METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR GRAVEL PACKING A WELL

摘要

A method and apparatus for gavel packing wherein a gravel slurry is distributed to different points of a wellbore annulus (11) from an internal passage within the apparatus (20) thereby protecting the passage from damage during operation. The apparatus (20) is comprised of a plurality of gravel screen units (30) which are connected together at the lower end of a workstring (14). Each gravel-screen unit (30) is comprised of a gravel screen (32) and a valve-outlet assembly (31) which, in turn, is comprised of a collar (35) having an outlet and a valve for opening and closing the outlet. A washpipe (50) is positioned within the workstring (14) and provides a passage for delivering the slurry internally to the outlets in each of the valve-outlet assemblies (31). The valves (38) are closed when the washpipe (50) is removed.