The use of through-tubing gravel packs (TTGPs) has been limited in the past to low-flow-rate systems that are not suitable for frac packing or vent-screen systems that use a long annular pack of sand for pressure isolation. Vent-screen installations are increasing rapidly—in both new completions and for remedial work—because of the ability to develop longer fractures and increase permeability with high-rate frac packs. Unfortunately, vent screens have a high rate of failure because of the lack of positive pressure isolation.

This paper presents a new re-enterable-screen method that allows a high-rate frac pack with positive pressure isolation either through an inflatable packer or packoff to the tubing.

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