U.S. patent application number 12/888607 was filed with the patent office on 2012-03-29 for sand control screen assembly having a mechanically attached screen jacket.
This patent application is currently assigned to HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES, INC.. Invention is credited to Stephen Michael Greci, Luke William Holderman, Jean-Marc Lopez.
Application Number | 20120073801 12/888607 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45869451 |
Filed Date | 2012-03-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120073801 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Greci; Stephen Michael ; et
al. |
March 29, 2012 |
Sand Control Screen Assembly Having a Mechanically Attached Screen
Jacket
Abstract
A sand control screen assembly (100) for use in a subterranean
well. The sand control screen assembly (100) includes a base pipe
(102) having an outer surface and at least one opening (104). A
screen jacket (106) is disposed around the base pipe (102). The
screen jacket (106) has a filter medium (112) and an outer shroud
(114). The outer shroud (114) has first and second ends (124, 126)
with inner and outer surfaces. Connector rings (120, 122) form
mechanical interfaces between the base pipe (102) and the first and
second ends (124, 126), respectively, of the outer shroud (114).
Each of the connector rings (120, 122) is operable to mechanically
induce permanent deformation in the outer surface of the base pipe
(102) and at least one of the inner surface and the outer surface
of the outer shroud (114), thereby connecting the screen jacket
(106) to the base pipe (102).
Inventors: |
Greci; Stephen Michael;
(McKinney, TX) ; Holderman; Luke William; (Plano,
TX) ; Lopez; Jean-Marc; (Plano, TX) |
Assignee: |
HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES,
INC.
Carrollton
TX
|
Family ID: |
45869451 |
Appl. No.: |
12/888607 |
Filed: |
September 23, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
166/227 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E21B 43/08 20130101;
E21B 43/088 20130101; E21B 43/082 20130101; E21B 43/086
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
166/227 |
International
Class: |
E21B 43/08 20060101
E21B043/08 |
Claims
1. A sand control screen assembly for use in a subterranean well,
the sand control screen assembly comprising: a base pipe having an
outer surface and at least one opening in a side wall portion
thereof; a screen jacket disposed around the base pipe, the screen
jacket having a filter medium and an outer shroud, the outer shroud
having first and second ends with inner and outer surfaces; and
connector rings forming a mechanical interface between the base
pipe and the first and second ends, respectively, of the outer
shroud, each of the connector rings operable to mechanically induce
permanent deformation in the outer surface of the base pipe and at
least one of the inner surface and the outer surface of the outer
shroud, thereby connecting the screen jacket to the base pipe.
2. The sand control screen assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein
the connector rings prevent longitudinal movement of the screen
jacket relative to the base pipe.
3. The sand control screen assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein
the connector rings prevent rotational movement of the screen
jacket relative to the base pipe.
4. The sand control screen assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein
each connector ring is disposed between the outer surface of the
base pipe and one of the inner surfaces of the outer shroud.
5. The sand control screen assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein
each connector ring is disposed around the outer surface of the
base pipe and one of the outer surfaces of the outer shroud.
6. The sand control screen assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein
the mechanically induced permanent deformation further comprises
crimping the connector rings to create penetrations into the base
pipe and the outer shroud.
7. The sand control screen assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein
the connector rings further comprise cylindrical rings.
8. The sand control screen assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein
the connector rings further comprise a plurality of spikes
extending outwardly from at least one of an inner surface and an
outer surface of the connector rings.
9. The sand control screen assembly as recited in claim 8 wherein
the spikes further comprise removable inserts.
10. The sand control screen assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein
the connector rings further comprise a plurality of friction riser
extending outwardly from at least one of an inner surface and an
outer surface of the connector rings.
11. The sand control screen assembly as recited in claim 1 wherein
the connector rings have a cross sectional shape selected from the
group consisting of a substantially rectangular shape, a
substantially triangular shape and a substantially pyramidal
shape.
12. A sand control screen assembly for use in a subterranean well,
the sand control screen assembly comprising: a base pipe having an
outer surface and at least one opening in a side wall portion
thereof; a screen jacket disposed around the base pipe, the screen
jacket having a filter medium and an outer shroud, the outer shroud
having first and second ends with inner surfaces; and connector
rings disposed between the base pipe and the first and second ends,
respectively, of the outer shroud, each of the connector rings
operably coupled to the outer shroud and operable to mechanically
induce permanent deformation in the outer surface of the base pipe,
thereby connecting the screen jacket to the base pipe.
13. The sand control screen assembly as recited in claim 12 wherein
the mechanically induced permanent deformation further comprises
crimping the connector rings to create penetrations into the base
pipe.
14. The sand control screen assembly as recited in claim 12 wherein
the connector rings further comprise a plurality of spikes
extending outwardly from an inner surface of the connector
rings.
15. The sand control screen assembly as recited in claim 12 wherein
the connector rings further comprise a plurality of friction riser
extending outwardly from an inner surface of the connector
rings.
16. The sand control screen assembly as recited in claim 12 wherein
the connector rings have a cross sectional shape selected from the
group consisting of a substantially rectangular shape, a
substantially triangular shape and a substantially pyramidal
shape.
17. A sand control screen assembly for use in a subterranean well,
the sand control screen assembly comprising: a base pipe having an
outer surface and at least one opening in a side wall portion
thereof; a screen jacket disposed around the base pipe, the screen
jacket having a filter medium and an outer shroud, the outer shroud
having first and second ends with outer surfaces; and connector
rings disposed around the outer surface of the base pipe and the
first and second ends, respectively, of the outer shroud forming a
mechanical interface therebetween, each of the connector rings
operable to mechanically induce permanent deformation in the outer
surface of the base pipe and the outer surface of the outer shroud,
thereby connecting the screen jacket to the base pipe.
18. The sand control screen assembly as recited in claim 17 wherein
the mechanically induced permanent deformation further comprises
crimping the connector rings to create penetrations into the base
pipe and the outer shroud.
19. The sand control screen assembly as recited in claim 17 wherein
the connector rings further comprise a plurality of spikes
extending outwardly from an inner surface of the connector
rings.
20. The sand control screen assembly as recited in claim 17 wherein
the connector rings further comprise a plurality of friction riser
extending outwardly from an outer surface of the connector rings.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates, in general, to equipment utilized in
conjunction with operations performed in subterranean wells and, in
particular, to a sand control screen assembly having a mechanically
attached screen jacket.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Without limiting the scope of the present invention, its
background will be described with reference to producing fluid from
a hydrocarbon bearing subterranean formation, as an example.
[0003] Since the beginning of oil production from subsurface
formations, the industry has been concerned with efficient control
of the movement of unconsolidated formation particles, such as
sand, into the wellbore. For example, such formation movement
commonly occurs during production from completions in loose
sandstone or following hydraulic fracture of a formation.
Production of these materials causes numerous problems in the
operation of oil, gas or water wells. These problems include
plugged formations, tubing and subsurface flow lines, as well as
erosion of casing, downhole equipment and surface equipment. These
problems lead to high maintenance costs and unacceptable well
downtime. Accordingly, numerous methods have been utilized to
control the movement of these unconsolidated formation particles
during the production of fluids.
[0004] For example, one or more sand control screen assemblies are
commonly included in the completion string to control the movement
of formation particles. Such sand control screen assemblies are
commonly constructed by installing one or more screen jackets on a
perforated base pipe. The screen jackets may include one or more
drainage layers, one or more screen elements such as a wire wrapped
screen or single or multi layer wire mesh screen and a perforated
outer shroud. Conventionally, screen jackets have been secured to
the base pipe by welding.
[0005] It has been found, however, that the process of welding a
screen jacket to a base pipe is sometimes very difficult due to the
difference in metallurgy of the components. For example, the
material used for the base pipe may be 13 chrome while the material
used for the screen jacket may be a special alloy such as 304L
stainless steel, 316L stainless steel, Inconel, Hastelloy or Monel.
In addition, it has been found that welding a screen jacket to a
base pipe typically requires a post weld stress relief process
which can be time consuming. Further, it has been found that
welding a screen jacket to a base pipe can cause damage to the
screen jacket resulting in numerous types of failures in the sand
control screen assemblies.
[0006] Accordingly, a need has arisen for an apparatus for
attaching a screen jacket to a base pipe that does not require
welding incompatibly different materials. A need has also arisen
for such an apparatus for attaching a screen jacket to a base pipe
that does not require a post weld stress relief process. Further, a
need has arisen for such an apparatus for attaching a screen jacket
to a base pipe that does not result in damage to the screen
jacket.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention disclosed herein comprises a sand
control screen assembly for preventing the inflow of formation
particles during production. The sand control screen assembly of
the present invention does not require welding incompatibly
different materials to connect a screen jacket to the base pipe. In
addition, the sand control screen assembly of the present invention
does not require a post weld stress relief process or result in
damage to the screen jacket.
[0008] In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a sand
control screen assembly for use in a subterranean well. The sand
control screen assembly includes a base pipe having an outer
surface and at least one opening in a side wall portion thereof. A
screen jacket is disposed around the base pipe. The screen jacket
has a filter medium and an outer shroud. The outer shroud has first
and second ends with inner and outer surfaces. Connector rings form
a mechanical interface between the base pipe and the first and
second ends, respectively, of the outer shroud. Each of the
connector rings is operable to mechanically induce permanent
deformation in the outer surface of the base pipe and at least one
of the inner surface and the outer surface of the outer shroud,
thereby connecting the screen jacket to the base pipe.
[0009] In one embodiment, the connector rings prevent longitudinal
movement of the screen jacket relative to the base pipe. In another
embodiment, the connector rings prevent rotational movement of the
screen jacket relative to the base pipe. In certain embodiments,
each connector ring is disposed between the outer surface of the
base pipe and an inner surface of the outer shroud. In other
embodiments, each connector ring is disposed around the outer
surface of the base pipe and an outer surface of the outer shroud.
In one embodiment, the mechanically induced permanent deformation
is achieved by crimping the connector rings to create penetrations
into the base pipe and the outer shroud.
[0010] Preferably, the connector rings take the form of cylindrical
rings having a cross sectional shape selected from the group
consisting of a substantially rectangular shape, a substantially
triangular shape and a substantially pyramidal shape. In some
embodiments, the connector rings include spikes extending outwardly
from an inner surface of the connector rings, an outer surface of
the connector rings or both. In these embodiments the spikes may be
removable inserts. In other embodiments, the connector rings
include a plurality of friction riser extending outwardly from an
inner surface of the connector rings, an outer surface of the
connector rings or both.
[0011] In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a
sand control screen assembly for use in a subterranean well. The
sand control screen assembly includes a base pipe having an outer
surface and at least one opening in a side wall portion thereof. A
screen jacket is disposed around the base pipe. The screen jacket
has a filter medium and an outer shroud. The outer shroud has first
and second ends with inner surfaces. Connector rings are disposed
between the base pipe and the first and second ends, respectively,
of the outer shroud. Each of the connector rings is operably
connected to the inner surface of the outer shroud and operable to
mechanically induce permanent deformation in the outer surface of
the base pipe, thereby connecting the screen jacket to the base
pipe.
[0012] In a further aspect, the present invention is directed to a
sand control screen assembly for use in a subterranean well. The
sand control screen assembly includes a base pipe having an outer
surface and at least one opening in a side wall portion thereof. A
screen jacket is disposed around the base pipe. The screen jacket
has a filter medium and an outer shroud. The outer shroud has first
and second ends with outer surfaces. Connector rings are disposed
around the outer surface of the base pipe and the first and second
ends, respectively, of the outer shroud forming a mechanical
interface therebetween. Each of the connector rings is operable to
mechanically induce permanent deformation in the outer surface of
the base pipe and the outer surface of the outer shroud, thereby
connecting the screen jacket to the base pipe.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] For a more complete understanding of the features and
advantages of the present invention, reference is now made to the
detailed description of the invention along with the accompanying
figures in which corresponding numerals in the different figures
refer to corresponding parts and in which:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a well system
operating a plurality of sand control screen assemblies according
to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of a sand control screen
assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of one embodiment of a connector
ring for use in a sand control screen assembly of the present
invention;
[0017] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of one embodiment of a connector
ring for use in a sand control screen assembly of the present
invention;
[0018] FIG. 5 is an isometric view of one embodiment of a connector
ring for use in a sand control screen assembly of the present
invention;
[0019] FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of a sand control screen
assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of a sand control screen
assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of a sand control screen
assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of a sand control screen
assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view of a sand control screen
assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;
and
[0024] FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of a sand control screen
assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0025] While the making and using of various embodiments of the
present invention are discussed in detail below, it should be
appreciated that the present invention provides many applicable
inventive concepts which can be embodied in a wide variety of
specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed herein are
merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the invention,
and do not delimit the scope of the present invention.
[0026] Referring initially to FIG. 1, therein is depicted a well
system including a plurality of sand control screen assemblies
embodying principles of the present invention that is schematically
illustrated and generally designated 10. In the illustrated
embodiment, a wellbore 12 extends through the various earth strata.
Wellbore 12 has a substantially vertical section 14, the upper
portion of which has cemented therein a casing string 16. Wellbore
12 also has a substantially horizontal section 18 that extends
through a hydrocarbon bearing subterranean formation 20. As
illustrated, substantially horizontal section 18 of wellbore 12 is
open hole.
[0027] Positioned within wellbore 12 and extending from the surface
is a tubing string 22. Tubing string 22 provides a conduit for
formation fluids to travel from formation 20 to the surface. At its
lower end, tubing string 22 is coupled to a completion string that
has been installed in wellbore 12 and divides the completion
interval into various production intervals adjacent to formation
20. The completion string includes a plurality of sand control
screen assemblies 24, each of which is positioned between a pair of
packers 26 that provides a fluid seal between the completion string
and wellbore 12, thereby defining the production intervals. Sand
control screen assemblies 24 serve the primary function of
filtering particulate matter out of the production fluid
stream.
[0028] Even though FIG. 1 depicts sand control screen assemblies of
the present invention in an open hole environment, it should be
understood by those skilled in the art that the sand control screen
assemblies of the present invention are equally well suited for use
in cased wells. Also, even though FIG. 1 depicts one sand control
screen assembly in each production interval, it should be
understood by those skilled in the art that any number of sand
control screen assemblies of the present invention may be deployed
within a production interval without departing from the principles
of the present invention. In addition, even though FIG. 1 depicts
multiple production intervals separated by packers, it should be
understood by those skilled in the art that the completion interval
may have any number of production intervals including a single
interval with a corresponding number of packers or no packers.
Further, even though FIG. 1 depicts the sand control screen
assemblies of the present invention in a horizontal section of the
wellbore, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that
the sand control screen assemblies of the present invention are
equally well suited for use in wells having other directional
configurations including vertical wells, deviated wellbores,
slanted wells, multilateral well and the like. Accordingly, it
should be understood by those skilled in the art that the use of
directional terms such as above, below, upper, lower, upward,
downward, left, right, uphole, downhole and the like are used in
relation to the illustrative embodiments as they are depicted in
the figures, the upward direction being toward the top of the
corresponding figure and the downward direction being toward the
bottom of the corresponding figure, the uphole direction being
toward the surface of the well and the downhole direction being
toward the toe of the well.
[0029] Referring next to FIG. 2, an embodiment of a sand control
screen assembly of the present invention is depicted and generally
designated 100. Sand control screen assembly 100 includes a base
pipe 102 having a plurality of openings or perforations 104. Sand
control screen assembly 100 has a screen jacket 106 that is
attached to base pipe 102 according to the present invention. In
the illustrated embodiment, screen jacket 106 includes plurality of
circumferentially distributed axially extending ribs 108 with a
screen wire 110 wrapped therearound that serves as the drainage
layer for screen jacket 106. Screen jacket 106 also includes a
filter medium 112, designed to allow fluids to flow therethrough
but prevent particulate matter of a predetermined size from flowing
therethrough. As illustrated, filter medium 112 consist of a
fluid-porous, particulate restricting material in the form of a
plurality of layers of a wire mesh that are diffusion bonded or
sintered together to form a fluid porous wire mesh screen. In one
embodiment, filter medium 112 has multiple layers of a plain Dutch
weave or a twilled Dutch weave wire mesh material preferably having
a uniform pore structure and a controlled pore size that is
determined based upon formation properties. In other embodiments,
filter medium 112 may be a single layer of wire mesh, multiple
layers of wire mesh that are not bonded together, a single layer of
wire wrap, multiple layers of wire wrap or the like, that may or
may not operate with a drainage layer. Screen jacket 106 further
includes an outer shroud 114 positioned around filter medium 112.
As depicted, outer shroud 114 has a plurality of openings 116 and a
plurality of dimples 118 that provide standoff between outer shroud
114 and filter medium 112.
[0030] Screen jacket 106 is mechanically coupled to base pipe 102
with a pair of connector rings 120, 122. In the illustrated
embodiment, connector rings 120, 122 form mechanical interfaces
between the outer surface of base pipe 102 and the inner surface of
end portions 124, 126 of outer shroud 114. As best seen in FIG. 3,
connector ring 120 is a cylindrical ring having a substantially
rectangular cross sectional shape. Preferably, connector ring 120
is formed from a metal such as 13 chrome, 304L stainless steel,
316L stainless steel, 420 stainless steel, 410 stainless steel,
Incoloy 825 or similar alloy. In addition, connector ring 120
includes spikes 128 extending outwardly from its outer surface and
spikes 130 extending outwardly from its inner surface. Preferably,
spikes 128, 130 are formed from a hardened material including a
surface hardened material and are operable to mechanically induced
permanent deformation in base pipe 102 and outer shroud 114 such as
through a crimping process which causes spikes 128 to create
penetrations into outer shroud 114 and spikes 130 to create
penetrations into base pipe 102. Similarly, connector ring 122
includes spikes 132 extending outwardly from its outer surface and
spikes 134 extending outwardly from its inner surface that
respectively, create penetrations into outer shroud 114 and base
pipe 102 during a crimping or similar mechanical process. Once the
mechanical connections are made between outer shroud 114 and base
pipe 102 using connector rings 120, 122, longitudinal and
rotational movement of screen jacket 106 relative to base pipe 102
is prevented. Alternatively, connector rings 120, 122 could be have
spikes extending from only their inner surfaces to mechanically
induced permanent deformation in base pipe 102 while being
connected to outer shroud 114 using other techniques such as
welding.
[0031] Referring next to FIG. 4, an alternate embodiment of a
connector ring is depicted and generally designated 140. Connector
ring 140 is a cylindrical ring having a substantially rectangular
cross sectional shape. Preferably, connector ring 140 is formed
from a metal or metal alloy. In addition, connector ring 140
includes a plurality of friction risers 142 extending outwardly
from its outer surface and friction risers 144 extending outwardly
from its inner surface. Friction risers 142, 144 may be in the form
of an uneven surface such as a knurled surface formed by machining,
etching or otherwise reshaping the surfaces of connector ring 140.
Alternatively, friction risers 142, 144 may be in the form of a
surface coating such as a particle coating including, for example,
a tungsten carbide particle coating. Friction risers 142, 144 are
operable to mechanically induced permanent deformation in the base
pipe and the outer shroud such as through a crimping process which
causes friction risers 142 to create penetrations into the outer
shroud and friction risers 144 to create penetrations into the base
pipe.
[0032] Referring next to FIG. 5, another alternate embodiment of a
connector ring is depicted and generally designated 150. Connector
ring 150 is a cylindrical ring having a substantially rectangular
cross sectional shape. Preferably, connector ring 150 is formed
from a polymer or rubber material or may be formed from a high
strength adhesive material. Connector ring 150 may be used to
mechanically couple the outer shroud to the base pipe using a
crimping process.
[0033] Referring next to FIG. 6, an embodiment of a sand control
screen assembly of the present invention is depicted and generally
designated 200. Sand control screen assembly 200 includes a base
pipe 202 having a plurality of openings or perforations 204. Sand
control screen assembly 200 has a screen jacket 206 that is
attached to base pipe 202 according to the present invention.
Screen jacket 206 includes plurality of circumferentially
distributed axially extending ribs 208 with a screen wire 210
wrapped therearound, a filter medium 212 and an outer shroud 214
having a plurality of openings 216 and a plurality of dimples
218.
[0034] Screen jacket 206 is mechanically coupled to base pipe 202
with a pair of connector rings 220, 222. In the illustrated
embodiment, connector rings 220, 222 form mechanical interfaces
between the outer surface of base pipe 202 and the inner surface of
end portions 224, 226 of outer shroud 214. Connector rings 220, 222
are in the form of cylindrical rings having substantially
triangular cross sectional shapes and are preferably formed from a
metal or metal alloy. In the illustrated embodiment, connector
rings 220, 222 includes outwardly extending spikes that are
preferably formed from a hardened material and are operable to
mechanically induced permanent deformation in base pipe 202 and
outer shroud 214 such as through a crimping process to create
penetrations into base pipe 202 and outer shroud 214. Once the
mechanical connections are made between outer shroud 214 and base
pipe 202 using connector rings 220, 222, longitudinal and
rotational movement of screen jacket 206 relative to base pipe 202
is prevented. Alternatively, connector rings 220, 222 could have
other types of friction riser as described above with reference to
FIG. 4. As another alternative, connector rings 220, 222 could have
spikes or friction risers extending from only their inner surfaces
to mechanically induce permanent deformation in base pipe 202 while
being connected to outer shroud 214 using other techniques such as
welding.
[0035] Referring next to FIG. 7, an embodiment of a sand control
screen assembly of the present invention is depicted and generally
designated 300. Sand control screen assembly 300 includes a base
pipe 302 having a plurality of openings or perforations 304. Sand
control screen assembly 300 has a screen jacket 306 that is
attached to base pipe 302 according to the present invention.
Screen jacket 306 includes plurality of circumferentially
distributed axially extending ribs 308 with a screen wire 310
wrapped therearound, a filter medium 312 and an outer shroud 314
having a plurality of openings 316 and a plurality of dimples
318.
[0036] Screen jacket 306 is mechanically coupled to base pipe 302
with a pair of connector rings 320, 322. In the illustrated
embodiment, connector rings 320, 322 form mechanical interfaces
between the outer surface of base pipe 302 and the inner surface of
end portions 324, 326 of outer shroud 314. Connector rings 320, 322
are in the form of cylindrical rings having substantially pyramidal
cross sectional shapes and are preferably formed from a metal or
metal alloy. In the illustrated embodiment, connector rings 320,
322 includes outwardly extending spikes that are preferably formed
from a hardened material and are operable to mechanically induced
permanent deformation in base pipe 302 and outer shroud 314 such as
through a crimping process to create penetrations into base pipe
302 and outer shroud 314. Once the mechanical connections are made
between outer shroud 314 and base pipe 302 using connector rings
320, 322, longitudinal and rotational movement of screen jacket 306
relative to base pipe 302 is prevented. Alternatively, connector
rings 320, 322 could have other types of friction riser as
described above with reference to FIG. 4. As another alternative,
connector rings 320, 322 could have spikes or friction risers
extending from only their inner surfaces to mechanically induce
permanent deformation in base pipe 302 while being connected to
outer shroud 314 using other techniques such as welding.
[0037] Referring next to FIG. 8, an embodiment of a sand control
screen assembly of the present invention is depicted and generally
designated 400. Sand control screen assembly 400 includes a base
pipe 402 having a plurality of openings or perforations 404. Sand
control screen assembly 400 has a screen jacket 406 that is
attached to base pipe 402 according to the present invention.
Screen jacket 406 includes plurality of circumferentially
distributed axially extending ribs 408 with a screen wire 410
wrapped therearound, a filter medium 412 and an outer shroud 414
having a plurality of openings 416 and a plurality of dimples
418.
[0038] Screen jacket 406 is mechanically coupled to base pipe 402
with a pair of connector rings 420, 422. In the illustrated
embodiment, connector rings 420, 422 form mechanical interfaces
between the outer surface of base pipe 402 and the outer surface of
end portions 424, 426 of outer shroud 414. Connector rings 420, 422
are preferably formed from a metal or metal alloy. In the
illustrated embodiment, connector rings 420, 422 include outwardly
extending spikes that are preferably formed from a hardened
material and are operable to mechanically induced permanent
deformation in base pipe 402 and outer shroud 414 such as through a
crimping process to create penetrations into base pipe 402 and
outer shroud 414. Once the mechanical connections are made between
outer shroud 414 and base pipe 402 using connector rings 420, 422,
longitudinal and rotational movement of screen jacket 406 relative
to base pipe 402 is prevented. Alternatively, connector rings 420,
422 could have other types of friction riser as described above
with reference to FIG. 4.
[0039] Referring next to FIG. 9, an embodiment of a sand control
screen assembly of the present invention is depicted and generally
designated 500. Sand control screen assembly 500 includes a base
pipe 502 having a plurality of openings or perforations 504. Sand
control screen assembly 500 has a screen jacket 506 that is
attached to base pipe 502 according to the present invention.
Screen jacket 506 includes plurality of circumferentially
distributed axially extending ribs 508 with a screen wire 510
wrapped therearound, a filter medium 512 and an outer shroud 514
having a plurality of openings 516 and a plurality of dimples
518.
[0040] Screen jacket 506 is mechanically coupled to base pipe 502
with a pair of connector rings 520, 522. In the illustrated
embodiment, connector rings 520, 522 form mechanical interfaces
between the outer surface of base pipe 502 and the outer surface of
end portions 524, 526 of outer shroud 514. Connector rings 520, 522
are preferably formed from a metal or metal alloy. In the
illustrated embodiment, connector rings 520, 522 include outwardly
extending spikes depicted as removable inserts 528 that are
preferably formed from a hardened material and are operable to
mechanically induced permanent deformation in base pipe 502 and
outer shroud 514 such as through a crimping process to create
penetrations into base pipe 502 and outer shroud 514. Once the
mechanical connections are made between outer shroud 514 and base
pipe 502 using connector rings 520, 522, longitudinal and
rotational movement of screen jacket 506 relative to base pipe 502
is prevented.
[0041] Referring next to FIG. 10, an embodiment of a sand control
screen assembly of the present invention is depicted and generally
designated 600. Sand control screen assembly 600 includes a base
pipe 602 having a plurality of openings or perforations 604. Sand
control screen assembly 600 has a screen jacket 606 that is
attached to base pipe 602 according to the present invention.
Screen jacket 606 includes plurality of circumferentially
distributed axially extending ribs 608 with a screen wire 610
wrapped therearound, a filter medium 612 and an outer shroud 614
having a plurality of openings 616 and a plurality of dimples
618.
[0042] Screen jacket 606 is mechanically coupled to base pipe 602
with a pair of connector rings 620, 622. In the illustrated
embodiment, connector rings 620, 622 form mechanical interfaces
between the outer surface of base pipe 602 and outer shroud 614.
Connector rings 620, 622 are preferably formed from a metal or
metal alloy. In the illustrated embodiment, connector rings 620,
622 are welded at 624, 626 to outer shroud 614 and include
outwardly extending spikes that are preferably formed from a
hardened material and are operable to mechanically induced
permanent deformation in base pipe 602 such as through a crimping
process to create penetrations into base pipe 602. Once the
mechanical connections are made between outer shroud 614 and base
pipe 602 using connector rings 620, 622, longitudinal and
rotational movement of screen jacket 606 relative to base pipe 602
is prevented.
[0043] Referring next to FIG. 11, an embodiment of a sand control
screen assembly of the present invention is depicted and generally
designated 700. Sand control screen assembly 700 includes a base
pipe 702 having a plurality of openings or perforations 704. Sand
control screen assembly 700 has a screen jacket 706 that is
attached to base pipe 702 according to the present invention.
Screen jacket 706 includes plurality of circumferentially
distributed axially extending ribs 708 with a screen wire 710
wrapped therearound, a filter medium 712 and an outer shroud 714
having a plurality of openings 716 and a plurality of dimples
718.
[0044] Screen jacket 706 is mechanically coupled to base pipe 702
with a pair of connector rings 720, 722 that are integrally formed
on the ends of outer shroud 714 or are otherwise coupled thereto
mechanically or by welds. In the illustrated embodiment, connector
rings 720, 722 form mechanical interfaces between outer shroud 714
and base pipe 702. In the illustrated embodiment, connector rings
720, 722 include outwardly extending spikes that are preferably
formed from a hardened material and are operable to mechanically
induced permanent deformation in base pipe 702 such as through a
crimping process to create penetrations into base pipe 702. Once
the mechanical connections are made between outer shroud 714 and
base pipe 702 using connector rings 720, 722, longitudinal and
rotational movement of screen jacket 706 relative to base pipe 702
is prevented.
[0045] While this invention has been described with reference to
illustrative embodiments, this description is not intended to be
construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications and
combinations of the illustrative embodiments as well as other
embodiments of the invention will be apparent to persons skilled in
the art upon reference to the description. It is, therefore,
intended that the appended claims encompass any such modifications
or embodiments.
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