US20140360784A1 - Through Casing Coring - Google Patents
Through Casing Coring Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20140360784A1 US20140360784A1 US13/913,805 US201313913805A US2014360784A1 US 20140360784 A1 US20140360784 A1 US 20140360784A1 US 201313913805 A US201313913805 A US 201313913805A US 2014360784 A1 US2014360784 A1 US 2014360784A1
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- Prior art keywords
- coring
- casing
- opening
- coring tool
- tool
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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- 238000005520 cutting process Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 44
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 23
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 16
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 description 11
- 239000004568 cement Substances 0.000 description 9
- 239000003381 stabilizer Substances 0.000 description 5
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000002441 reversible effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004382 potting Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005510 radiation hardening Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000725 suspension Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B10/00—Drill bits
- E21B10/02—Core bits
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B29/00—Cutting or destroying pipes, packers, plugs or wire lines, located in boreholes or wells, e.g. cutting of damaged pipes, of windows; Deforming of pipes in boreholes or wells; Reconditioning of well casings while in the ground
- E21B29/002—Cutting, e.g. milling, a pipe with a cutter rotating along the circumference of the pipe
- E21B29/005—Cutting, e.g. milling, a pipe with a cutter rotating along the circumference of the pipe with a radially-expansible cutter rotating inside the pipe, e.g. for cutting an annular window
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B49/00—Testing the nature of borehole walls; Formation testing; Methods or apparatus for obtaining samples of soil or well fluids, specially adapted to earth drilling or wells
- E21B49/02—Testing the nature of borehole walls; Formation testing; Methods or apparatus for obtaining samples of soil or well fluids, specially adapted to earth drilling or wells by mechanically taking samples of the soil
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
- E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
- E21B49/00—Testing the nature of borehole walls; Formation testing; Methods or apparatus for obtaining samples of soil or well fluids, specially adapted to earth drilling or wells
- E21B49/02—Testing the nature of borehole walls; Formation testing; Methods or apparatus for obtaining samples of soil or well fluids, specially adapted to earth drilling or wells by mechanically taking samples of the soil
- E21B49/06—Testing the nature of borehole walls; Formation testing; Methods or apparatus for obtaining samples of soil or well fluids, specially adapted to earth drilling or wells by mechanically taking samples of the soil using side-wall drilling tools pressing or scrapers
Definitions
- the invention relates generally to devices and methods for obtaining core samples from the sidewall of a cased wellbore.
- the device is also useful for obtaining cores from the sidewall of an openhole wellbore.
- a coring tool includes an outer housing that encloses a plurality of bit boxes.
- the bit boxes are moveable within the housing so that they may be selectively aligned with an opening in the outer housing.
- the bit boxes are contained within a carriage that is axially moveable within the outer housing between separate operational positions wherein the tools within the bit boxes are selectively aligned with a portion of the wellbore from which it is desired to obtain a core sample.
- the housing contains a first bit box with a casing cutter having a casing cutting bit that is suitable for cutting through the surrounding casing and cement.
- the housing preferably also contains a second bit box with a coring device having a coring bit that is suitable for cutting and obtaining a core sample from the surrounding formation.
- the coring device can articulate or move angularly to separate the core sample from the formation. The separated core sample is preferably deposited into a coring tube or receptacle within the coring tool housing.
- the coring tool contains a third bit box that includes a device for placement of a casing plug into the opening that was previously cut into the casing.
- FIG. 1 is a side, cross-sectional view of an exemplary cased wellbore with an exemplary coring tool disposed therein which is constructed in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 3 is a side, cross-sectional view of the portions of the coring tool of FIG. 2 , now in an operational configuration to obtain a core sample from surrounding formation.
- FIG. 4 is a side, cross-sectional view of the portions of the coring tool shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , now in a configuration for plugging an opening previously created in the surrounding casing.
- FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary wellbore 10 that has been drilled through the earth 12 from the surface (not shown).
- the wellbore 10 is surrounded by a formation 14 at a lo depth from which it is desired to obtain one or more sidewall core samples.
- the wellbore 10 is lined with a metallic casing 16 which has been secured in place with cement 18 .
- FIG. 2 depicts interior components of an exemplary coring tool 20 as the coring tool 20 is being used to cut an opening in the casing 16 and cement 18 lining the wellbore 10 .
- the coring tool 20 includes an electronics and power section, indicated schematically at 30 .
- the electronics and power section 30 receives electrical power for the coring tool 20 via the wireline 22 .
- the electronics and power section 30 may be electrically coupled to any of the components in the coring tool 20 requiring electrical power to operate.
- the electronics and power section 30 may include any number of electrical components to facilitate operation of coring tool components. As depicted in FIG.
- the electronics and power section 30 includes a processing system 32 having at least one information processor 34 of a type known in the art for actuation and control of the various components of the coring tool 20 .
- the electronics and power section 30 also includes transmitter and receiver circuits 36 to convey information to surface and to receive information and commands from the surface via a wireline communication cable.
- the electronics and power section 30 includes a memory unit 38 for storing programs and information processed by the processor 34 in order to operate the various components of the coring tool 20 .
- the electronics and power section 30 may also include electronic components used for cooling, radiation hardening, vibration and impact protection, potting and other packaging details that do not require in-depth discussion as they are known in the art.
- a data bus 40 is used to communicate information between the various components of the electronics and power section 30 as well as externally to a power transfer medium 42 .
- the electronics and power section 30 is operably associated with a power transfer medium, schematically shown at 42 .
- the power transfer medium 42 may be selected according to the particular power generating devices used to actuate and position bit boxes within the coring tool housing 24 .
- the power transfer medium 42 may be a hydraulic fluid conduit where the power transfer device includes a hydraulic pump.
- the power transfer medium 42 may be an electrical conductor where the power generating device includes an electrical power generator.
- the power transfer medium 42 may be a drive shaft or gearbox where the power generating device includes a mechanical power output for extending a tool radially outwardly from the coring tool 20 .
- a bit box carriage 44 is retained within the coring tool 20 and is axially moveable and repositionable within the coring tool housing 24 between multiple operational positions.
- a guide rail or track (not shown), of a type known in the art, may be incorporated into the coring tool housing 24 along which the bit box carriage 44 can slidably move.
- a suitable guide rail arrangement would be an opposing pair of rigid plates. Each of the plates would have an elongated slot formed therein, while the bit box carriage 44 would have complimentary lugs that would ride within these slots.
- other suitable guide rail or track arrangements could also be used to help ensure precision alignment and movement of the bit box carriage 44 within the housing 24 .
- the coring bit box 48 is preferably located axially below the casing cutter box 46 within the chassis 44 . Also, the coring bit box 48 preferably includes an opening 58 along its lower side so that captured cores can be released into a core tube 60 within the coring tool housing 24 .
- the coring tool bit box 48 retains a coring device in the form of a coring bit 62 which is capable of cutting and capturing a core sample from the formation 14 . Suitable coring bits for this purpose are described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,373,994 entitled “Self Cleaning Coring Bit” and issued to Tchakarov et al. This patent is owned by the assignee of the present application and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
- the coring bit 62 is mounted upon a rotary cutting device 64 .
- the rotary cutting device 64 is capable of rotating the coring bit 62 and extending it radially outwardly through the opening 26 and into cutting engagement with the formation 14 to obtain a core sample. Additional details relating to the operation of rotary coring tools to obtain a core sample from a wellbore sidewall are described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,530,407 issued to Tchakarov et al. This patent is owned by the assignee of the present application and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Suitable rotary cutting devices for this purpose include the MaxCORTM rotary sidewall coring system that is available commercially from Baker Hughes Incorporated of Houston, Tex.
- the bit box carriage 44 is selectively moveable between axial operational positions within the housing 24 in order to position the carriage 44 to enable it to perform operations that will permit a core sample to be obtained from a cased wellbore 10 These positions are illustrated by FIGS. 2 , 3 and 4 .
- the carriage 44 is positioned in a first operational position so that the casing cutter bit box 46 is located proximate the opening 26 in the housing 24 to allow the casing cutting mill bit 54 to cut an opening in the casing 16 and cement 18 at a desired target position
- the casing cutting mill bit 54 is withdrawn back into the coring tool outer housing 24 .
- the bit box carriage 44 is then axially shifted by the power transfer medium 42 from the first operational position shown in FIG. 2 to a second operational position, as illustrated in FIG. 3 .
- the coring bit box 48 is generally aligned with the opening 26 in the coring tool housing 24 .
- the rotary cutting device 64 rotates the coring bit 62 and extends the coring bit 62 outwardly through the opening 26 and into cutting engagement with the formation 14 .
- a core sample 72 is formed as the coring bit 62 creates a circular cut 74 in the formation 14 . Articulation or angular movement of the shaft 76 that retains the coring bit 62 (as illustrated at 78 ) will break off the core sample 72 from the lo formation 14 .
- the core sample 72 can then be ejected into the core tube 60
- the core sample 72 will be brought to the surface when the coring tool 10 is withdrawn from the wellbore 10 .
- FIG. 4 illustrates the coring tool 20 in a third operational configuration wherein the carriage 44 has been aligned by the power transfer medium 42 so that the box 52 is aligned with the opening 26 in the coring tool housing 24 .
- the piston assembly 70 urges the stack of plugs 68 radially outwardly until the outermost plug 68 is seated into the opening 80 that was formed in the casing 18 .
- the plug 68 is preferably secured within the opening 80 by an interference fit. It is noted that this step of plugging the opening 80 in the casing 18 is not always required. If the coring operation is being performed, for example, in a formation zone wherein production is already occurring through perforated casing 16 , then it is unnecessary to plug the opening 80 .
- Rotation of the carriage 44 thereby allows the cutting tools 54 , 62 to be angularly aligned with each of the openings 26 a, 26 b, 26 c, or 26 d .
- the carriage 44 may be rotated in the angular directions indicated by arrows 84 in FIG. 6 . This feature permits the carriage 44 to be repositioned so that it can obtain further core samples.
- the coring tool 20 is disposed into the wellbore 10 to a depth or location within the cased wellbore 10 from which it is desired to obtain one or more core samples 72 .
- the stabilizers 28 are then set to secure the coring tool 20 in place within the wellbore 10 .
- the carriage 44 is positioned in the first operational position depicted in FIG. 2 . This may occur prior to running the coring tool 20 to its desired depth or afterward.
- the rotary cutting device 56 is actuated so that the casing cutting bit 54 cuts an opening 80 in the casing 16 of the wellbore 10 .
- the carriage 44 is moved to the second operational position depicted in FIG. 3 .
- the rotary cutting device 64 then operates the coring bit 62 to obtain a core sample 72 from the formation 14 that lies radially outside of the casing 16 and cement 18 .
- the core sample 72 is then disposed into a core tube 60 or other core sample receptacle.
- the carriage 44 may then be moved to the third operational position depicted in FIG. 4 .
- the hole plugging subassembly 50 is then actuated to close off the opening 80 in the casing 16 . If desired, an operator can then rotate the carriage 44 within the outer housing 24 to align with other openings, such as 26 b , 26 c or 26 d and obtain additional coring samples.
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- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Geology (AREA)
- Mining & Mineral Resources (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- General Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Geochemistry & Mineralogy (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Soil Sciences (AREA)
- Sampling And Sample Adjustment (AREA)
- Earth Drilling (AREA)
- Processing Of Stones Or Stones Resemblance Materials (AREA)
Abstract
Devices and methods for obtaining core samples from a formation that surrounds a cased wellbore. A coring tool includes a casing cutter for cutting an opening in the casing and a coring device for obtaining a core sample from the formation.
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The invention relates generally to devices and methods for obtaining core samples from the sidewall of a cased wellbore. The device is also useful for obtaining cores from the sidewall of an openhole wellbore.
- 2. Description of the Related Art
- Coring devices are more typically known for obtaining core samples from the uncased sidewall of a wellbore. The inventors have recognized that there might be an to advantage to evaluating certain formation zones after a well has been cased.
- The invention provides devices and methods for obtaining core samples from the sidewall of a cased wellbore. In a described embodiment, a coring tool is provided includes an outer housing that encloses a plurality of bit boxes. The bit boxes are moveable within the housing so that they may be selectively aligned with an opening in the outer housing. In a particular embodiment, the bit boxes are contained within a carriage that is axially moveable within the outer housing between separate operational positions wherein the tools within the bit boxes are selectively aligned with a portion of the wellbore from which it is desired to obtain a core sample.
- In certain embodiments, the housing contains a first bit box with a casing cutter having a casing cutting bit that is suitable for cutting through the surrounding casing and cement. The housing preferably also contains a second bit box with a coring device having a coring bit that is suitable for cutting and obtaining a core sample from the surrounding formation. Preferably also, the coring device can articulate or move angularly to separate the core sample from the formation. The separated core sample is preferably deposited into a coring tube or receptacle within the coring tool housing.
- In particular embodiments, the coring tool contains a third bit box that includes a device for placement of a casing plug into the opening that was previously cut into the casing.
- According to a further preferred feature of the invention, the carrier is rotatable to within the outer casing of the coring tool. An operator can rotate the carrier within the coring tool housing in order to obtain core samples from other angular locations within the wellbore. A coring tool in accordance with the present invention can preferably be disposed within a wellbore on wireline conveyance. Power and data communication with the coring tool can then be conducted via the wireline. In particular embodiments, the coring tool includes an electronic and power section that controls and provides power to the casing cutter device, the coring device and the hole plugging subassembly. In addition, the coring tool preferably includes a power transfer medium for movement of the carriage within the coring tool outer housing.
- The invention provides methods for obtaining coring samples from cased wellbores. In exemplary operation, a coring tool is disposed into a cased wellbore to a depth or location at which it is desired to obtain one or more core samples. Stabilizers may be set within the wellbore to secure the coring tool in place within the wellbore. Thereafter, the carrier is axially moved within the outer housing of the coring tool so as to selectively align first the casing cutter device and then the coring device so that each of these tools can operate at a preselected location and a core sample is obtained. If desired, the carrier is then moved axially within the outer housing to align the hole plugging subassembly with the opening that was previously formed in the casing. The hole plugging subassembly is then operated to secure a plug within the opening in the casing. The devices and methods of the present invention allow for multiple cores to be obtained from multiple locations.
- For a thorough understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like or similar elements throughout the several figures of the drawings and wherein:
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FIG. 1 is a side, cross-sectional view of an exemplary cased wellbore with an exemplary coring tool disposed therein which is constructed in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 2 is an enlarged side, cross-sectional view of portions of the coring tool shown in greater detail and being used to form an opening in the wellbore casing. -
FIG. 3 is a side, cross-sectional view of the portions of the coring tool ofFIG. 2 , now in an operational configuration to obtain a core sample from surrounding formation. -
FIG. 4 is a side, cross-sectional view of the portions of the coring tool shown inFIGS. 2 and 3 , now in a configuration for plugging an opening previously created in the surrounding casing. -
FIG. 5 is a detail view depicting a core sample being obtained by a coring bit. -
FIG. 6 is a schematic axial cross-sectional view illustrating exemplary rotation of a bit box carrier within the coring tool outer housing. -
FIG. 7 depicts an alternative embodiment for an exemplary coring arrangement wherein the coring tool is moved within the wellbore to reposition cutting, coring and plugging components. -
FIG. 1 depicts anexemplary wellbore 10 that has been drilled through the earth 12 from the surface (not shown). Thewellbore 10 is surrounded by aformation 14 at a lo depth from which it is desired to obtain one or more sidewall core samples. Thewellbore 10 is lined with ametallic casing 16 which has been secured in place withcement 18. - A
coring tool 20 has been disposed within thewellbore 10 bywireline 22, in a manner known in the art. Thecoring tool 20 includes a generally cylindricalouter housing 24 that encloses the various components used to accomplish coring, as will be described. Anopening 26 is formed in theouter housing 24.Stabilizers 28, of a type known in the art, have been extended radially outwardly from thecoring tool 20 to secure it within thewellbore 10. Preferably, thestabilizers 28 maintain thecoring tool 20 in proximity to one side of thewellbore 10. -
FIG. 2 depicts interior components of anexemplary coring tool 20 as thecoring tool 20 is being used to cut an opening in thecasing 16 andcement 18 lining thewellbore 10. Thecoring tool 20 includes an electronics and power section, indicated schematically at 30. The electronics andpower section 30 receives electrical power for thecoring tool 20 via thewireline 22. The electronics andpower section 30 may be electrically coupled to any of the components in thecoring tool 20 requiring electrical power to operate. Also, the electronics andpower section 30 may include any number of electrical components to facilitate operation of coring tool components. As depicted inFIG. 2 , the electronics andpower section 30 includes aprocessing system 32 having at least oneinformation processor 34 of a type known in the art for actuation and control of the various components of thecoring tool 20. The electronics andpower section 30 also includes transmitter andreceiver circuits 36 to convey information to surface and to receive information and commands from the surface via a wireline communication cable. Additionally, the electronics andpower section 30 includes amemory unit 38 for storing programs and information processed by theprocessor 34 in order to operate the various components of thecoring tool 20. The electronics andpower section 30 may also include electronic components used for cooling, radiation hardening, vibration and impact protection, potting and other packaging details that do not require in-depth discussion as they are known in the art. Adata bus 40 is used to communicate information between the various components of the electronics andpower section 30 as well as externally to apower transfer medium 42. - The electronics and
power section 30 is operably associated with a power transfer medium, schematically shown at 42. Thepower transfer medium 42 may be selected according to the particular power generating devices used to actuate and position bit boxes within thecoring tool housing 24. Thepower transfer medium 42 may be a hydraulic fluid conduit where the power transfer device includes a hydraulic pump. Thepower transfer medium 42 may be an electrical conductor where the power generating device includes an electrical power generator. Alternatively, thepower transfer medium 42 may be a drive shaft or gearbox where the power generating device includes a mechanical power output for extending a tool radially outwardly from thecoring tool 20. - A
bit box carriage 44 is retained within thecoring tool 20 and is axially moveable and repositionable within the coring tool housing 24 between multiple operational positions. In order to ensure proper alignment and prevent undesirable radial movement of thebit box carriage 44, a guide rail or track (not shown), of a type known in the art, may be incorporated into thecoring tool housing 24 along which thebit box carriage 44 can slidably move. One example of a suitable guide rail arrangement would be an opposing pair of rigid plates. Each of the plates would have an elongated slot formed therein, while thebit box carriage 44 would have complimentary lugs that would ride within these slots. However, other suitable guide rail or track arrangements could also be used to help ensure precision alignment and movement of thebit box carriage 44 within thehousing 24. Thebit box carriage 44 depicted inFIG. 2 contains two individual bit boxes: a casingcutter bit box 46 and acoring bit box 48. Thebit boxes coring tool 20 throughopening 26. In certain embodiments, thebit box carriage 44 also includes ahole plugging subassembly 50 that is located in aseparate box 52 within thecarriage 44. Thebit box carriage 44 can be moved axially within thecoring tool housing 24 by thepower transfer medium 42, which in turn may be actuated and controlled by theprocessing system 32 in accordance with a preprogrammed scheme. InFIG. 2 , the bit box carriage is oriented within thecoring tool housing 24 such that the casingcutter bit box 46 is aligned with theopening 26 of thecoring tool housing 24. - The casing
cutter bit box 46 includes a casing cutter in the form of a casingcutting mill bit 54 that is mounted upon arotary cutting device 56. Therotary cutting device 56 is capable of rotating thecutting mill bit 54 and extending it radially outwardly through theopening 26 and into cutting engagement with thecasing 16 lining thewellbore 10. The casingcutting mill bit 54 is preferably a generally cylindrical cutter with an open center portion that is capable of forming a circular cut within thecasing 16 and thecement 18. When the casingcutting mill bit 54 cuts through thecasing 16 andcement 18, the cutaway portions will typically be retained within the open center portion of thebit 54 in this instance. Alternatively, the cuttingmill bit 54 might be a drill tip type cutter which forms an opening in to thecasing 16 andcement 18 in the manner of a rotary drill. In certain embodiments, therotary cutting device 56 may also swivel to allow thecutting mill bit 54 to be rotated between a position wherein thebit 54 is facing away from the opening 26 (seephantom position 54 a) and a position wherein thebit 54 is facing toward theopening 26 and can be extended toward thecasing 16. - The
coring bit box 48 is preferably located axially below thecasing cutter box 46 within thechassis 44. Also, thecoring bit box 48 preferably includes anopening 58 along its lower side so that captured cores can be released into acore tube 60 within thecoring tool housing 24. The coringtool bit box 48 retains a coring device in the form of acoring bit 62 which is capable of cutting and capturing a core sample from theformation 14. Suitable coring bits for this purpose are described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,373,994 entitled “Self Cleaning Coring Bit” and issued to Tchakarov et al. This patent is owned by the assignee of the present application and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Thecoring bit 62 is mounted upon arotary cutting device 64. Therotary cutting device 64 is capable of rotating thecoring bit 62 and extending it radially outwardly through theopening 26 and into cutting engagement with theformation 14 to obtain a core sample. Additional details relating to the operation of rotary coring tools to obtain a core sample from a wellbore sidewall are described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,530,407 issued to Tchakarov et al. This patent is owned by the assignee of the present application and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Suitable rotary cutting devices for this purpose include the MaxCOR™ rotary sidewall coring system that is available commercially from Baker Hughes Incorporated of Houston, Tex. - The
hole plugging subassembly 50 includes amagazine 66 which contains one or more circular plugs 68. Each of theplugs 68 is shaped and sized to close of an opening in thecasing 16 that has been cut by the casingcutting mill bit 54. In addition, thehole plugging subassembly 50 includes anextendable piston assembly 70 that can urge theplugs 68 within themagazine 66 outwardly so that theoutermost plug 68 is seated within such a milled opening. - The
bit box carriage 44 is selectively moveable between axial operational positions within thehousing 24 in order to position thecarriage 44 to enable it to perform operations that will permit a core sample to be obtained from a casedwellbore 10 These positions are illustrated byFIGS. 2 , 3 and 4. InFIG. 2 , thecarriage 44 is positioned in a first operational position so that the casingcutter bit box 46 is located proximate theopening 26 in thehousing 24 to allow the casingcutting mill bit 54 to cut an opening in thecasing 16 andcement 18 at a desired target position Once an opening is formed in thecasing 16 andcement 18, the casingcutting mill bit 54 is withdrawn back into the coring toolouter housing 24. Thebit box carriage 44 is then axially shifted by the power transfer medium 42 from the first operational position shown inFIG. 2 to a second operational position, as illustrated inFIG. 3 . - When the
coring tool 20 is in the second operational position shown inFIG. 4 , thecoring bit box 48 is generally aligned with theopening 26 in thecoring tool housing 24. As depicted inFIG. 3 , therotary cutting device 64 rotates thecoring bit 62 and extends thecoring bit 62 outwardly through theopening 26 and into cutting engagement with theformation 14. AsFIG. 5 depicts, acore sample 72 is formed as thecoring bit 62 creates acircular cut 74 in theformation 14. Articulation or angular movement of theshaft 76 that retains the coring bit 62 (as illustrated at 78) will break off thecore sample 72 from thelo formation 14. Thecore sample 72 can then be ejected into thecore tube 60 Thecore sample 72 will be brought to the surface when thecoring tool 10 is withdrawn from thewellbore 10. -
FIG. 4 illustrates thecoring tool 20 in a third operational configuration wherein thecarriage 44 has been aligned by thepower transfer medium 42 so that thebox 52 is aligned with theopening 26 in thecoring tool housing 24. Thepiston assembly 70 urges the stack ofplugs 68 radially outwardly until theoutermost plug 68 is seated into theopening 80 that was formed in thecasing 18. Theplug 68 is preferably secured within theopening 80 by an interference fit. It is noted that this step of plugging theopening 80 in thecasing 18 is not always required. If the coring operation is being performed, for example, in a formation zone wherein production is already occurring throughperforated casing 16, then it is unnecessary to plug theopening 80. - In particular embodiments of the present invention, the
coring tool 20 is capable of obtaining multiple core samples from thewellbore 10. In addition, thecoring tool 20 is preferably capable of pluggingmultiple openings 80 formed within thecasing 16 of thewellbore 10. According to an exemplary embodiment, thecarriage 44 is capable of axial rotation with respect to theouter housing 24 of the coring tool. Atorsional motor 82 applies rotational force to thecarriage 44 to rotate it angularly within thehousing 24.FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment for thecoring tool 10 wherein there aremultiple openings 26 in theouter housing 24. Rotation of thecarriage 44 thereby allows thecutting tools openings openings FIG. 6 , it should be understood that there may be more or fewer than four such openings. Thecarriage 44 may be rotated in the angular directions indicated byarrows 84 inFIG. 6 . This feature permits thecarriage 44 to be repositioned so that it can obtain further core samples. - If it is desired to obtain core samples from other depths or locations within the
wellbore 10, thestabilizers 28 can be unset and thecoring tool 20 then raised or lowered to another depth or location within thewellbore 10 from which it is desired to obtain further core samples. Thereafter, additional core samples can be obtained in the manner previously described. - According to an exemplary method of operation, the
coring tool 20 is disposed into thewellbore 10 to a depth or location within the cased wellbore 10 from which it is desired to obtain one ormore core samples 72. Thestabilizers 28 are then set to secure thecoring tool 20 in place within thewellbore 10. Thecarriage 44 is positioned in the first operational position depicted inFIG. 2 . This may occur prior to running thecoring tool 20 to its desired depth or afterward. Therotary cutting device 56 is actuated so that thecasing cutting bit 54 cuts anopening 80 in thecasing 16 of thewellbore 10. Thecarriage 44 is moved to the second operational position depicted inFIG. 3 . Therotary cutting device 64 then operates thecoring bit 62 to obtain acore sample 72 from theformation 14 that lies radially outside of thecasing 16 andcement 18. Thecore sample 72 is then disposed into acore tube 60 or other core sample receptacle. Thecarriage 44 may then be moved to the third operational position depicted inFIG. 4 . Thehole plugging subassembly 50 is then actuated to close off theopening 80 in thecasing 16. If desired, an operator can then rotate thecarriage 44 within theouter housing 24 to align with other openings, such as 26 b, 26 c or 26 d and obtain additional coring samples. -
FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative arrangement for obtaining a core from a casedwellbore 10. Anexemplary coring tool 90 is disposed within thewellbore 10 bywireline 22 suspension. Thecoring tool 90 includes anouter housing 92 which containsbit boxes outer housing 92. In addition, thecoring tool 90 preferably contains ahole plugging subassembly 50. Theouter housing 92 is provided with threelateral openings Opening 94 is aligned with the casing cutterrotary cutting device 56 so that the casingcutting mill bit 54 may be extended radially outwardly through theopening 94. Themill bit 54 can cut an opening in thecasing 16 when aligned with a target point 100 (shown in phantom inFIG. 7 ) within thewellbore 10.Opening 96 is aligned with therotary cutting device 64 so that thecoring bit 62 can be extended radially outwardly through theopening 96. Thecoring bit 62 can obtain a core sample, as described above, when theopening 96 is aligned with thetarget point 100.Opening 98 is aligned with thehole plugging subassembly 50. Thehole plugging subassembly 50 can emplace aplug 68 within a previously-milled opening within thecasing 16 when theopening 98 is aligned with thetarget point 100. - In operation, the
coring tool 90 is moved axially upwardly and downwardly within thewellbore 10 via wireline manipulation, as illustrated byarrows 102 in order to align theappropriate lateral openings target position 100 in order to accomplish the tasks to obtain a core sample from thetarget position 100 of thewellbore 10. First, thecoring tool 90 is positioned within thewellbore 10 so that theopening 94 is aligned with thetarget position 100. Reversible slips or anchors (not shown) of a type known in the art may be used to secure thecoring tool 90 in this position. Thereafter, therotary cutting device 56 is actuated to cut an opening in thecasing 16. Thecoring tool 90 is then repositioned in thewellbore 10, moving thecoring tool 90 with thewireline 22 until theopening 96 is aligned with thetarget position 100. Again, reversible slips or anchors may be used to secure thecoring tool 90 in this position. The cuttingdevice 64 is actuated so that thecoring bit 62 extends through the opening in thecasing 16 to obtain a core sample from the surrounding formation. Next, thecoring tool 90 is moved bywireline 22 until theopening 98 is aligned with thetarget position 100. Next, thehole plugging subassembly 50 is actuated to emplace aplug 68 within the previously-formed opening in thecasing 16. Thereafter, one can remove thecoring tool 90 from thewellbore 10 via wireline retrieval. - Those of skill in the art will recognize that numerous modifications and changes may be made to the exemplary designs and embodiments described herein and that the invention is limited only by the claims that follow and any equivalents thereof.
Claims (21)
1. A coring tool for obtaining a core sample from a formation surrounding a cased wellbore, the coring tool comprising:
a casing cutter for cutting an opening in casing lining the wellbore; and
a coring device for obtaining a core sample from the formation.
2. The coring tool of claim 1 further comprising a hole plugging subassembly to close off said opening in the casing lining the wellbore.
3. The coring tool of claim 1 wherein:
the coring tool has an outer housing having an opening therein; and
the casing cutter and the coring device are retained within a carrier that is moveable within the outer housing between a first operational position wherein the casing cutter is aligned with the opening in the coring tool housing and a second operational position wherein the coring device is aligned with the opening in the coring tool housing.
4. The coring tool of claim 3 wherein the carrier is rotatable within the casing tool housing.
5. The coring tool of claim 1 wherein the casing cutter comprises a casing cutting mill bit that is mounted upon a rotary cutting device.
6. The coring tool of claim 1 wherein the coring device comprises a coring bit that is mounted upon a rotary cutting device.
7. The coring tool of claim 1 wherein:
the coring tool is positioned by wireline manipulation to align the casing cutter with a target position within the wellbore from which it is desired to obtain a core sample; and
the coring tool is then repositioned by wireline manipulation to align the coring device with the target position to obtain a coring sample from the target position.
8. A coring tool for obtaining a core sample from a formation surrounding a cased wellbore, the coring tool comprising:
a casing cutter for cutting an opening in casing lining the wellbore;
a coring device for obtaining a core sample from the formation; and
a hole plugging subassembly to close off said opening in the casing lining the wellbore.
9. The coring tool of claim 8 wherein:
the coring tool has an outer housing having an opening therein; and
the casing cutter and the coring device are retained within a carrier that is moveable within the outer housing between a first operational position wherein the casing cutter is aligned with the opening in the coring tool housing and a second operational position wherein the coring device is aligned with the opening in the coring tool housing.
10. The coring tool of claim 9 wherein the carrier is rotatable within the casing tool housing.
11. The coring tool of claim 8 wherein the casing cutter comprises a casing cutting mill bit that is mounted upon a rotary cutting device.
12. The coring tool of claim 8 wherein the coring device comprises a coring bit that is mounted upon a rotary cutting device.
13. A method of obtaining a core sample from a formation surrounding a cased wellbore, the method comprising the steps of:
forming an opening in casing lining the wellbore; and
obtaining a core sample from the formation.
14. The method of claim 13 further comprising the step of closing o the opening in the casing.
15. The method of claim 14 wherein the step of closing off the opening in the casing further comprises actuating a hole plugging subassembly to emplace a plug in the opening.
16. The method of claim 13 further comprising disposing the core sample in a core sample receptacle within the coring tool.
17. The method of claim 13 wherein the step of forming an opening in the casing comprises rotating a casing cutting bit to form a circular cut within the casing.
18. The method of claim 13 wherein the step of obtaining a core sample comprises rotating a coring bit to form a cylindrical core sample and separating the core sample from the formation.
19. The method of claim 13 wherein:
the step of forming an opening in casing lining the wellbore further comprises locating the casing cutter to be aligned with a target position from which it is desired to obtain a core sample and actuating the casing cutter to cut an opening in the casing; and
the step of obtaining a core sample from the formation further comprises locating the coring device to be aligned with the target position and actuating the coring device to obtain a core sample from the target position.
20. The method of claim 19 wherein the coring device is located to be aligned with the target position by moving a bit box carriage within an outer housing of the coring tool.
21. The method of claim 19 wherein the coring device is located to be aligned with the target position by moving an outer housing containing the coring device within the wellbore.
Priority Applications (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/913,805 US20140360784A1 (en) | 2013-06-10 | 2013-06-10 | Through Casing Coring |
EP14811554.6A EP3008286A4 (en) | 2013-06-10 | 2014-06-10 | Through casing coring |
PCT/US2014/041635 WO2014200963A1 (en) | 2013-06-10 | 2014-06-10 | Through casing coring |
BR112015030310A BR112015030310A2 (en) | 2013-06-10 | 2014-06-10 | witnessing through coating |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US13/913,805 US20140360784A1 (en) | 2013-06-10 | 2013-06-10 | Through Casing Coring |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20140360784A1 true US20140360784A1 (en) | 2014-12-11 |
Family
ID=52004506
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/913,805 Abandoned US20140360784A1 (en) | 2013-06-10 | 2013-06-10 | Through Casing Coring |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20140360784A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3008286A4 (en) |
BR (1) | BR112015030310A2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2014200963A1 (en) |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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EP3353353A4 (en) * | 2015-09-23 | 2019-08-21 | Estate 2010 APS | Method and tools for sealing of annulus between borehole and well casing |
CN114215511A (en) * | 2021-12-20 | 2022-03-22 | 四川省金核地质勘查工程有限公司 | Geology reconnaissance probing device |
US20220298897A1 (en) * | 2021-03-22 | 2022-09-22 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Apparatus and method for milling openings in an uncemented blank pipe |
US11536107B2 (en) * | 2017-09-21 | 2022-12-27 | Schlumberger Technology Corporation | Systems and methods for downhole service tools |
US11821277B2 (en) | 2021-08-31 | 2023-11-21 | Schlumberger Technology Corporation | Downhole tool for jarring |
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US20020005286A1 (en) * | 2000-02-16 | 2002-01-17 | Mazorow Henry B. | Horizontal directional drilling in wells |
US20080000694A1 (en) * | 2005-12-30 | 2008-01-03 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | Mechanical and fluid jet drilling method and apparatus |
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SU1615353A1 (en) * | 1988-11-09 | 1990-12-23 | Всесоюзный научно-исследовательский и проектно-конструкторский институт геофизических исследований геологоразведочных скважин | Lateral core taker |
US5195591A (en) * | 1991-08-30 | 1993-03-23 | Atlantic Richfield Company | Permanent whipstock and placement method |
US5692565A (en) * | 1996-02-20 | 1997-12-02 | Schlumberger Technology Corporation | Apparatus and method for sampling an earth formation through a cased borehole |
US7431107B2 (en) * | 2003-01-22 | 2008-10-07 | Schlumberger Technology Corporation | Coring bit with uncoupled sleeve |
US7191831B2 (en) * | 2004-06-29 | 2007-03-20 | Schlumberger Technology Corporation | Downhole formation testing tool |
US7380599B2 (en) * | 2004-06-30 | 2008-06-03 | Schlumberger Technology Corporation | Apparatus and method for characterizing a reservoir |
US7748265B2 (en) * | 2006-09-18 | 2010-07-06 | Schlumberger Technology Corporation | Obtaining and evaluating downhole samples with a coring tool |
CA2741682C (en) * | 2008-10-31 | 2016-06-14 | Schlumberger Canada Limited | Intelligent controlled well lateral coring |
-
2013
- 2013-06-10 US US13/913,805 patent/US20140360784A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2014
- 2014-06-10 EP EP14811554.6A patent/EP3008286A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2014-06-10 WO PCT/US2014/041635 patent/WO2014200963A1/en active Application Filing
- 2014-06-10 BR BR112015030310A patent/BR112015030310A2/en not_active IP Right Cessation
Patent Citations (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US20020005286A1 (en) * | 2000-02-16 | 2002-01-17 | Mazorow Henry B. | Horizontal directional drilling in wells |
US20080000694A1 (en) * | 2005-12-30 | 2008-01-03 | Baker Hughes Incorporated | Mechanical and fluid jet drilling method and apparatus |
Cited By (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP3353353A4 (en) * | 2015-09-23 | 2019-08-21 | Estate 2010 APS | Method and tools for sealing of annulus between borehole and well casing |
US11536107B2 (en) * | 2017-09-21 | 2022-12-27 | Schlumberger Technology Corporation | Systems and methods for downhole service tools |
US20220298897A1 (en) * | 2021-03-22 | 2022-09-22 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Apparatus and method for milling openings in an uncemented blank pipe |
US11859472B2 (en) * | 2021-03-22 | 2024-01-02 | Saudi Arabian Oil Company | Apparatus and method for milling openings in an uncemented blank pipe |
US11821277B2 (en) | 2021-08-31 | 2023-11-21 | Schlumberger Technology Corporation | Downhole tool for jarring |
CN114215511A (en) * | 2021-12-20 | 2022-03-22 | 四川省金核地质勘查工程有限公司 | Geology reconnaissance probing device |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
BR112015030310A2 (en) | 2017-07-25 |
WO2014200963A1 (en) | 2014-12-18 |
EP3008286A1 (en) | 2016-04-20 |
EP3008286A4 (en) | 2017-03-08 |
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