Packer for alternate flow channel gravel packing and method for completing a wellbore

摘要

Apparatus and method for completing a wellbore including providing a packer having an inner mandrel, alternate flow channels along the inner mandrel, and a sealing element external to the inner mandrel, including connecting packer to tubular body, then running the packer and connected tubular body into the wellbore. In one aspect, the packer and connected tubular body may be placed along an open-hole portion of the wellbore. Tubular body may be a sand screen, with the sand screen comprising a base pipe, a surrounding filter medium, and alternate flow channels. The method includes setting a packer and injecting a gravel slurry into an annular region formed between the tubular body and the surrounding wellbore, and then further injecting the gravel slurry through the alternate flow channels to allow the gravel slurry to at least partially bypass sealing element of the packer.

主权项

1. A method for completing a wellbore in a subsurface formation, the method comprising:
providing a packer, the packer comprising:
an inner mandrel,alternate flow channels along the inner mandrel,a movable piston housing retained around the inner mandrel,one or more flow ports providing fluid communication between the alternate flow channels and a pressure-bearing surface of the piston housing, anda sealing element external to the inner mandrel; connecting the packer to a tubular body; running the packer and connected tubular body into the wellbore; running a setting tool into the inner mandrel of the packer; manipulating the setting tool to mechanically release the movable piston housing from its retained position; setting the packer by communicating hydrostatic pressure to the piston housing through the one or more flow ports, thereby moving the released piston housing to actuate the sealing element into engagement with the surrounding wellbore; injecting a gravel slurry into an annular region formed between the tubular body and the surrounding wellbore; and injecting the gravel slurry through the alternate flow channels to allow the gravel slurry to at least partially bypass the sealing element so that the wellbore is gravel-packed within the annular region below the packer.