Systems and methods for opening screen joints
AssigneeHalliburton Energy Services, Inc.
InventorsStephen Michael Greci, Brandon Thomas Least, Thomas J. Frosell
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Abstract
Example systems and methods are described that operate to open screen joints using mechanically-generated perforations for beginning fluid production. In an example system, a screen joint is deployed in a production tubing within a wellbore. The screen joint includes a screen element and a blank housing that are coupled to an exterior surface of a non]perforated base pipe. Further, the screen joint includes a locator profile positioned along an interior surface of the non]perforated base pipe. A perforator is deployed within the screen joint that includes a mechanical perforator and a locator for engaging with the locator profile to position the mechanical perforator under the blank housing.
Claims12
A system, comprising:
- a screen joint deployed in a production tubing within a wellbore, wherein the screen joint comprises a screen element and a blank housing that are coupled to an exterior surface of a non-perforated base pipe, and further wherein the screen joint comprises a locator profile positioned along an interior surface of the non-perforated base pipe;
- a second blank housing coupled to the exterior surface of the non-perforated base pipe, and wherein a flow control device is positioned in an annular space between the second blank housing and the non-perforated base pipe, and
- a perforator assembly deployed within the screen joint, wherein the perforator assembly comprises a mechanical perforator and a locator for engaging with the locator profile to position the mechanical perforator under the blank housing.
A method, comprising:
- deploying a screen joint in a production tubing within a wellbore, wherein the screen joint comprises a screen element and a blank housing that are coupled to an exterior surface of a non-perforated base pipe, and further wherein the screen joint comprises a locator profile positioned along an interior surface of the non-perforated base pipe,
- positioning a flow control device in an annular space between a second blank housing coupled to the exterior surface of the non-perforated base pipe and the non-perforated base pipe;
- running a perforator assembly into the wellbore to be positioned within an axial throughbore of the screen joint, wherein the perforator assembly comprises a mechanical perforator and a locator;
- engaging the locator of the perforator assembly with the locator profile of the screen joint to position the mechanical perforator under the blank housing;
- and
- generating an opening in the non-perforated base pipe by activating the mechanical perforator.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.