Water Well Screen Pipe constructed from stainless steel with high open area up to 60 percent for fluid flow and reduced clogging risks
Product Description
Wedge wire screen (also known as V‑wire screen or Johnson‑type screen) is a premium filtration device engineered for well completions in unconsolidated formations. Unlike slotted pipes or punched casings, a wedge wire screen features a continuous profile wire wound around a cage of longitudinal support rods – with every intersection fusion‑welded to create a rigid, self‑supporting structure. The V‑shaped wire forms precise, tapered slots that narrow inward, allowing fluids to pass freely while capturing formation sand and fines on the outside. This unique slot geometry provides self‑cleaning action during backflow, significantly reducing clogging and extending service life.
This wedge wire screen is manufactured from AISI 304 stainless steel – a material chosen for its excellent resistance to corrosion from brackish water, mild acids, and common downhole chemicals. The screen offers high open area (up to 60%) compared to conventional slotted casings, ensuring low pressure drop and high flow rates. Whether you are equipping a water well, an oil producer, or a geothermal borehole, a wedge wire screen delivers consistent filtration accuracy, mechanical strength, and long‑term reliability – all critical factors for lowering operational costs and maximising well productivity.
Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Wedge wire screen (V‑wire / Johnson screen) |
| Material | AISI 304 Stainless Steel |
| Outer Diameter (OD) | 114.3 mm (4.5”) |
| Slot Opening | 0.020 inch (≈0.5 mm) – designated as Slot 20 |
| Section Length | 5,050 mm (5.05 m) |
| Wire Profile | Triangular (V‑ee) with continuous taper |
| Support Rods | Longitudinal rods welded to each wire intersection |
| End Connections | Threaded, bevelled for welding, or flanged (custom) |
| Max OD tolerance | ±0.5 mm |
| Slot tolerance | ±0.03 mm |
Custom sizes, slot openings (0.02 – 10 mm), and lengths up to 12 m are available on request.
FAQ
Q1: What does “wedge wire screen” mean, and how does it differ from a slotted casing?
A wedge wire screen is made by winding a triangular profile wire around support rods and welding every crossing point. The slots are tapered – wider on the inside and narrower on the outside – which prevents particles from bridging and allows easy backwashing. A slotted casing is simply a pipe with cut slots, offering lower open area and no self‑cleaning feature. Wedge wire screens are the industry standard for fine sand control.
Q2: What slot size should I choose for my well?
Slot size (here Slot 20 = 0.5 mm) must match the formation’s grain‑size distribution. Typically, the slot is selected to retain 90% of the formation sand. We recommend a sieve analysis of your cuttings – our engineering team can then propose the optimal slot to prevent sand production while maximising inflow.
Q3: Why use AISI 304 instead of carbon steel or 316L?
AISI 304 offers an excellent balance of corrosion resistance and cost‑effectiveness. It performs well in fresh water, brackish water, and mildly corrosive oilfield fluids. For high‑chloride or sour (H₂S) environments, we can upgrade to 316L or duplex grades. AISI 304 ensures long slot‑width stability, preventing corrosion‑enlargement that would otherwise degrade filtration performance.
Q4: Can I connect multiple sections to reach my desired total length?
Absolutely. Each 5,050 mm section can be joined via butt‑welding, threaded couplings, or flanged connections. We also supply intermediate blank pipes and centralisers to complete your downhole assembly.
Q5: What is the maximum operating pressure and temperature?
The screen itself can withstand differential pressures up to 5,000 psi (depending on wire diameter and support rod count) and temperatures up to 300°C when using stainless steel. For exact ratings, we perform FEA based on your wellbore conditions – just share your requirements.
Packing & Shipping
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Individual protection – Each wedge wire screen is wrapped in woven bags or bubble film to protect the delicate wire profile from scratches and impacts.
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Clear labelling – Each crate carries the PO number, specification, batch code, and handling instructions.
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Shipping mode – Standard export cartons loaded into 20‑ft or 40‑ft containers; we handle all export documentation (commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin, and material test reports).
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Lead time – 30‑45 working days for standard specifications; express services available for urgent orders.
Project Applications
Our wedge wire screens have been deployed globally in:
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Drinking water wells – Municipal and rural water supplies where fine sand must be excluded to protect pumps and valves.
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Irrigation wells – High‑yield agricultural bores requiring low drawdown and sustained flow.
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Oil & gas completions – Standalone screens in open‑hole or cased‑hole gravel‑pack completions, especially in soft sandstone reservoirs.
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Geothermal energy wells – Withstanding high temperatures and mineralised brines.
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Groundwater remediation & monitoring – Extracting contaminated water while retaining aquifer material.
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Mine dewatering – Removing water from pit floors without losing fines that can clog dewatering systems.
We provide free formation analysis and slot‑size recommendations – simply send us your grain‑size data, and we’ll tailor the design to your geology.
Related Products
Complement your wedge wire screen with these essential completion items:
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Perforated base pipe – API 5CT carbon or stainless steel casing with custom hole patterns (can be used as the inner support for dual‑screen designs).
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Gravel pack screens – Pre‑packed outer shrouds for extremely fine formations.
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Bridge slot screens – Alternative design with raised slots for coarser applications.
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Centralisers – Bow‑spring or rigid centralisers to keep the screen centred in the borehole.
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Thread protectors & crossover subs – For easy connections between different thread types.
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Blank pipe sections & pup joints – To accommodate packers or isolation devices.
We also offer complete screen assemblies – welded to your specified total length with ends finished to your preferred connection.
Ready to order or need a custom quote? Contact our technical sales team – we respond within 24 hours with drawings, datasheets, and a firm quotation. Your well’s success starts with the right wedge wire screen.
Get in Touch
Have questions about our products or want to discuss a custom order? Our team is ready to help you.



