diameter the slots can be made to be sider or narrower this has utility in controlling slot width application_number US 26015602 A description there will first be described a slotted liner generally indicated by reference numeral 1 having a slotting geometry in accordance with the teachings of the present invention there will then be described unique methods of using the slotted liner in field applications with reference to fig1 through 6 according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention the method of placing slots through the wall of a metal pipe in a helical pattern is implemented to produce a helically slotted tubular article having longitudinal slots disposed along two helical paths suitable for use as a retractable slotted liner referring now to fig1 the helically slotted tubular article is comprised of a metal pipe 1 suitable for use as a slotted liner having an upper end 2 and lower end 3 longitudinal slots 4 extending through the wall of the metal pipe 1 and of approximately constant length are disposed at regular circumferential intervals along left hand helical paths 5 and 6 helical paths 5 amp 6 have approximately constant pitch are positioned at opposing circumferential positions and extend over the same slotted interval 7 of the pipe body leaving both the upper and lower ends 2 amp 3 of the metal pipe 1 as unslotted end intervals unslotted upper and lower ends 2 amp 3 are.