END FITTING AND METHOD FOR ATTACHING WELL SCREEN SEGMENTS

摘要

The end fitting (1) of the present invention is generally hollowly cylindrical in shape and sized so that the outer diameter of the end fitting (1) is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the well screen (30) to which the fitting is to be joined. Bores (20) are formed in the body of the end fitting. The number and placement of bores (20) in the end fitting (1) should be such that the number and placement of bores (20) in the end fitting (1) match the number and placement of longitudinal rods (32) in the well screen (30). The end fitting is mounted to the well screen by means of inserting each of the longitudinal rods (32) of the well screen (30) into each of the bores (20) in the end fitting (1). The end fitting is permanently secured to the well screen by swaging the end fitting so that the fitting is compressed about the longitudinal rods. Alternatively, adhesive may be used to secure the longitudinal rods (32) in the bores (20) of the end fitting. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the bores (120) are drilled completely through the end fitting (2). The longitudinal rods (32) are then inserted through the bores (120). To secure the rods (32) within the bores (120), a swaging tool is used to deform the end fitting of the rods. Alternatively, the protruding ends of the longitudinal rods are welded to secure the rods in the end fitting. Following the welding operation the end fitting and longitudinal rods may optionally be swaged for a more secure attachment.