Downhole Tool and Method

Abstract

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.