System and method for sealing gravel exit ports in gravel pack assemblies

摘要

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.

主权项

1. A system for isolating a gravel pack, the system comprising:
a longitudinal screen having an exterior surface and an interior bore, the screen being adapted to permit fluid to pass from the exterior surface into the interior bore and to retain the gravel pack in an annulus between a wellbore and the exterior surface of the screen; a housing having an exterior surface and an interior bore in communication with the interior bore of the screen, the housing connecting the screen to a packer that is adapted to be set against a casing, the housing having at least one fluid port permitting a fluid communication between the interior bore and the annulus between the casing and the screen; and a sealing device positioned directly on the exterior surface of the housing, the sealing device being adapted to selectively provide a seal between the housing and the casing, the sealing device being positioned below the fluid port and above the screen most proximate to the fluid port, and the sealing device being actuated after the gravel pack is formed.