Method and apparatus for gravel packing wells

摘要

The perforations of a tubular pipe are sealed with a selectively removable plugging material. The pipe is then wire wrapped to form a well screen. The annular passage defined by the pipe and wire wrapping is restricted enough so that the flow resistance in the annular passage is sufficient to maintain high fluid flow velocity outside the well screen during gravel packing so as to prevent the formation of gravel dunes. After gravel packing is completed, the plugging material is removed, permitting the passage of fluids through the well screen and pipe mandrel.