Abstract:
A screen section is made with variable resistance to flow in the screen material to balance the flow along the screen length. In one variation different discrete zones have screens configured for different percentages of open area while all have the same particle filtration capability. In another variation discrete portions have differing amounts of overlapping screen portions so as to balance flow without affecting the particle size screened. The cross-sectional shape of a wire wrap underlayment for the screen is made closer to trapezoidal to decrease the angle of opening for the incoming flow paths toward the base pipe. In this manner flow resistance is reduced and flow is increased due to reduced turbulence.
Abstract:
Composite tubulars that have not been polymerized and are thus flexible enough to be coiled are delivered into a wellbore and expanded. The expansion occurs from an external catalist such as heat or releases the internal catalyst and allows the expanded tubular to become rigid. Optionally, healing agents can be imbedded in the tubular wall to be released to seal subsequently forming cracks.
Abstract:
Nanoparticle-treated substrates, such as screens, sand beds or proppant beds, may effectively filter and purify fluids such as waste water or fluids produced from a formation, as well as other liquids. When tiny contaminant particles in a fluid such as waste water flow contact the nanoparticle-treated substrate, the nanoparticles will capture and hold the tiny contaminant particles on the substrate due to the nanoparticles' surface forces, including, but not necessarily limited to van der Waals and electrostatic forces or other associa¬ tive forces. Coating agents such as alcohols, glycols, polyols, vegetable oil, and mineral oils may help apply the nanoparticles to the surfaces of structures in the filter beds or packs.
Abstract:
A seal (10) comprising a tube (12), itself at least partially comprising a shape memory material around which is disposed a swellable material in the form of an element (14). Such a swellable material increases the chances that a seal or actuation force will be effected by ensuring that the material will react to at least one of the fluids in the wellbore at any given time. The shape memory material is selected such that it possesses a transition temperature appropriate to the environment in which the seal (10) is to be used.
Abstract:
A permeable material compacting method includes feeding permeable material between at least one set of rollers, and decreasing a cross sectional area of the permeable material as it passes between the at least one set of rollers.
Abstract:
An apparatus for screening earth formation components includes: a base pipe configured to allow the passage of formation fluid therethrough; and a foam layer disposed radially outwardly of the base pipe and configured to allow the passage of formation fluid therethrough and minimize the passage of formation solids therethrough, the foam layer including a plurality of hollow structures forming windows therebetween. A method of manufacturing an apparatus for screening earth formation components is also disclosed.