Apparatus and method for sequentially packing an interval of a wellbore

A method for sequentially fracturing and gravel packing an interval of a wellbore comprising the steps of:

• traversing a formation with the wellbore;
• locating a sand control screen within the wellbore proximate the formation;
• disposing a sequential packing apparatus proximate the sand control screen, the sequential packing apparatus having first and second exit ports;
• positioning the sequential packing in a first position wherein the first exit port is open and the second exit port is closed;
• pumping a fluid slurry containing propping agents into the sequential packing apparatus such that the fluid slurry containing propping agents exits through the first port at a pressure above the fracture pressure of the formation;
• operating the sequential packing apparatus from the first position to the second position wherein the first exit port is closed and the second exit port is open;
• pumping a fluid slurry containing gravel into the sequential packing apparatus such that the fluid slurry containing gravel exits through the second port;
• and
• discharging the fluid slurry containing gravel into a gravel packing assembly.

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

• a sand control screen;
• a cross-over assembly having first and second exit ports, the cross-over assembly having a first position wherein the first exit port is open and the second exit port is closed and a second position wherein the first exit port is closed and the second exit port is open;
• and
• a gravel packing assembly having an inlet that is in fluid communication with the second exit port, the gravel packing assembly having a plurality of outlets that are located proximate the sand control screen and that extend along the gravel packing assembly substantially the length of the sand control screen.

An apparatus for sequentially packing an interval of a wellbore having a sand control screen disposed therein, the apparatus comprising:

• a packer having a sealing surface positioned within the wellbore;
• a cross-over assembly partially disposed within the packer, the cross-over assembly having first and second exit ports positioned on one side of the packer and a return port positioned on the other side of the packer, the cross-over assembly having a first position wherein the first exit port is open, the second exit port is closed and the return port is closed and a second position wherein the first exit port is closed, the second exit port is open and the return port is open;
• a gravel packing assembly having an inlet that is in fluid communication with the second exit port of the cross-over assembly, the gravel packing assembly having a plurality of outlets that are located proximate the sand control screen and that extend along the gravel packing assembly substantially the length of the sand control screen;
• and
• a wash pipe disposed within the sand control screen to take returns, the wash pipe in fluid communication with the return port when the cross-over assembly is in the second position.