公开(公告)号：WO1992010639A1

公开(公告)日：1992-06-25

申请号：PCT/US1991005784

申请日：1991-08-15

Applicant: MARATHON OIL COMPANY

Inventor： MARATHON OIL COMPANY ,  SCHROEDER, Donald, E., Jr. ,  BUTLER, Brian, A.

IPC: E21B43/04

CPC classification number: E21B34/08 ,  E21B43/045

Abstract: Method and means for preventing fluidization or mobilization of a gravel pack in a fluid producing well as a result of increased fluid pressure caused by a well shut-in or other pressure surge. A pressure relief valve (36) in the form of a check valve is provided in a tubing string (18) below a packer (20) surrounding the string and above the top of the gravel pack (28). The check valve is held in closed position by a biasing force, such as a spring, which is less than the pressure which will cause mobilization or fluidization of the gravel pack. A pressure surge such as a well shut-in or flow rate decrease increases tubing pressure which causes the check valve to open, thereby relieving the pressure in the gravel pack to a point below the critical level.