Method for assembly of a gravel packing apparatus having expandable channels

A method for assembling a gravel packing apparatus comprising the steps of:

• providing a first tubular;
• installing first and second base plates proximate each end of the first tubular, each base plate having a plurality of receiving notches;
• extending a plurality of expandable channels each in a first configuration between respective pairs of the receiving notches of the first and second base plates;
• disposing a flexible hose within each of the expandable channels;
• positioning a second tubular substantially around the first and second base plates and the expandable channels;
• simultaneously pressurizing each of the flexible hoses;
• expanding each of the expandable channels from the first configuration to a second configuration;
• and
• removing the flexible hoses.

A method for expanding an expandable channel in an annulus between two tubulars comprising the steps of:

• supporting the expandable channel in a first configuration having a flexible hose disposed within the expandable channel in the annulus between two tubulars;
• pressurizing the flexible hose;
• expanding the expandable channel from the first configuration to a second configuration;
• and
• removing the flexible hose.

A method for assembling a gravel packing apparatus comprising the steps of:

• providing first and second inner tubulars;
• installing first and second base plates proximate both ends of the first and second inner tubulars, each base plate having a receiving notch;
• extending an expandable channel in a first configuration between the receiving notches of the first and second base plates on each of the first and second inner tubulars;
• disposing a flexible hose within each of the expandable channels;
• positioning first and second outer tubulars substantially around the first and second base plates and the expandable channel of the respective first and second inner tubulars;
• pressurizing each of the flexible hoses;
• expanding each of the expandable channels from the first configuration to a second configuration;
• removing the flexible hoses;
• and
• coupling the first inner tubular to the second inner tubular and the first outer tubular to the second outer tubular.

A method for assembling a gravel packing apparatus comprising the steps of:

• providing a first tubular;
• installing first and second base plates proximate each end of the first tubular, each base plate having a receiving notch;
• extending an expandable channel in a first configuration between the receiving notches of the first and second base plates;
• disposing a flexible hose within the expandable channel;
• positioning a second tubular substantially around the first and second base plates and the expandable channel;
• pressurizing the flexible hose;
• expanding the expandable channel from the first configuration to a second configuration such that side sections of the expandable channel expand relative to a web section of the expandable channel causing end portions of the side sections to contact the second tubular;
• and
• removing the flexible hose.

An apparatus for gravel packing an interval of a wellbore comprising:

• first and second tubulars forming an annulus therebetween;
• first and second base plates positioned within the annulus, each base plate having a receiving notch;
• and
• an expandable channel having first and second configurations extending between the receiving notches of the first and second base plates within the annulus, the expandable channel initially having a flexible hose disposed therein such that when the flexible hose is pressurized, the expandable channel is expanded from the first configuration to a second configuration.