| abstract |
An expandable sand control screen ( 100 ) that is positionable within a wellbore comprises a fluid permeable generally tubular member ( 102 ) that is expanded downhole. A filtering assembly is disposed exteriorly of the generally tubular member ( 102 ). The filtering assembly includes a filter medium ( 106 ) that prevents the flow of particulate material of a predetermined size therethrough but allows the flow of production fluids therethrough. The filtering assembly also includes a compliable member ( 118 ) that has a thickness that is radially variable downhole. During or after expansion of the expandable sand control screen ( 100 ), the radial variability of the thickness of the compliable member ( 118 ) allows the expandable sand control screen ( 100 ) to comply with any irregularities in the wellbore profile, thereby preventing any void regions between the expandable sand control screen ( 100 ) and the wellbore. |