Resizable screens fit for purpose: Expandable sand screens have been around for some time, but new designs feature mechanical integrity that is key to their post-expansion screenability benefits

摘要

Mechanical integrity was the primary consideration in developing an expandable sand control system that could function as a viable alternative to gravel packing in horizontal openhole wells. The result was the EXPress Expandable Sand Control Screen from Baker Oil Tools, which has allowed zero sand production since its introduction in 2001. The Express screen was designed to combine premium sand exclusion with downhole outside diameter and inside diameter expandability for enhanced wellbore stability. To accomplish this dual objective, a patented design founded on solid, perforated base pipe was used, along with a proprietary threaded connection and filter membrane construction (Figure 1). The mechanical structure of the perforated pipe design offers superior collapse resistance when compared to slotted configurations.