Application of expandable screen pipe technology for sand control

Expandable Screen Technology is a new sand control technique. Expandable hanger with larger diameter, expandable screw with slot and expansion tool with diameter variable features are several key technologies of expandable screen. Expandable hanger with larger diameter enables the diameter variable expansion tool to run into the well successfully, the slotted thread after expansion has the same diameter with expandable screen, and The adjustable expansion tool makes expandable screen close to the wall, which can reduce the migration of sand and erosion. In this paper, the study on the slotted expandable thread, expandable hanger and the development of adjustable expansion tool, ground-based testing and underground simulation testing of expandable screen were introduced. This application of expandable screen technology in two damaged casing for the sand control illustrated that adopting expandable tube can get favorable productivity after meeting the requirement of selecting well condition. The expandable screen touching the inwall of the casing for which the inner diameter of expandable screen is bigger than that of conventional screen pipe, is helpful to enlarge the drainage area and enhance oil well productivity.