Apparatus and method for repairing a gravel-packed well completion

A method for repairing a well completion having a gravel-packed annulus formed by a liner and a well casing, the annulus having at least one region within the gravel pack which is devoid of gravel, comprising the steps of:

• (a) locating the region within the gravel pack which is devoid of gravel;
• (b) positioning a tool for eliminating a voided region within a gravel-packed completion, the tool comprising:
• a tubular detonator sub pipe for placing an explosive device within, the sub pipe having a first end and a second end, the first end having means for connecting the sub pipe to a work string adapted to convey an electrical line;
• at least one elongated rigid member having a first end and a second end, the rigid member having a longitudinally disposed hole for placing an explosive primer cord therethrough, the rigid member having a plurality of vent orifices in fluid communication with the longitudinally disposed hole;
• and means for pivotally connecting the first end of the rigid member to the second end of the tubular detonator sub pipe;
• (c) detonating the explosive device;
• and
• (d) detonating the primer cord to effect pivotal movement of the at least one elongated rigid member so as to cause the tool to impact the liner wall of the gravel-packed well completion.