Gravel packing apparatus utilizing diverter valves
First Claim
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1. A method for forming a gravel plug in a wellbore comprising:
- pumping a gravel slurry into a wellbore annulus about a tubular member disposed therein,wherein the tubular member comprises at least one diverter valve in fluid communication with an inside diameter of the tubular member and the wellbore annulus; and
directing at least a portion of the gravel slurry through the diverter valve into the inside diameter of the tubular member to form a gravel plug within the wellbore annulus.
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Abstract
Method and apparatus for gravel packing an open-hole wellbore are disclosed. The apparatus includes a sandscreen disposed in the wellbore thereby creating an annulus between the wellbore and the sandscreen for receiving a gravel slurry. The apparatus further comprises a tubular member or wash pipe which is concentrically disposed in the sandscreen for receiving carrier fluid which passes through the sandscreen and for returning the carrier fluid to the earth'"'"'s surface. At least one diverter valve is installed in the tubular member for permitting flow of the carrier fluid into the tubular member.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for forming a gravel plug in a wellbore comprising:
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pumping a gravel slurry into a wellbore annulus about a tubular member disposed therein, wherein the tubular member comprises at least one diverter valve in fluid communication with an inside diameter of the tubular member and the wellbore annulus; and directing at least a portion of the gravel slurry through the diverter valve into the inside diameter of the tubular member to form a gravel plug within the wellbore annulus. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method for gravel packing a wellbore, comprising:
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pumping a gravel slurry into a portion of a wellbore annulus about a tubular member disposed therein, wherein the tubular member comprises at least one diverter valve in fluid communication with an inside diameter of the tubular member and the wellbore annulus; directing at least a portion of the gravel slurry through the diverter valve into the inside diameter of the tubular member to form a gravel plug within a portion of the wellbore annulus adjacent a swellable packer, wherein the swellable packer is disposed about the tubular member; and diverting the gravel slurry around the swellable packer and gravel packing another portion of the wellbore annulus. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method for gravel packing a wellbore, comprising:
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pumping a gravel slurry into a portion of a wellbore annulus about a tubular member disposed therein, wherein the tubular member comprises at least one diverter valve in fluid communication with an inside diameter of the tubular member and the wellbore annulus; directing at least a portion of the gravel slurry through the diverter valve into the inside diameter of the tubular member to form a gravel plug within a portion of the wellbore annulus adjacent a swellable packer; diverting the gravel slurry around the swellable packer and gravel packing another portion of the wellbore annulus; and expanding the swellable packer, wherein the wellbore annulus surrounding the swellable packer is free of gravel. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification