AU2012392527B2

AU2012392527B2 - Multilateral bore junction isolation

Info

Publication number: AU2012392527B2
Application number: AU2012392527A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Cole A. BENSON; William S. Renshaw
Original assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Inc
Current assignee: Halliburton Energy Services Inc
Priority date: 2012-10-16
Filing date: 2012-10-16
Publication date: 2015-08-20
Anticipated expiration: 2032-10-16
Also published as: EA201590570A1; MX355537B; AU2015249040B2; EP2898181A4; MX2015004385A; EP2898181A1; CA2888032C; BR112015007807A2; BR112015007807B8; EA033092B1; BR112015007807B1; CA2888032A1; AU2015249040A1; EP2898181B1; AU2012392527A1; WO2014062166A1

Abstract

A junction can be isolated from fracturing pressure using a liner extending from a one bore through a junction into a lateral bore, where at least a portion of the liner is retrievable from the lateral bore prior to completion of wellbore construction. The junction may be temporarily isolated from high pressure, such as high pressure from a fracturing stimulation process. Part of the liner can be retrieved using a disconnect mechanism or technique.

Description

WO 2014/062166 PCT/US2012/060462 1 MULTILATERAL BORE JUNCTION ISOLATION Technical Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates generally to assemblies and methods to be implemented in a wellbore and, more particularly (although not necessarily exclusively), to assemblies and methods for isolating a junction from fracturing pressure and for being retrievable prior to completion of wellbore construction. Background [0002] Various devices can be installed in a well traversing a hydrocarbon-bearing subterranean formation. In a multi-lateral wellbore system, a junction can be between one bore and another bore. The junction may be one of the weakest points in a casing string of the wellbore system. Forces used to create or complete the well system can affect the casing or the formation exposed at the junction. One example of these forces is from fracture stimulation, such as from fracturing pressure. [0003] Some assemblies can help reduce the amount of force experienced by the junction, but these assemblies are relatively large (for example requiring three or more points of isolation) and are implemented after a well system is completed. [0004] Assemblies and methods for junction isolation are desirable that can isolate a junction prior to construction of the well system being completed and/or that are smaller.

WO 2014/062166 PCT/US2012/060462 2 Summary [0005] Certain aspects of the present invention are directed to isolating a junction from fracturing pressure using a liner extending from a one bore through a junction into a lateral bore, where at least a portion of the liner is retrievable from the lateral bore prior to completion of wellbore construction. [0006] One aspect relates to a liner assembly that includes a liner body and an isolation mechanism exterior to part of the liner body. The liner body is partially positionable at a junction between a bore and a lateral bore of a well system through a subterranean formation. The isolation mechanism can cooperate with the liner body in isolating the junction from fracturing pressure for the lateral bore. At least part of the liner body is retrievable prior to construction of the well system being completed for production. [0007] Another aspect relates to a method. A lateral bore is created in a well system that includes a bore by milling through a wall of the bore and drilling through a subterranean formation. A liner assembly that extends through a junction between the bore and the lateral bore is installed. The liner assembly includes a body and an isolation mechanism exterior to part of the liner body in the bore. The subterranean formation that is proximate to at least part of the lateral bore is fractured using fracturing pressure. The liner assembly isolates the junction from the fracturing pressure. At least part of the -3 liner assembly is retrieved prior to completing construction of the well system for production. [0008] Another aspect relates to a wellbore assembly that includes a whipstock, a liner body, a first isolation mechanism and a second isolation mechanism. The whipstock can direct drilling tools for creating a lateral bore in a subterranean formation at a junction with a bore. The liner body can extend through the junction and the lateral bore from the bore. The first isolation mechanism and the second isolation mechanism can cooperate with the liner body in isolating the junction from fracturing pressure for fracturing the subterranean formation that is proximate to part of the lateral bore. The first isolation mechanism is exterior to part of the liner body that can be in the bore. The second isolation mechanism is exterior to part of the liner body that is in the lateral bore. At least part of the liner body is retrievable from the well system prior to construction of the well system being completed for production. In an embodiment of the invention there is provided a liner assembly, comprising; a liner body partially positionable at a junction between a bore and a lateral bore of a well system through a subterranean formation; an isolation mechanism exterior to part of the liner body, the isolation mechanism being adapted for cooperating with the liner body in isolating the junction from fracturing pressure for the lateral bore; and a disconnect mechanism in a portion of the liner body configured to be in the lateral bore when the liner body is partially positioned at the junction, an internal bore of the liner assembly for receiving a cutting tool, a first part of the liner body being positionable farther from a surface of the well system than the isolation mechanism and adapted for responding to the cutting tool by detaching from a second part of the liner body to allow the first part of the liner body to be retrieved flom the well system prior to construction of the well system being completed for production. In an embodiment of the invention there is provided a method comprising: creating a lateral bore in a well system that includes a bore by milling through a wall of the bore and drilling through a subterranean formation; installing a liner assembly that 01/07/15,22567 speci 2.docx,3 - 3a extends through a junction between the bore and the lateral bore, the liner assembly comprising a liner body and an isolation mechanism exterior to part of the liner body in the bore; fracturing the subterranean formation that is proximate to at least part of the lateral bore using fracturing pressure, wherein the liner assembly isolates the junction flom the fracturing pressure; and retrieving at least part of the liner assembly prior to completing construction of the well system for production, wherein retrieving the at least part of the liner assembly prior to completing construction of the well system for production comprises retrieving the at least part of the liner assembly using a disconnect mechanism in a portion of the liner body in the lateral bore by: running a cutting tool through an internal bore of the liner assembly; and cutting part of the liner body farther from a surface of the well system than the isolation mechanism to allow the at least part of the liner assembly to disconnect and be retrieved from the well system. [0009] These illustrative aspects and features are mentioned not to limit or define the invention, but to provide examples to aid understanding of the inventive concepts disclosed in this disclosure. Other aspects, advantages, and features of the present invention will become apparent after review of the entire disclosure. Brief Description of the Drawings [0010] Fig. 1 depicts by cross-section milling a casing exit window in a bore according to one aspect of the present invention. 01/07/15,22567 speci 2.doex,3 WO 2014/062166 PCT/US2012/060462 4 [0011] Fig. 2 depicts by cross-section drilling a lateral bore from the bore according to one aspect of the present invention. [0012] Fig. 3 depicts by cross-section a liner assembly in the bore and lateral bore with packers before being in a set position according to one aspect of the present invention. [0013] Fig. 4 depicts by cross-section the packers in a set position according to one aspect of the present invention. [0014] Fig. 5 depicts by cross-section a fracturing stimulation process applied to the lateral bore according to one aspect of the present invention. [0015] Fig. 6 depicts by cross-section part of the liner assembly disconnected and retrieved from the well system according to one aspect of the present invention. [0016] Fig. 7 depicts by cross-section a whipstock retrieved from the bore according to one aspect of the present invention. [0017] Fig. 8 depicts by cross-section a well system in production after construction is completed according to one aspect of the present invention. [0018] Fig. 9 depicts by cross-section a well system with a liner body having a disconnect mechanism according to one aspect of the present invention. [0019] Fig. 10 depicts the well system of Fig. 9 after part of the liner body has been disconnected and retrieved according to one aspect of the present invention.

WO 2014/062166 PCT/US2012/060462 5 [0020] Fig. 11 depicts by cross-section the well system of Fig. 9 with a liner assembly according to another aspect of the present invention that can respond to a cutting tool. [0021] Fig. 12 depicts the well system of Fig. 9 after part of the liner body has been cut by the cutting tool and retrieved according to one aspect of the present invention. [0022] Fig. 13 depicts the well system of Fig. 9 with a disconnect mechanism that includes a shearable sleeve according to one aspect of the present invention. [0023] Fig. 13A depicts the shearable sleeve of Fig. 13 according to one aspect of the present invention. [0024] Fig. 14 depicts the well system of Fig. 9 after part of the liner body has been disconnected from the shearable sleeve and retrieved according to one aspect of the present invention. Detailed Description [0025] Certain aspects and features relate to isolating a junction from fracturing pressure using a liner extending from a one bore through a junction into a lateral bore, where at least a portion of the liner is retrievable from the lateral bore prior to completion of wellbore construction. The junction may be temporarily isolated from high pressure, such as high pressure from a fracturing stimulation process. Isolating the junction from high pressure can include preventing the junction from experience forces from the high pressure WO 2014/062166 PCT/US2012/060462 6 or otherwise protecting the junction from being damaged during the fracturing stimulation process. [0026] In some aspects, a casing exit can be milled out of a first bore and the lateral bore created by drilling to a desired depth or location. After the lateral bore has been created, a liner can be run into the lateral, such as across a whipstock or by using a bent joint, and a retrievable packer can be set in the first bore closer to the surface than the window in the first bore for the lateral bore. The portion of the liner in the lateral bore can include any and one or more of a swell packer, stimulation sleeves, cementing equipment or packers. The liner, including certain components, can isolate the junction from pressure from fracturing stimulation performed in the lateral bore subsequent to the liner being run. [0027] At least part of the liner can be retrieved (i.e. removed from the wellbore) prior to the wellbore being completed to regain flow from below the junction. In some aspects, the entire liner is retrieved. In other aspects, part of the liner is retrieved and another part remains in the wellbore system. [0028] The liner or part of the liner can be retrieved by various methods and using various devices and mechanisms. In one aspect, the liner includes a mechanical and / or hydraulic disconnect mechanism that can be located in part of the liner that can be in the lateral bore. The disconnect mechanism can be activated subsequent to the fracturing stimulation process by rotating, pulling, shearing, shifting a sleeve, or applying hydraulic forces to shift a component.

WO 2014/062166 PCT/US2012/060462 7 An activated disconnect mechanism can allow part of the liner, such as part of the liner connected to a retrievable packer, to disconnect from the remaining part of the liner (or from another component in the lateral bore) and be retrieved. [0029] In another aspect, the liner includes two or more liner sections that are fastened together for sealing and providing pressure isolation. When the packer is retrieved, the liner can shear at the fastened sections such that the liner sections separate from each other. The liner sections can separate such that the lower section can remain downhole and the upper section, which may be attached to a retrievable packer, can be retrieved. [0030] In another aspect, a cutting tool that includes a mechanical or chemical cutting mechanism is run downhole using wireline, coiled tubing, or another running tool. The cutting tool can enter an internal bore defined at least in part by the liner. The liner can respond to the cutting mechanism be disconnecting and being retrieved. Some aspects of the liner include a profile on an inner wall that can receive part of the running tool to allow the running tool to be run to the proper location. [0031] After the retrievable packer and the liner portion are retrieved, the whipstock (if used) can be retrieved to regain access to the first bore. [0032] Certain aspects can save rig time in comparison to previous junction isolation techniques by reducing the number of trips downhole to isolate the junction and by reducing the complexity of WO 2014/062166 PCT/US2012/060462 8 completing a fracture stimulated multilateral junction. Certain aspects can avoid the use of seals for pressure integrity and can facilitate a greater pressure isolation rating. [0033] These illustrative aspects and examples are given to introduce the reader to the general subject matter discussed here and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosed concepts. The following sections describe various additional features and examples with reference to the drawings in which like numerals indicate like elements, and directional descriptions are used to describe the illustrative aspects but, like the illustrative aspects, should not be used to limit the present invention. [0034] Figs. 1-8 depict one aspect of isolating a junction by a liner assembly, at least part of which can be retrieved prior to completion of construction of the wellbore system. Fig. 1 depicts a bore 100 through a subterranean formation 102. A whipstock 104 is set in the bore 100 and is depicted as diverting a milling tool 106 run from the surface (not shown) for creating an exit window 108 in casing that is in the bore 100. [0035] Fig. 2 depicts a lateral bore 110 created by a drilling tool 112 diverted through the casing exit window 108 by whipstock 104. At the casing exit window 108 is a junction 114 between the bore 100 and the lateral bore 110. [0036] Fig. 3 depicts a liner assembly 116 that is run downhole and extends from the bore 100 through the junction 114 to the lateral bore 110. The liner assembly 116 includes or is associated with WO 2014/062166 PCT/US2012/060462 9 isolation mechanisms, such as a packer 118 in the lateral bore 110 and a retrievable packer 120 in the bore 100. Packer 118 may be a swellable packer that surrounds a portion of the body of the liner assembly 116 that is located in the lateral bore 110. In some aspects, packer 118 surrounds a portion of tubing in the lateral bore 110 to which the liner assembly 116 couples or of which the liner assembly 116 is a section. Retrievable packer 120 may surround a portion of the body of the liner assembly 116 that is in the bore 100. Although retrievable packer 120 is described as a retrievable packer, it may be other types of isolation mechanisms. In some aspects, a retrievable liner hanger can be used in place of the retrievable packer 120. The liner assembly 116 in Fig. 3 includes a disconnect mechanism 122 that is in a portion of the liner assembly 116 that is in the lateral bore 100. [0037] Drilling rig equipment at the surface may then be moved off location and a workover rig brought in. Doing so may allow time for swell packers, such as packer 118 to expand or otherwise set. Fig. 4 depicts packer 118 and other packers in the lateral bore 110 in a set position. The liner assembly 116 in cooperation with packer 118 and retrievable packer 120 can isolate the junction 114 from high pressure. Packer 118 in the set position can provide one point of isolation for the junction 114. Retrievable packer 120 can provide a second point of isolation for the junction 114. [0038] Fig. 5 depicts the lateral bore 110 undergoing a fracture stimulation process for creating fractures in the subterranean WO 2014/062166 PCT/US2012/060462 10 formation 102 adjacent to part of the lateral bore 110. The fracture stimulation process can include various operations applied to the lateral bore 110. For example, the fracture stimulation process can include using a perorating gun to create openings in the lateral bore casing, pumping fracturing fluid into the lateral bore 110, using sliding sleeves or doors for providing and preventing access through the openings in the lateral bore casing. During the fracture stimulation process in which high pressure is introduced into the well system, the liner assembly 116, including packer 118 and retrievable packer 120, can isolate the junction 114 from the high pressure. [0039] Subsequent to the fracturing stimulation process and prior to construction of the well system is completed and the well system is ready for production, part of the liner assembly 116 can be retrieved from the well system. Fig. 6 depicts the well system with part of the liner assembly 116 from Fig. 5 removed at the disconnect mechanism 122. In some aspects, the disconnect mechanism 122 can be activated using one or more various techniques, some of which are described in following sections. In response, the disconnect mechanism 122 can allow part of the liner assembly 116 to disconnect and be, along with the retrievable packer 120 from Fig. 5, retrieved using a tool such as a packer retrieval tool. [0040] Subsequent to part of the liner assembly 116 being retrieved, the whipstock 104 can be retrieved, construction of the well system can be completed, and the well system can be brought into production. Fig. 7 depicts the well system after the whipstock 104 WO 2014/062166 PCT/US2012/060462 11 has been retrieved from the bore 100. Fig. 8 depicts the well system in production by arrows representing fluid flow through the lateral wellbore 110 and the bore 100 toward the surface. [0041] In other aspects, the liner assembly 116 can isolate the junction 114 and be retrieved prior to completion of construction of the wellbore system without implementing every step depicted in Figs. 1-8. For example, in some aspects, the whipstock can remain in the bore 100 instead of being retrieved. [0042] At least part of a liner assembly can be disconnected for retrieval using various techniques. Figs. 9-10 depict one example of doing so using a disconnect mechanism 200 that is a mechanical or hydraulic disconnect mechanism. In Figs. 9-10 is depicted a bore 202 and lateral bore 204 through a subterranean formation 206. A junction 208 is between the bore 202 and the lateral bore 204. A liner assembly 210 extends from the bore 202 to the lateral bore 204 through the junction 208. The liner assembly 210 includes a liner body 212 and an isolation mechanism that is a retrievable packer 214 exterior to part of the liner body 212 that is in the bore 202. The liner body 212 can cooperate with the retrievable packer 214 and/or other isolation mechanisms, such as packer 216 in the lateral bore 204 to isolate the junction from fracturing pressure. [0043] The liner assembly 210 also includes the disconnect mechanism 200 in part of the liner body 212 that is in the lateral bore 204. The disconnect mechanism 200 can be activated by a mechanical or hydraulic force subsequent to the fracturing WO 2014/062166 PCT/US2012/060462 12 stimulation process. An activated disconnect mechanism 200 can respond to the mechanical or hydraulic force by allowing at least part of the liner body 212 to detach from another part of the liner body 212. The part of the liner body 212, which can include a section exterior to which is the retrievable packer 214, allowed to detach can be retrieved from the well system, as shown in Fig. 10. [0044] Figs. 11-12 depict another example of disconnecting part of a liner assembly for retrieval using a cutting tool 300 according to one aspect. The liner assembly 210 from Figs. 9-10 is replaced with liner assembly 310 that includes a liner body 312 and an isolation mechanism that is a retrievable packer 314 exterior to part of the liner body 312 that is in the bore 202. The cutting tool 300 can be ran downhole from the surface and through an internal bore defied by the liner body 312 to a location that is farther from the surface than the position of the retrievable packer 314. The cutting tool 300 may be a liner cutting tool, such as one with blades or one that can output a chemical for cutting the liner body 312 at a desired position, such as at a disconnect mechanism 316 that may be a weakened part of the liner body 312 or otherwise a desired position at which the liner body 312 is to be cut. In some aspects, the liner body 312 includes a profile on an inner wall that is adapted for receiving part of the cutting tool 300 such that the cutting tool 300 cuts the liner body 312 at a desired location. The cutting tool 300 can be removed from the well system and part of the liner body 312 can be retrieved, as shown in Fig. 12.

WO 2014/062166 PCT/US2012/060462 13 [0045] Figs. 13-14 depict another example of disconnecting part of a liner assembly for retrieval using a disconnect mechanism that is a shearable sleeve 400 according to one aspect. The liner assembly 210 from Figs. 9-10 is replaced with liner assembly 410 that includes a liner body 412 and an isolation mechanism that is a retrievable packer 414 exterior to part of the liner body 412 that is in the bore 202. The liner body 412 can be coupled to the shearable sleeve 400 included with the liner assembly 410 using shearable pins or other coupling mechanisms, as shown in Fig. 13A for example. The shearable sleeve 400 can be coupled to a safety sub-assembly 416 in the lateral bore 204. The shearable sleeve 400 and / or shearable pins can respond to a shearable force by disconnecting from liner body 412 and allowing the liner body 412 to be retrieved from the well system, as shown in Fig. 14. In other aspects, the shearable sleeve 400 is part of the safety sub-assembly 416 instead of the liner assembly 410. [0046] The foregoing description of the aspects, including illustrated aspects, of the invention has been presented only for the purpose of illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Numerous modifications, adaptations, and uses thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of this invention.

- 13a Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgment or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge. 01/07/15,22567 specidocx,13

Claims

1. A liner SSnSiblY Comprising; a linerody paryia positionable at a unction betwen- a bore aridz a lateral bore of ,, well system tozha subterranejanrman an ioain eh'mmextet i to part of the hoer bod, th fisoainmehns beng adapted fr coopera W t te lier o n isotati the Lnction om ft'otrpesr frth, latomal bo; tand a Cicnncmrehaiosi a portion of the liner body configured to be in the lateral bore when the hner ody is partially positioned at the jnntion, an internal bore of the iter assembly for receiving a eottig tool. a. first part of the liner body being positionable tarthm fron a surface of the well system than the isolation nmehani and adapted for responding to the cutting tool by taehing frm a second par of the liner body to allow the first pat of the liner body to be retrieved from the well system prior to construction of the Wvl Vsystem1 kig completed for production.

2, Theiner ai sswby of caimi , wherein the isolaton mechanism comprises: a rst isolation mechanismi exterior to part of the liner body that i coinfi gured to be closer to a surface of the well ystem than the .nuctron wthen .hor bodyis parly postoned at the unedon and a second isolation mechaism extedor to part of' the liner body that isconm'*uo to be in the laterm bore Ao m die liner body is partially posionoed a the junction.

3 The liner assembly of claim 1. or wre thte disconnect mechanism s configured for responding to a mcehanical force by allowing the at least part of the liier body 1o he rereved

4 The Liner assembly of claim 3, vherein the disconnect mechansm eomprises a sherNle iechanism adapted for coupling the at least part of the liner body to a safety sub-assermly in the lateral bore and fbr allowing theu at least part of the liner bodyto detach from the safety sub-assembiy in response the mechanical force

5 The liner assembly fany one of claims I to 4, wherein the least part of the line~r body is retriev.eoleo priosr to' '"" .al of a ,hipstock in the bore fiom the well system

6, A method comprising ereat'ing a lateral bore in a well system that includes a bore by milingg through a wail of the bore and dilling through a sbterranean formatton; installing a liner assembly thla r tends through a junction between the bore and the lateal bore; theliner assembly comprising a nce body and an iso ion mnehanism exterior to part of the liner body in the bore. fracturing the subterrminean t'ormntuon that is pnoXitnate to at 'It8 part of tho lateral boi"o tjirg fracturingi pressure wherein th ner assembly isolates the juncltion from the fractudn oressureo; and. retrioeitw at W~ast part of Toe liner a!ssenm y prior tempin construction oh well system for production where retrieving the at least part of the liner assembly prir to cornpletin constructon of the well system for production coruUses retrieving the at least part of thelinier assembly using a disconnect am i aPI a PC]tion oI liner body 5 te lateral bre by ruan a cutting too, threougl an internal bore of the linr assembly: and cuttingg part of thumne body further from a surface of the well system than the isolation mechanism tallow the at least part of the liner assembly to disconnect and be retrieved froin the well system. iThenethod of claim 6, further comprising:roducing fluid from. the subterranean forr action subsequent. to retrieving the atileast part of the liner Ib'te metlhod of claims 6 or 7, whereintrievn h at least part of the liner assem bl using the disconuect mechanism in the portion of the liner body in the leral bore conpris-es: applying a mchanical forc that causes thedisconnc mechanism to allow the at least part o the liner assembly to disconnectand be retrieved from-n the well system. T he~ oftl~ chin 6o

7 'Ihrol rot.''sn '-''t1le t leg o hIne~r aseni ui the disconnoe. m~echanisml i ifie nortio'n of the liner bod y in the~c atemal bore Comprises. p ineasharng orce that causes the disoonect nechamism that is a shearable nchaism to aaow th at last part of the liner assembly to discon-necKt and be retrieved from the well system 10, -11 he met,(hod of any one ot clah,ims 6 to %. further comnprising: running a wfhipstock to a positions in the boe that is proxmate to the junCtn; ad reieing theivjptoc Aom the well system -ustihqui!.t to rcttie ,i no the at least par, tm I I The Method of any One of elanns 6 to 10, wheremr the Sitnmehis comp-)rises:, a first soatoinehus e'xten-or to it ofthe liner body thait is, clot ser to a snrface of the Vzl system than the jnicnon when the liner assembly is nstalled and a second isohitio.n mehanism exterior to part of the lier body that is in the lateral bore when the liner assem ily is installed,