초록 ▼

A filter is provided which combines a woven wire mesh over a supporting body. The supporting body is typically a metal perforated tube which provides fluid communication between the well bore and the production equipment string. The woven wire mesh acts as a filter to prevent the influx of sand part

A filter is provided which combines a woven wire mesh over a supporting body. The supporting body is typically a metal perforated tube which provides fluid communication between the well bore and the production equipment string. The woven wire mesh acts as a filter to prevent the influx of sand particles, provides openings oriented at various angles relative to its surface, so that some area is available for fluid entry even when particulate matter is lodged on the surface above an opening, provides interior channels that allow fluid to travel from one location on the mesh surface to another location over an opening into the supporting body, and does not provide "straight-through" openings, thus forcing the fluid to make multiple turns to pass through the mesh, thereby dissipating the fluid's energy and increases the mesh's erosion resistance. When particulate matter accumulates on the mesh's surface, the resulting particle cake remains porous, heightening the filter's resistance to plugging.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] A downhole filter apparatus, comprising:a supporting body;a porous element mounted to said body;a jacket mounted over said porous element, said jacket comprising a plurality of defined flowpaths beginning from openings defined in an outer face, said defined paths configured so that

[ We claim:] [1.] A downhole filter apparatus, comprising:a supporting body;a porous element mounted to said body;a jacket mounted over said porous element, said jacket comprising a plurality of defined flowpaths beginning from openings defined in an outer face, said defined paths configured so that a substantial portion of the fluid flowing therethrough between said outer face and an inner face on said jacket makes at least one turn of at least approximately 45.degree. before passing through openings on said inner face and contacting said porous element, each flowpath extending from a said opening in said outer face and further comprises a plurality of structurally discrete paths extending from said opening in said outer face to a plurality of said openings in said inner face, whereupon said jacket dissipates energy of the fluid flowing therethrough to reduce erosion of said porous element.