The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.

The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.

Date of Patent:
Jun. 03, 2003

Filed:

Jun. 20, 2001
Applicant:
Inventors:

J. Eric Lauritzen, Kingwood, TX (US);

Robert J. Coon, Missouri City, TX (US);

Assignee:

Weatherford/Lamb, Inc., Houston, TX (US);

Attorney:
Primary Examiner:
Assistant Examiner:
Int. Cl.
CPC ...
E03B 3/18 ; E21B 4/300 ;
U.S. Cl.
CPC ...
E03B 3/18 ; E21B 4/300 ;
Abstract

The present invention provides apparatus and methods for expanding an expandable sand screen in the wellbore and then fracturing the wellbore. In one aspect of the invention, an expandable sand screen includes a perforated inner pipe and outer shroud. The outer shroud includes a plurality of longitudinal channels that retain their general shape after the expandable sand screen is expanded. In the expanded state, the channels provide a fluid conduit along an area between the screen and the wall of the wellbore. In a subsequent fracturing operation, slurry travels along the conduits permitting communication of the fracturing slurry with hydrocarbon bearing formations.


Find Patent Forward Citations

Loading…