Shunt tube flowpaths extending through swellable packers

摘要

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.