Downhole Tool and Method
A downhole tool ( 10 ) and method for controlling fluid flow into and/or from a formation zone (FZ), the downhole tool ( 10 ) comprising a sliding sleeve device ( 12 ) disposed between, and forming a fluid coupling between a first screen ( 14 ) and a second screen ( 16 ), the sliding sleeve device ( 12 ) configured to provide axial fluid communication between the screens ( 14, 16 ) and to provide selective lateral passage of fluid through the screens ( 14, 16 ) into a throughbore ( 24,36,42 ) of the downhole tool ( 10 ).
1 . A downhole tool comprising:
a screen; and
a flow control apparatus or arrangement configured to prevent passage of fluid through the screen.
2 . The tool of claim 1 , wherein the flow control apparatus
3 . The tool of claim 1 , wherein the flow control apparatus or arrangement is configured to provide a fluid flow path for directing the fluid to a port.
4 . The tool of claim 1 , wherein the tool comprises a plurality of the screens.
5 . The tool of claim 3 , wherein the flow control apparatus or arrangement is configured to provide fluid communication between adjacent screens.
6 . The tool of claim 3 , wherein the flow control apparatus or arrangement comprises a coupling and the screen is coupled to the flow control apparatus or arrangement.
7 . The tool of claim 1 , wherein the screen comprises a first tubular and a second tubular, the first tubular comprising a permeable member and the second tubular comprising a non-permeable member.
8 . The tool of claim 6 , wherein an annulus is provided between the first tubular and the second tubular.
9 . The tool of claim 2 , wherein the flow control apparatus or arrangement is configured to provide a fluid flow path for directing the fluid disposed in an annulus of a plurality of screens, to the port.
10 . The tool of claim 1 , wherein the flow control apparatus or arrangement comprises a sleeve.
11 . The tool of claim 9 , wherein the sleeve comprises a mandrel and a housing and an annulus between the mandrel and the housing.
12 . The tool of claim 9 , wherein the sleeve comprises a sliding sleeve member.
13 . The tool of claim 1 , comprising a flow restrictor.
14 . The tool of claim 12 , wherein the flow restrictor is configured or positioned to alter the pressure of a fluid flow at a selected location or locations in the downhole tool.
15 . The tool of claim 12 , wherein the flow restrictor is disposed in a sleeve.
16 . The tool of claim 12 , wherein the flow restrictor comprises a nozzle arrangement.
17 . The tool of claim 1 , comprising a valve arrangement configurable between an open configuration and a closed configuration.
18 . The tool of claim 16 , wherein the valve arrangement comprises at least one closure member, the at least one closure member comprising a fluid actuated piston.
19 . The tool of claim 1 , wherein the valve arrangement comprises a fluid conduit or gallery for permitting axial passage of fluid through an annulus of the downhole tool when the valve arrangement is configured in the closed configuration.
20 . A flow control apparatus or arrangement according to claim 1 .
21 . A method for controlling fluid flow into and/or from a formation, the method comprising: configuring a flow control apparatus of a downhole tool to selectively prevent passage of fluid through a screen of, or operatively associated with, the downhole tool.