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Title:
FLOW CONTROL APPARATUS FOR WELLBORE STIMULATION AND PRODUCTION
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2019/068164
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
An apparatus for controlling the flow of fluids between a reservoir and wellbore tubing comprises a base pipe having at least one port, at least one screen, and a blast ring provided over the port and adapted to engage the screen. The apparatus includes an annular space under the blast ring, which provides fluid communication between the port and the screen. A nozzle is optionally included in the port to aid in directing or attenuating the flow of fluid. In one aspect, the apparatus may be used in a cyclic steam stimulation (CSS) process.

Inventors:
FERMANIUK BRENT D (CA)
CLAERHOUT MIKE (CA)
Application Number:
PCT/CA2017/051194
Publication Date:
April 11, 2019
Filing Date:
October 05, 2017
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
RGL RESERVOIR MAN INC (CA)
International Classes:
E21B43/12; E21B43/08
Foreign References:
US20160273320A12016-09-22
US9631461B22017-04-25
US9518455B22016-12-13
US20160010425A12016-01-14
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
CHARI, Santosh K. (CA)
Download PDF:
Claims:
WE CLAIM:

1. An apparatus for controlling flow of fluids between a subterranean reservoir and wellbore tubing provided in a well in the reservoir, the apparatus comprising:

- a base pipe, adapted to be connected to wellbore tubing, the base pipe having at least one port extending through the wall thereof;

- at least one screen for filtering reservoir fluids entering the port, the screen having first and second ends and being provided on the outer surface of the base pipe axially separated from the port;

- a screen retainer secured to the base pipe and adapted to engage a portion of the first end of the screen; and,

- a blast ring provided over the port and adjacent the second end of the screen, the blast ring being adapted to engage a portion of the second end of the screen;

- the blast ring forming an annular space over the port, wherein the annular space provides fluid communication between the port and the screen.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the annular space is formed between the base pipe and a region of the blast ring having an increased inner diameter.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the blast ring comprises at least two sections and wherein the blast ring sections are secured together.

4. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the apparatus comprises two screens, and wherein the screens are provided on the base pipe on opposite sides of the at least one port.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the blast ring is positioned between the two screens and wherein the blast ring includes means for engaging both screens.

6. The apparatus of claim 4 or 5, wherein the blast ring includes circumferential spacers for separating the blast ring from the base pipe, the spacers being interrupted by axially extending grooves for forming flow channels between the screens and the at least one port.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein blast ring is unitary structure.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the apparatus further comprises an end ring secured to the base pipe.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein a screen is provided on a first end of the blast ring and the end ring is provided on an opposite, second end of the blast ring, and wherein an opposite end of the screen is secured to the base pipe.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the first end of the blast ring includes a means for engaging the screen and the second end of the blast ring includes a means for engaging the end ring.

1 1. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the at least one port includes a nozzle.

12. The apparatus of claim 1 1 , wherein the nozzle converts radial fluid flow to axial fluid flow or axial fluid flow to radial fluid flow.

13. The apparatus of claim 1 1 or 12, wherein the nozzle includes a first opening that opens into the port and at least one second opening that opens into the annular space.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the nozzle includes two second openings, wherein the two second openings extend in opposite directions.

15. The apparatus of claim 1 1 or 12, wherein the nozzle includes a fluid channel with a throat and an increasing cross-sectional area along the channel in the direction from the throat to the second opening.

Description:
FLOW CONTROL APPARATUS FOR

WELLBORE STIMULATION AND PRODUCTION FIELD OF THE DESCRIPTION [0001] The present description relates to flow control devices used for controlling flow into or out of pipes, in particular pipes used in simulating and/or producing hydrocarbon wells. BACKGROUND [0002] Hydrocarbon reservoirs, such as oil and/or gas reservoirs, are generally accessed by wells that are drilled into the subterranean reservoir and the hydrocarbon materials are then brought to the surface through production tubing. Production tubing consists of a plurality of pope section that connected together and inserted into the well. The well may be cased or uncased. The production tubing may also include various other tools that connected between the pipe sections, such as packers etc. [0003] The wellbore may be vertical or horizontal or at any angle there-between. In some cases, where the hydrocarbons comprises a highly viscous material, such as heavy oil, steam, gas or other fluids may be injected into one or more sections of the reservoir to stimulate the flow of hydrocarbons into the wellbore. [0004] Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage, "SAGD", is one example of a process that is used to stimulate the flow of highly viscous oil. In a SAGD operation, two wells, typically horizontal wells, are drilled within a reservoir. The wells comprise an upper, steam injection well, and a lower production well. In operation, steam is injected into the injection well to heat and reduce the viscosity of the hydrocarbon material. After steam treatment, the hydrocarbon material, now mobilized, drains into the production well and subsequently brought to the surface by production tubing. Cyclic Steam Stimulation, "CSS", is another example where steam is used to enhance the mobility of viscous hydrocarbon materials. In a CSS process, a single well is used to first inject steam into the reservoir through tubing, generally production tubing. Thereafter, the heat from the steam is allowed to be absorbed into the reservoir (a stage referred to as "shut in" or "soaking"), during which the viscosity of the hydrocarbon material is reduced. Following such stage, the hydrocarbons are produced in a production stage. [0005] Production tubing used in wellbores typically includes a number of coaxial tubular segments that are connected together. Interspersed in the tubing are segment, or tools, comprising a base pipe that is adapted to be connected to adjacent tubulars. The base pipe is provided with one or more apertures, or ports, along its length. The ports provide a means for the inflow of hydrocarbon materials from the reservoir into the pipe and thus into the production tubing. The ports also provide a means for the outflow, or injection of steam and/or other viscosity reducing agents from the production tubing into the reservoir. The segments having ports are also often provided with one or more filtering devices, such as wire screens, which serve to filter the hydrocarbon materials being produced and thereby prevent or mitigate against sand and other solid debris in the well from entering the base pipe and therefore the production tubing. [0006] In view of the length of production tubing (which may be in the range of several thousand meters), steps must often be taken to ensure that the production or injection rates along its length are near constant. This is to avoid preferential production from or injection into one or more select regions of a reservoir, which may result in other regions not be being produced or treated. In addition, in cases where regions of the reservoir are under high pressure, the pressure of the produced fluids may result in damage to the tubing material. Similarly, in situations where steam or another fluid is being injected, it is important to ensure that the injection is accomplished evenly so as to avoid preferential stimulation of only certain regions of the reservoir. [0007] Various devices have been proposed for controlling the rates of production and/or injection between tubing and a reservoir. In some cases, a device such as a flow restrictor or similar nozzle is associated with the base pipe to impede the flow of fluids flowing into or from the pipe. Examples of such flow control device are described in the following references: US 9,518,455; 9,638,000; US 9,027,642; US 7,419,002; US 8,689,883; and, US 9,249,649. [0008] There exists a need for an improved flow control means to control the flow of reservoir fluids entering into production tubing. SUMMARY OF THE DESCRIPTION [0009] In one aspect, there is provided an apparatus for regulating the flow of fluids (such as for example steam) from production tubing into a reservoir and/or or regulating reservoir fluid (which includes for example hydrocarbons) entering into production tubing provided in a wellbore. [0010] In one aspect, there is provided an apparatus for controlling flow of fluids between a subterranean reservoir and wellbore tubing provided in a well in the reservoir, the apparatus comprising: [0011] - a base pipe, adapted to be connected to wellbore tubing, the base pipe having at least one port extending through the wall thereof; [0012] - at least one screen for filtering reservoir fluids entering the port, the screen having first and second ends and being provided on the outer surface of the base pipe axially separated from the port; [0013] - a screen retainer secured to the base pipe and adapted to engage a portion of the first end of the screen; and, [0014] - a blast ring provided over the port and adjacent the second end of the screen, the blast ring being adapted to engage a portion of the second end of the screen; [0015] - the blast ring forming an annular space over the port, wherein the annular space provides fluid communication between the port and the screen. [0016] In one aspect, the blast ring is formed of at least two sections. In another aspect, the blast ring is a unitary body. [0017] In one aspect, the apparatus comprises two screens, each provided on opposite ends of the blast ring. [0018] In one aspect, the port provided on the base pipe further includes a nozzle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES [0019] The features of certain embodiments will become more apparent in the following detailed description in which reference is made to the appended figures wherein: [0020] Figure 1 is a side perspective view of an apparatus described herein according to one aspect. [0021] Figure 2 is a partial side cross-sectional view of the apparatus of Figure 1 showing the blast ring and nozzle. [0022] Figure 3 is an exploded side view of the apparatus of Figure 1 showing the blast ring and nozzle. [0023] Figure 4 is a partial side cross-sectional view of the apparatus of Figure 1 showing the end ring of the wire screen. [0024] Figure 5 is a partial side view of the apparatus of Figure 1 showing the end ring of the wire screen. [0025] Figure 6 is a side cross-sectional view of the nozzle shown in Figure 2. [0026] Figure 7 is a side cross-sectional view of a nozzle according to another embodiment. [0027] Figure 8 is a side cross-sectional view of a nozzle according to another embodiment [0028] Figure 9 is a partial side view of the apparatus described herein illustrating another embodiment of the blast ring. [0029] Figure 10 is a side cross-sectional view of an apparatus described herein according to another aspect. [0030] Figure 1 1 is an exploded side perspective view of an end of the apparatus of Figure 10. [0031] Figure 12 is a perspective side cross-sectional view of the apparatus of Figure 9 according to another aspect where a nozzle is incorporated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0032] As used herein, the terms "nozzle" or "nozzle insert" will be understood to mean a device that controls the flow of a fluid flowing there-through. In one example, the nozzle described herein aids in controlling the flow of a fluid through a port in a pipe in at least one direction. [0033] The term "port" will be used herein to refer to an opening provided in a pipe. The ports may have any shape or geometry as known in the art and may comprise, for example, circular openings or elongated slots among others. [0034] The term "hydrocarbons" refers to hydrocarbon compounds that are found in subterranean reservoirs. Examples of hydrocarbons include oil and gas. It will be understood that hydrocarbons make up a portion of reservoir fluids. [0035] The term "reservoir fluids" refers to fluids contained in a subterranean formation. Generally, reservoir fluids will include, or be mainly comprised of, hydrocarbons. However, reservoir fluids may also include water or other fluids naturally found in reservoirs. In addition, reservoir fluids may include sand, drill cuttings or other debris typically found in reservoirs. [0036] The term "wellbore" refers to a bore drilled into a subterranean formation, such as a formation containing hydrocarbons. [0037] The term "wellbore fluids" refers to hydrocarbons and other materials contained in reservoir fluids that are capable of entering into a wellbore. [0038] The terms "pipe" or "base pipe" refer to a section of pipe, or other such tubular member. A base pipe is generally provided with one or more ports along its length to allow for flow of fluids there-through. [0039] The term "production" refers to the process of producing wellbore fluids, that is, the process of having wellbore fluids enter into production tubing and then brought to surface. [0040] The term "production tubing" or "wellbore tubing" refers to a series of pipes, or tubulars, connected together and extending through a wellbore from the surface into the reservoir. Although the term "production" may be used with respect to tubing, it is not intended for such term to limit the purpose or use of the tubing described there-with. [0041] The term "screen", "sand screen" or "wire-wrap screen", as used herein, refer to known filtering or screening devices that are used to inhibit or prevent sand or other solid material from the reservoir from flowing into the pipe through the port(s). [0042] The terms "comprise", "comprises", "comprised" or "comprising" may be used in the present description. As used herein (including the specification and/or the claims), these terms are to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components, but not as precluding the presence of one or more other feature, integer, step, component or a group thereof as would be apparent to persons having ordinary skill in the relevant art. [0043] In the present description, the terms "top", "bottom", "front" and "rear" may be used. It will be understood that the use of such terms is purely for the purpose of facilitating the description of the embodiments described herein. These terms are not intended to limit the orientation or placement of the described elements or structures. [0044] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of an apparatus according to one aspect. As shown, the apparatus 10, which may also be referred to as a "tool", comprises a base pipe 12 over which is provided a screen. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 , the screen comprises two sections 14 and 16. As known in the art, the base pipe 12 of the apparatus is adapted to be connected to adjacent tubular members of a production string, not shown. Typically, such connection is made by screwing the base pipe 12 to adjacent tubular members. For this purpose, it will be understood that one end of the base pipe 12 will include a threaded male end, often referred to as the "pin", which is adapted to cooperate with a threaded female end, often referred to as the "box", of an adjacent tubular member. Similarly other opposite end of the base pipe 12 will comprise a "box" so as to enable connection to a "pin" of another adjacent tubular member. [0045] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 , the apparatus 10 includes a blast ring 18, which is discussed in more detail below. In one aspect, as also discussed below, the blast ring 18 is formed in two sections 20 and 22 in the form of a "clamshell". The two sections 20 and 22, when combined over the base pipe 12, include a seam 24, which may be sealed such as by welding or other such operation. As will be understood, although welding the two sections 20, 22 together would be a convenient and efficient way of connecting the sections, the method by which the two sections are connected is not limited to welding alone. For example, a clamp or other such device may be provided to maintain the two sections 20, 22 together and secured to the base pipe 12. [0046] Figures 2 and 3 illustrates further details of the apparatus 10. As shown, the screens 14 and 16 are, in one embodiment, wire wrap screens that are commonly known in the art. Such screens include a plurality of rib wires that extend axially along the base pipe and where the rib wires are circumferentially spaced over the base pipe. A wire wrap is then circumferentially wound over the rib wires, where each winding of the wire is spaced from the previous winding by a desired distance. The spacing between the wires acts to allow fluids to pass there-through while preventing the passage of solid material having a size greater than the spacing. As shown in Figure 2, the screen 14 includes a plurality rib wires 26 and a wire wrap 28. Similarly, screen 16 includes a plurality of rib wires 30 and a wire wrap 32. [0047] The base pipe 12 is shown as including a port 34. Although one port is shown, it will be understood that the base pipe 12 may include any number of ports. A nozzle 36 is provided as an insert in the port 34. The nozzle 36 is discussed further below. [0048] As mentioned above, the blast ring 18 is comprised of two sections 20 and 22. It will be understood, however, that the blast ring may comprise more than two sections as well, where needed. For convenience, the blast ring 18 will be described as a single entity although being formed of two (or more) sections. The interior of the blast ring 18 is provided with at least two circumferential ribs or spacers 38 and 40. As shown, the spacers 38 and 40 aid in separating the interior of the blast ring from the base pipe 12 over which the blast ring 18 is provided. As shown in Figure 2, opposite ends of the blast ring 18 are provided with recesses 42 and 44, which are adapted to overlap and engage a portion of the screens 14 and 16, respectively. As will be understood, once the sections 20 and 22 of the blast ring 18 are provided over the base pipe 12 and screens 14 and 16 and connected together, the assembled blast ring 18 retains the screens 14, 16 on the base pipe. [0049] In one aspect, the spacers 38 and 40 are provided with projections 46 and 48, respectively, that are adapted to be received within respective circumferential recesses 50 and 52 provided on the surface of the base pipe 12. As shown, once the blast ring 18 is assembled on the base pipe 12, the projections 46 and 48 are received within respective recesses 50 and 52 and, in the result, axial movement of the blast ring 18 along the base pipe 12 is prevented or limited. In one aspect, the recesses 50 and 52 may be wider than the projections 46 and 48 to allow a controlled degree of relative axial movement between the blast ring 18 and the base pipe 12. As will be understood, the blast ring 18 is not attached directly to the base pipe 12. [0050] As also shown in Figures 2 and 3, when the blast ring 18 is assembled, an annulus 54 is formed, bounded by the base pipe 12, the blast ring 18 and the circumferential spacers 38 and 40. As also shown, the annulus 54 is provided over the at least one port 34. As more clearly illustrated Figure 3, the inner surface of the blast ring 18 is provided with one or more axially extending grooves 56 that extend through the spacers 38 and 40. In this manner, the blast ring 18 is provided with axial flow channels once assembled on the base pipe 12. As will be understood, the combination of the annulus 54 and the flow channels created by the grooves 56 allow for both axial and radial flow of fluids under the blast ring 18. [0051] Figure 3 also illustrates the nozzle 36 insert that is provided in port 34 of the base pipe. Although the port 34 is shown as being a circular opening, it will be understood that the port may have any shape or geometry and that the nozzle will be adapted to engage such port. [0052] Figures 4 and 5 illustrate an example of an end cap 58 that can be provided on an end of the screen 14 opposite from the blast ring 18. As known in the art, the end cap 58 serves to retain the screen 14 in position on the base pipe 12. Any form of end cap may be used with the apparatus described herein. In the embodiment illustrated, the end cap 58 is comprised of two sections 60 and 62 that are assembled together when assembling the apparatus 10. The end cap 58 includes a recess 64 that is adapted to receive and retain a portion of the screen 14. In assembling the apparatus 10, the sections 60 and 62 of the end cap 58 are aligned and placed in position over the base pipe 12 and screen 14. Thereafter, the sections 60 and 62 may be joined by means of a weld 64 or any other type of connecting means. Although welding the sections 60 and 62 may be the most convenient, other forms of attachment may include clamping the sections together or swaging them together with appropriate equipment. Another end cap that may be used in the presently described apparatus is provided in co-pending United States application number US 62/404,046, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. As noted above, the present description is not limited to the specific embodiment of the end cap shown and described herein. [0053] Figure 6 illustrates the nozzle 36 of Figures 2 and 3. As shown, the nozzle 36 includes a stem 66 that is adapted to be at least partially inserted into the port 34 provided on the base pipe 12. The nozzle 36 includes a flow channel or conduit comprising a first opening 68 extending from a first channel portion 70, and, in the case of the nozzle illustrated, two second openings 72 and 74, extending from respective second channel portions, 76 and 78. As shown, the second channel portions 76 and 78 diverge from each other and are connected at the first channel portion. [0054] As would be understood from viewing Figure 6, entering into the first opening, or inlet, 68 passes through the first channel portion 70 and is then such flow is split into the two second channel portions 76 and 78, exiting at the second openings, or outlets, 72 and 74. Referring now to Figure 2, it will be understood that such fluid, such as steam, would originate from the base pipe 12 and would enter into the nozzle 36 through the port 34. It would also be understood from Figure 2 that, once the fluid exits the outlets 72 and 74, it is received within the annulus 54 and is then distributed radially and axially through the blast ring 18 due to the annulus 54 and the grooves 56. [0055] As will also be understood, fluid exiting axially from the grooves 56 is introduced into the screens 14 and 16 and subsequently into the wellbore (not shown) and, therefore into the reservoir formation. Thus, it would be understood that the apparatus 10 provides an effective means of distributing such fluid, such as steam and/or diluent etc., into the wellbore. [0056] Although the above description has focussed on the introduction, or injection, of fluids from the base pipe 12 into the wellbore, it will be understood that the same apparatus may be used for receiving fluids from the wellbore into the base pipe 12. That is, and as will be understood, when the apparatus is in production mode, fluid from the wellbore pass through the screens 14 and 16 and then enter the grooves 56 of the blast ring 18. The fluid then travel into the annulus 54 and into the second openings 72 and 74 of the nozzle 36. The fluids the exit the nozzle through the first opening 68 and thereby enter into the base pipe 12 through the port 34. Thus, when in production mode, the second openings 72 and 74 comprise fluid inlets and the first opening 68 comprises a fluid outlet. [0057] As will be understood, the apparatus 10 described herein can be used for both injection and production procedures, such as would be encountered in a CSS process. In other words, the apparatus 10 allows for an efficient and cost effective means of conducting both injection and production procedures without having to trip the production string or having to substitute different tools or apparatus. [0058] Figure 7 illustrates another aspect of the nozzle shown in Figure 6, wherein like reference numerals are used to identify like elements, but with the letter "a" added for clarity. As shown, the nozzle 36a includes a stem 66a for insertion into a port 34 of the base pipe 12, a first opening 68a and two second openings 76a and 78a. The nozzle 36a also includes a first channel portion 70a associated with the first opening 68a and divergent second channel portions 76a and 78a, which terminate at the second openings 72a and 74a, respectively. Although differing in the manner in which the first and second channel portions are connected, the nozzle 36a of Figure 7 operates in a similar manner as the nozzle 36 of Figure 6. [0059] Figure 8 illustrates another aspect of the nozzle of the apparatus, wherein like reference numerals are used to identify like elements, but with the letter "b" added for clarity. In the nozzle 36b of Figure 8, it is noted that a single second opening 72b is provided. In this case, the first channel portion 70b is connected to the single second channel portion 76b at an elbow 80. The elbow 80 is shown as being generally of an angle of 90°; however it will be understood that the elbow 80 may be of any angle. In one aspect, the nozzle 36b may include a reduced diameter section or throat 82 in the second channel portion 76b. As illustrated, the second channel portion 76b may be provided with a gradually increasing cross-sectional area from the throat 82 to the second opening 72b. In one example, the second channel portion 76b may comprise a Venturi tube. As would be understood by persons skilled in the art, a Venturi tube structure would allow the second channel portion 76b, and thereby the nozzle 36b, to attenuate the pressure differential of the fluid flowing between the base pipe 12 and the annulus 54, and therefore the wellbore. [0060] Figure 9 illustrates another aspect of the apparatus 10 wherein the blast ring 18 is optionally provided a plurality of axially extending grooves 84 and ribs 86 on the outer surface thereof. In this arrangement, the blast ring 18 may also function as a centralizer when the apparatus is in use. For convenience, the screens of the apparatus are not illustrated in Figure 9. [0061] Figures 10 and 1 1 illustrate a further aspect of the apparatus, wherein a port is provided at the end of one screen. As shown, the apparatus 100 includes a base pipe 102 including a port 104. As discussed above, the port 104 may be of any shape or geometry. As also discussed above, although one port is illustrated, it will be understood that the base pipe 102 may comprise any number of ports. The port 104 is provided axially away from a screen 106. In one aspect, the screen 106 is a wire wrap screen, comprising a plurality of rib wires 108, circumferentially spaced over the base pipe 102 and extending axially there- over, and a wire wrap 1 10, which comprises a circumferentially wound wire provided over the rib wires 108. [0062] As with the previously described aspect, the apparatus 100 includes a blast ring 1 12 that is provided over the port 104. The blast ring 1 12 includes a first end 1 14 of a greater internal diameter, which is adapted to overlie and engage an adjacent portion of the screen 106. As discussed above, with such arrangement, the blast ring maintains the screen 106 in position over the base pipe 102. [0063] As shown in Figure 1 1 , the blast ring 1 12 of this aspect preferably comprises a unitary ring that is coaxially provided over the base pipe 102. The blast ring 1 12 is moved over the pipe and brought over the port 104 and the portion of the screen 106 to be engaged in the first end 1 14 of the blast ring 1 12. At this point, an end ring 1 16 is also coaxially provided over the base pipe 102 and moved adjacent to the blast ring 1 12. As shown, the blast ring includes a second end 1 18 comprising a region of larger internal diameter. The second end is adapted to engage an extension 120 of the end ring 1 16. As shown, the extension 120 comprises a region of the end ring 1 16 having a reduced outer diameter, thereby forming a shoulder 1 17. In this way, and as shown in Figure 10, when the apparatus 100 is assembled, the second end 1 18 of the blast ring 1 12 overlies and engages the extension 120 of the end ring 1 16. In this arrangement, the edge 1 19 of the second end 1 18 abuts the shoulder 1 17 of the end ring 1 16, thereby preventing or limiting axial movement of the blast ring 1 12 along the pipe 102 (as discussed below). [0064] As shown in Figures 10 and 1 1 , in view of first and second ends, 1 14 and 1 18, formed on the blast ring 1 12, the blast ring 1 12 is provided with an internal circumferential rib 123. As can be seen in Figure 10, the rib 123 is located between the port 104 and screen 106 once the apparatus is assembled. As can also be seen, the rib 123 abuts the end of the screen 106 and thereby acts as a stop to prevent or limit axial movement of the screen 106 along the pipe 102 (as discussed below). [0065] In assembling the apparatus, the screen 106, the blast ring 1 12 and end ring 1 16 are provided over the pipe 102 and moved into the desired position with respect to the port 104. The end ring 1 16 is then secured to the base pipe 102 by means of a weld 122 or other known means. For example, instead of a weld, the end ring 1 16 may be swaged onto the base pipe 102. As will be understood, by securing the end ring 1 16 to the base pipe 102, axial movement of the end ring 1 16 with respect to the base pipe 102 is prevented. In the result, axial movement of the blast ring 1 12 and screen 106 is also prevented or at least limited in view of the interacting elements discussed above. [0066] Once the blast ring 1 12 is positioned over the port 104 and once the end ring is secured to the base pipe 102, a generally annular space 124 is formed between the base pipe 102, the blast ring 112, the circumferential rib 123 of the blast ring, and the end ring 1 16. [0067] As will be understood, when the apparatus 100 is in use and set up for production, wellbore fluids passing through the screen 106 enter into the annular space 124 and are then channeled into the port 104. It will also be understood that the apparatus 100 of Figures 10 and 1 1 may also be used for injection of fluids from the base pipe 102 into the wellbore. [0068] Figure 12 illustrates the apparatus of Figures 10 and 1 1 but with a nozzle 126 provided in the port 104. In the illustrated example, the nozzle comprises a main body 128 including an opening 130 that opens into the port 104. The nozzle 126 also includes a cover 132 that is provided proximal to the blast ring 1 12, when the nozzle is in use. The cover 132 is separated from the main body 128 by means of a plurality of spacers 134. As illustrated in Figure 12, the spacers result in a plurality of openings 136 that are circumferentially provided on the nozzle 126. As will be understood, when the apparatus is used for production, fluid enters the annular space 124 in a generally axial direction with respect to the base pipe 102. Such fluid then enters the circumferential openings 136 of the nozzle 126 below the cover 132. The fluid is then forced to change direction from an axial flow to a radial flow to enter the port 104. [0069] Similarly, when in the injection mode, fluid exiting from the port 104 of the base pipe 102 first enters the main body 128 of the nozzle 126 through the opening 130 in a radial direction. The fluid then exits through the nozzle 126 through the circumferential openings and is distributed into the annular space 124. Thereafter, the fluid flow is diverted axially and allowed to pass through the screen 106 and into the wellbore. [0070] In Figure 12, one example of a nozzle 126 is illustrated. It will be understood that various other nozzles may be incorporated in the apparatus 100. In general, the nozzle 126 of Figure 12 is an insert that can be manufactured from various materials, in particular materials that are wear-resistant. More particularly, the cover 132 is preferably made of a wear-resistant material. As will be understood, as fluid, such as wellbore/reservoir treatment fluid, in particular pressurized steam etc., exits the port 104 and enters into the opening 130 of the nozzle, the fluid impinges upon the cover 132 and is then diverted to the

circumferential openings 136. Thus, the cap 132 is subjected to the typically high pressures and temperatures of the treatment fluid and is therefore preferably made of a material that is sufficiently strong to withstand such conditions. It will also be understood that by using a nozzle 126 insert having such strength characteristics, the blast ring 1 12 used in such aspect of the apparatus may be made of lower strength materials since the cover 132 would absorb much of the stress caused by the flowing fluid. [0071] As will be noted from the present description, the nozzles are preferably inserts that are provided in the ports. In this way, the apparatus is modular in that, based on a given application, the appropriate nozzle may be easily chosen and used with the remaining components. [0072] Although the above description includes reference to certain specific

embodiments, various modifications thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Any examples provided herein are included solely for the purpose of illustration and are not intended to be limiting in any way. Any drawings provided herein are solely for the purpose of illustrating various aspects of the description and are not intended to be drawn to scale or to be limiting in any way. The scope of the claims appended hereto should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth in the above description, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the present specification as a whole. The disclosures of all prior art recited herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.