APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR USE WITH ALTERNATE PATH SAND CONTROL COMPLETIONS

摘要

#$%^&*AU2013273633A120140116.pdf#####ABSTRACT An apparatus for use in a wellbore is described, the apparatus having a tubular body and a throughbore which defines a primary fluid path through the 5 apparatus. An expanding element is disposed around the tubular body and is configured to provide an annular barrier in a space between the tubular body and a surrounding wall. A conduit defining a secondary flow path through the apparatus is provided, and is configured to be in fluid communication with at least one alternate path, such as a shunt tube, in an adjacent wellbore component 10 (e.g. a sand control device). The conduit is arranged to vary the secondary flow path along a longitudinal direction of the apparatus, for example to redirect the flow path to a radial position closer to the tool body. The conduit is configured to have a reduced effect on the operation of the expanding element, while still allowing the conduit to be coupled to alternate flow paths of adjacent apparatus. 15 The invention has particular application to swellable wellbore packer systems in gravel packing operations. An assembly, a method of use, and a wellbore installation are also described. Figure 3A 20B 31 30 300 322 312 306a 302 316 318 308 320 306b 314 -304322 308 F=Y .EIA B' C' 310a 310b /300 310a 318 310b 302 / 30 308 302 FNE.,B I 7 ..- C