Mobil Oil Corporation

John C Healy

Malcolm K Strubhar

Richard A Sukup

An apparatus for repairing a well completion having a gravel-packed annulus formed by a liner and a well casing, the annulus having at least one region within the gravel pack which is devoid of gravel. The apparatus includes a tubular detonator sub pipe for placing an explosive device within, the sub pipe having a first end and a second end, the first end having a connector for connecting the sub pipe to a work string adapted to convey an electrical line; at least one elongated rigid member having a first end and a second end, the rigid member having a longitudinally disposed hole for placing an explosive primer cord therethrough, the rigid member having a plurality of vent orifices in fluid communication with the longitudinally disposed hole; and a pinned hinge for pivotally connecting the first end of the rigid member to the second end of the tubular detonator sub pipe; whereby detonation of the explosive device detonates the primer cord effecting pivotal movement of the at least one elongated rigid member so as to cause the apparatus to impact the liner wall of the gravel-packed well completion.

Apparatus and method for repairing a gravel-packed well completion

A method for gravel packing a wellbore where a resin-coated sand or 'gravel' is utilized. First, the wellbore is perforated at the productive interval in a manner sufficient to hydraulically fracture the formation. Afterwards, the formation is hydraulically fractured via a frac fluid containing a resin-coated sand. During this fracturing operation, a resultant fracture is propped with the resin-coated sand. The frac fluid is pumped down the wellbore until 'screen out' occurs at perforations in the wellbore. The resin-coated sand is allowed to remain in the fracture, perforations, and wellbore until a permeable, porous consolidated mass is formed. After the mass has formed, excess consolidated sand is removed from the wellbore. When the formation is produced, formation solids are contained by the consolidated mass in the fracture and perforations.

Growing community of inventors

Metairie, LA, United States of America

John C Healy