SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GRAVEL PACKING WELLS
Technical Field of Invention
[000 I ] The present invention relates generally to equipment and
procedures used in conjunction with subterranean wells, and more
particularly (although not necessarily exclusively), to an assembly, a
system, and a method for gravel packing with a flow restricting device.
Background
[0002] Some wells can be completed with sand control screens for
controlling sand production. Other wells can additionally have a gravel
pack placed around the screens to control sand production. Produced
sand is undesirable for many reasons. The sand is abrasive to
components within a well and must be removed from the produced
hydrocarbon fluids at the surface.
[0003] For a complete gravel pack, it is often preferred to completely
pack an annulus external to production tubing across a sand face or
external to a sand screen without leaving any voids. Failure to obtain a
complete gravel pack can result in lower productivity andlor sandproducing
gravel pack. This incomplete packing is often associated with
the formation of sand bridges in the interval to be packed. Sand bridges
can prevent placement of sufficient sand along a screen on the opposite
side of the bridge.
[0004] Different methods of gravel packing are available. One
method can be referred to as using an alpha-beta technique or sand
duning technique. In those methods, a sand concentration or sand slurry
can be pumped into the well system. The sand slurry can exit a gravel
pack port and build a dune or collection along a portion of a screen. As the
fluid continues to flow past the dune at a certain velocity, the top of the
dune is removed. The alpha wave, which progresses along the wellbore,
includes gravel that can be deposited by gravity on the bottom side of the
annulus around a screen, a blank pipe, a workstring, or other conduit.
[0005] The presence of gravel slurry flowing in the annulus combined
with the force of gravity can often cause some gravel to fall and
accumulate on the floor of the annulus for wells with horizontal deviations.
The slurry flow velocity above the gravel dune can cause shear force
sufficient to wash away higher accumulations of gravel. The shear forces
of the slurry fluid flow can cause the gravel accumulation to reach a
equilibrium gravel dune height in the annulus. The duning process can
continue as the slurry flow velocity in the annulus is sufficient to cause
enough shear force to prevent gravel accumulation. Once axial slurry flow
is reduced to a level that is inadequate to shear away gravel at the top of a
dune, the slurry flow along the annulus can be blocked. At such blocking,
the alpha wave gravel placement can be terminated. Fluid exiting the
annulus prior to the end of the screen may prevent the alpha wave from
progressing uniformly to the end of the screen. The beta wave then fills up
the downstream portion of the well as the sand moves its way upstream as
it piles up along the length of the well. Uniform beta packing often occurs
when the fluid can flow into the screen in a uniform manner along its
length. However, in some well systems, the alpha wave may not reach an
end of the wellbore, thus stalling at an intermediate portion of the wellbore
due to a number of factors, such as the loss of fluid velocity or fluid lost to
the formation. The result may be an incomplete pack.
[0006] An alternate approach can include replacing the use of a beta
wave gravel deposition by adding additional gravel deposit height in the
annulus using one or more successive alpha wave deposit phases of
gravel packing. Gravel placement with alpha wave deposition can be
uniform and continuous up to the point where gravel slurry carrier fluid flow
velocity exterior to the screen is sufficient to transport gravel along the
length of the screen. Conditions that can preclude uniform and continuous
gravel placement by alpha wave deposition include irregularities in the
wellbore diameter or excessive hole rugousity , excessively high or
inconsistent gravel concentration per unit volume of slurry, and slurry flow
velocities which are either too high or too low.
[0007] Some well systems can be gravel packed using alternate-path
gravel packing. In some well systems, the alternate-path gravel packing
can use shunt tubes or other bypass flow paths to provide a complete
gravel pack.
[0008] In a well designed conventional gravel pack screen and tool
assembly, the fluid flow paths and cross sectional areas may be arranged
such that in some cases, a substantially complete gravel packing using
both alpha wave and beta wave or multiple alpha wave gravel placement
may be obtained. However, difficulty in the art has arisen when gravel
packing wellbores employing screens with flow management devices.
Some such well bores andlor completions can employ flow restricting
devices, such as an inflow control device, an autonomous valve, or
screens that have means of controlling fluid inflow at isolated points along
the screen. The introduction of such inflow control devices can provide
difficulties in obtaining a complete gravel pack about a screen of the well
system. Such isolated points of fluid ingress through a screen may
prevent uniform packing during the beta wave gravel depositing phase of
the alpha wave and beta wave packing process.
[0009] In some well systems, the inflow control device may impair or
prevent a successful placement of the gravel pack around the screen when
using these conventional slurry pumping techniques. In some cases, the
inflow control device can restrict the available flow rate through the screen
during the gravel packing operation. As a result, few (if any) wells have
been completed having an integral flow control device with a complete and
uniform gravel pack installed about the screen.
[00 1 01 Therefore, assemblies and systems are desirable that can
provide an open hole gravel pack in well completions having a flow
restricting device and screen, particularly in horizontal well completions.
Summarv
[OOI I ] Certain embodiments described herein are directed to
assemblies and systems to facilitate gravel packing of a well having a flow
restricting device. The assemblies, systems, and methods can be installed
in a bore of a subterranean formation.
[00 1 21 In some embodiments, the assembly can comprise a well
screen, a flow restricting device, and a shunt tube system. The flow
restricting device can control fluid flow through the well screen. The shunt
tube system can provide an alternative path for gravel slurry about the well
screen during a gravel packing operation.
[00 1 31 In at least one embodiment, the flow restricting device can
comprise an inflow control device.
[00 1 41 In at least one embodiment, the flow restricting device can
comprise an autonomous valve. In some such embodiments, the
autonomous valve can selectively control fluid flow during production or
injection of the well.
[00 1 51 In at least one embodiment, the shunt tube system can
include a transport tube that is fluidly connected to a packing tube. The
gravel slurry can exit the shunt tube system through a nozzle in the
packing tube.
[00 1 61 In at least one embodiment, the shunt tube system can
comprise at least one nozzle from which the gravel slurry can be
discharged about the well screen.
[00 1 71 In at least one embodiment, the shunt tube system can
comprise a system capable of gathering carrier fluid. In some such
embodiments, the system of gathering carrier fluid can include a gravel
screening flow channel, a tube positioned adjacent to the well screen, or a
manifold capable of allowing fluid to flow to a fluid sink to allow packing of
gravel about the well screen.
[00 1 81 In at least one embodiment, the flow restricting device can be
interconnected to a completion string.
[00 1 91 In at least one embodiment, the shunt tube system can be
connected to the flow restricting device.
[0020] In other embodiments, a well system can comprise a flow
restricting device, a shunt tube system, and a gravel pack. The flow
restricting device can control fluid flow between the reservoir and the
wellbore. In such embodiments, the flow restricting device can be capable
of having a screen positioned in a flow stream or path of the device. In
such systems, the shunt tube system can provide an alternative for gravel
slurry to flow. The gravel slurry can be deposited about the screen of the
flow restricting device during a gravel packing operation.
[0021] In at least one embodiment, the flow restricting device of the
well system can be interconnected in a completion string.
[0022] In at least one embodiment, the flow restricting device of the
well system can comprise an inflow control device.
[0023] In at least one embodiment, the shunt tube system of the well
system can be connected to the flow restricting device.
[0024] In yet other embodiments, a method of gravel packing a well
is provided. The method can comprise installing a flow restricting device
and a screen in a wellbore. The flow restricting device can control the flow
of fluid into a reservoir or from a reservoir. The method further comprises
flowing a gravel slurry about the flow restricting device and the screen. A
portion of the gravel slurry can flow through a shunt tube system. The
shunt tube system can provide an alternative path for the gravel slurry to
flow along the screen during a gravel packing operation.
[0025] In at least one embodiment, the method can comprise
installing a plurality of flow restricting devices in a completion string.
[0026] In at least one embodiment, the method can include installing
a flow restricting device comprising an inflow control device.
[0027] These illustrative aspects and embodiments are mentioned
not to limit or define the invention, but to provide examples to aid
understanding of the inventive concepts disclosed in this application.
Other aspects, advantages, and features of the present invention will
become apparent after review of the entire application.
Brief Description of Drawings
[0028] Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a well system having an
inflow control device assembly according to one embodiment of the
present invention.
[0029] Figure 2A is a side perspective view of an inflow control
device assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention.
[0030] Figure 2B is a side view of an inflow control device according
to one embodiment of the present invention.
WO 20131028329 PCTlUS20121049286
[003 1 ] Figure 3 is a side perspective view of an inflow control device
assembly having a shunt tube system according to one embodiment of the
present invention.
[0032] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional end view of a shunt tube system
according to one embodiment of the present invention.
Detailed Description
[0033] Certain aspects and embodiments of the present invention
relate to systems and assemblies that are capable of being installed in a
bore, such as a wellbore, in a subterranean formation for use in producing
hydrocarbon fluids from the formation. In some embodiments, the
assemblies and systems can include a flow restricting device and an
alternate-path gravel packing system to provide a gravel pack about the
flow restricting device. In some embodiments, a shunt tube system can be
employed to provide an alternative path for gravel slurry during a gravel
packing operation. Assemblies, systems, and methods according to some
embodiments can allow uniform and complete annular sand control pack
placement together with reduced flow of unwanted fluids.
[0034] With the increased frequency of the operation of deviated,
highly deviated, or horizontal wells, systems and assemblies to provide for
a complete gravel pack about flow restricting devices are desired. As used
herein, the terms "deviated well" or "highly deviated well" refer to a well or
a section of a well that is deviated from a vertical orientation. As used
herein, the terms "horizontal well" or "horizontal section of a well" refer to a
well or section of a well that is deviated from a vertical orientation in a
generally horizontal orientation at an angle from about 60 degrees to about
130 degrees relative to the ground surface. Some embodiments described
herein refer to systems, assemblies, or devices that can be utilized in a
horizontal well or a horizontal section of well or other wellbores employing
screens with flow management devices; although not specifically stated,
some of the same such embodiments may be utilized in a deviated or
highly deviated well or well section.
[0035] In the following description of the representative
embodiments, directional terms, such as "above", "below", "upper", "lower",
"upstream", "downstream", etc. are used for convenience in referring to the
accompanying drawings. In general, "above", "upper", "upstream", and
similar terms refer to a direction toward the earth's surface along a well
bore and "below", "lower", "downstream" and similar terms refer to a
direction away from the earth's surface along the wellbore.
[0036] In some embodiments, the systems and methods described
herein can facilitate a complete gravel pack of a well system, and
particularly in horizontal sections of a well system or wellbores employing
screens with flow management devices. In some embodiments, the well
system can comprise a flow restricting device that can be used to control
fluid flow during production of the well system. While the flow restricting
device can control andlor restrict fluid flow into a well system or fluid flow
into a reservoir, certain other challenges (for example, challenges during a
gravel packing operation) may arise in using the flow restricting device.
[0037] Well systems often utilize sand control screens to control
sand production. Some of such well systems additionally utilize a gravel
pack placed around or about the screens to control sand production
further. Typically, gravel packing operations comprise a gravel slurry
flowing into an annulus between a completion string and a wellbore. In
some embodiments, a well screen can be positioned about the completion
string. The resulting gravel pack can be installed about the well screen
connected to the completion string.
[0038] Multiple techniques and procedures for gravel packing are
used in gravel packing operations. Some methods employ different carrier
fluids having different viscosities to transport the gravel, for example using
a viscous fluid, such as a gel, versus a low-viscosity fluid, such as water.
Other methods pump the slurry at different velocities into the systems. Yet
other methods utilize an alternate path screens or shunt tubes in the gravel
packing operation.
[0039] In some methods, a slurry can be pumped down a well
system having a screen shunt tube configuration. The shunt tube
configuration can provide an open path continuously along the length of a
screen. As the slurry passes through the shunt tubes and reaches a point
at which the system is not gravel packed, the slurry exits the shunt tubes
and forces its way into the incompletely packed volume to further pack the
system. In some embodiments, the shunt tubes can provide a complete
pack around a screen by pumping a slurry down the shunt tubes to fill in
any voids. However, some difficulty may be experienced in gravel packing
operations in horizontal wells, as described more fully below.
[0040] In horizontal wells or completions, the fluid flowing through
the well is subject to variable frictional forces. Typically, the greater the
distance a fluid flows along a horizontal completion, the greater the
frictional forces that are exerted upon the fluid. In some horizontal
completions, a well can have a greater drawdown of fluid at an upstream
portion of a well as compared to a downstream portion of a well. In some
well systems, the upstream portion of a horizontal section of a well can be
referred to as a "heel" and the downstream portion of a horizontal section
of a well can be referred to as a "toe." For example, in referring to an
embodiment shown in Figure 1, an upstream portion of the well is shown
by a heel region 116 and a downstream portion of the well is shown by a
toe region 1 18.
[0041] As the frictional forces exerted upon the fluid at the toe region
increases the pressure within the reservoir, the fluid flow of the toe region
is impacted and less fluid enters the well system at the toe region. As the
wellbore flowing pressure on the interior of the tubular is less in the heel
region of the well system (due to lesser amount of friction forces), the fluid
flow between the wellbore and the reservoir is greater in the heel region.
Often, the result is a non-uniform contribution and differential influx of fluid
across the horizontal section of the well. Within the horizontal section of
the well, it is desired to have uniform contribution of fluid or beneficial
influence of fluid flow profile in production or injection along the length of
the section. In some cases, the increased friction pressure applied at the
heel region can provide increased back pressure on the reservoir flowing
pressure at the wellbore. The increased back pressure at the heel region
can reduce the driving pressure between the wellbore and the reservoir at
the toe region. Such a reduction in driving pressure at the toe region often
reduces the fluid flow between the reservoir and the wellbore at the toe
region (with respect to the fluid at the heel region which has less back
pressure due to fluid flow friction).
[0042] In some well systems, flow restricting devices can be utilized
to provide a uniform pressure differential between the flowstream in the
tubulars and the reservoir. A uniform differential pressure between the
flowstream in the tubulars and the reservoir can provide a more uniform
drawdown of fluid (as opposed to a non-uniform drawdown, for example,
where more fluid is drawn down at the heel region of the well system). By
using inflow control devices, the reservoir inflow from a high productivity
zone (for example, the heel region) can be reduced while improving inflow
from a low productivity zone (for example, the toe region). In some
embodiments, inflow control devices can result in a higher frictional loss
through a screen at the heel region as compared to the toe region. In
some embodiments, the inflow control device can increase resistance at
the heel region of the well system. As a result, a more uniform drawdown
profile is present, which results in a more uniform contribution of fluid along
the length of the horizontal section. The inflow control device may provide
a uniform reservoir drawdown pressure along the completion interval.
When used in combination with isolation devices to segment the wellbore,
inflow control devices can be used to provide more uniform or controlled
flux from various portions of the reservoir penetrated by the well.
[0043] In some embodiments, the flow restricting device may
comprise an inflow control device. In some embodiments, the inflow
control device can comprise small diameter tubes or channels to restrict
inward flow through a screen. A flow restricting device may be any device
capable of restricting flow, including by using tortuous passages, helical
flow paths, nozzles, orifices, andlor other flow restricting elements to
restrict inward flow through a screen.
[0044] Flow-restricting devices according to some embodiments may
be "intelligent" in that the device may be remotely controlled andlor the
device may be capable of responding to changed downhole conditions to
variably restrict inward flow through the screen. In some such
embodiments, the device may include a downhole controller that may
include a telemetry device for communicating with the surface or another
remote location.
[0045] In some embodiments, the inflow control device can be
employed with a screen. The screen may be incorporated into a screen
filter jacket positioned around the inflow control device. During production,
reservoir fluid flow can enter through the screen or screen filter jacket and
then flow between the filter jacket and a screen base pipe.
[0046] Often, there are no holes drilled directly underneath the
screen filter jacket in a screen of an inflow control device assembly. The
reservoir flow can enter a resistance element of an inflow control device.
The resistance element can comprise a tube, choke, or other device
causing back pressure to flow. After fluid passes the resistance element,
the fluid can then pass through a port from the inflow control device to the
interior of the screen base pipe.
[0047] In some embodiments, the inflow control device can be
interconnected to a completion string. In some embodiments, the inflow
control device can be built as a part of the completion string.
[0048] Typically, well systems employing an inflow control device
rely on a sand screen to control sand production. Such well systems
typically do not include gravel pack. The screen acts as the element for
sand control instead of using a gravel pack as a reservoir sand filter.
Often, such reliance upon the screen can be a result of the challenges
resulting in obtaining a complete gravel pack within a horizontal well that
incorporates flow restricting devices.
[0049] In some embodiments, the flow restricting device can
comprise an autonomous valve. In some embodiments, the autonomous
valve can provide for selective production. For example, the autonomous
valve can comprise a plurality of baffles to exclude water from production,
and thus selectively produce oil. The autonomous valve can eliminate or
minimize any separation of water and oil fluid at the surface.
[0050] Often inflow control device screens, and other screens used
with a flow restricting device can hamper or impede packing of gravel fully
along the length of the screen. The fluid must be separated from the
gravel slurry to allow packing of the gravel around the screen. Screens
with restricted or limited flow access to one or a few points, such as ports,
tubes, orifices, or valves, tend to separate the gravel from the slurry mainly
at the points of fluid loss outside the screen to the screen liner. The fluid
suspending the gravel in the pumped gravel slurry typically follows along
the path of least resistance. As a result, fluid flow through the screen
tends to jump from one fluid loss point to the next while the gravel slurry inbetween
does not lose its fluid effectively. Often, the result can be that
only the portion of the screen adjacent to the fluid flow points can be gravel
packed in a way that the gravel pack can then form an effective filter for
formation of sand and solids.
[005 1 ] For an inflow control device screen or other screen with
limited flow access, the gravel pack carrier flow tends to seek passage
through the screen filter jacket in close proximity to the inflow control
device port in the screen tubular wall. In some embodiments, gravel tends
to accumulate near the port. Once the fluid flow resistance through the
gravel accumulating near the port is greater than the fluid flow friction
required for flow to enter the next path of lower resistance, the packing
process may cease at the prior port and skip to the next port. Often the
result is that part of the screen does not have a gravel pack to the filter
formation solids from fluid passing from the reservoir and into the screen
during operation of the well. Such methods can result in an incomplete
gravel pack.
[0052] In some embodiments of the present invention, an assembly
can comprise a flow restricting device and a shunt tube system. The shunt
tube system may be mechanically coupled to the inflow control device. In
some embodiments, the shunt tube system may be fluidically connected to
the flow restricting device. As such, the assembly may provide a device
that provides a complete gravel pack about a screen of the inflow control
device.
[0053] The shunt tube system, or other alternative-path screen
systems, can provide an alternative route for fluid to flow resulting in a
more complete gravel pack about a screen of the inflow control device.
[0054] As described above, the gravel packing process may proceed
by skipping from port to port in the presence of an inflow control device.
However, once the upstream port area is packed, the packing can proceed
to the top of the screen. Once the annulus upstream of the screen is
packed, the path of least resistance for the fluid can be through the shunt
tube system. The slurry can flow out of a nozzle of the shunt tube system
and finish packing the areas left unfilled or partially filled by the initial
packing process where the fluid tends to flow from port to port.
[0055] In some embodiments, the shunt tube system can have exit
or output nozzles positioned along the length of an inflow control device
screen. The shunt tube system can feed gravel slurry to the nozzles. The
nozzles can be positioned a certain distance apart. In some embodiments,
the nozzles may be about 1 to about 2 meters apart. In other
embodiments, the nozzles can be positioned at a distance apart to provide
sufficient gravel placement over a length of the system.
[0056] In some embodiments, the flow restricting device coupled to
the shunt tube system can be interconnected to a completion string. The
flow restricting device coupled to the shunt tube system may be built as
part of the completion string.
[0057] In some embodiments, the assemblies can include a
dedicated carrier fluid gathering system. In some embodiments, the
dedicated fluid gathering systems can include gravel screening flow
channels. In some embodiments, the dedicated fluid gathering systems
can include a tube or conveyance along the length of the screen, such as a
return tube. In yet other embodiments, the dedicated fluid gathering
systems can include a manifold to carry fluid to a fluid sink allowing
packing of the gravel around the screen.
[0058] In some embodiments, the flow restricting device can be an
integral part of a screen. For example, the flow restricting device can be
installed when the screen is installed in the well system. In some such
embodiments, an intervention into the well is not required to install the flow
restricting device. In other embodiments, the flow restricting device can be
separate from the screen and not depart from the principles described
herein. In some embodiments, each joint of a screen can have an inflow
control device.
[0059] The illustrative examples are given to introduce the reader to
the general subject matter discussed herein and not intended to limit the
scope of the disclosed concepts. The following sections describe various
additional embodiments and examples with reference to the drawings in
which like numerals indicate like elements and directional description are
used to describe illustrative embodiments but, like the illustrative
embodiments, should not be used to limit the present invention.
[0060] Referring again to Figure 1, it depicts a well system 100 with
a plurality of inflow control device assemblies 114 according to certain
embodiments of the present invention. The well system 100 includes a
bore that is a wellbore 102 extending through various earth strata 1 10.
The wellbore 102 has a substantially vertical section 104 and a
substantially horizontal section 106. The substantially horizontal section
106 includes a heel region 1 16 and a toe region 1 18. The heel region 1 16
is upstream from the toe region 118
[006 I ] The substantially vertical section 104 includes a casing string
108 cemented at an upper portion of the substantially vertical section 104.
In some embodiments, a substantially vertical section may not have a
casing string. The substantially horizontal section 106 is open hole and
extends through a hydrocarbon bearing subterranean formation 110. In
some embodiments, a substantially horizontal section may have casing.
[0062] A completion string 112 extends from the surface within the
wellbore 102. The completion string 112 can provide a conduit for
formation fluids to travel from the substantially horizontal section 106 to the
surface or for injection fluids to travel from the surface to the wellbore for
injection wells. The substantially horizontal section 106 comprises a
plurality of inflow control devices 114. The inflow control device
assemblies 1 14 are interconnected to the completion string 1 12. A gravel
pack 120 is installed about the inflow control devices 114 as well as
throughout a portion of the wellbore 102.
[0063] Figure 1 shows an exemplary portion of a well bore
comprising embodiments of the present invention. It should be
appreciated that any number of inflow control device assemblies 114 can
be employed in a well system. Further, the distance between or relative
position of each inflow control device assembly can be modified or
adjusted to provide the desired production set up.
[0064] Figure 2A shows an inflow control device assembly 114
according to some embodiments. The inflow control device assembly
comprises a screen 202, a channel 203, a shunt tube system 204, an
interior 205 of the screen base pipe, and a casing 206. A screen base
pipe 207 defines the interior 205 of the screen base pipe. The inflow
control device assembly 114 includes wires 230 that are longitudinally
oriented along a certain length of the assembly. The wires 230 provide a
spacing structure that creates a space 231 between the screen base pipe
207 and the screen 202.
[0065] A first port (not shown) can be located behind the portion
shown of the screen 202. Fluid flows from the reservoir through the screen
202 and then into the channel 203. The arrows within the channel 203
show the direction of the fluid flow. The fluid passes through the channel
203 into the flow restricting device 240. The fluid then exits the flow
restricting device 240 and enters into the interior 205 of the screen base
pipe via a port 208.
[0066] The shunt tube system 204 comprises two generally
rectangular cross-sectional tubes that span the length of the inflow control
device assembly 114. Other shapes and configurations of the shunt tube
system can be employed without departing from the scope of the invention.
The shunt tube system 204 is generally positioned in an annulus between
the screen and the formation. In other embodiments shunt tubes may be
positioned between the screen base pipe 207 and the screen 202. The
shunt tube system 204 can provide an alternative path for gravel slurry to
flow during a gravel packing operation. In some embodiments, the shunt
tube system 204 can be coupled to the inflow control device assembly 114.
In some embodiments, the casing 206 surrounds the shunt tube system
204. In some such embodiments, the casing 206 may be perforated. In
other embodiments, the inflow control device assembly 114 may not have
an outer casing surrounding the shunt tube system 204.
[0067] Figure 2B shows a side view of a section of an inflow control
device assembly according to one embodiment described herein. The
inflow control device assembly has a screen 202 through which fluid may
enter from the reservoir. A first manifold is positioned in proximity to a first
end 242 of the flow restricting device 240 and a first end 252 of the flow
restricting device 250. The first manifold directs fluid flow into the flow
restricting devices 240, 250. Fluid then passes through a resistance
element within the flow restricting devices 240, 250 and the exits the the
flow restricting devices 240, 250 to a second manifold which directs fluid
flow to channel or annulus surrounding the screen base pipe 207. Fluid
then flows through the port 208 into the interior of the screen base pipe
207.
[0068] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of an inflow control device
assembly 114 having a shunt tube system 204. Certain features have
been omitted from the present figure for ease of illustration. The shunt
tube system 204 comprises a transport tube 21 2 and a packing tube 21 3.
The packing tube 213 comprises at least one nozzle that can output or
deposit gravel slurry from the shunt tube system 204 upon or about the
screen 202. The transport tube 212 and the packing tube 213 are
positioned exterior to the screen 202.
[0069] The packing tube 213 is fluidly connected to the transport
tube 212 by conduits 214. Gravel slurry can flow through the transport
tube 212 until the gravel slurry reaches a conduit 214 where the gravel
slurry can then flows to the packing tube 213. The gravel slurry can flow
through the packing tube 213 to the point in which the slurry can exit via a
nozzle. In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, two sets of transport tubes
212 and packing tubes 213 are shown. In other embodiments, a single set
of transport tubes 212 and packing tubes 213 can be utilized. In other
embodiments, more than two sets of transport tubes and packing tubes
can be utilized.
[0070] Figure 4 shows an enlarged cross sectional view of the shunt
tube system 204. The transport tube 21 2 is connected to the packing tube
WO 20131028329 PCTlUS20121049286
213 by conduits 214. The packing tube 213 comprises nozzles 218. The
arrows show the path in which gravel slurry can flow within the shunt tube
system 204. The gravel slurry is transported primarily in the transport tube
212. Upon reaching a conduit 214, the gravel slurry flows through the
conduit 214 to the packing tube 213. The gravel slurry exits the packing
tube 213 via the nozzles 218 into the annulus between the screen 202 and
the wall of the well bore (not shown). As the gravel slurry exits the nozzles
218, the gravel accumulates in the annulus to the point of providing a
gravel pack about the screen 202. As the gravel pack is sufficiently
packed around one nozzle, the pressure rises and the gravel slurry then
flows to the next nozzle or set of nozzles, via the path of least resistance.
[007 I ] The foregoing description of the embodiments, including
illustrated embodiments, of the invention has been presented for the
purpose of illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive
or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Numerous
modifications, adaptations, and uses thereof will be apparent to those
skilled in the art without departing from the scope of this invention.
WO 20131028329 PCTlUS20121049286

What is claimed is:
1. An assembly capable of being installed in a bore of a subterranean
formation, the assembly comprising:
a well screen;
a flow restricting device for controlling fluid flow through the well
screen; and
a shunt tube system for providing an alternative path for gravel
slurry about the well screen during a gravel packing operation.
2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the flow restricting device
comprises an inflow control device.
3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the flow restricting device
comprises an autonomous valve.
4. The assembly of claim 3, wherein the autonomous valve selectively
controls fluid flow during production of the well.
5. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the shunt tube system comprises
a transport tube fluidly connected to a packing tube, wherein the gravel
slurry exits the shunt tube system through a nozzle in the packing tube.
WO 20131028329 PCTlUS20121049286
6. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the shunt tube system comprises
at least one nozzle from which the gravel slurry is discharged about the
well screen.
7. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the shunt tube system comprises
a system capable of gathering carrier fluid.
8. The assembly of claim 7, wherein the system capable of gathering
carrier fluid comprises at least one of:
a gravel screening flow channel;
a tube positioned adjacent to the well screen; or
a manifold capable of allowing fluid to flow to a fluid sink to allow
packing of gravel about the well screen.
9. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the flow restricting device is
interconnected in a completion string.
10. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the shunt tube system is
connected to the flow restricting device.
11. A well system, comprising:
a flow restricting device for controlling reservoir fluid flow, the flowrestricting
device being capable of having a screen positioned in a flow
stream or path of the flow restricting device;
WO 20131028329 PCTlUS20121049286
a shunt tube system capable of providing an alternative path for
gravel slurry to flow about the screen during a gravel packing operation;
and
a gravel pack about the screen.
12. The well system of claim 11, wherein the flow restricting device is
interconnected in a completion string.
13. The well system of claim 1 1, wherein the flow restricting device
comprises an inflow control device.
14. The well system of claim 11, wherein the shunt tube system is
connected to the flow restricting device
15. The well system of claim 11, wherein the flow restricting device
comprises an autonomous valve.
16. A method of gravel packing a well, the method comprising:
installing a flow restricting device and a screen in a wellbore,
wherein the flow restricting device controls fluid flow into or from a
reservoir; and
flowing a gravel slurry about the flow restricting device and the
screen, wherein at least a portion of the gravel slurry can flow through a
WO 20131028329 PCTlUS20121049286
shunt tube system providing an alternate path for the gravel slurry to flow
along the screen during a gravel packing operation.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein installing a flow restricting device
comprises installing a plurality of flow restricting devices in a completion
string.
18. The method of claim 16, wherein the flow restricting device
comprises an inflow control device.
19. The method of claim 16, wherein the flow restricting comprises an
autonomous valve.