A retrievable drill pipe screen is adapted for releasable connection
within a drill pipe string. The screen has a planar support plate for
connecting a perforated tubular screen body to a fish neck wherein the
plane of the planar support plate is generally parallel to the axis of
the screen body. The orientation of the planar support plate provides
minimal resistance to fluid flowing into the screen body while also
reducing vortex effects that cause wear of screen components. Preferably,
a wear distributor sleeve is fit within the screen body for protecting
against wear of the screen caused by fluid flow and a retaining rod can
secure the bottom of the screen body to the fish neck in the event that a
lower portion of the screen body becomes detached.