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Sand control screen assembly having an adjustable flow rate and associated methods of completing a subterranean well

  • US 5,730,223 A
  • Filed: 01/24/1996
  • Issued: 03/24/1998
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/24/1996
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. Apparatus for variably restricting a flow rate therethrough of fluid from a fluid source, comprising:

  • a first elongated and generally tubular member having opposite ends and a circuitous flow passage formed on a side surface thereof, said circuitous flow passage having an effective resistance to flow therethrough and a plurality of axially spaced apart portions through which the fluid may flow, and each of said circuitous flow passage portions having a corresponding effective resistance to flow less than that of said circuitous flow passage; and

    a second elongated and generally tubular member coaxially disposed relative to said first tubular member and overlappingly disposed relative to said side surface thereof, said second tubular member having a sidewall portion and an opening formed through said sidewall portion, and said second tubular member being axially reciprocable relative to said first tubular member to position said opening axially opposite a selected one of said circuitous flow passage portions,whereby the flow rate of the fluid through the apparatus may be conveniently varied by positioning said opening axially opposite a selected one of said circuitous flow passage portions to thereby selectively vary the effective resistance to flow therethrough.

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