore intersecting a subterranean formation and a treatment flowpath disposed in the wellbore including a fluid path from a surface location to the subterranean formation and returning to the surface location. The treatment flowpath has a delivery flowpath upstream of the subterranean formation and a pertinent flowpath at and downstream of the subterranean formation. The system further includes a gravel pack assembly having a first crossover port fluidly coupling the delivery flowpath to the pertinent flowpath, a screen, a washpipe, and a second crossover port fluidly coupling the washpipe to a return portion of the pertinent flowpath. The system further includes a friction reducing agent that is effective in at least part of the pertinent flowpath, but that is not a friction reducer in solution in the treatment fluid at the surface location.

Abstract: Methods and related systems are described for use with continuous fiber based system for use with well bore completions comprising: a plurality of continuous fibers deployable into a portion of a well bore completion; a fiber management module adapted and positioned within the borehole to facilitate deployment of and communication with the plurality of continuous fibers; wherein the number of deployable continuous fibers provides sufficient redundancy to make at least a target measurement relating to the completion.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and tools for provide for delivering a particulate-laden slurry to a subterranean portion of a well for operations including gravel packing and/or frac packing.

Abstract: A technique provides a multi-stage well treatment system having a plurality of packers and a plurality of flow valves. The multi-stage well treatment system can be moved downhole in a wellbore and actuated to isolate a plurality of sections along the wellbore for treatment. The system and methodology enable treatment, e.g. fracturing, of select sections via the flow valves, while also enabling use of the flow valves to establish a permeable, stabilized pack surrounding each flow valve.

Abstract: In one embodiment telescoping members are extended to bridge an annular gap either before or after it is cemented. Some of the telescoping members have screens and others have flow passages that can be selectively opened with associated valves to frac an interval in any order desired. The valves are then closed after the frac job and the other telescoping members are made to allow screened flow from the fractured formation. In another embodiment an interval to be gravel packed and fractured has a series of screens and selectively opened valves on a bottom hole assembly such as a liner. One or more external packers are provided. The entire interval is gravel packed at one time followed by packer actuation and then selective opening of ports to conduct a fracture operation in any of the zones defined by the set packers and in any desired order.

Abstract: A unitary gravel pack multi-pathway tube includes a body; a gravel slurry flow passage defined within the body; and a control line protection projection extending from and supported by the body, the projection extending laterally from the body relative to an extent of the flow passage and method.

Abstract: A gravel pack apparatus for use in a wellbore includes a screen assembly to filter particulates, at least one shunt conduit to carry gravel slurry, and a swellable element around a portion of the at least one shunt conduit. The swellable element swells in response to an input stimulus and expands radially outwardly to seal against the wellbore.

Abstract: A deflection device keeps high velocity gravel slurry flow from directly impinging the wellbore wall in open hole and breaking loose the filter cake coating on the wall or, in a cased hole, prevents the direct impingement of gravel slurry on the casing which can cause wear from erosion. The slurry exist from an intermediate annulus in a crossover that is fitted with movable members that can be pivotally mounted for rotational displacement by the pumped slurry to act as a deflector to prevent or minimize direct impingement on the wellbore wall or casing. When the flow stops the deflectors can pivot back to their original positions. The deflectors can be simply replaced when worn.

Abstract: A coupler for gravel packing completions comprising an annular member having an upper end, a lower end, at least one flange disposed along an inner wall surface of the annular member intermediate the upper and lower ends, and at least one deformable portion is disclosed. The coupler may be used to connect one or more screens to a base pipe in a gravel packing completion by deforming the deformable portion such as by passing a swage over the outer wall surface of the annular member. In a similar manner, the coupler may also be used to connect a gravel packing completion component, such as an inflow control device to the base pipe of the gravel packing completion, to contemporaneously connect a screen section and a gravel pakcing completion component to the base pipe.

Abstract: Methods and systems for completing multi-zone formations. One or more embodiments of 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 technique is provided to control flow in subterranean applications, such as hydrocarbon fluid production applications. The technique utilizes an aggregate formed, at least in part, of particles that swell in the presence of a specific substance or substances. The aggregate is deployed as a slurry or in other forms to desired subterranean locations. Once located, the aggregate allows the flow of hydrocarbon fluids but swells upon contact with the specific substance or substances to limit inflow of undesirable fluids.

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: A method and apparatus associated with the production of hydrocarbons is disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a tubular member having a central opening within an internal portion of the tubular member, wherein the central opening allows hydrocarbons to flow through the tubular member. Also, the tubular member includes openings between the central opening and a region external to the tubular member. In addition to the tubular member, at least two adjacent wire segments are disposed around the tubular member. The at least two adjacent wire segments create at least two flow paths to the central opening. Also, the at least two adjacent wire segments form at least two openings configured to prevent particles greater than a specific size from entering the openings in the tubular member.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for gravel packing an open-hole wellbore are disclosed. The apparatus includes a sandscreen disposed in the wellbore thereby creating an annulus between the wellbore and the sandscreen for receiving a gravel slurry. The apparatus further comprises a tubular member or wash pipe which is concentrically disposed in the sandscreen for receiving carrier fluid which passes through the sandscreen and for returning the carrier fluid to the earth's surface. At least one diverter valve is installed in the tubular member for permitting flow of the carrier fluid into the tubular member.

Abstract: An in-tubing or casing fracture packing assembly including a running tool, HDR sub assembly, a displaceable flow diversion valve by which a filter media slurry is pumped down the annulus of the assembly until a gravel pack is achieved. The HDR running tool allows the bottom hole assembly to be deployed without fear of premature release due to loads or manipulation during deployment, but allows for easy detachment once pumping is completed. An equalizing vent in the HDR sub assembly maintains equal pressure internally and externally. The flow diversion valve is autonomously tripped when the media has been properly placed, providing a positive indication at the surface. A portion of the assembly is removed and the packing assembly remains within the well bore after pumping is completed. An isolation seal is then placed on the sealing mandrel of the assembly and isolated to the tubing or casing wall.

Abstract: Apparatus having a first outer tubular member and a first inner tubular member. The first outer tubular member and the first inner tubular member can define a first space therebetween. The first inner tubular member can have a first internal bore. The apparatus can further include a second outer tubular member and a second inner tubular member. The second outer tubular member and the second inner tubular member can define a second space therebetween. The second inner tubular member can have a second internal bore. A first coupling flowpath can be positioned between the first and second spaces. A second coupling flowpath can be positioned between the first and second internal bores. A selectively closeable flowpath can be positioned between the first coupling flowpath and the second coupling flowpath.

Abstract: A system for use in gravel packing operations wherein a gravel placement mandrel defines an axial flowbore and two or more lateral slurry flow ports for communication of slurry from the flowbore to the interior of the wear sleeve/blast liner. The slurry flow ports are oriented so as to distribute the slurry in different outwardly radial directions. The slurry flow ports are also axially displaced from one another along the gravel placement mandrel body. Relatively equivalent flow rates or flow amounts are provided through each of the slurry flow ports. Improvements are also provided in the geometry of the slurry flow ports to enhance the flow of slurry through them.

Abstract: For use with a top drive power unit supported for connection with a well string in a well bore to selectively impart longitudinal and/or rotational movement to the well string, a feeder for supplying a pumpable substance such as cement and the like from an external supply source to the interior of the well string in the well bore without first discharging it through the top drive power unit including a mandrel extending through a sleeve which is sealably and rotatably supported thereon for relative rotation between the sleeve and mandrel. The mandrel and sleeve have flow passages for communicating the pumpable substance from an external source to discharge through the sleeve and mandrel and into the interior of the well string below the top drive power unit. The unit can include a packing injection system, clamp, and novel packing configuration.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for securing a jumper tube to a shunt tube in a well screen assembly for use in gravel packing features a jumper tube having a telescoping connector that extends to engage the shunt tube and a locking mechanism that extends the connector the proper distance and then locks the connector into place by engaging lugs that are connected to the jumper tube. An apparatus and method for securing a connector tube to a well screen assembly features a receiver that is attached to the well screen assembly and is configured to receive a connector tube and secure the connector tube into place with screws. The receiver can be mounted to the well screen assembly via the shunt tube, a top/middle-bottom ring assembly, directly to the base pipe.

Abstract: Systems and methods for installation and operation of a groundwater monitoring system in a borehole of any angle using a coaxial gas displacement pump with a unique O-ring assembly that serves as a two-position valve for groundwater purging and sampling and also as a housing and sealing mechanism for isolating an optical pressure sensor. The optical sensor measures in-situ hydraulic pressure directly subjacent and adjacent to the surrounding rock fractures and sediment pores without hydraulic interferences from potentiometric equilibration lag time from recovery fluid pressure inside a borehole, in a zone above the optical sensor, or on the inside of a riser pipe that rises to the ground surface.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for low damage gravel packing. The method includes combining a carrier fluid, a first amount of particulates, and a second amount of particulates into a slurry. The first amount of particulates have a first average size distribution and the second amount of particulates have a second average size distribution, and the first average size distribution is at least three times larger than the second average size distribution. The slurry includes particles which are at least partially degradable material, and with reactive solid constituents. The reactive solid reacts with the degradable material and/or a hydrolysis product of the degradable material. The method further includes positioning a screen in a wellbore, and circulating the slurry through the wellbore such that the first amount of particulates and the second amount of particulates are deposited on an outer surface of the screen.

Abstract: A technique that is usable with a well includes running a screen assembly and a service tool as a unit into a well and using the service tool in connection with a sand control operation. The use of the service tool in connection with the sand control operation includes operating at least one valve of the screen assembly. The technique includes withdrawing the service tool from the well after the sand control operation and running a completion into the well to operate the valve(s) of the screen after the withdrawal.

Abstract: A wellbore apparatus and method for use in a wellbore for completion and production are disclosed. The apparatus comprises an outer permeable material (15) in the wellbore comprising a first basepipe section (11) with at least a portion of the basepipe is perforated (21), the first basepipe is inside the outer permeable material (15) and at least part of the perforated basepipe is designed to be adjacent to a production interval (14), a second basepipe section (10) with at least a portion of the second basepipe is slotted (16), the second basepipe is inside the outer permeable material (15) and above the perforated basepipe section (11) designed to be adjacent to the production interval wherein at least a portion of the slotted basepipe is designed to be adjacent to a non production section of the wellbore. The production completion apparatus may be installed into the wellbore to provide redundancy against well-screen failure.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus associated with the production of hydrocarbons are described. The system includes a wellbore that accesses a subsurface reservoir; a production tubing string disposed within the wellbore; and one or more sand control devices coupled to the production tubing string and disposed within the wellbore. At least one of the sand control devices includes a first tubular member having a permeable section and a non permeable section; a second tubular member disposed within the first tubular member. The second tubular member has a plurality of openings and an inflow control device that each provide a flow path to the interior of the second tubular member. Also, the at least one of the sand control devices includes a sealing mechanism disposed between the first tubular member and the second tubular member. The sealing mechanism is configured to provide a pressure loss during gravel packing operations that is less than the pressure loss during at least some of the production operations.