In the crossover method of inside casing gravel packing, what signals the squeezing stage?

• A. When the pressure increases.
• B. When the screen is washed into place.
• C. When the telltale screen is covered and the pressure increases.
• D. When the screen is removed.

Answer: (C)

In the crossover method of inside casing gravel packing, the squeezing stage is signaled when the telltale screen becomes completely buried by the gravel around it and the system pressure starts to rise. As the gravel slurry is pumped and the pack forms, the telltale screen acts as a marker: once it’s covered, flow is restricted and pumping pressure increases, indicating the squeeze should begin to push gravel into the formation. Relying only on a general pressure rise isn’t as reliable, since pressure can rise for other reasons, whereas the combination of a covered telltale screen and rising pressure confirms the packing around the screen is ready for squeezing. Washing the screen into place happens earlier, and removing the screen is not part of signaling squeezing.