Method and apparatus for gravel packing horizontal wells

摘要

A well completion and the method therefor for a wellbore which extends generally horizontally of a subterranean layer comprised primarily of unconsolidated sand particles which hold a viscous hydrocarbon. The completion includes an elongated perforated liner which is positioned in the wellbore. The liner is substantially surrounded by a gravel pack which functions to limit the amount of sand particles which are carried from the subterranean layer into the liner in response to the introduction of a flow of a hot stimulating fluid into the substrate.