U.S. patent application number 11/765807 was filed with the patent office on 2008-12-25 for system and method for controlling erosion of components during well treatment.
This patent application is currently assigned to SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Crystal Bemis, Michael D. Langlais, Michael Miller.
Application Number | 20080314588 11/765807 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40135280 |
Filed Date | 2008-12-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080314588 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Langlais; Michael D. ; et
al. |
December 25, 2008 |
SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING EROSION OF COMPONENTS DURING WELL
TREATMENT
Abstract
A technique is provided for use in treating one or more well
zones by directing a treatment fluid downwardly through a delivery
tube and then outwardly through one or more nozzles into a desired
well zone. The treatment fluid is delivered downhole to the desired
well zone and at least a portion of that fluid is directed
laterally outward from the well treatment completion through the
one or more nozzles. Each nozzle comprises a material that protects
both the nozzle and proximate portions of the delivery tube from
detrimental erosion due to the passage of treatment fluid.
Inventors: |
Langlais; Michael D.;
(Bartlesville, OK) ; Bemis; Crystal;
(Bartlesville, OK) ; Miller; Michael;
(Bartlesville, OK) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SCHLUMBERGER RESERVOIR COMPLETIONS
14910 AIRLINE ROAD
ROSHARON
TX
77583
US
|
Assignee: |
SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY
CORPORATION
Sugar Land
TX
|
Family ID: |
40135280 |
Appl. No.: |
11/765807 |
Filed: |
June 20, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
166/278 ;
166/51 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B 41/0078 20130101;
E21B 43/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
166/278 ;
166/51 |
International
Class: |
E21B 43/04 20060101
E21B043/04 |
Claims
1. A system to facilitate a gravel packing operation, comprising: a
shunt tube through which a gravel slurry is directed; and a nozzle
coupled to the shunt tube to direct a portion of the gravel slurry
laterally outward from the shunt tube, the nozzle having a hardened
insert region forming a flow path and extending through a wall of
the shunt tube.
2. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the hardened insert
region extends through the wall until it is flush with the inside
diameter of the shunt tube.
3. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the hardened insert
region extends through the wall and into an interior of the shunt
tube.
4. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the nozzle further
comprises a retaining housing to hold the hardened insert region
against the wall of the shunt tube.
5. The system as recited in claim 4, wherein the hardened insert
region comprises a shoulder positioned to prevent movement of the
hardened insert region into the shunt tube.
6. (canceled)
7. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the hardened insert
region is secured directly to the wall of the shunt tube.
8. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the hardened insert
region comprises a separate plate positioned in a corresponding
opening formed in the wall, of the shunt tube.
9. (canceled)
10. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the hardened insert
region is retained with respect to the shunt tube from an interior
of the shunt tube.
11. The system as recited in claim 1, wherein the flow path within
the nozzle is curvilinear.
12. A method to facilitate a well treatment, comprising: flowing a
slurry into a wellbore region through a delivery tube; diverting at
least a portion of the slurry laterally through a nozzle; and
protecting both the nozzle and the delivery tube from erosion with
an insert located along a flow path into and through the
nozzle.
13. The method as recited in claim 12, wherein protecting comprises
extending the insert through a wall of the delivery tube and into
an interior of the delivery tube.
14. The method as recited in claim 12, wherein protecting comprises
extending the insert until the insert is generally flush with a
wall surface defining an internal diameter of the delivery
tube.
15. The method as recited in claim 12, further comprising holding
the insert at a desired position with a retaining housing.
16. (canceled)
17. (canceled)
18. The method as recited in claim 12, further comprising securing
the nozzle to an interior surface of the delivery tube.
19. The method as recited in claim 12, further comprising securing
the nozzle at an opening formed through the delivery tube.
20. The method as recited in claim 12, wherein protecting comprises
forming a portion of the insert as a plate fitted within an opening
formed in the delivery tube.
21. The method as recited in claim 12, further comprising forming
the nozzle to erode in a predetermined manner.
22. The method as recited in claim 12, further comprising providing
the nozzle with a curvilinear flow path.
23. A method, comprising: forming a nozzle with a material that
limits the normal erosion otherwise incurred during passage of a
gravel slurry through the nozzle; and fastening the nozzle over a
side opening of a tubular member through which the gravel slurry is
delivered such that the material also protects the tubular member
from erosion proximate the side opening.
24. The method as recited in claim 23, wherein forming comprises
forming the nozzle with a retaining housing and an insert held at
least partially within the retaining housing, the insert being
formed of the material.
25. The method as recited in claim 23, wherein forming comprises
forming the nozzle to extend through the side opening and to
protrude into an interior of the tubular member.
26. The method as recited in claim 23, wherein forming comprises
forming the nozzle with a separate plate sized to fit within the
side opening.
27. A system, comprising: a nozzle for use in directing an erosive
fluid from a delivery tube and into a wellbore region, the nozzle
having an insert formed of a material to control erosion of both
the nozzle and the delivery tube, the insert being positioned to
extend through a wall of the delivery tube to at least an inside
diameter of the delivery tube upon attachment of the nozzle to the
delivery tube.
28. The system as recited in claim 27, wherein the nozzle comprises
a retaining housing surrounding the insert.
29. The system as recited in claim 27, wherein the nozzle is formed
from a material that erodes in a controlled manner to change a
nozzle spray pattern.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Many types of well treatments are performed by a variety of
completions. The well treatments may involve sand control
operations in which gravel laden slurry is delivered downhole to a
desired well zone to be gravel packed. In many applications, the
gravel slurry can create significant erosion of completion
components against which or through which the slurry is flowed to
the desired well zone. In some gravel pack operations, the slurry
is delivered down a tube, such as a shunt tube, and forced
outwardly through laterally oriented nozzles. The flowing slurry
can create component erosion at various contact points along the
tube and nozzles. If the nozzles or tube become sufficiently
eroded, the exiting slurry is not properly directed away from the
completion components, e.g. sand screens, to create a properly
functioning gravel pack.
[0002] Existing nozzles are generally constructed as a stainless
steel tube, but rapidly flowing slurry can erode the stainless
steel tube as well as the outlet opening of the delivery tube
through which slurry flows to the nozzle. The erosion is currently
minimized by pumping at slower rates to ensure gravel velocities
are below the critical velocity causing erosion of the component.
Attempts also have been made to minimize erosion by installing a
carbide tube within the stainless steel tube. However, the carbide
tube has not prevented erosion at the base of the nozzle and at the
delivery tube wall proximate the nozzle entry. If the erosion leads
to slurry bypassing the nozzle, the slurry is then no longer
properly directed away from the completion, e.g. away from the
filtration surface, which can result in erosion of the filtration
surface and failure of the well completion.
SUMMARY
[0003] In general, the present invention provides a system and
method for use with a completion in treating one or more well
zones. The treatment involves directing a treatment fluid
downwardly through a delivery tube and then outwardly through one
or more nozzles into a desired well zone. A slurry or other
treatment fluid is delivered downhole to the desired well zone and
at least a portion of that fluid is directed laterally outward from
the well treatment completion through the one or more nozzles. Each
nozzle is uniquely designed to protect both the nozzle and
proximate portions of the delivery tube from erosion that would
detrimentally affect the well treatment operation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0004] Certain embodiments of the invention will hereafter be
described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like
reference numerals denote like elements, and:
[0005] FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a completion assembly
for use in a well treatment operation, according to an embodiment
of the present invention;
[0006] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a
nozzle coupled to a fluid delivery tubing, according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0007] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a
nozzle coupled to a fluid delivery tubing, according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0008] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a
nozzle coupled to a fluid delivery tubing, according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0009] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a
nozzle coupled to a fluid delivery tubing, according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0010] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a
nozzle coupled to a fluid delivery tubing, according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a
nozzle coupled to a fluid delivery tubing, according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a
nozzle coupled to a fluid delivery tubing, according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0013] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a
nozzle having an insert plate coupled to a fluid delivery tubing,
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a
nozzle having an insert plate coupled to a fluid delivery tubing,
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a
nozzle coupled to a fluid delivery tubing, according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a
nozzle coupled to a fluid delivery tubing, according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a
nozzle coupled to an interior surface of a fluid delivery tubing,
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a
nozzle coupled to a fluid delivery tubing, according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a
nozzle coupled to a fluid delivery tubing, according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a
nozzle coupled to a fluid delivery tubing, according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a
nozzle coupled to a fluid delivery tubing, according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a
nozzle coupled to a fluid delivery tubing, according to an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a
nozzle coupled to a fluid delivery tubing, according to an
embodiment of the present invention; and
[0024] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a
nozzle coupled to a fluid delivery tubing, according to an
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] In the following description, numerous details are set forth
to provide an understanding of the present invention. However, it
will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the
present invention may be practiced without these details and that
numerous variations or modifications from the described embodiments
may be possible.
[0026] The present invention generally relates to a well system
that can be used for well treatment operations, such as sand
control operations. The well system is designed to deliver a well
treatment fluid, e.g. a gravel slurry, downhole to a desired well
zone. The well treatment fluid is delivered through a tubing, such
as a shunt tube, and then routed laterally outward through one or
more nozzles. Each nozzle comprises an insert region that forms a
flow path for the well treatment fluid. The insert region is
designed to control erosion with respect to both the nozzle and the
tubing portion proximate the nozzle.
[0027] Referring generally to FIG. 1, one embodiment of a well
system 30 is illustrated. In this embodiment, well system 30
comprises a completion assembly 32 deployed in a wellbore 34. The
wellbore 34 is drilled into a subsurface formation 36 having at
least one well zone 38 to be treated, e.g. gravel packed. Wellbore
34 extends downwardly from a surface location 40, such as a surface
of the earth or a subsea surface location.
[0028] Completion assembly 32 comprises a treatment string 42 that
can be used to perform the treatment of well zone 38. A well
treatment fluid is delivered downhole through completion assembly
32 and along treatment string 42 via one or more delivery tubes or
tubular members 44. The treatment fluid is directed radially or
laterally outward from tubular members 44 via one or more nozzles
46. In the example illustrated, tubular members 44 comprise one or
more shunt tubes 48 that route the treatment fluid along treatment
string 42. If the well treatment is a sand control treatment, e.g.
a gravel packing treatment, treatment string 42 comprises one or
more screens 50, and the treatment fluid comprises a gravel slurry,
as known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Also, one or more
well zones 38 can be isolated by appropriately placed packers
52.
[0029] Nozzles 46 are designed to redirect the well treatment fluid
flowing through the tubular members 44 and ordinarily are
susceptible to wear, particularly with abrasive treatment fluids
such as gravel slurry. Several embodiments of nozzles 46 that are
designed to eliminate or at least control erosion caused by the
treatment fluid are described herein. One embodiment is illustrated
in FIG. 2 as mounted to one of the tubular members 44, e.g. shunt
tube 48, that deliver a well treatment fluid downhole, as indicated
by arrows 54. At least a portion of the well treatment fluid is
redirected laterally outward through the nozzle 46.
[0030] In this embodiment, nozzle 46 comprises an insert region 56
having a flow passage 58 through which the well treatment fluid
flows laterally outward from an interior 60 of tubular member 44.
Insert region 56 is formed from an erosion resistant material which
may be a hardened material, such as a carbide material. For
example, the insert region 56 can be formed of tungsten carbide, a
ceramic material, or Stellite. The outward flow of well treatment
fluid is enabled by an opening 62 formed through a wall 64 of
tubular member 44. Insert region 56 comprises a corresponding end
region 66 sized to fit within opening 62 and extend through wall
64. By extending the material of insert region 56 through wall 64,
protection is provided both for nozzle 46 and for tubular member 44
in the region where well treatment fluid is routed into nozzle 46.
In the embodiment illustrated, insert region 56 extends into
opening 62 until it is generally flush with an interior surface 68
of tubular member 44.
[0031] As illustrated, insert region 56 further comprises a
shoulder 70 positioned to abut a wall 64 and prevent the insert
region 56 from moving inwardly into tubular member 44. A retaining
housing 72 is positioned over insert region 56 on the exterior side
of tubular member 44 to secure insert region 56 and the overall
nozzle 46 with respect to tubular member 44. By way of example,
retaining housing 72 may be formed from a conventional nozzle
material, such as a steel material, that is welded or otherwise
fastened to wall 64 of tubular member 44. In this embodiment,
retaining housing 72 comprises an opening 74 through which the well
treatment fluid is discharged from flow passage 58. It should be
noted the insert region 56 can be formed as a separable component
or as a component adhered to or otherwise combined with retaining
housing 72. The insert region 56 also can be coated onto or
otherwise applied to retaining housing 72.
[0032] Another embodiment of nozzle 46 is illustrated in FIG. 3. In
this embodiment, the components are similar to the components
described with reference to FIG. 2, except that corresponding end
region 66 extends inwardly beyond a flush position with interior
surface 68 and into the interior 60 of tubular member 44. By
extending the insert region 56 into interior 60, the nozzle 46 is
able to "grab" well treatment fluid passing through tubular member
44 and redirect the fluid into nozzle 46. By extending the erosion
resistant material of insert region 56 into interior 60, both
nozzle 46 and tubular member 44 proximate opening 62 are protected
from material erosion.
[0033] The configuration of insert region 56 can be adjusted to
combat material erosion in areas experiencing the greatest
susceptibility to erosion and loading. As illustrated in FIG. 4,
for example, insert region 56 is formed eccentrically such that a
lower wall portion 76 of corresponding end region 66 is thicker, at
least where it extends into interior 60. The thicker erosion
resistant material is located on the side experiencing the greatest
potential for erosion and loading with this particular nozzle
configuration.
[0034] In another embodiment, insert region 56 comprises a
laterally outward end 78 sized to extend through opening 74 of
retaining housing 72. The outward end 78 of insert region 56
further protects retaining housing 72 from erosion at the point
where well treatment fluid is discharged from nozzle 46. This type
of laterally outward end 78 can be utilized with a number of the
nozzle embodiments described herein. For example, positioning
outward end 78 through housing opening 74 can be utilized with a
nozzle insert region having a concentric (as opposed to eccentric)
corresponding end region 66, as illustrated best in FIG. 6.
[0035] An alternative approach to controlling erosion that may
occur at the nozzle tip is illustrated in the embodiment of FIG. 7.
In this embodiment, outward end 78 does not extend through housing
opening 74; however the insert region 56 is blocked from moving
outwardly with respect to retaining housing 72 by an outer shoulder
80. Outer shoulder 80 is formed in insert region 56 to abut a
corresponding shoulder 82 of retaining housing 72. Thus, even if
retaining housing 72 erodes at opening 74, outer shoulder 80
prevents the outward movement of insert region 56.
[0036] Insert region 56 also can be retained within retaining
housing 72 by fastening insert region 56 to an interior of
retaining housing 72 by an appropriate fastening mechanism 84, as
illustrated in FIG. 8. Examples of fastening mechanism 84 comprise
an adhesive, threads, a weldment, a brazed joint, a press fit or
another suitable mechanism for a fixing insert region 56 to the
surrounding retaining housing 72. This enables the construction of
retaining housing 72 in a simple form, such as the illustrated
tubular housing. Fastening mechanism 84 also enables the creation
of a variety of nozzle outlets 86 with the erosion resistant
material of insert region 56.
[0037] In some applications, further protection of tubular member
44 from erosion can be provided by forming insert region 56 has a
two-part member, as illustrated in FIG. 9. The two-part insert
region 56 comprises a housing portion 88 within retaining housing
72 and a plate portion 90 that replaces a portion of wall 64 of
tubular member 44. The two-part insert can be formed as completely
separate components or as attached or combined components. In the
embodiment illustrated, plate 90 is naturally held in place by the
tube walls on the interior side and by a retaining housing plate 92
on the exterior side. Housing plate 92 can be attached and sealed
to wall 64 by welding or other appropriate permanent attachment
mechanisms. Plate 90 comprises an opening 94 that forms the initial
portion of flow passage 58 through which well treatment fluids
flow. In this embodiment, housing portion 88 is formed as a simple
hollow shaft trapped within retaining housing 72.
[0038] A similar embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 10. In the
embodiment of FIG. 10, plate 90 is a circumferential plate that
extends around the circumference of tubular member 44, effectively
separating tubular member 44 into an upper section 96 and a lower
section 98. Retaining housing plate 92 also extends
circumferentially around tubular member 44 in a manner that holds
circumferential plate 90 in place between tubular sections 96 and
98. This style of plate 90 provides erosion protection across the
entire tubular member in the vicinity of nozzle 46.
[0039] Another embodiment of nozzle 46 is illustrated in FIG. 11.
In this embodiment, the insert region 56 comprises an enlarged
block 100 having flow passage 58 therethrough. The corresponding
section of tube wall 64 is removed to accommodate enlarged block
100 which extends through wall 64 at least to a point where the
block is substantially flush with interior surface 68 of tubular
member 44. The enlarged block 100 can be secured within wall 64 by
an appropriate adhesive, weldment or other suitable fastener.
Because of the enlarged size of block 100, the block may be
designed to undergo a controlled erosion in which the gravel pack
or other well treatment is completed before a critical amount of
the nozzle material is eroded. Accordingly, this type of nozzle 46
can be made from a cheaper material due to the ability to allow the
controlled erosion. For example, controlled erosion can be achieved
with a steel material, e.g. stainless steel, a plastic material, or
other suitable materials that enable the controlled erosion.
[0040] As illustrated in FIG. 12, enlarged block 100 also may be
attached to the exterior of tubular member 44 by a suitable
attachment mechanism, e.g. weldment, adhesive, brazing, or other
suitable fastener. In this embodiment, tubular wall opening 62 is
protected by the size of block 100. In other words, even though the
wall of tubular member 44 may erode, the erosion does not expand
beyond block 100 prior to completion of the gravel pack or other
well treatment. Effectively, the size and position of enlarged
block 100 of nozzle 46 controls the erosion and eliminates or
reduces the potential to create unwanted openings through which the
slurry or other treatment fluid can flow.
[0041] In another alternate embodiment, insert region 56 is
retained from moving away from tubular member 44 by an internal
flange 102 positioned along interior surface 68 of tubular member
44, as illustrated in FIG. 13. This same insert region 56 can be
prevented from moving inwardly into tubular member 44 by a
retaining housing or other suitable fastening mechanism. Examples
of fastening methods comprise adhering, welding, brazing, and the
use of external threads and a retaining nut.
[0042] Other embodiments of nozzle 46 are designed to control the
flow of slurry or other treatment fluid as it exits the nozzle, as
illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15. For example, the shape and size of
flow passage 58 can be adjusted to change the velocity of the
particles within the treatment fluid. In the embodiment illustrated
in FIG. 14, for example, the flow passage 58 is designed to slow
particle velocities exiting nozzle 46 to reduce the likelihood of
eroding the filter or other hardware in the vicinity of nozzle 46.
As illustrated, the height of flow passage 58 increases as the flow
passage transitions from an inlet 104 to an exit 106. In this
particular example, the width of flow passage 58 is substantially
constant, however other flow passage designs can be utilized to
further control the flow of treatment fluid. Furthermore, the
expanding flow passage 58 is illustrated as formed in the enlarged
block 100 positioned either through wall 64 (FIG. 14) or attached
along the exterior of wall 64 (FIG. 15). However, the configuration
of flow passage 58 can be changed to achieve desired flow
characteristics for the other embodiments of nozzle 46.
[0043] In some applications, nozzle 46 can be constructed by
forming insert region 56 as a simple tube 108 inserted in through
opening 62 of wall 64 and into interior 16 of tubular member 44, as
illustrated in FIG. 16. Again, this simple type of insert protects
both nozzle 46 and tube wall 64 from erosion, because the erosion
resistant insert region extends through the tubular member wall.
The nozzle tube 108 can be attached to tubular member 44 by a
suitable fastening method, including adhering, press fitting,
threading, welding and brazing. Additionally, the flow passage 58
can be routed in a generally linear direction, as illustrated in
FIG. 16, or along a curvilinear path, as illustrated in FIG. 17.
Curvilinear flow paths also can be incorporated into other
embodiments of nozzle 46.
[0044] Nozzles 46 also can be designed to change their spray
pattern over time, as illustrated by the embodiments of FIGS. 18
and 19. The design and material of the nozzle is selected to
undergo a controlled erosion having no deleterious effects on the
nozzle or the tubular member 44 that would interfere with the
desired well treatment. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 18,
nozzle 46 is attached to an exterior of tubular member 44 over
opening 62 via a suitable fastening method, e.g. adhering, welding,
brazing. The flow passage 58 is generally arcuate, curving
downwardly via an outer lip 110. Initially, the gravel slurry or
other treatment fluid is sprayed in a downward direction. However,
as lip 110 erodes in a desired, controlled manner, the angle of
spray fans upwardly and outwardly to provide a better fill from the
bottom up. In many applications, lip 110 is designed so the spray
angle does not move upwardly beyond a desired angle, e.g.
45.degree..
[0045] The use of a nozzle that undergoes controlled erosion to
selectively change the spray pattern can be incorporated with a
number of the nozzle embodiments described herein. Another example
is illustrated in FIG. 19, in which the nozzle 46 comprises an end
region 112 sized to fit within wall opening 62. The end region 112
can be designed to extend to a location flush with interior surface
68 or to extend further into the interior 60 of tubular member
44.
[0046] Another embodiment of nozzle 46 incorporates a spacer ring
114, as illustrated in FIG. 20. The spacer ring 114 allows the
hardened material of insert region 56 to be formed with a generally
perpendicular shoulder 116. Perpendicular shoulder 116 is arranged
to abut spacer ring 114 at an outlying end, while the opposite end
of spacer ring 114 abuts the wall 64 of tubular member 44. Thus,
shoulder 116 and spacer ring 114 prevent insert region 56 from
moving inwardly into tubular member 44. Retaining housing 72 is
positioned over both insert region 56 and spacer ring 114. In the
embodiment illustrated, insert region 56 further comprises a
reduced diameter section 118 that fits within spacer ring 114. The
flow passage 58 extends generally axially through the reduced
diameter section 118 and past shoulder 114 until it meets opening
74 of retaining housing 72.
[0047] The unique nozzles 46 can be used with a variety of
completion assemblies and service tools where it is necessary or
desirable to control or eliminate erosion that would otherwise be
caused by the well treatment fluid. Furthermore, the nozzles can be
used in many sand control/gravel packing operations practiced in a
variety of environments. However, the nozzles also can be used in
other treatment operations. The size, shape and location of each
nozzle 46 can be adjusted according to the needs of a specific well
treatment operation. Similarly, the materials used to form each
nozzle 46 can be selected according to the environment, the type of
well treatment fluid, the desire to eliminate or otherwise control
the erosive effects of the well treatment fluid, and other
operational parameters. The shunt tubes or other fluid delivery
tubes also can be designed and routed according to the treatment
operation and the treatment equipment used in the operation.
[0048] Accordingly, although only a few embodiments of the present
invention have been described in detail above, those of ordinary
skill in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications
are possible without materially departing from the teachings of
this invention. Such modifications are intended to be included
within the scope of this invention as defined in the claims.
* * * * *