Structural Strength of the Screen

Structural Strength of the Screen

Well screens are primarily required in boreholes that penetrate unconsolidated, poorly cemented, or broken formations. In most cases, this means dealing with sand, gravel, or mixtures of these materials when considering screen installation.

The market offers a wide variety of screens with varying degrees of structural strength. The selection depends on several factors including installation economics, regional practices, well depth, and the driller's experience. Slotted pipe, wire/gauze wrapped pipe base screens, and heavy gauge louvered screens provide maximum structural strength at minimal cost. However, these options may not always meet all the requirements of an effective well screen.

For instance, while slotted pipe may serve well as a structural component, it might not adequately prevent sand from entering the well. In contrast, vertical rodded wire-wrapped screens can fulfill structural requirements while also being available with precise slot openings to stabilize any sand size range. This versatility makes them particularly valuable for maintaining well integrity while controlling sand movement.